JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 Session 1 Shift 2 Paper Analysis: Difficulty Level & Free Question Paper PDF
With the completion of the JEE Main Exam 23 January Session 1 Shift 2, 6 shifts of the exams have been 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 2, 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 1) (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) (Live Now)
- JEE Main Session 1 Paper Analysis (28 January Shift 2) (Live Now)
- JEE Main Session 1 Paper Analysis (29 January Shift 1)(Live Now)
JEE Main 2026 January 23 Shift 2 Exam (Shift Timing & Structure)
The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Shift 2 examination was conducted on January 23, 2026, in the afternoon shift from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The entry gates were closed at 2:30 PM, and candidates were allowed to log in and read instructions from 2:50 PM onwards. As per the marking scheme, 4 marks were awarded for each correct answer, while 1 mark was deducted for every incorrect response.
| Parameter | Details |
| Exam Date | 23 January 2026 |
| Shift | Shift 2 (Afternoon) |
| Reporting Time | Around 1:00 PM |
| Last Entry | 2:30 PM |
| Exam Time | 3:00 PM – 6:00 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 to be attempted |
| Total Marks | 300 |
JEE Main 2026 January 23 Shift 2 Overall Paper Analysis
The JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 shift 2 ended at 6 PM. The overall difficulty level of the paper, based on student feedback and expert analysis, is said to be of a moderate level and lengthy. The shift comparatively was tougher, lengthier and trickier. Unexpectedly, the physics section was lengthy.
Expert Analysis: According to the paper’s difficulty and questions, experts predict that 99 percentile cut-off will be at 160-180 marks.
Subject-Wise Difficulty Level (23 January 2026, Shift 2)
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 to Difficult | Ray Optics, Thermodynamics, Electromagnetic (EM) Waves, Fluid Mechanics, Mechanics, Laws of Motion, Rotational Motion, Kinematics, Electrostatics, Semiconductors, Current Electricity, Units and Dimensions, Gravitation, and Modern Physics |
| Chemistry | Moderate | General Organic Chemistry (GOC), Biomolecules, Amines, Hydrocarbons, Coordination Compounds, Chemical Bonding, P-Block and D & F-Block Elements, Qualitative Analysis, Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics, Thermodynamics, Ionic Equilibrium, Structure of Atom, Solutions. |
| Mathematics | Moderate and Lengthy | Coordinate Geometry, Straight Lines and Circles, Conic Sections (Ellipse and Parabola), Trigonometry, Calculus, Vectors & 3D Geometry, Matrices and Determinants, Sequences and Series, Probability, Relations, Quadratic Equations. |
| Overall Difficulty Level | Moderate | – |
JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 Session 1 Shift 2: Most Difficult Section
The JEE Main 2026 January 23 Shift 2 is over now. As per the experts and students, mathematics is the most difficult section in the paper. Both chemistry and physics were of a moderate level, with chemistry being more doable compared to physics.
JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 Shift 2 Mathematics Paper Analysis
The JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 Shift 2 Maths section was easy-moderate but time-consuming. The average time students took to attempt was 60-90 minutes. Lengthy multi-step problems tested accuracy alongside concepts.
- 5 questions – difficult level.
- 10 questions – moderate level.
- 10 questions – easy level.
JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 Session 1 Shift 2 Mathematics Analysis (Topic-Wise Weightage)
| Chapter | Weightage (%) | Approx. No. of Questions |
| Sets & Relations | 4.4% | 1 |
| Logarithm | 0.4% | 0 |
| Quadratic Equations & Inequalities | 3.2% | 1 |
| Sequences & Series | 5.2% | 1–2 |
| Binomial Theorem | 4.4% | 1 |
| Matrices & Determinants | 7.6% | 2 |
| Permutations & Combinations | 5.2% | 1–2 |
| Probability | 4.8% | 1 |
| Vector Algebra | 5.6% | 1–2 |
| 3D Geometry | 6.4% | 2 |
| Complex Numbers | 4.0% | 1 |
| Statistics | 1.6% | 0–1 |
| Straight Lines & Pair of Straight Lines | 3.6% | 1 |
| Circle | 2.4% | 1 |
| Parabola | 4.0% | 1 |
| Ellipse | 3.2% | 1 |
| Hyperbola | 0.8% | 0 |
| Functions | 3.2% | 1 |
| Limits, Continuity & Differentiability | 5.2% | 1–2 |
| Differentiation | 0.4% | 0 |
| Application of Derivatives | 2.4% | 1 |
| Indefinite Integrals | 2.0% | 1 |
| Definite Integration | 4.8% | 1 |
| Area Under the Curve | 4.0% | 1 |
| Inverse Trigonometric Functions | 2.8% | 1 |
JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 Shift 2 Chemistry Paper Analysis
The JEE Main Jan 23 Shift 2 chemistry section was easy-moderate. The average time taken by students to attempt the chemistry section was 30-45 minutes. Many questions were NCERT-based. There were statement-based and assertion-reasoning type questions. Organic had a higher weightage.
JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 Session 1 Shift 2 Chemistry Analysis (Topic-Wise Weightage)
| Chapter | Weightage (%) | Approx. No. of Questions |
| Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry | 5.2% | 1 |
| Structure of Atom | 4.4% | 1 |
| Redox Reactions | 2.4% | 1 |
| Chemical Equilibrium | 2.4% | 1 |
| Ionic Equilibrium | 3.2% | 1 |
| Solutions | 3.6% | 1 |
| Thermodynamics | 6.8% | 2 |
| Electrochemistry | 5.6% | 1–2 |
| Chemical Kinetics & Nuclear Chemistry | 5.2% | 1 |
| Periodic Table & Periodicity | 6.0% | 2 |
| Chemical Bonding & Molecular Structure | 4.0% | 1 |
| d & f Block Elements | 5.2% | 1 |
| Coordination Compounds | 7.2% | 2 |
| Salt Analysis | 2.0% | 1 |
| Basics of Organic Chemistry (GOC) | 6.8% | 2 |
| Hydrocarbons | 5.2% | 1 |
| Haloalkanes & Haloarenes | 4.4% | 1 |
| Alcohols, Phenols & Ethers | 2.0% | 1 |
| Aldehydes, Ketones & Carboxylic Acids | 5.6% | 1–2 |
| Compounds Containing Nitrogen | 5.2% | 1 |
| Biomolecules | 4.4% | 1 |
| Practical Organic Chemistry | 1.2% | 0–1 |
JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 Shift 2 Physics Paper Analysis
The JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 Shift 2 Physics section was moderate-tough. The average time to attempt the physics section was 45-60+ minutes. Key topics included ray optics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics (2, with error analysis), electrostatics, rotational motion (MOI), laws of motion, EM waves, semiconductors (logic gates), and kinematics.
- 12-13 questions – easy level.
- 4-5 questions – difficult level.
- 8-9 questions – moderate level.
JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 Session 1 Shift 2 Physics Analysis (Topic-Wise Weightage)
| Chapter | Weightage (%) | Approx. No. of Questions |
| Current Electricity | 8.00% | 2 |
| Heat & Thermodynamics | 7.33% | 2 |
| Properties of Matter | 7.00% | 2 |
| Atoms & Nuclei | 6.67% | 2 |
| Units & Measurements | 5.50% | 1–2 |
| Electrostatics | 5.33% | 1–2 |
| Magnetic Effect of Current | 5.17% | 1–2 |
| Alternating Current | 4.33% | 1 |
| Laws of Motion | 4.00% | 1 |
| Gravitation | 4.00% | 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 | 2.50% | 1 |
| Electromagnetic Waves | 2.50% | 1 |
| Geometrical Optics | 2.50% | 1 |
| Capacitor | 2.33% | 1 |
| Circular Motion | 1.83% | 0–1 |
| Center of Mass & Collision | 1.67% | Centre of Mass & Collision |
JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 Shift 2 – Student Reactions & Feedback
The students’ reactions were mixed on JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 Shift 2, where many called it one of the toughest shifts due to lengthy calculations and advanced questions. Physics was the most challenging, Mathematics was difficult and lengthy, while Chemistry offered some easy questions. Overall, time management proved critical, potentially lowering cutoffs.
- Physics: A wide range of students found Physics challenging, lengthy, and numerical-heavy, especially modern physics, electrostatics, and electromagnetism. Students found some questions similar to JEE Advanced-level questions, which took them extra time to solve, compared to the shift 1.
- Chemistry: Students said that Chemistry emerged as moderate, with a heavy focus on physical and inorganic topics, with NCERT-based and statement-based questions. It felt balanced and slightly easier than Shift 1’s organic emphasis, though
mixed-concept problems added some complexity. The majority of the students found Chemistry as high scoring section. - Mathematics: The Mathematics section was the same as with other shifts, which were difficult and lengthy, prioritising Sets and Relations, Matrices and Determinants, Permutations and Combinations, Vector Algebra, and 3D Geometry.
JEE Main 2026 January 23 Shift 2 Question Paper
Every year, question papers are released on our website based on the memory-based questions after the paper. 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 Jan 23 Shift 2 Physics Paper |
| Chemistry | Download JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 Shift 2 Chemistry Paper |
| Mathematics | Download JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 Shift 2 Mathematics Paper |
How to Download the JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 Shift 2 Question Paper PDF?
Students can download the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Shift 2 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 and password/date of birth.
- Select the specific exam date and shift.
- You can then view 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
The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) every year. The JEE Main exam is conducted for admissions to undergraduate engineering and architecture programmes in India. The JEE Main exam is also a qualifying exam for JEE Advanced.
NTA releases the official answer key along with the response sheet a couple of days after the exam. It is estimated that the response sheet will be released along with the questions 2 weeks after the JEE Main 2026 exam.
The JEE Main Jan 23 Shift 2 paper is considered to be tough and lengthy. If compared to Jan 22 shifts, the paper was tougher. Hence, experts are predicting that the cut-off might fall for this section.
In the JEE Main Jan 23 Shift 2 paper, the most difficult section was mathematics and physics. Both sections were equally lengthy and time-consuming. And the majority of the questions were not NCERT-level.
The exam time for the JEE Main exam Shift 2 on 23 January is between 3 PM and 6 PM. Students should arrive between 7:30 AM and 8:30 AM to avoid any hassle.
The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 result is expected to be announced after the release of the final answer key, usually within a few weeks of the exam. The estimated date for JEE Main 2026 Session 1 results is February 12, 2026.
The JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 Shift 2 physics section is said to be more on the tougher side. The section was lengthy and time-consuming as well. The physics section in this shift was one of the toughest compared to other shifts.
The JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 Shift 2 chemistry section is said to be of a moderate level. Physical chemistry questions were easier compared to organic and inorganic chemistry. Chemistry was the scoring section in this paper.
