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IIT JEE Exam Analysis 2026

IIT JEE Main Exam Analysis 2026

Shift-wise paper review, subject difficulty insights, and expected score trends explained by academic experts at Gyanville.

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Exam Mode
Computer-Based Test (CBT)

Subjects
Physics , Chemistry , Mathematics

Total Questions
75 (25 per subject)

Marking Scheme
+4 for correct, -1 for wrong

JEE Mains Paper Analysis :

Jan 21(M)

📐 Mathematics
Moderate
Topic-wise Distribution
Trigonometry & Algebra I 5Q
Geometry I 3Q
Calculus I 1Q
Algebra II 7Q
Geometry II 3Q
Calculus II 4Q
Functional Algebra 2Q
Question Pattern

The paper followed a moderate-level pattern with a mix of standard and calculation- intensive questions
Time Required
65- 80 minutes recommended
Vs Previous Year
The difficulty level was lower than 2025, making this section moderate and more manageable for students.
Key Insights
  • Calculus and Algebra dominated the paper.
  • A few questions were lengthy and time-consuming
  • Around 60 % of the questions were expected
  • Trigonometry had very limited presence

 

♻ Physics
Easy – Moderate
Topic-wise Distribution
Mechanics I 5Q
Mechanics II 5Q
Thermal Physics 2Q
Waves & Optics 3Q
Electromagnetism 4Q
Modern Physics 4Q
Question Pattern

The paper followed a moderate pattern with questions spread across major units of Physics
Time Required
40–55 minutes
Vs Previous Year
The overall difficulty level in 2026 was moderate, similar to the expected exam standard.
Key Insights
  • Mechanics had the highest weightage
  • Electromagnetism and Modern Physics had moderate representation
  • Waves \& Optics had limited presence
  • Thermal Physics had the least weightage

⚗ Chemistry
Moderate – Difficult
Topic-wise Distribution
Inorganic Chemistry 8Q
Organic Chemistry 9Q
Physical Chemistry 8Q
Question Pattern

There was proper balance between Organic, inorganic and physical chemistry
Time Required
60–70 minutes recommended
Vs Previous Year
The overall difficulty of the Chemistry section was moderate in comparison to 2025.
Key Insights
  • Organic, Inorganic, and Prysical Cherriatry had nearly equal weightage
  • Questions wore evenly distributed across all treee sections

Jan 21(E)

📐 Mathematics
Moderate – Difficult
Topic-wise Distribution
Trigonometry & Algebra I 3Q
Geometry I 5Q
Calculus I 1Q
Algebra II 5Q
Geometry II 4Q
Calculus II 4Q
Functional Algebra 3Q
Question Pattern

Lengthy calculations with multi-step problems requiring strong conceptual clarity
Time Required
70-80 minutes recommended
Vs Previous Year
Shift-2 was tougher than JEE Main 2025 with longer and more calculation-based questions.
Key Insights
  • Shift-2 was tougher and more time-consuming than Shift-1
  • High numerical accuracy was crucial, especially in integer-type questions
  • Lengthy, calculation-heavy questions dominated the paper
  • Balanced topic distribution with no LCD questions
  • Smart question selection was essential due to time pressure

 

♻ Physics
Easy – Moderate
Topic-wise Distribution
Mechanics I 5Q
Mechanics II 4Q
Thermal Physics 4Q
Waves & Optics 4Q
Electromagnetism 5Q
Modern Physics 3Q
Question Pattern

Conceptual and numerical questions with application focus.
Time Required
40–50 minutes
Vs Previous Year
Slightly more challenging than the JEE Main 2025 due to greater conceptuat depth.
Key Insights
  • Mechanics – High weightage and Emphasis on Kinematics and Laws of Motion in this shift
  • Optics – Ray Optics featured prominently
  • Modern Physics – Continued to be a dominant and scoring area
  • Increased presence of conceptual and statement-based (Assertion-Reasoning) questions

⚗ Chemistry
Easy – Moderate
Topic-wise Distribution
Inorganic Chemistry 9Q
Organic Chemistry 7Q
Physical Chemistry 9Q
Question Pattern

