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JEE Main 2026 Session 2 April 4 Shift 1 Paper Analysis: Difficulty Level, Subject-Wise Analysis & Question Paper PDF

JEE Main 2026 Session 2 April 4 Shift 1 Paper Analysis: Difficulty Level, Subject-Wise Review & Question Paper PDF

The third day of the JEE Main 2026 exam, Session 2, is finally over on 4th April 2026 in the morning shift. Approximately 1.5 lakh students gave the April 4th Shift 1 paper across all centres in India. Students have given their feedback and reactions, and our experts are done with the detailed JEE Main 2026 Session 2 paper analysis. The overall April 4 shift 1 paper is moderate level and lengthy. Our experts will receive detailed insights into question trends and difficulty. Many students are curious about whether the April 4 shift 1 paper will be tougher than the April 2 exams or will be similar. Let us bring clarity to this question. In this blog, students will find a comprehensive paper analysis of the JEE Main 2026 Session 2, April 4 shift 1 paper. We will discuss the initial student feedback, question insights, key topics, and time taken for each section on the April 4 shift 1 paper. Students who are appearing in the further shifts can find this information useful. And students who have appeared in this shift can do their performance analysis. Also, find the memory-based April 4 shift 1 question paper in the blog made by our Matrix JEE experts. Check out the JEE Main 2026 Session 2 all shift analysis below:

JEE Main 2026 April 4 Shift 1 Exam Overview & Paper Structure

The JEE Main 2026 April 4 shift 1 exam was smoothly conducted in the morning shift from 9 AM to 12 PM. The paper pattern and structure is the same as given by NTA. As we know, the JEE Main 2026 exam is conducted in two shifts for 5 days; this will be the third shift of the session. The table below gives information on the exam overview, timings, and paper structure of the April 4 shift 1 paper.
JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Details
Exam Date 4 April 2026
Shift JEE Main Session 2 – Shift 1
Reporting Time 7:00 AM
Last Entry 8:30 AM
Exam Time 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (morning shift)
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

Key Highlights of JEE Main 2026 April 4 Shift 1

The April 4 shift 1 exam finished at 12 PM, and students have exited the halls. The initial reactions from students is that the paper is very lengthy. Especially the mathematics section. The overall question’s difficulty level is moderate only. Below will be the key highlights of the JEE Main 2026 Session 2, April 4 shift 1 paper. The points mentioned are based on student feedback and expert analysis of the questions done by the Matrix JEE team:
    • The overall level of difficulty of the shift 1 April 4 exam is moderate. Questions of maths, physics, and chemistry are doable.
    • However, despite the questions being of a moderate level, they were time-consuming.
    • Some students claimed that the April 4 shift 1 paper was tougher than the January session shifts.
    • The mathematics section was definitely very lengthy. Time taken for each question was approximately 5 minutes based on student feedback.
    • The chemistry section is moderate level but a little lengthy with mixed concept questions.
    • The physics section questions are of a moderate to difficult level.
    • Based on this feedback, the shift 1 paper of April 4 is difficult and lengthy compared to the April 2 shifts.

JEE Main 2026 April 4 Shift 1 Overall Paper Analysis

The JEE Main 2026 April Session April 4 shift 1 has ended successfully, and there were no technical issues found in this shift. Students are curious about the overall JEE Main 2026 paper analysis. Students want to know if the April 4 shift 1 paper is tough or easy. The April 4 shift 1 paper is overall moderate but lengthy. The questions are time-consuming, and this factor makes the overall paper a moderate to difficult level. This section will provide information on subject-wise difficulty level, student reactions, good attempts, and expected cutoff trends for the April 4 shift 1 paper.

Good Attempts & Expected Score

The good attempts of a JEE Main shift depend on how time-consuming the paper is and the difficulty level. The April 4 shift 1 exam is lengthy, with mathematics being the most time-consuming section. The good attempts of this shift are around 45-55 questions.

Expected Percentile vs Marks

Percentile Expected Marks
99.5+ 190+
99 170 – 180
98 150 – 165
97 135 – 150
95 120 – 135
93 105 – 120
90 90 – 105
85 75 – 90
80 65 – 75
70 50 – 65
60 40 – 50
50 30 – 40

JEE Main 2026 April 4 Shift 1 Most Difficult Section

The mathematics section is the most difficult section of the April 4 shift JEE Main 2026 Session 2 exam. While the overall paper was moderate, Maths stood out because of its lengthy calculations and time-consuming questions. Many students reported that even familiar questions required more time to solve due to the heavy calculations needed for even easy questions. Physics is a moderate level, and chemistry is the easiest section in this shift.

