JEE Main 2026 Jan 22 LIVE: Day 2 exam over; shift 2 difficulty level moderate; memory based questions soon

For Other State (OS) – OPEN category, the opening rank for NIT Trichy in computer science engineering was 559 and the closing rank was 4569 last year

National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli continues to lead in demand for BTech Computer Science and Engineering, recording the highest opening and closing ranks over the past three years. NIT Karnataka, Surathkal, and NIT Warangal follow closely, while other NITs, especially in the north-east, show significantly higher closing ranks, indicating lower competition.

Read More: JEE Main 2026: NIT Tiruchirappalli, Surathkal, Warangal retain highest BTech cut-offs among NITs

To ensure fairness, NTA applies the JEE Main 2026 normalisation process. Percentile scores reflect the proportion of candidates in a shift who scored equal to or below a candidate’s score. For students appearing in multiple sessions, the best percentile is considered for the final result. The All India Rank (AIR) and JEE Advanced eligibility are determined using percentile scores, not raw marks.

Candidates’ performance in each subject is first calculated as raw marks. For MCQs, correct answers get four marks, and incorrect answers incur a deduction of one mark. Numerical value questions carry four marks with no negative marking. Raw scores across Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics are summed to obtain the total score. However, NTA does not release results based on raw scores alone, as shift difficulty varies.

Based on student reactions and expert assessment by Ajay Sharma, the relative difficulty order of sections was: Mathematics > Chemistry > Physics. He observed that the paper was balanced overall, and well-prepared students with strong conceptual understanding could attempt most questions confidently.

The Chemistry section covered Organic, Inorganic, and Physical Chemistry. Ajay Sharma noted that Inorganic Chemistry had fewer questions, while Organic and Physical Chemistry carried almost equal weight. Many questions were statement-based and inspired by NCERT. Ajay Sharma, National Academic Director, Engineering, Aakash Educational Services Limited  said, “Chemistry was manageable for students familiar with NCERT, though careful reading and application of concepts were needed.”

The Physics section in JEE Main 2026 January 22 shift 2 was moderate, slightly tougher than the morning session but easier relative to Mathematics and Chemistry. Students spent around 50 minutes on average, attempting 18–19 questions. Topics covered included Ray optics (2), modern physics (2), fluid mechanics with surface tension (3), gravitation, electrostatics, current electricity, laws of motion and rotational motion, center of mass and circular motion, thermodynamics, semiconductors (logic gates), wave optics, and magnetism. Several questions were statement-based. Official verification will follow when NTA releases the question paper.

The difficulty level for the JEE Mains 2026 shift 2 exam was easy to moderate. 

• In terms of difficulty, the overall order was Mathematics > Chemistry > Physics

The Chemistry section in shift 2 constituted 2-3 questions from coordination Chemistry, 1 from D-Block, 2 from GOC, 2 from periodic classification (Ionisation energy), 1 from salt analysis and biomolecules each. 

The JEE Mains 2026 day 2 shift 2 chemistry section also had 2 questions from mole concept, 1 from chemical bonding. 

Here are the question which were asked in the Maths section of the JEE Mains 2026 Jan 22 shift 2 paper. 

• 2-3 Question from Vector Algebra and Three-Dimensional Geometry
• 1 Questions from Sets
• 1 Question from Integral Calculus
• 1 Question from the Differential equation
• Question from Parabola, Question from Circle
•  From Inverse Trigonometry
•  No Questions from Limit, Continuity, and Differentiability.
•  Question from Probability
•  1 Questions from Sequence & Series
•  1 Question from Quadratic equation
•  1 from Binomial equation

Candidates can check the JEE Mains 2026 Day 2 shift 2 paper analysis section wise through the Careers360's official youtube channel at youtube.com.

JEE Mains 2026 day 2 shift 2 analysis by Careers360. (Image source: Official)

The JEE Mains 2026 Jan 22 shift 2 exam for Maths section was difficulty than shift 1 , as per the student's reactions. The Maths paper was lengthy with several questions needed careful calculation, which made proper time management very important. 

While the overall difficulty level of the Mathematics paper in the JEE Mains 2026 shift 2 was difficult. 