NCERT-focused questions with emphasis on reactions, mechanism and basic calculations.
Time Required
40–50 minutes recommended
Vs Previous Year
Compared to JEE Main 2025, Shift-2 was slightly easier and more scoring.
Direct NCERT questions dominated the paper.
Key Insights
  • Weightage Order: Inorganic > Physical > Organic
  • Most scoring section with direct NCERT question
  • Few tricky Organic reaction mechanisms
  • Numerical questions straightforward

Jan 22(M)

📐 Mathematics
Easy – Moderate
Topic-wise Distribution
Trigonometry & Algebra I 5Q
Geometry I 2Q
Calculus I 1Q
Algebra II 4Q
Geometry II 4Q
Calculus II 6Q
Functional Algebra 3Q
Question Pattern

Easy-to-moderate, logic-based questions dominated with lengthy calculations, and a few challenging probtems
Time Required
60-70 minutes recommended
Vs Previous Year
Overall difficulty slightly tougher than JEE Main 2025
Key Insights
  • Paper was Easy to Moderate, with logic-driven, lengthy calculation questions and a few tough ones.
  • Around 50-60 % questions were calculative in nature
    Weightage : Algebra > Calculus > Vectors \& 3D > Coordinate Geometry > Trigonometry.
  • Compared to the previous day, this shift’s Maths was relatively easier, though still time-consuming due to lengthy calculations.

 

♻ Physics
Moderate – Difficult
Topic-wise Distribution
Mechanics I 1Q
Mechanics II 5Q
Thermal Physics 3Q
Waves & Optics 4Q
Electromagnetism 6Q
Modern Physics 3Q
Question Pattern

Calculation-heavy numericals dominated, while statement-based theory tested concepts (especially Fluids); a few match-the-column questions appeared in Thermodynamics and Modern Physics.
Time Required
50–60 minutes
Vs Previous Year
Overall difficulty slightly tougher than JEE Main 2025
Key Insights
  • Ray Optics: Dominant coverage with 3 reported questions, testing core concepts.
  • Mechanics: Gravitation (2 questions), Moment of Inertia, Kinetic Energy – Class 11 heavy focus.
  • Modern Physics: Straightforward standard questions, less challenging overall.
  • Fluids: Tricky statement-based format demanding deep conceptual clarity.
  • Electrostatics: Calculation-intensive numericals on electric potential and field.
  • Thermodynamics: 2 questions blending graphs and numerical calculations.

⚗ Chemistry
Moderate
Topic-wise Distribution
Inorganic Chemistry 8Q
Organic Chemistry 8Q
Physical Chemistry 9Q
Question Pattern

Moderate, NCERT-based paper with Organic dominance, followed by Physical and Inouganic, and strong PYQ pattern repetition
Time Required
45–55 minutes recommended
Vs Previous Year
Compared to JEE Main 2025, the Chemistry paper was similar in difficulty, NCERT-centric, Organic-heavy, and followed familiar PYQ patterns.
Key Insights
  • Overall difficulty level was Moderate
  • Weightage trend followed Organic > Physical > Inorganic
  • Paper was largely NCERT-based
  • Many questions repeated PYQ models, with familiar patterns and concepts.

Jan 22(E)

📐 Mathematics
Moderate – Difficult
Topic-wise Distribution
Trigonometry & Algebra I 3Q
Geometry I 3Q
Calculus I 2Q
Algebra II 6Q
Geometry II 3Q
Calculus II 4Q
Functional Algebra 4Q
Question Pattern

Lengthy, calculation-intensive questions with evenly distributed topics and PYQ-based variations
Time Required
65-75 minutes recommended
Vs Previous Year
Tougher and more time-consuming than JEE Main 2025 Mathematics.
Key Insights
  • Paper was Moderate to Difficult.
  • Several lengthy, calculation-heavy problems
  • Topic distribution similar to previous years
  • Tougher than Shift-1 Maths
  • Toughest Maths paper among shifts conducted so far

 

♻ Physics
Easy – Moderate
Topic-wise Distribution
Mechanics I 2Q
Mechanics II 4Q
Thermal Physics 4Q
Waves & Optics 4Q
Electromagnetism 7Q
Modern Physics 3Q
Question Pattern

Formula-based and conceptual questions with limited heavy calculations
Time Required
50–60 minutes
Vs Previous Year
Easier than JEE Main 2025 Physics and more scoring.
Key Insights
  • Majority questions were direct formula-based
  • Good number of statement-based theoretical questions
  • Calculations mostlymanageable
  • Slightly time-taking questions from Thermodynamics \& Modern Physics
  • Easier than Jan 22 Shift-1 and Jan 21 papers