Subject-Wise Difficulty Level of JEE Main 2026 April 4 Shift 1

Below is the table showcasing the subject-wise difficulty level of the April 4 shift 1 paper. Based on the JEE Main 2026 paper analysis done by experts of Matrix JEE Academy, here is the difficulty level of each subject along with the most important topics.
Subject Difficulty Level Most Important Topics
Physics Moderate to Difficult Key topics include Current Electricity (2 questions), Modern Physics (2 questions), Electrostatics (2 questions), Ray Optics (1–2 questions), Laws of Motion (1–2 questions), Semiconductors (1 question), Thermodynamics (1 question), and Magnetic Effects of Current (1 question).
Chemistry Moderate Key topics that dominated the chemistry section are Coordination Compounds (2 questions), Electrochemistry (2 questions), Basic Organic Chemistry (2 questions), Periodicity (2 questions), Aldehydes, Ketones & Carboxylic Acids (1 question), d & f Block Elements (1 question), Hydrocarbons (1 question), and Compounds Containing Nitrogen (1 question).
Mathematics Moderate (Lengthy) In Mathematics, the high-weightage chapters are algebra, calculus, and 3D geometry. Key topics include Matrices & Determinants (2 questions), 3D Geometry (2 questions), Limits, Continuity & Differentiability (2 questions), Differential Equations (2 questions), Vector Algebra (1 question), Sequences & Series (1 question), Permutations & Combinations (1 question),  Probability (1 question), coordinate geometry, Parabola (1 question) and Straight Lines (1 question).
Overall Difficulty Level Moderate

JEE Main Session 2 April 4 Shift 1 Physics Paper Analysis

Let us discuss the Physics paper in detail. Based on the JEE Main 2026 session 1 exams and other shifts of Session 2, the level is moderate to difficult. The questions were not lengthy but of a moderate level only. The high-weightage topics are modern Physics, electrostatics, current electricity, and thermodynamics.
  • The average time taken to attempt the physics section is 50-60 minutes.
  • 3-4 questions are statement-based questions.
  • The number of good attempts in the physics section is 18-21 questions.
  • The average number of questions attempted by students is 14-17 questions.
  • Easy: 12-13 questions.
  • Moderate: 8-9 questions.
  • Difficult: 4-5 questions.

JEE Main Exam 2026 April 4 Shift 1 Physics Analysis (Topic-Wise Weightage)

Below is the topic-wise weightage of the questions that appeared in the exam. This way, students can estimate which topic has the highest weightage in the Physics paper and prepare accordingly for upcoming shifts.
Chapter Weightage Approx Questions
Current Electricity 8% 2
Heat & Thermodynamics 7.33% 2
Properties of Matter 7% 2
Atoms and Nuclei 6.67% 2
Units & Measurements 5.5% 1
Electrostatics 5.33% 2
Magnetic Effect of Current 5.17% 1
Alternating Current 4.33% 1
Laws of Motion 4% 1
Gravitation 4% 1
Ray Optics 3.83% 1
Wave Optics 3.83% 1
Semiconductor 3.67% 1
Rotational Motion 3.33% 1
Work, Power & Energy 3.17% 1
Electromagnetic Induction 2.83% 1
Motion in a Straight Line 2.67% 1
Simple Harmonic Motion 2.5% 1
Electromagnetic Waves 2.5% 1
Geometrical Optics 2.5% 1
Capacitor 2.33% 1
Circular Motion 1.83% 0–1
Center of Mass & Collision 1.67% 0–1
Waves 1.5% 0–1

JEE Main 2026 April 4 Session 2 Shift 1 Chemistry Paper Analysis

The paper is finally over, and the chemistry section is moderate level but lengthy, as per the majority of students. The section was dominated by organic and inorganic chemistry. Students mentioned that there were mixed questions from physical and organic chemistry.  Overall, it can be said that compared to the April 2nd shifts, the chemistry of the April 4 shift 1 paper is a little more difficult and lengthy.  Based on the memory-based questions, below is the JEE Main 2026 session 2 paper analysis of the chemistry section in detail:
  • The average time taken to attempt the chemistry section is 45-50 minutes.
  • 3-4 questions are statement-based questions.
  • The number of good attempts in the chemistry section is 18-22 questions.
  • The average number of questions attempted by students is 16-18 questions.
  • Easy: 9-10 questions.
  • Moderate: 8-9 questions.
  • Difficult: 7-8 questions.

