The JEE Main 2026 Jan 22 shift 2 has been successfully concluded by NTA from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM.

Based on the initial feedback and experts at eSaral, the exam was slightly difficult than shift 1 with potential time pressure in calculations/multi-concept questions (especially Maths).

  • Physics was moderate, with formula-based questions from Units & Measurements, Laws of Motion, and Current Electricity.
  • Chemistry was moderate and NCERT-focused with a balanced mix of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, along with 5–6 Organic reaction-based questions.
  • Mathematics was the most challenging and time-consuming, dominated by lengthy calculations from Vectors & 3D Geometry and Conic Sections.

The Sri Chaitanya experts’ also confirmed that the exam was moderately difficult overall, however slightly tougher than Shift 1, with more focus on application-based problem-solving. Maths was the toughest section; Physics & Chemistry were manageable and NCERT-driven.

The Paper Analysis covers the overall difficulty, subject-wise trends, topic-weightage, good attempts, and cutoff to help candidates check the performance and prepare for the next shifts.

Also Read:

JEE Main 2026 January 22 Overall Difficulty Level

Aakash and Vedantu confirm that the Maths lengthy, Chemistry quick-scoring, balanced syllabus coverage (~65% Class 12, 35% Class 11). 

According to Ujjwal Singh, founding CEO, Infinity Learn by Sri Chaitanya, the day 2, shift 1 JEE Main 2026 paper was NCERT-driven, concept-focused, and easy to moderate in difficulty, rewarding candidates with strong theoretical preparation over application-heavy problem-solving.

We have also collected the initial feedback from the candidates and their experience of the JEE Main 202 Jan 22 Shift 2 exam:

  • “Maths was lengthy and tough… Physics easy-moderate, Chemistry moderate & conceptual.”
  • “Overall moderate paper. Chemistry was scoring, Physics straightforward, but Maths took too much time.”
  • Many noted: “Easier than Jan 21 shifts”, “NCERT sufficient for 60–70% questions”, “Prioritise easy questions first”.
  • Good attempts (preliminary student estimates): 50–65 questions (high accuracy important); Chemistry allows more attempts, Maths limits total.

Check: JEE Main 2026 22nd Jan Shift 2 Question Paper

JEE Main 2026: 22 January Shift 2 Physics Analysis

Parameter Analysis
Overall Difficulty Level Easy to Moderate
Nature of Questions Formula-based, conceptual, largely NCERT-centric with limited numerical calculations
High-Weightage Topics Ray Optics, Fluid Mechanics, Rotation & Moment of Inertia, Semiconductors, Logic Gates, Thermodynamics, Modern Physics
Scoring Potential High
Student Feedback Regarded as the most scoring section with straightforward questions

JEE Main 2026: 22 January Shift 2 Chemistry Analysis

Parameter Analysis
Overall Difficulty Level Moderate (Conceptual & Scoring)
Nature of Questions NCERT-focused, theory-heavy; direct questions; Organic Chemistry included assertion–reason type
High-Weightage Topics Coordination Compounds, d-block & p-block elements, Mole Concept, Ionic Equilibrium, Buffer Solutions, Entropy, Chemical Kinetics, Biomolecules
Scoring Potential High
Student Feedback Many students completed this section quickly due to direct questions

JEE Main 2026: 22 January Shift 2 Mathematics Analysis

Parameter Analysis
Overall Difficulty Level Tough / Lengthy / Tricky
Nature of Questions Calculation-heavy, multi-step problems requiring precision and strong time management
High-Weightage Topics Sequences & Series, Vectors & 3D Geometry, Definite Integration, Functions, Sets & Relations, Probability, Conic Sections
Scoring Potential Moderate to Low
Student Feedback Identified as the most challenging section and the key differentiator among students

Check:

Student Reactions & Feedback on JEE Main 2026 January 22 Shift 2

The student reaction to the JEE Main shift 2 was largely positive regarding physics and chemistry. Many students reported that solving PYQs was the single most effective way to prepare for the paper.

Student/Source Overall Difficulty Physics Chemistry Mathematics Good Attempts (est.) Key Student Quote / Insight
Multiple students (Shiksha.com) Moderate Easy to Moderate Easy & Conceptual Lengthy & Tricky 50–60 “Maths was lengthy and calculation-heavy, needed strong time management. Chemistry was the easiest section.”
Students via PW.live Moderate Easy-Moderate Moderate (scoring) Tough / Time-consuming 52–62 “Physics was straightforward with formulas. Chemistry had direct NCERT questions. Maths took most of the time.”
Candidates (Careers360 / X) Moderate to Tough Moderate Easy to Moderate Lengthy (most challenging) 48–58 “Overall balanced but Maths differentiated ranks. Chemistry was quick to solve.”
Exam centre feedback (Jagran Josh) Moderate Easy-Moderate Moderate (Organic heavy) Tricky, multi-step 55–65 “Paper was fair but time pressure in last section (Maths). Prioritising easy questions helped.”
Aggregated early reactions (Reddit/X) Moderate Easy-Moderate Easiest section Toughest & Lengthiest ~55 average “Chemistry saved time, Physics conceptual, Maths marathon-like.”

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Expected Good Attempts, Marks & Cutoff After January 22 Analysis

Early estimates based on Day 2 feedback and normalisation trends:

Subject Good Attempts (for 99+ Percentile) Good Attempts (for 95+ Percentile) Good Attempts (Safe/Average) Insights
Physics 20–23 17–20 15–19 Easiest / scoring section
Chemistry 21–24 18–22 16–21 Quickest & most NCERT-based
Mathematics 15–19 12–16 10–14 Lengthiest & most time-consuming
Total 58–66 50–58 45–55 Accuracy matters more than raw attempts

Key Takeaways & Preparation Tips for Remaining JEE Main 2026 January Shifts

  • Solve questions from the previous year’s question papers.
  • Master the NCERT thoroughly for easy scoring in Chemistry.
  • Practice timed mocks to boost speed and accuracy in maths.
  • Revise high-weightage Physics topics, such as Mechanics, Optics, and Modern Physics.
  • Use memory-based questions from Days 1 and 2 to spot patterns and refine strategy.
  • Focus on accuracy to counter normalisation effects.

This JEE Main 2026 January 22 shift-wise analysis indicates a moderate difficulty level, offering strong scoring potential for prepared candidates. Stay updated with daily analyses for shifts ahead - best of luck to all JEE aspirants!