⚗ Chemistry
Moderate
Topic-wise Distribution
Inorganic Chemistry 7Q
Organic Chemistry 9Q
Physical Chemistry 9Q
Question Pattern

Concept-driven and statement-based questions with higher emphasis on Organic Chemistry.
Time Required
45–55 minutes recommended
Vs Previous Year
Slightly tougher than JEE Main 2025 Chemistry.
Key Insights
  • Overall difficulty level was Moderate
  • Questions required deep conceptual understanding
  • 5-6 statement-based questions
  • One direct question from Lab Manual
  • Tougher than Jan 22 Shift-1 Chemistry

Jan 23(M)

📐 Mathematics
Moderate – Difficult
Topic-wise Distribution
Trigonometry & Algebra I 3Q
Geometry I 3Q
Calculus I 2Q
Algebra II 6Q
Geometry II 3Q
Calculus II 5Q
Functional Algebra 3Q
Question Pattern

Conceptual and calculation-intensive questions with multi-step solving, moderate length, and strong alignment with PYQs.
Time Required
65-75 minutes recommended
Vs Previous Year
Slightly tougher than JEE Main 2025 due to increased question length and higher calculation load.
Key Insights
  • Overall paper leaned towards conceptual + calculation-intensive questions
  • Calculus dominated the paper, contributing most to difficulty and time consumption
  • Algebra offered moderate scoring opportunities with careful execution
  • Strong resemblance to recent PYQs, especially in question structure and difficulty
  • Performance depended more on accuracy and smart question selection than speed alone

 

♻ Physics
Easy – Moderate
Topic-wise Distribution
Mechanics I 4Q
Mechanics II 6Q
Thermal Physics 2Q
Waves & Optics 4Q
Electromagnetism 6Q
Modern Physics 3Q
Question Pattern

Syllabus-based, calculation-heavy in Mechanics II and Electromagnetism, scoring-friendly in Modern Physics and Waves & Optics.
Time Required
45–55 minutes
Vs Previous Year
Similar pattern and difficulty, with calculation-heavy
Key Insights

Nature of questions: PYQ-aligned, conceptual + numerical; calculation load in Mechanics II/Electromagnetism
Scoring Potential: High in Modern Physics and Waves & Optics
Shift Comparison: Balanced scoring like previous shifts; easier than Chemistry
Unique Observations: Minimal surprises; IPE limited to measurement-based questions

⚗ Chemistry
Moderate – Difficult
Topic-wise Distribution
Inorganic Chemistry 6Q
Organic Chemistry 9Q
Physical Chemistry 10Q
Question Pattern

NCERT-based paper dominated by multi-statement and mixed-concept questions, with assertion–reason, match-the-following, and matrix-type formats.
Time Required
55–65 minutes recommended
Vs Previous Year
Compared to JEE Main 2025, Chemistry demanded stronger conceptual linkage with fewer direct NCERT sitters.
Key Insights
  • Section was moderate to tough, with lengthy and time-consuming questions
  • Dominated by multi-statement, assertion–reason, and mixed-concept problems
  • Organic Chemistry introduced paragraph-based reagent questions (new trend)
  • Challenging areas: Tricky numericals and conceptually linked questions
  • Pattern trend: Similar to JEE Main 2025, with match-the-following and matrix-type questions
  • Overall: Not a straightforward scoring section; accuracy and careful reading were crucial

Jan 23(E)

📐 Mathematics
Moderate – Difficult
Topic-wise Distribution
Trigonometry & Algebra I 5Q
Geometry I 3Q
Calculus I 1Q
Algebra II 6Q
Geometry II 3Q
Calculus II 4Q
Functional Algebra 3Q
Question Pattern

Lengthy, calculation-intensive and concept-driven questions with PYQ-based structure, balanced topic distribution, and high time-management demand.
Time Required
60-70 minutes recommended
Vs Previous Year
Paper was slightly tougher, more calculation-heavy, and required better time management, though topic distribution remained similar.
Key Insights
  • Algebra and Calculus dominated the paper in both number and difficulty
  • Coordinate Geometry and Vectors–3D were moderate but required careful execution.
  • Many questions were PYQ-inspired, emphasizing conceptual clarity.
  • Time management was crucial due to lengthy calculations.
  • Overall, accuracy over speed determined scoring potential.