JEE Main Exam 2026 April 4 Shift 1 Chemistry Analysis (Topic-Wise Weightage)

The table below has detailed Chemistry topic-wise data. Students can find out what weightage each Chemistry topic holds and the number of questions asked from each topic in the April 4 shift 1 paper.
Chapter Weightage Approx Questions
Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry 5.2% 1
Structure of Atom 4.4% 1
Chemical Reactions 2.4% 1
Chemical Equilibrium 2.4% 1
Thermodynamics 3.2% 1
Chemical Kinetics 3.6% 1
Electrochemistry 6.8% 2
Surface Chemistry 5.6% 1
Inorganic Chemistry (General) 5.2% 1
Periodicity 6% 2
Chemical Bonding & Molecular Structure 4% 1
Environmental Chemistry 1.6% 0–1
d and f Block Elements 5.2% 1
Coordination Compounds 7.2% 2
Salt Analysis 2% 0–1
Basics of Organic Chemistry 6.8% 2
Hydrocarbons 5.2% 1
Haloalkanes and Haloarenes 4.4% 1
Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers 2% 0–1
Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids 5% 1
Compounds Containing Nitrogen 5% 1
Biomolecules 3.6% 1
Practical Organic Chemistry 3.2% 1

JEE Main 2026 April 4 Session 2 Shift 1 Mathematics Paper Analysis

Mathematics is considered to be very time-consuming and has the most difficult questions. After a thorough analysis of all the memory-based questions, Matrix JEE experts will discuss the Maths section in detail. Information on the average time taken for the Maths section, the number of difficulty level questions, and the number of easy level questions will be given soon.
  • The average time taken to attempt the mathematics section is 75-85 minutes.
  • 3-4 questions are statement-based questions.
  • The number of good attempts in the mathematics section is 15-18 questions.
  • The average number of questions attempted by students is 8-11 questions.
  • Easy: 10 questions.
  • Moderate: 10 questions.
  • Difficult: 5 questions.

JEE Main Exam 2026 April 4 Shift 1 Mathematics Analysis (Topic-Wise Weightage)

Students can check the topic-wise weightage of the maths questions in the shift 1 paper below:
Chapter Weightage Approx Questions
Sets and Relations 4.4% 1
Logarithm 0.4% 0
Quadratic Equation and Inequalities 3.2% 1
Sequences and Series 5.2% 1
Binomial Theorem 4.4% 1
Matrices and Determinants 7.6% 2
Permutations and Combinations 5.2% 1
Probability 4.8% 1
Vector Algebra 5.6% 1
3D Geometry 6.4% 2
Complex Numbers 4% 1
Statistics 1.6% 0–1
Trigonometric Ratio and Identities 1.6% 0–1
Inverse Trigonometric Functions 2.8% 1
Straight Lines and Pair of Straight Lines 3.6% 1
Circle 2.4% 1
Parabola 4% 1
Ellipse 3.2% 1
Hyperbola 0.8% 0
Functions 3.2% 1
Limits, Continuity and Differentiability 5.2% 2
Differentiation 0.4% 0
Application of Derivatives 2.4% 1
Indefinite Integrals 2% 1
Definite Integrals 4.8% 1
Area Under the Curve 4% 1
Differential Equations 5.6% 2

JEE Main 2026 April 4 Shift 1 Student Reactions & Feedback

Students who appeared in this shift exam confirmed the overall difficulty level as moderate. Students did not find the questions tricky, but managing time across all three subjects was the biggest challenge faced by students. Physics:
  • The Physics questions were moderate to difficult, and students took 50–60 minutes to solve.
  • Solving a paper in the given time is crucial, as confirmed by numerous students.
  • Overall, 20 questions were easy to attempt, and most of the questions were from Current Electricity, Modern Physics, and Electrostatics.
  • Numerical problems were slightly lengthy and time-consuming.
  • Students use Laws of Motion and Semiconductors as easy topics time in solving the difficult questions.Chemistry:
  • The Chemistry section was also find moderate level difficult by students.
  • Students confirmed 3–4 statement-based questions for Organic and Physical Chemistry.
  • Students feel the Chemistry section is doable with conceptual clarity.
  • Around 3–4 statement-based questions required careful analysis.
  • Time taken was around 45–50 minutes, making it manageable with good preparation.Mathematics:
  • Mathematics was moderate but very lengthy and time-consuming.
  • Students faced time management issues while solving Mathematics. The average time taken by most of the students is between 75 and 85 minutes.
  • Students confirmed that they only attempt questions between 8 and 11. So, time Management is a common issue faced by many students.
  • Most questions were from the 12th syllabus, especially Calculus and Algebra.
  • Some questions were straightforward, but many required multiple steps.
  • Some students find this shift exam in Mathematics more difficult than the January session.

