JEE Main 2026 day 4 shift 1 paper easy-to-moderate in difficulty; students find maths, physics tough

The difficulty level of the JEE Main 2026 January 24 morning shift paper was moderate, with Mathematics being the most time-consuming section, followed by Physics. Whereas, Chemistry was relatively easier, as per students’ reaction.

The JEE Mains 2026 day 4 morning shift was easier than the January 23 shifts, but required strong speed and accuracy, especially in Mathematics, as per the JEE Main 2026 day 4 shift 1 analysis by subject experts.

The overall difficulty trend was Maths followed by Physics followed by Chemistry.

JEE Main 2026 January 24 morning shift: Section-wise paper analysis

Physics analysis

Physics was rated moderate and slightly lengthy. The paper was largely formula-based, and many students reportedly took more than an hour to complete the section.

Topic-wise questions (Physics):

● 3 questions from ray optics (Topic - 1 from microscope, 1 from prism, 1 from Brewster angle)
● 1 question from modern physics (Topic - spectral series)
● 1 question from kinematics (Topic - Projectile)
● 2 questions from fluid mechanics (Topic - Time period of oscillation, Terminal velocity)
● 2 questions from electrostatics (Topic - meter bridge)
● 1 question from laws of motion (Topic - Three-block system)
● 1 question from rotational motion
● 1 question from gravitation
● 1 question from Alternating current (Topic - LCR circuit)
● 1 question from semiconductor (Topic - Zener diode)

Chemistry analysis

Chemistry was rated easy to moderate, and was considered easier than the January 21–23 shifts. The paper had a fairly balanced mix of all three branches, with slightly higher weightage for Physical Chemistry.

Topic-wise questions (Chemistry):

● 1 question from Salt Analysis
● 1 question from Electrochemistry
● 4 questions from Coordination Compounds (Paramagnetic and Diamagnetic)
● 1 question from GOC
● 1 question from Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
● 1 question from Amines
● 1 question from Chemical Kinetics
● 1 question from Solutions

Mathematics analysis

Mathematics was moderate, but described as lengthy and calculation-heavy, making it the toughest section. Many questions were multi-step and time-consuming, with students taking around 70–90 minutes for Maths and attempting about 10–14 questions.

Topic-wise questions (Mathematics):

● 3 Questions from Vector Algebra and Three-Dimensional Geometry
● Question from Sets
● Question from Integral Calculus
● 1 Question from Coordinate Geometry
● Question from the Differential equation
● Question from Limit, Continuity, and Differentiability.
● Question from Matrices & Determinants
● 1 Question from Probability
● 1 Question from Permutation & Combination
● 2 Questions from Sequence & Series
● 1 Question from the Quadratic equation
● 0 Question from the Binomial equation
● 4 Questions from Conic Sections and Straight line (1 from Ellipse and 1 from Circle)
● 1 Question from Trigonometry

Note: This is a memory-based analysis and may differ slightly from the official question paper.