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JEE Main 22 January 2026 – Shift 1 (Morning)
Paper Analysis (Difficulty Level) – Shift 1, 22 January 2026
The morning shift of 22 January 2026 was generally moderate, with variations in difficulty across subjects. Overall, it favored candidates with conceptual clarity and speed rather than guesswork.
Physics
Overall difficulty: Moderate
Key topics: Mechanics, Electrostatics, Current Electricity, Modern Physics, and Thermodynamics dominated.
Observations:
Most questions were numerical-based, requiring stepwise calculation and conceptual understanding. Mechanics questions involved motion, work-energy, and rotational dynamics, mostly of standard difficulty.
Modern Physics was relatively easier, testing formulas and basic principles. Time management was important, as a few numerical problems were lengthy.
Chemistry
Overall difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Key topics: Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry.
Observations:
Inorganic Chemistry was NCERT-based, relatively straightforward, focusing on periodic table trends and chemical bonding.
oPhysical Chemistry included standard numerical problems on Thermodynamics, Equilibrium, and Electrochemistry.
Organic Chemistry focused on reaction mechanisms, functional group transformations, and simple synthesis problems.
oConceptual clarity helped solve questions quickly; very few tricky or time-consuming problems.
Mathematics
Overall difficulty: Moderate to Slightly Difficult
Key topics: Calculus, Algebra, Coordinate Geometry, Geometry, and Trigonometry.
Observations:
- Calculus questions were lengthy and required careful calculation; both differentiation and integration were tested.
- Algebra focused on quadratic equations, matrices, determinants, and sequences, mostly of moderate difficulty.
- Geometry and 3D Geometry had a mix of standard and tricky questions; time management was crucial.
- Geometry and Trigonometry were relatively straightforward, mostly formula-based.
Overall Assessment
The paper required conceptual clarity, accuracy, and speed.
- Physics and Chemistry were balanced in difficulty, favoring well-prepared candidates.
- Mathematics was time-consuming, making it the deciding factor for high scores.
- Students with strong problem-solving strategies and careful time allocation were likely to perform well.
Expected Score vs Percentile (Shift 1 – 22 January 2026)
Based on difficulty reports and previous JEE Main trends, the expected score vs percentile for Shift 1 (morning) is as follows:
- 290–300 marks → 99.9+ percentile
- 250–270 marks → 99.5–99.8 percentile
- 220–240 marks → 99.0–99.4 percentile
- 180–200 marks → 97.5–98.5 percentile
- 150–170 marks → 95.0–97.0 percentile
- 120–140 marks → 92.0–94.5 percentile
- 90–110 marks → 88.0–91.5 percentile
- 60–80 marks → 80.0–87.0 percentile
Note: Percentiles are indicative, based on reported shift difficulty and past trends. They may vary slightly after NTA’s official normalization.
Normalization in JEE Main 22 January 2026 (Shift 1)
Although this article focuses on Shift 1 of 22 January, it’s important to understand that normalization covers all shifts of the January and April 2026 sessions.
Percentile calculation: NTA calculates percentile scores within each shift and then aligns them across all shifts in both sessions.
Adjusting for difficulty: Shift 1 was reported to be moderate in Mathematics, while Physics and Chemistry were balanced. Normalization ensures candidates in any shift are not disadvantaged.
Final ranking (AIR): The All India Rank is based on normalized percentiles, not raw marks, allowing fair comparison with candidates from other shifts and sessions.
Student impact: Normalization rewards accuracy, time management, and consistent performance, neutralizing any minor differences in shift difficulty.
In short: For Shift 1 of 22 January 2026, normalization ensures candidates are ranked fairly relative to all shifts of January and April 2026, reflecting true merit.
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