JEE Main 2026 January 22 shift 2 difficulty level moderate; Mathematics toughest, say experts

The Joint Entrance Examination Main (JEE Mains 2026) January 22 shift 2 exam was moderate in difficulty level, as per students’ reactions. The mathematics section was lengthy, while chemistry was of a moderate level. However, compared to the JEE Main January 21 paper, the physics section was moderate in today’s shift 2 exam. JEE Main 2026 Jan 22 LIVE Updates

The physics section in JEE Main 2026 January 22 shift 2 was moderate. No questions were asked about fluid mechanics. At first, many candidates felt physics was tough and could attempt only about 18-19 questions.

Students found chemistry hard, with more questions from physical chemistry. Even organic chemistry questions included physical concepts. The mathematics section was lengthy compared to previous shifts, but was easy.

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

JEE Main 2026 shift 2 paper analysis: Difficulty level, topics asked

Here is the section-wise difficulty level of the JEE Main 2026 Jan 22 shift 2 exam, along with memory-based questions and the topics covered:

Physics paper analysis

The physics question paper for the JEE Main January 22 evening session was of moderate difficulty. It was more difficult than the morning session paper, but easier than last year's paper and also easier compared to the mathematics and chemistry sections.

The students took approximately 50 minutes for the Physics section and answered about 18–19 questions. Fewer questions were asked about the chapters that are considered more important. In the Chemistry section, 4–5 questions were assertion-based.

Topic-wise questions

• 2 questions from Ray optics
• 2 questions from modern physics
• 3 questions in 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 the centre of mass and circular motion combined
• 1 question from thermodynamics
• 1 from semiconductor (Toplogic gates)
• 1 question from wave optics (statement based on a single slit)
• 1 question from magnetism (statement-based)

Chemistry paper analysis

The overall difficulty level of the Chemistry section in the JEE Main January 22 evening shift exam was moderate. It was easier than the morning shift exam and the exam held on January 21. The Chemistry section was easier than Mathematics but more difficult than Physics.

The paper was easy for the well-prepared students. There were many calculation-based questions in Physics and Chemistry, and they carried more marks than organic and inorganic chemistry.

Topic-wise questions

• 2-3 questions from Coordination Chemistry
• 1 question from D-block
• 2 questions from GOC
• 2 questions from Periodic Classification (Ionisation Energy)
• 1 question from salt analysis
• 1 question from Biomolecules
• 2 questions from the mole concept
• 1 question from Chemical Bonding
• 1 question from
• 1 question from
• 1 question from
• 1 question from

Mathematics paper analysis

The mathematics section of the JEE Main January 22 evening session exam was difficult and more challenging than the physics and chemistry sections, as well as the morning session exam. Time management was crucial in that exam due to the presence of lengthy and calculation-intensive questions.

Most students attempted 7 to 12 questions and spent approximately 90 minutes on mathematics. To score well, a strong conceptual understanding, fast calculations, accuracy, and intelligent use of time were required.

Topic-wise questions

• 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 the Quadratic equation
• 1 from the Binomial equation