JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 Session 1 Shift 1 Paper Analysis: Difficulty Level & Free Question Paper PDF
With the completion of JEE Main Exam 23 January Session 1 Shift 1, 5 shifts of the exams were completed. After the completion of each shift, engineering aspirants want to get informed regarding the expert analysis of the paper.
So, we offer you an in-depth analysis of the JEE Main Exam, January 23 Shift 1, with a focus on the overall difficulty level, subject-wise insights, and key highlights from the exam. We communicated with Matrix Academy faculty and students to identify how Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics were distributed by assessing their toughness in the exam. This analysis will be useful for the upcoming JEE Main Session 1 exams for the aspirants whose exams are remaining.
- JEE Main Session 1 Paper Analysis (All Shifts) (Live Now)
- JEE Main Session 1 Paper Analysis (21 January Shift 1) (Live Now)
- JEE Main Session 1 Paper Analysis (21 January Shift 2) (Live Now)
- JEE Main Session 1 Paper Analysis (22 January Shift 1) (Live Now)
- JEE Main Session 1 Paper Analysis (22 January Shift 2) (Live Now)
- JEE Main Session 1 Paper Analysis (23 January Shift 2) (Live Now)
- JEE Main Session 1 Paper Analysis (24 January Shift 1) (Live Now)
- JEE Main Session 1 Paper Analysis (24 January Shift 2) (Live Now)
- JEE Main Session 1 Paper Analysis (28 January Shift 1) (to be active soon)
- JEE Main Session 1 Paper Analysis (28 January Shift 2) (to be active soon)
- JEE Main Session 1 Paper Analysis (29 January Shift 1) (to be active soon)
- JEE Main Session 1 Paper Analysis (29 January Shift 2) (to be active soon)
JEE Main 2026 January 23 Shift 1 Exam (Shift Timing & Structure)
The JEE Main 2026 January Shift 1 exams were conducted between 9 AM and 12 PM by the NTA at various examination centres across India. Matrix Academy JEE division experts recommend that students try to arrive 1 to 2 hours before the exam time. The Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics subjects are based on multiple-choice and numerical value–based questions by assessing both conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills in a student.
| Parameter | Details |
| Exam Dates | 23 January 2026 |
| Shift | JEE Main Exam Session 1- Shift 2 |
| Reporting Time | 7:00 PM (Suggested) |
| Last Entry | 8.30 AM |
| Exam Time | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Paper | Paper 1 – BE/BTech |
| Sections | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics |
| Questions to Attempt | 25 questions per subject |
| Total Questions | 75 |
| Total Marks | 300 |
JEE Main 2026 January 23 Shift 1 Overall Paper Analysis
The JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 shift 1 ended at 12 PM. The overall difficulty level of the paper was moderate to tough. Candidates emphasised that the paper was very lengthy, and strong time management skill is needed for this shift. The physics section was doable compared to chemistry and mathematics. Both maths and chemistry had mixed conceptual questions and JEE Advanced-level questions.
Expert Analysis: According to the paper’s difficulty and questions, experts predict that the marks is required for 99 percentile is 175-185.
| Marks Range | Expected Percentile |
| 190-200+ | 99+ |
| 180-190 | 98.5-99 |
| 170-180 | 98-98.5 |
| 160-170 | 97-98 |
Subject-Wise Difficulty Level (23 January 2026, Shift 1)
Matrix Academy JEE division experts briefly analysed the difficulty level of each subject, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics sections. The following is a detailed analysis of each subject:
| Subject | Difficulty Level | Most Important Topics |
| Physics | Moderate | de-broglie, ray optics, modern physics, electrostatics, magnetic effects of current, wave optics, capacitor, semiconductors. |
| Chemistry | Moderate to Difficult | The majority of questions were from physical chemistry, with 5-6 statement questions from organic and inorganic chemistry. d block, chemical kinematics |
| Mathematics | Moderate and lengthy | Almost all were mixed-topic questions: 3 questions from integration and 2 from straight lines. Vectors & 3D, Matrices, Conic Sections, and Sequence Series |
| Overall Difficulty Level | Moderate | – |
JEE Main Exam 2026, 23 Jan Session 1 Shift 1: Most Difficult Section
The most difficult section of the JEE Main Exam 2026, 23 Jan Session 1 Shift 1, after analysis, is mathematics. The maths section was tough and lengthy as expected. Next, the chemistry section was again unexpectedly lengthy and tough. Whereas physics was more on the moderate level.
JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 Shift 1 Mathematics Paper Analysis
JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 Shift 1 mathematics posed as the biggest challenge. This was due to the paper being lengthy and moderate-tough with multi-concept problems. High-weightage chapters include calculus (Integration, Differential Equations) and Algebra (Matrices, Probability, Complex Numbers), Coordinate Geometry and Vectors/3D. The average number of attempts is reduced to 16-20 questions.