JEE Main 2026 April 4 Shift 1 Question Paper PDF

The most asked query after every JEE Main 2026 shift is the question paper of the shift with answers. Matrix JEE experts have gathered all the memory-based questions of all subjects. And we finally have the complete question paper PDFs of all three sections. Students can download the PDFs with answers from the table below of JEE Main 2026 2nd Session, April 4th shift 1 exam.
Subject JEE Main 2026 Session 2 April 4th Shift 1 Question Paper
Physics JEE Main 2026 April 4 Shift 1 Physics Question Paper
Chemistry JEE Main 2026 April 4 Shift 1 Chemistry Question Paper
Mathematics JEE Main 2026 April 4 Shift 1 Mathematics Question Paper

How to Download JEE Main 2026 April 4 Shift 1 Question Paper PDF?

Students can download the JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Shift 1 question paper from the official website of NTA as well. We will also upload the subject-wise question papers in this blog for easy access. Students can also download the papers directly from our website once available. To download from the official website, follow the steps below:
    • Find the link for “JEE Main Papers & Answer Key” or a similar option.
    • Log in using your application number, password/date of birth.
    • Select the specific exam date and shift.
    • You can then view and download the question paper, answer key, and response sheet.

JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Jan 21, 22, 23, 24, 28 Paper Analysis

The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 started on 21st Jan and ended on 29th Jan, 2026. A complete, detailed paper analysis is done on each shift paper. And overall, it can be said that the maths section was unexpectedly lengthy, the Physics section was moderate level, and the Chemistry section was moderate and lengthy. Check out the detailed paper analysis of both shifts of all JEE Main 2026 Session 1 exam dates 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, and 29 done by Matrix JEE experts:

Conclusion

The difficulty level of the JEE Main 2026 Session 2, April 4 shift 1 exam is moderately difficult but lengthy, especially the Mathematics section. While Physics was moderate to difficult and Chemistry was manageable with conceptual clarity, time management emerged as the biggest challenge for students in this shift. The good attempts range from 45 to 55 questions, reflecting the time-consuming nature of the paper. Students who appeared in this shift can expect a score of 170–180 marks to achieve the 99 percentile. For students appearing in upcoming shifts, this analysis highlights the importance of speed, accuracy, and prioritising Chemistry and Physics for quicker attempts.

FAQs

What was the overall difficulty level of JEE Main 2026 April 4 Shift 1?

The overall difficulty level of the JEE Main 2026 April 4 shift 1 is moderate and lengthy. Students mentioned that the questions were mostly doable, but were very lengthy.

How many good attempts are safe in JEE Main 2026 Shift 1?

The safe number of attempts in the JEE Main 2026 Session 2 paper is 45-55 questions based on the difficulty level and the lengthy nature of the paper.

Which section was the toughest in JEE Main 2026 April 4 Shift 1?

As per the analysis done by Matrix experts, the toughest section in the JEE Main 2026 April 4 shift 1 is Mathematics. The main reason being that solving the questions took on average 5 minutes of time and was very lengthy.

Was the JEE Main 2026 April 4 Shift 1 paper lengthy?

Yes, the JEE Main 2026 April 4 shift 1 paper is lengthy, especially the maths section. Students attempted only 8-11 questions in the maths section and overall 45-55 questions.

What is the expected cutoff for JEE Main 2026 based on Shift 1?

Based on the difficulty level of questions, the expected cutoff for JEE Main 2026 April 4 shift 1 is 170-180 marks. Currently, not all the shifts have concluded, so the number can vary.

Where can I download the JEE Main 2026 question paper and answer key?

Students will be able to download the JEE Main 2026 April 4 shift 1 question paper and answer key from the official website of NTA. The question paper PDFs along with the answer key will be updated in this blog as well.

Is JEE Main 2026 Shift 1 easier than previous sessions?

No, the JEE Main 2026 April 4 shift 1 paper is tougher compared to the previous shifts of the April session. Some students also reported that the mathematics section was more difficult and lengthier than the January session shifts.

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