The maths section was tougher than physics and chemistry. The evening shift's difficulty level was tougher than the morning shift. The question paper pattern remained constant with other shifts.

Most of the students attempted almost 7 to 12 questions from this section. The average time taken for the Mathematics section was approximately 90 minutes.

To score well, students needed clear concepts, good calculation speed, accuracy, and smart use of time while handling other subjects.

JEE Mains 2026 day 2 shift 2 concluded at 6 pm. (Image source: Official )

Here is the list of questions asked in the Physics section of the JEE Mains 2026 Jan 22 shift 2.

• 2 questions from Ray optics
• 2 questions from modern physics
• 3 questions fluid mechanics combined with error measurement (out of which 1 question from surface tension)
• 1 question from gravitation (statement based on satellite)
• 1 question from electrostatics (Topic - electric field and potential)
• 1 question current electricity (Topic - mobility of electrons)
• 1 question from laws of motion and rotational motion combined
• 1 question from centre of mass and circular motion combined
• 1 question from thermodynamics
• 1 from semiconductor (Toplogic gates)
• 1 question from wave optics (statement based on single slit)
• 1 question from magnetism (statement based)

The JEE Mains 2026 day 2 shift 2 is currently being held at various examination centres across the country. The National Testing Agency (NTA), which is the conducting body for the JEE Mains 2026 will be holding the rest of the JEE Mains 2026 examination on January 23, 24, 28 and 29 in dual shifts.

Candidates reported that while the Mathematics section was lengthy, it was easier compared to the JEE Main 2026 Day 1 exam. However, the overall difficulty level of the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Day 2 Shift 1 paper was higher than Day 1, resulting in students attempting fewer questions on average.

JEE Main 2026 January 22 Shift 1 Analysis: Physics moderate, maths tricky, say students

The JEE Mains 2026 Jan 22 exam has come to an end at 6 pm today. The shift 2 analysis and student's reaction will be shared soon here.
JEE Mains 2026 Jan 22 shift 2 ends. (Image source: Official)

The JEE Mains 2026 Jan 22 shift 2 will end in half n hour. The Shift 2 analysis will be available soon after the shift gets over. 

Candidates aiming for admission to top IITs such as IIT Kanpur, Roorkee, Bombay, can check their JEE Mains 2026 rank using Careers360's rank and college predictor.

JEE Mains 2026 college predictor. (Image source: Official website)

The top NITs remain highly competitive for PwD candidates, likely due to improved infrastructure such as ramps, elevators, and accessible washrooms. JEE Main 2025 cut-offs for the Open–PwD category in BTech CSE suggest that female and home-state PwD candidates enjoy an advantage at several NITs.

JEE Main 2026: Top NITs still competitive for PwD candidates, show BTech CSE closing ranks

As per last years' JEE Main cut-off ranks NIT Tiruchirappalli closed its BTech CSE OBC-NCL (PwD) at 18th rank. Lowest BTech CSE cut-offs at NIT Trichy was 8020 for female-only seats, according to last year’s closing rank.

JEE Mains 2026: How tough is NIT Tiruchirappalli's BTech CSE? Category-wise cut-off trends

At IIT Guwahati BTech CSE was opted by 24,413 candidates, remaining the top choice, followed by Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) at 22,247. As compared to last year, IIT Guwahati cut-offs for BTech CSE have declined from 623 to 792 under the open category.

IIT Guwahati admissions 2026. (Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

JEE Main cut-offs for NIT Srinagar for several BTech branches are shown in the table below.

The memory based questions in JEE Mains 2026 Jan 22 shift 1 by shared by aspirants from physics section were as follows. 

• 2 from gravitation escape velocity
• 3 questions from ray optics
• Statement-based questions from fluid mechanics.
• 1 question from MOI
• 2 questions from electrostatics.
• 1 question from NLM
• 1 from Logic gate
• 1 from the magnetic effect of current

NTA has commenced the JEE Main 2026 Jan 22 shift 2 paper. The afternoon shift will be held from 3 pm to 6 pm across various exam centres. 

As per student reactions' and memory based questions reported, the organic portion had more reaction questions and the physical chemistry has integer type questions. Candidates had to give atleast 50 minutes to solve the chemistry section. 

