JEE Main 2026 Jan 28 Exam Analysis: 'Lengthy Calculations' And 'Tricky Problems' In Math

The JEE (Main) exam conducted on January 28, 2026 (morning shift) ranged from moderate to difficult. Among the three subjects, Mathematics was the most challenging and time-consuming, while Chemistry and Physics were of almost equal difficulty.

According to students and experts, the paper was well-balanced in terms of question distribution and chapter coverage. The lengthy and calculation-heavy Mathematics section made it difficult to complete within the given time.

Ajay Sharma, National Academic Director, Engineering, Aakash Educational Services Limited, noted that the Mathematics section was moderate to difficult and the most time-consuming. Questions covered a wide range of the syllabus, with higher weightage given to Integral Calculus, Conic

Sections, and Algebra. Topics like 3D Geometry, Vectors, and Complex Numbers had an average presence. Algebra seemed slightly dominant, while Coordinate Geometry had moderate representation. The lengthy calculations and tricky problems made this section the toughest of all.

The Physics section was relatively easier. Questions covered almost all major chapters, with more from Electromagnetism and fewer from Optics and Waves. Mechanics had an average presence. Although a few questions were time-consuming, the section was generally manageable. Topics such as Electromagnetic Waves, Thermodynamics, and Modern Physics were also adequately represented.

The Chemistry section ranged from easy to moderate in difficulty. Questions were evenly distributed among Organic, Inorganic, and Physical Chemistry, with a slight emphasis on Organic Chemistry. Many questions were statement-based and closely aligned with NCERT concepts. While not very difficult, some required careful reading and conceptual understanding.

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The JEE Main January session Paper 1 (BE/BTech) will conclude today, January 28, while Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Planning) is scheduled for tomorrow, January 29. This year, 14.10 lakh students have registered for the JEE Main January session 2026 exam, indicating tough competition and a high cut-off.

Meanwhile, the National Testing Agency (NTA) is expected to open the registration window for JEE Main 2026 Session 2 in the last week of January 2026, as per the official update. Students who registered for the January 2026 session can also apply for the April attempt.