JEE Main session 1 paper draws mixed student reactions
The JEE Main session 1 paper 1 (BE/BTech) began on Wednesday with students reporting mixed experiences. While the first shift was described as moderate to tough, particularly in mathematics and chemistry, the second shift was considered easier in physics and chemistry.
Published Date - 21 January 2026, 09:53 PM
Hyderabad: The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main session 1 paper 1 (BE/BTech) that commenced on Wednesday evoked mixed responses from students, with those who appeared in the first shift rating the questions as moderate to tough, while another set of students who sat for the exam in the second shift described it as easy to moderate in terms of difficulty levels.
As for the first shift held from 9 am to 12 noon, students reported that problems in mathematics were tough to crack and time consuming. While the physics questions were mostly formula-based, the chemistry questions were moderate to tough in terms of difficulty levels, particularly some questions from physical and in-organic chemistry.
According to coaching experts, toppers could easily score 290 out of 300 marks, while average and low learners may score between 120 and 150 marks in the first session.
As for the second shift conducted from 3 pm to 6 pm, students described questions in chemistry and physics sections as relatively easy.
“The physics questions were formula-based and were on the similar lines of last year’s questions. Barring a couple of problems, the mathematics section was moderate on difficulty levels,” said K Aditya, a student who appeared for the exam in the city.
According to M Uma Shankar, All India IIT Coordinator, Sri Chaitanya Educational Institutions, toppers who effectively used three hours had the potential to score 300 marks in the second shift.
“This time, there is no ambiguity in the questions. Since mathematics is the deciding factor for rankings, students who secure good marks in mathematics will get a better rank. Going by the exam held in two shifts, it appears that questions are being framed keeping a normal student in view,” he added.
The National Testing Agency (NTA ) will conduct the JEE Main session 1 on January 22, 23, 24, 28 and 29.