JEE Main day 2 Shift 1 Analysis | Since the paper was relatively moderate to tough, the higher percentile is expected to be achieved at slightly lower marks compared to papers with an easier difficulty level.

The subject wise distribution of JEE Main total marks 2026 is shown in the table below. 

The expected JEE Main passing marks 2026 as per trends for all category students is given below.

As per last year's trend the expected JEE Mains Marks vs Percentile 2026 are shown in the table below.

According to several media reports, thousands of JEE Main 2026 candidates in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad may face delays due to major traffic diversions for the Pune Grand Tour. Students appearing for JEE Main 2026 exams are advised to leave early, check alternate routes, and plan their travel carefully to any delay in reaching the exam centre.

Candidates can access the Free JEE Main mock tests from the mobile app “National Test Abhyas”. The JEE Main 2026 mock tests will help improve problem-solving efficiency and make students familiar with the exam pattern, style, and difficulty level of the question paper.

According to student's reaction, yesterday's JEE Mains question paper 2026 for shift 1 was "moderate to tough" and the chemistry section was challenging. Whereas, the shift 2 physics section was "moderate" in difficulty and maths "easy."

The expected JEE Mains percentile 2026 for 80 marks is as follows

JEE Main cut-off 2026 for BTech ME at NITs under the HS quota open category in JoSAA round 6 counselling was as follows.

JEE Main 2026: NIT BTech mechanical engineering cut-offs and rank variations across institutes

According to JEE aspirant Sonu Sharma from Infinity Learn by Sri Chaitanya said that the chemistry was easy and maths was "moderate" in difficulty level. Maths section had 2-3 questions Thermodynamics in match the following format. His overall exam went well. 

According JEE aspirant from Infinity Learn by Sri Chaitanya, the maths section of the paper was most "toughest" and the chemistry paper was "lengthy." 

JEE Main 2026 | NTA has advised candidates with few instructions as listed below.

• Download and verify Admit Card details
• Reach the exam centre well before gate closing time
• Carry Admit Card, original Photo ID & photograph
• Follow exam day instructions strictly

As per Aakash Educational Services Limited subject expert, the Maths section was relatively difficult as compared to chemistry and physics. 

Based on student feedback, the relative difficulty of the sections was: Mathematics > Chemistry > Physics

According to the National Academic Director Engineering of Ajay Sharma Aakash Educational Services Limited, the JEE Main Jan 22 morning shift was of moderate to difficult level. Among the three sections, Physics was the easiest, followed by Chemistry, while Mathematics was relatively more challenging. The paper was balanced as compared to last year's JEE Main exam.

The expected JEE Main percentile 2026 for 120 marks are given in the table below.

Candidates reported that while the Mathematics section was lengthy, it was easier compared to the JEE Main 2026 Day 1 exam. However, the overall difficulty level of the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Day 2 Shift 1 paper was higher than Day 1, resulting in students attempting fewer questions on average.

JEE Main 2026 January 22 Shift 1 Analysis: Physics moderate, maths tricky, say students

According to Careers360 subject experts the Physics paper was hard in comparison to the maths and chemistry papers. The JEE Main 22nd January morning shift Physics paper was time taking due to its toughness.

JEE Main 2026 Jan 22 shift 1 paper was at the same level as compared to the Jan 2025 shifts. The mathematics section was less time-consuming than Chemistry and slightly tougher than Physics due to lengthy and multi-step problem-solving.

As per students' reaction and subject experts, the overall difficulty level of the exam was easy to moderate to hard. However, as compared to last year's day 2 shifts, today's paper was same level in difficulty. 

Overall analysis:  JEE Main 22nd Jan Morning shift: Physics> Maths> Chem

The list of memory based questions as per students reactions' are listed below.