 

♻ Physics
Moderate – Difficult
Topic-wise Distribution
Mechanics I 5Q
Mechanics II 1Q
Thermal Physics 5Q
Waves & Optics 3Q
Electromagnetism 7Q
Modern Physics 4Q
Question Pattern

mostly numerical-based, Questions are lengthy with Electromagnetism highest weightage and Modern Physics & Waves–Optics most scoring.
Time Required
55–65 minutes
Vs Previous Year
Similar pattern but slightly higher difficulty, with more calculation-heavy and numerically focused questions
Key Insights
  • Paper Nature: Clearly numerical-dominant and calculation-intensive
  • Strong in formula application + speed had an advantage
  • Modern Physics remained the safest scoring area
  • Thermal + Mechanics II needed careful time management

⚗ Chemistry
Moderate – Difficult
Topic-wise Distribution
Inorganic Chemistry 8Q
Organic Chemistry 10Q
Physical Chemistry 7Q

Question Pattern

Lengthy, statement-based questions with multi-concept application and Class 12 dominance.
Time Required
55–65 minutes recommended
Vs Previous Year
Compared to JEE Main 2025, paper was more time-consuming and tougher due to lengthy, multi-statement questions,
Key Insights
  • Lengthy, statement-based questions increased time pressure
  • Strong Class 12 dominance made NCERT clarity crucial
  • Questions required conceptual linkage, testing understanding over memorization
  • Accuracy and question selection mattered more than speed

Jan 24(M)

📐 Mathematics
Moderate – Difficult
Topic-wise Distribution
Trigonometry & Algebra I 5Q
Geometry I 3Q
Calculus I 1Q
Algebra II 6Q
Geometry II 3Q
Calculus II 4Q
Functional Algebra 3Q
Question Pattern

Lengthy, calculation-intensive and concept-driven questions with PYQ-based structure, balanced topic distribution, and high time-management demand.
Time Required
60-70 minutes recommended
Vs Previous Year
Paper was slightly tougher, more calculation-heavy, and required better time management, though topic distribution remained similar.
Key Insights
  • Algebra and Calculus dominated the paper in both number and difficulty
  • Coordinate Geometry and Vectors–3D were moderate but required careful execution.
  • Many questions were PYQ-inspired, emphasizing conceptual clarity.
  • Time management was crucial due to lengthy calculations.
  • Overall, accuracy over speed determined scoring potential.

 

♻ Physics
Moderate – Difficult
Topic-wise Distribution
Mechanics I 5Q
Mechanics II 1Q
Thermal Physics 5Q
Waves & Optics 3Q
Electromagnetism 7Q
Modern Physics 4Q
Question Pattern

mostly numerical-based, Questions are lengthy with Electromagnetism highest weightage and Modern Physics & Waves–Optics most scoring.
Time Required
55–65 minutes
Vs Previous Year
Similar pattern but slightly higher difficulty, with more calculation-heavy and numerically focused questions
Key Insights
  • Paper Nature: Clearly numerical-dominant and calculation-intensive
  • Strong in formula application + speed had an advantage
  • Modern Physics remained the safest scoring area
  • Thermal + Mechanics II needed careful time management

⚗ Chemistry
Moderate – Difficult
Topic-wise Distribution
Inorganic Chemistry 8Q
Organic Chemistry 10Q
Physical Chemistry 7Q

Question Pattern

Lengthy, statement-based questions with multi-concept application and Class 12 dominance.
Time Required
55–65 minutes recommended
Vs Previous Year
Compared to JEE Main 2025, paper was more time-consuming and tougher due to lengthy, multi-statement questions,
Key Insights
  • Lengthy, statement-based questions increased time pressure
  • Strong Class 12 dominance made NCERT clarity crucial
  • Questions required conceptual linkage, testing understanding over memorization
  • Accuracy and question selection mattered more than speed

Jan 24(E)

📐 Mathematics
Moderate – Difficult
Topic-wise Distribution
Trigonometry & Algebra I 5Q
Geometry I 3Q
Calculus I 1Q
Algebra II 6Q
Geometry II 3Q
Calculus II 4Q
Functional Algebra 3Q
Question Pattern

Lengthy, calculation-intensive and concept-driven questions with PYQ-based structure, balanced topic distribution, and high time-management demand.
Time Required
60-70 minutes recommended
Vs Previous Year
Paper was slightly tougher, more calculation-heavy, and required better time management, though topic distribution remained similar.
Key Insights
  • Algebra and Calculus dominated the paper in both number and difficulty
  • Coordinate Geometry and Vectors–3D were moderate but required careful execution.
  • Many questions were PYQ-inspired, emphasizing conceptual clarity.
  • Time management was crucial due to lengthy calculations.
  • Overall, accuracy over speed determined scoring potential.