The mathematics section was of moderate level, but a little lengthy in the JEE Main Jan 23 shift 1 paper.
- 5 questions – difficult level.
- 10 questions – moderate level.
- 10 questions – easy level.
JEE Main 2026 Session 1, 23 Jan 2026 Shift 1 Mathematics Analysis (Topic-Wise Weightage)
| Chapter | Weightage | Approx. Questions | Chapter | Weightage | Approx. Questions |
| Sets and Relations | 4.4% | 1 | Straight Lines & Pairs of Straight Lines | 3.6% | 1 |
| Logarithm | 0.4% | 0 | Circle | 2.4% | 1 |
| Quadratic Equations & Inequalities | 3.2% | 1 | Parabola | 4% | 1 |
| Sequences and Series | 5.2% | 1–2 | Ellipse | 3.2% | 1 |
| Binomial Theorem | 4.4% | 1 | Hyperbola | 0.8% | 0 |
| Matrices & Determinants | 7.6% | 2 | Functions | 3.2% | 1 |
| Permutations & Combinations | 5.2% | 1–2 | Limits, Continuity & Differentiability | 5.2% | 1–2 |
| Probability | 4.8% | 1 | Differentiation | 0.4% | 0 |
| Vector Algebra | 5.6% | 1–2 | Application of Derivatives | 2.4% | 1 |
| 3D Geometry | 6.4% | 2 | Indefinite Integrals | 2% | 1 |
| Complex Numbers | 4% | 1 | Definite Integration | 4.8% | 1 |
| Statistics | 1.6% | 0–1 | Area Under the Curves | 4% | 1 |
JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 Shift 1 Chemistry Paper Analysis
JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 Shift 1 chemistry section was moderate to tough. The section was dominated by lengthy physical chemistry, along with organic and Inorganic mixed concepts. Physical Chemistry included numericals on Equilibrium, Thermodynamics, and Electrochemistry; Organic focused on Reactions/Mechanisms (Name Reactions, GOC); Inorganic emphasised p-Block and Coordination Compounds. The average number of attempts is 18-21 questions. Students took on average 50 minutes to attempt this section, making it time-consuming.
- 7-8 questions – difficult level.
- 9-10 questions – easy level.
- 8-10 questions – moderate level.
JEE Main 2026 Session 1, 23 Jan 2026 Shift 1 Chemistry Analysis (Topic-Wise Weightage)
| Chapter | Weightage | Approx. Questions | Chapter | Weightage | Approx. Questions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry | 5.2% | 1 | d & f Block Elements | 5.2% | 1 |
| Structure of Atom | 4.4% | 1 | Coordination Compounds | 7.2% | 2 |
| Redox Reactions | 2.4% | 1 | Salt Analysis | 2% | 0–1 |
| Chemical Equilibrium | 2.4% | 1 | Basics of Organic Chemistry | 6.8% | 2 |
| Ionic Equilibrium | 3.2% | 1 | Hydrocarbons | 5.2% | 1 |
| Solutions | 3.6% | 1 | Haloalkanes & Haloarenes | 4.4% | 1 |
| Thermodynamics | 6.8% | 2 | Alcohols, Phenols & Ethers | 2% | 0–1 |
| Electrochemistry | 5.6% | 1–2 | Aldehydes, Ketones & Carboxylic Acids | 5.2% | 1 |
| Chemical Kinetics & Nuclear Chemistry | 5.2% | 1 | Compounds Containing Nitrogen | 5.2% | 1 |
| Periodic Table & Periodicity | 6% | 1–2 | Biomolecules | 2% | 0–1 |
| Bonding & Molecular Structure | 4% | 1 | Practical Organic Chemistry | 2% | 0–1 |
JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 Shift 1 Physics Paper Analysis
JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 Shift 1 physics was the most balanced section with moderate-level questions. The questions were from Mechanics (Kinematics, Laws of Motion, Work-Power-Energy), Electrodynamics (Current Electricity, Magnetism), Modern Physics, Optics, and Thermodynamics. Around 70-80% aligned directly with NCERT Class 11-12 concepts. The average number of attempts is 20-23 questions out of 25 questions.
- 4-5 questions – difficult level.
- 8-9 – moderate-level questions.
- 12-13 easy level questions.
