Both shifts followed the standard JEE Main structure. But the experience inside the exam hall was not the same. One shift demanded stamina. The other demanded precision.
This detailed January 24 exam analysis breaks down how Shift 1 and Shift 2 differed in difficulty, length, calculation load, and scoring opportunities, using student feedback and subject-wise trends: clearly, calmly, and without overreaction.
Here’s what we cover:
- Which shift was tougher
- Subject-wise difficulty comparison
- Student reactions from both shifts
- Good attempts and expected score ranges
- How to use Aakash’s question paper solutions effectively
Overall Difficulty Level: JEE Main 2026 January 24 Shift-wise Comparison
| Shift | Overall Difficulty | Key Characteristic |
| Shift 1 (9 AM – 12 PM) | Moderate but Lengthy | Maths-heavy, time pressure |
| Shift 2 (3 PM – 6 PM) | Moderate to Slightly Tougher | Calculation-heavy, Chemistry surprise |
Verdict: Both shifts were moderate in difficulty. However, Shift 2 felt marginally tougher overall due to long numerical questions in Chemistry and extended calculations across sections. Shift 1 appeared simpler conceptually but became exhausting because of its length, especially in Mathematics.
JEE Main 2026 January 24 Exam: Subject-wise Difficulty Comparison
Mathematics
| Shift | Difficulty | Nature of Questions |
| Shift 1 | Moderate to Tough | Lengthy calculations, multi-step problems |
| Shift 2 | Easy to Moderate | Long problem statements, time-consuming |
Common Topics: Calculus, Algebra, Vectors & 3D Geometry, Coordinate Geometry
Insight: Mathematics tested time management more than concepts in both shifts. Shift 1 felt tougher due to sheer length, while Shift 2 demanded careful question selection.
Physics
| Shift | Difficulty | Nature of Questions |
| Shift 1 | Moderate | Calculation-heavy with conceptual twists |
| Shift 2 | Easy to Moderate | Balanced numericals and theory |
Common Topics: Modern Physics, Electricity & Magnetism, Optics, Mechanics
Insight: Physics acted as a scoring stabiliser in Shift 2. In Shift 1, it became time-consuming and affected overall attempts.
Chemistry
| Shift | Difficulty | Nature of Questions |
| Shift 1 | Easy to Moderate | NCERT-based, familiar patterns |
| Shift 2 | Moderate to Tough | Calculation-heavy, Organic & Physical focus |
Common Topics: Chemical Bonding, Ionic Equilibrium, GOC, Coordination Compounds
Insight: Chemistry was the biggest differentiator on January 24. Shift 1 rewarded NCERT clarity. Shift 2 surprised students with lengthy numericals and tricky statements.
Which Shift Was Tougher on January 24?
- Shift 1: Conceptually manageable but extremely lengthy, with Mathematics driving fatigue.
- Shift 2: Conceptually balanced but calculation-heavy, especially in Chemistry.
Final Call: January 24 Shift 2 can be considered marginally tougher due to higher calculation load and reduced breathing space across sections.
Normalisation ensures fairness across shifts. Accuracy still matters more than attempts.
Student Reactions: Shift 1 vs Shift 2
| Aspect | Shift 1 | Shift 2 |
| Most Scoring Section | Chemistry | Physics |
| Most Difficult Section | Mathematics | Chemistry |
| Time Pressure | Very High | Extremely High |
| Overall Feedback | Manageable but tiring | Lengthy and calculation-heavy |
Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme (Both Shifts)
- Duration: 3 Hours
- Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
- Questions per Subject: 20 MCQs + 10 NATs (Attempt any 5)
- Marking Scheme:
- +4 for correct answers
- −1 for incorrect MCQs
- No negative marking for NATs
January 21 to January 24: How JEE Main Session 1 Papers Evolved
Looking at all four exam days together shows a clear shift from balanced papers to endurance-heavy ones. The difficulty didn’t jump suddenly. Time pressure did.
Day-Wise & Shift-Wise Comparison (At a Glance)
| Date | Shift | Overall Difficulty | Physics | Chemistry | Maths | Core Challenge |
| Jan 21 | Shift 1 | Moderate | Easy–Moderate | Easy | Tough | Lengthy Maths |
| Shift 2 | Easy–Moderate | Easy | Easy–Moderate | Tough & Lengthy | Time management | |
| Jan 22 | Shift 1 | Easy–Moderate | Time-consuming | Easy | Moderate | Speed vs accuracy |
| Shift 2 | Moderate | Balanced | Conceptual | Moderate | Concept clarity | |
| Jan 23 | Shift 1 | Moderate–Tough | Moderate | Lengthy | Tough | Mental stamina |
| Shift 2 | Moderate–Hard | Tough (Advanced-like) | Statement-based | Moderate | Endurance + calculations | |
| Jan 24 | Shift 1 | Moderate | Lengthy | Scoring | Lengthy | Sustained speed |
| Shift 2 | Moderate & Very Lengthy | Scoring | Tough & Calculation-heavy | Lengthy | Fatigue control |
Download JEE Main 2026 January 24 Question Papers & Answer Keys by Aakash
Since JEE Main is a computer-based exam, official papers are not released immediately. Aakash provides memory-based question papers with detailed solutions prepared by experienced subject experts.
How to Download Aakash Question Paper Solutions
- Visit Aakash’s digital learning or exam analysis section.
- Open JEE Main 2026 January Session – Question Papers & Solutions.
- Select January 24 – Shift 1 or Shift 2.
- Download subject-wise PDFs for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
- Match responses to estimate scores and identify weak areas.
These solutions focus on approach, accuracy, and time strategy, not just final answers.
Good Attempts & Expected Score Range (Indicative)
- Safe Attempts: 48–55 questions
- Good Score: 140+ marks
- 99 Percentile Range: 175–185 marks
- Top Scores: 200+ with strong accuracy
Expected Category-wise Cut-off (Percentile)
- General: 92–94
- OBC-NCL / EWS: 78–82
- SC: 58–62
- ST: 45–50
What This Means for Upcoming Shifts
- Don’t underestimate length, even in moderate papers.
- Prepare for calculation-heavy Chemistry, not just NCERT recall.
- Choose Maths questions wisely. Avoid time traps.
- Use memory-based papers to spot repeated patterns.
Every shift brings a different challenge. Normalisation balances it out.
Final Takeaway
The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 January 24 exam tested stamina more than surprises. Shift 1 rewarded discipline and smart selection. Shift 2 rewarded patience and calculation control.
Focus on accuracy. Manage time. Stay calm. Trust the process.
FAQs
Q1. Was January 24 Shift 1 an easy paper?
Not really. It was moderate but long. Maths consumed time, Physics needed patience, and Chemistry helped balance attempts.
Q2. How tough was JEE Main 2026 January 24 Shift 2?
Shift 2 was moderate but calculation-heavy. Chemistry surprised many students, while Physics remained relatively scoring.
Q3. Which subject was the most scoring on January 24?
Shift 1: Chemistry.
Shift 2: Physics.
Q4. Does shift difficulty affect final results?
No. JEE Main follows a normalisation process that balances score differences across shifts.
Q5. How should students use this analysis?
Use it to improve time management, refine question selection, and avoid over-attempting in future shifts.