• 2 questions from General Organic Chemistry ( Reagent Questions)
• 1 question from Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry ( Mole Concept)
• 1 question from Coordination Chemistry (Ion Question)
•  1 question from Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
• 2 questions from p-bock
•  1 question from Ionic Equilibrium
•  2 questions from Chemical Kinetics
• 1 question from salt analysis
• 1 question from d block ( 3dseries)
•  1 question from Biomolecules
• 1 question from Chemical Thermodynamics

JEE Main 2026 Jan 22 Shift 1 | The list of questions asked in Maths section were from the following important topics:

• Question from Functions
•  Question from Matrices
•  3 Questions from Vector algebra and Three-Dimensional Geometry
• Question from Integral Calculus
•  3-4 Question from the Differential equation
• Question from Probability
• Question from Sequence & Series (1 was from AP-GP Mixed)

The overall difficulty level of the JEE Main 2026 Jan 22 physics section was moderate. The difficulty level was higher compared to Jan 21 shift 1 paper.  Atleast 2 - 3 previous year questions were asked in the paper.

The list of questions asked in JEE Main 22 Jan shift 1 paper are listed below. 

• 2 from the gravitational escape velocity
• 3 questions from ray optics
• Statement-based questions from fluid mechanics.
• 1 question from MOI
• 1 2 questions from electrostatics.
• 1 1 question from NLM

According to subject experts, the JEE Mains 2026 Jan 22 shift 1 paper was easy to moderate in difficulty, as per the analysis. The Physics section was more challenging than Maths and Chemistry.

Careers360 has shared the JEE Mains 2026 question paper analysis along with the solutions on its YouTube channel. 

NTA JEE Main 2026 Jan 21 exam analysisby subject experts for PCM was as follows.

NTA will conduct JEE Main 2026 January 22 shift 2 paper from 3 pm to 6 pm. As per NTA exam guidelines, candidates should read all general instructions mentioned in the question paper and abide by them till the exam is completed. 

NTA has concluded the JEE Mains Jan 22 shift 1 paper 2026. Unofficial answer key and exam difficulty level will be published soon by Careers360 subject experts.

According to subject experts from NTA, the overall difficulty level of the JEE Main 2026 exam varied across shifts. The JEE Main shift 1 paper was rated moderate to tough, whereas Shift 2 was considered easy to moderate. In Shift 1, Chemistry emerged as the most difficult section, followed by Mathematics and Physics. Conversely, in Shift 2, Mathematics posed greater challenges compared to Chemistry and Physics.

Experts further noted that since the JEE Main 2026 January 21 Shift 1 paper was relatively moderate to tough, higher percentiles are expected to be achieved at comparatively lower marks than those required in easier papers.

JEE Mains 2026 Day 1 Exams: NTA's shift-1 chemistry, shift-2 maths papers toughest, say experts

Candidates appearing for the JEE Main 2026 exams can calculate their expected marks using the Careers360 JEE Mains rank predictor 2026. Candidates will be able to predict their rank using the and their JEE Main scores, exam shift, difficulty level for paper based on past cut-off scores, total seats and other criteria.

As per the JEE Main exam timings 2026, the first shift will be held from 9 am to 12 noon, and the second shift from 3 pm to 6 pm. The entry and closing time for morning and evening shifts will be 7 to 8.30 am and 1 to 2:30 pm, respectively.

As per NTA JEE Main 2026 exam guidelines, candidates who have not submitted their Aadhaar details have been asked to reach the centre an hour before the entry gate closes. Students appearing for the JEE Main 2026 day 2 shift 2 exam must check timings, venue, reporting time, and exam-day guidelines given in the hall ticket.

NTA will conclude the JEE Main 2026 Jan 22 Day 2 shift 1 exam at noon. Once the exam is over, students will share memory based questions based on which subject experts will share exam analysis and its difficulty level across all sections. 

Candidates preparing for JEE Main 2026 can practise of free online mock tests to enhance their exam preparation. These tests help students become familiar with the exam pattern, question formats, and time management strategies, and are available on official platforms and reliable coaching websites to assess performance and identify areas needing improvement.

JEE Mains 2026 | The unofficial JEE Main question paper along with solutions will be issued once the JEE Main 2026 Jan 22 shift 1 exam is over.  Based on memory-based questions exam analysis will be compiled by subject experts and coaching institutes.

Candidates are advised to verify details on their JEE Main 2026 admit card such as exam dates, timings, shift, and other details. Candidates should visit the allotted exam centres beforehand to ensure a timely arrival.