JEE Main 2026 Session 1, 23 Jan 2026 Shift 1 Physics Analysis (Topic-Wise Weightage)
| Chapter | Weightage | Approx. Questions | Chapter | Weightage | Approx. Questions |
| Current Electricity | 8% | 2 | Semiconductor | 3.67% | 1 |
| Heat & Thermodynamics | 7.33% | 2 | Rotational Motion | 3.33% | 1 |
| Properties of Matter | 7% | 2 | Work, Power & Energy | 3.17% | 1 |
| Atoms & Nuclei | 6.67% | 2 | Electromagnetic Induction | 2.83% | 1 |
| Units & Measurements | 5.50% | 1–2 | Motion in a Straight Line | 2.67% | 1 |
| Electrostatics | 5.33% | 1–2 | Simple Harmonic Motion | 2.50% | 1 |
| Magnetic Effect of Current | 5.17% | 1–2 | Electromagnetic Waves | 2.50% | 1 |
| Alternating Current | 4.33% | 1 | Geometrical Optics | 2.50% | 1 |
| Laws of Motion | 4% | 1 | Capacitor | 2.33% | 1 |
| Kinematics | 4% | 1 | Circular Motion | 1.83% | 0–1 |
| Ray Optics / Wave Optics* | 3.83% | 1 | Center of Mass & Collision | 1.67% | 0–1 |
JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 Shift 1 – Student Reactions & Feedback
Overall Feedback on Difficulty: Students from the JEE Main Exam 2026, 23 Jan Shift 1, described that the overall exam was challenging. Students believed that good attempts ranged from 50 to 65 questions for competitive scores.
Physics: As per the student’s feedback, the Physics section was moderate with an equal number of questions from the class 11th and 12th NCERT syllabus. The overall distribution of topics was easy, but the overall section was time-consuming due to heavy calculations.
Chemistry: Chemistry was viewed as moderate to difficult. The exam questions were NCERT-based, with tricky organic and
statement-based questions.
Mathematics:
The Mathematics section was one of the most difficult sections in Jan 23 Shift 1. The math section was lengthy and calculation-heavy, where most of the questions were advanced calculus and geometry-based, which tested the analytical skills of the students.
JEE Main 2026 January 23 Shift 1 Question Paper
Every year, question papers are released on our website, which are based on memory-based and concept-based questions. Once all the questions are collected, students can download the question papers or memory-based questions, subject-wise, from the table below:
Subject-Wise Questions Papers PDFs
| Subject | JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Shift 1 Question Paper |
| Physics | Download JEE Main 2026, 23 Jan Session Shift 1 Physics Paper (Releasing soon…) |
| Chemistry | Download JEE Main 2026, 23 Jan Session Shift 1 Chemistry Paper (Releasing soon…) |
| Mathematics | Download JEE Main 2026, 23 Jan Session Shift 1 Mathematics Paper (Releasing soon…) |
How to Download the JEE Main 2026 Shift 1 Question Paper PDF?
Students can download the JEE Main 2026, 23 Jan Session 1 Shift 1 question paper from the official website of NTA as well. We will also upload the subject-wise question papers in this blog. Students can download the papers from our website as well.
- Go to jeemain.nta.nic.in.
- Find the link for “JEE Main Papers & Answer Key” or similar.
- Log in using your application number, password/date of birth.
- Select the specific exam date and shift.
- You can find and download the question paper, answer key, and your response sheet.
When will NTA release the Answer Key and Questions?
NTA will release the answer key almost 7-10 days after the exam. Students can expect the answer key and questions to be released within 2 weeks on the official website. Candidates can cross-check their responses and estimate their scores. Stay updated with the latest updates regarding the JEE Main 2026 exam and results by regularly following the NTA official website.
FAQs
Like every year, the National Testing Agency (NTA) conduct JEE Main exam 2026 from 21 Jan 2026 to 29 Jan 2026.
The overall difficulty of the JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 Shift 1 paper is said to be moderate. Compared to the previous shifts, the paper is moderate to difficult level. Maths was the most difficult, followed by chemistry and physics.
In the JEE Main Jan 23 Session 1 Shift 1 exam, the most difficult section is concluded to be mathematics. The maths section was lengthy, and some of the questions were of JEE advanced level.
In the JEE Main Jan 23 Session 1 Shift 1 exam, the physics section was moderate to difficult level. Compared to mathematics and chemistry, the physics section did not have mixed concept questions. Most questions were NCERT-based, and some were basic.
In the JEE Main Jan 23 Session 1 Shift 1 exam, chemistry was lengthy and moderate level. The section was dominated by physical chemistry. The majority of the questions were mixed concept-based.
In the mathematics section of the JEE Main Jan 23 Session 1 Shift 1 exam, the questions were found to be very lengthy and moderate level.
The exam time for the JEE Main exam Shift 1 on 24 January is between 9 AM and 12 PM. Students should arrive between 7:30 AM and 8:30 AM to avoid any hassle.