JEE Main 2025 Session 1, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), always sparks discussions about which shift is the toughest. Understanding difficulty trends can help students prepare better and set realistic expectations. Based on past years, Day 5 and Shift 1 tend to be the most challenging. Of these, Shift 1 is usually considered tougher than Shift 2.
It’s important to remember that the difficulty level of each shift can vary, and these predictions are based on trends from previous exams. The best way to tackle any shift—no matter how tough—is to stay calm, focus on preparation, and approach the exam with confidence.
How Do We Determine the Hardest Shift in JEE 2025?
JEE Main 2025 Session 1 is being held across multiple days, including January 23, 24, 28, and 29, with six shifts completed so far. Each shift varies in difficulty, and student feedback plays a key role in identifying which ones were more challenging.
While the hardest shift can differ for each student based on their preparation and strengths, shift-wise question paper discussions provide valuable insights. Exam analysis not only breaks down the difficulty of each shift but also highlights the types of questions asked in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. This helps students preparing for upcoming shifts to refine their strategy and adjust their study plan accordingly.
JEE Main 2025 Answer Key & Solutions [Shift Wise]
JEE Main 2025 Session 1 – Hardest Shifts Based on Trends
JEE Main January 22, 2025 – Shift 1 & 2
The January 22 exams had two shifts, and the difficulty level varied across sections.
- Shift 1: The exam was moderate overall. Chemistry was moderately challenging, while Mathematics and Physics were tougher.
- Shift 2: Mathematics was particularly lengthy and time-consuming, while Chemistry had more theory-based, straightforward questions.
For a detailed analysis of the January 22 shifts, check out the discussion in the PDF below.
JEE Main January 23, 2025 – Shift 1 & 2
As per student feedback, the January 23 exams were moderately difficult.
- Shift 1:
- Physics was easy to moderate, with most questions from Class 12.
- Chemistry covered almost all chapters, with a strong focus on Organic Chemistry.
- Mathematics was the toughest, with lengthy calculations making it time-consuming.
- Shift 2: A similar pattern followed, with Mathematics being the hardest section, while Chemistry and Physics were easier in comparison.
JEE Main January 24, 2025 – Shift 1 & 2
The January 24 exam was rated as moderately easy, though there were some differences across shifts.
- Shift 1:
- Mathematics was the most difficult due to lengthy calculations.
- Physics was considered easy.
- Chemistry was a mix of straightforward and slightly tougher questions.
- Shift 2:
- Mathematics remained challenging.
- Physics and Chemistry were relatively easy, making the shift less stressful overall.
Which Shift is Expected to Be the Hardest in JEE Main 2025 Session 1?
Based on past trends, the toughest shift is expected to be Day 5, Shift 1. However, it’s important to remember that difficulty levels can vary from student to student. The best approach is to focus on preparation and maintain a confident mindset.
Difficulty Trends from Previous Years
Looking at JEE Main 2024 can give us useful insights into what to expect in 2025. Here’s a shift-wise breakdown of difficulty levels from last year:
JEE Main January 2024 Session 1 Difficulty Levels
| Exam Date | Shift | Difficulty Level (Out of 3) |
|---|---|---|
| January 27, 2024 | Shift 1 | 1.68 |
| January 27, 2024 | Shift 2 | 1.79 |
| January 29, 2024 | Shift 1 | 1.42 |
| January 29, 2024 | Shift 2 | 1.67 |
| January 30, 2024 | Shift 1 | 1.72 |
| January 30, 2024 | Shift 2 | 1.70 |
| January 31, 2024 | Shift 1 | 1.68 |
| January 31, 2024 | Shift 2 | 1.69 |
| February 1, 2024 | Shift 1 | 1.82 |
| February 1, 2024 | Shift 2 | 1.60 |
JEE Main April 2024 Session 2 Difficulty Levels
| Exam Date | Shift | Difficulty Level (Out of 3) |
|---|---|---|
| April 4, 2024 | Shift 1 | 1.64 |
| April 4, 2024 | Shift 2 | 1.75 |
| April 5, 2024 | Shift 1 | 1.80 |
| April 5, 2024 | Shift 2 | 1.51 |
| April 6, 2024 | Shift 1 | 1.68 |
| April 6, 2024 | Shift 2 | 2.08 |
| April 8, 2024 | Shift 1 | 1.82 |
| April 8, 2024 | Shift 2 | 2.24 |
| April 9, 2024 | Shift 1 | 1.59 |
| April 9, 2024 | Shift 2 | 1.78 |
A common trend in JEE Main 2024 was that Shift 2 was generally harder than Shift 1. If this pattern continues, we might expect Shift 2 in JEE Main 2025 Session 1 to be tougher as well. However, this is just an estimation, and actual difficulty levels will only be known once the exams are conducted.
How to Tackle the Hardest Shift in JEE Main 2025?
If you’re worried about facing a tough shift, here are some strategies to help you prepare:
- Manage Your Time Well: Tougher shifts often have lengthy Mathematics sections. Practicing time management through mock tests can help you avoid spending too long on a single question.
- Work on Your Weak Areas: If you struggle with certain topics, dedicate extra time to revising them. Strengthening your weak points will boost overall performance.
- Stay Calm and Confident: No matter how tough the paper is, staying calm will help you think clearly and tackle questions effectively.
- Solve Previous Year Papers: Going through past JEE Main question papers can help you understand the exam pattern and difficulty levels.
- Focus on Important Topics: Some topics are more frequently tested than others. Prioritizing these in your revision will help you be better prepared.
By following these strategies, you can tackle even the hardest shift in JEE Main 2025 Session 1 with confidence. Remember, the exam is just one step in your journey—preparation and perseverance matter the most!
Toughest Shift of JEE Mains 2025 FAQs
Q1. Which was the toughest shift of JEE Main 2025?
A: The difficulty level of each shift varies, but based on initial student feedback and expert analysis, the toughest shift of JEE Main 2025 was likely one where Mathematics had lengthy calculations, Physics had tricky conceptual questions, and Chemistry included unexpected theoretical questions. A detailed analysis will be available after the official reports.
Q2. How is the toughest shift of JEE Mains 2025 determined?
A: The toughest shift is usually identified based on student feedback, expert reviews, and the average marks scored in that session. Factors such as question difficulty, length of calculations, and unexpected topics contribute to the overall difficulty.
Q3. Does appearing in a tough shift impact my JEE Main percentile?
A: No, NTA uses a normalization process to ensure fairness. If your shift was tougher than others, the normalization process will adjust the scores accordingly, so your percentile is not negatively affected.
Q4. How can I check the difficulty level of my JEE Main 2025 shift?
A: You can check memory-based student reviews, expert analysis, and coaching institute reviews. Official data on shift-wise difficulty will be available after the final result declaration.
Q5. How can I prepare for tough shifts in JEE Mains?
A: To tackle tough shifts, focus on time management, practice previous years’ tough papers, strengthen conceptual understanding, and attempt mock tests under exam-like conditions. Staying calm and confident is also key to handling unexpected challenges.