 

♻ Physics
Moderate – Difficult
Topic-wise Distribution
Mechanics I 5Q
Mechanics II 1Q
Thermal Physics 5Q
Waves & Optics 3Q
Electromagnetism 7Q
Modern Physics 4Q
Question Pattern

mostly numerical-based, Questions are lengthy with Electromagnetism highest weightage and Modern Physics & Waves–Optics most scoring.
Time Required
55–65 minutes
Vs Previous Year
Similar pattern but slightly higher difficulty, with more calculation-heavy and numerically focused questions
Key Insights
  • Paper Nature: Clearly numerical-dominant and calculation-intensive
  • Strong in formula application + speed had an advantage
  • Modern Physics remained the safest scoring area
  • Thermal + Mechanics II needed careful time management

⚗ Chemistry
Moderate – Difficult
Topic-wise Distribution
Inorganic Chemistry 8Q
Organic Chemistry 10Q
Physical Chemistry 7Q

Question Pattern

Lengthy, statement-based questions with multi-concept application and Class 12 dominance.
Time Required
55–65 minutes recommended
Vs Previous Year
Compared to JEE Main 2025, paper was more time-consuming and tougher due to lengthy, multi-statement questions,
Key Insights
  • Lengthy, statement-based questions increased time pressure
  • Strong Class 12 dominance made NCERT clarity crucial
  • Questions required conceptual linkage, testing understanding over memorization
  • Accuracy and question selection mattered more than speed

Expected Good Score & Cutoff Analysis

Tab 1

Band Score for 23rd Jan 2026 – MORNING SHIFT
Band Percentile Maths Physics Chemistry Total
1 > 99 % ile 69 63 68 201
2 > 95 % ile 55 48 54 157
3 > 90 % ile 42 36 41 119
Difficulty Level Distribution
LOD Details Maths Physics Chemistry Total
E Easy 8 5 7 21
M Medium 14 11 15 40
D Difficult 3 8 3 14
Total 25 25 25 75

Frequently Asked Questions

1.Is IIT JEE really that tough?

IIT JEE is considered one of the toughest undergraduate entrance exams globally due to its competitive nature (15+ lakh aspirants for ~16,000 seats) and the depth of conceptual understanding required. However, with systematic preparation and the right strategy, it is definitely crackable. The difficulty varies each year, and understanding the pattern through exam analysis helps students prepare effectively.

2. Which subject is more scoring subject in JEE Main?

Chemistry is traditionally the most scoring subject in JEE Main, particularly Inorganic Chemistry which often has direct NCERT-based questions. In 2025, Chemistry was notably easier with most questions being straightforward. However, the ‘most scoring’ subject depends on individual strengths – students good at calculations often score well in Physics, while those strong in problem-solving excel in Mathematics.

3. What is a good score in IIT JEE Main 2026?

A good score depends on your target college. For top NITs, 220+ marks (97+ percentile) is considered good. For top IITs through JEE Advanced, you need 99+ percentile in JEE Main to qualify. Based on 2026 paper analysis, 180-200 marks should give around 95-97 percentile, which is good for many NITs and IIITs.

4. How accurate is this exam analysis?

This analysis is based on multiple data sources including student feedback, expert opinions, and pattern comparison with previous years. While individual experiences may vary based on shift and personal preparation, the overall difficulty assessment and topic weightage analysis provides reliable guidance for future preparation.

5. How to use this exam analysis for next attempt preparation?

Use this analysis to: 1) Identify high-weightage topics to prioritize, 2) Understand difficulty trends to calibrate your preparation level, 3) Learn from common mistakes students made, 4) Plan your time management strategy based on subject-wise analysis, and 5) Set realistic score targets based on cutoff predictions.

author avatar
chandan sahoo

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