The National Testing Agency (NTA) successfully conducted the JEE Main 2026 January 28 Shift 1 Paper 1 (BTech) examination from 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon across centres in India. As per initial reactions from students and coaching experts, the paper was moderate in overall difficulty, with Mathematics emerging as the toughest and most time-consuming section.

Overall Difficulty Level

• Overall paper: Moderate

• Mathematics: Moderate to difficult and lengthy

• Physics: Easy to moderate

• Chemistry: Moderate

Most candidates felt the paper was balanced but required effective time management, especially due to the lengthy Mathematics section.

Subject-Wise Analysis

Mathematics

The Mathematics section was widely considered the most challenging part of the paper.

• Questions were calculation-intensive and lengthy

• Major topics included:

  • Calculus

  • Vector Algebra

  • 3D Geometry

  • Conic Sections

  • Probability

• Many students reported difficulty in attempting all questions within the given time

Chemistry

Chemistry was rated as moderate in difficulty.

• Balanced distribution from:

  • Organic Chemistry

  • Inorganic Chemistry

  • Physical Chemistry

• Several questions were concept-based and statement-oriented

• Organic chemistry reactions featured prominently

Physics

Physics was considered the easiest section among the three.

• Questions were largely formula-based and conceptual

• Topics included:

  • Mechanics

  • Current Electricity

  • Modern Physics

  • Optics

• Students with strong fundamentals found this section scoring

Student Reactions

Students shared that:

• Physics and Chemistry were manageable

• Mathematics consumed maximum time

• Accuracy and selection of questions were crucial

• The paper tested both conceptual clarity and speed

Many candidates felt that a well-planned attempt strategy was necessary to maximize attempts without losing accuracy.

Expert Opinion

Coaching experts stated that the difficulty level was in line with previous sessions of JEE Main and suitable for fair ranking. They noted that Mathematics may act as the main differentiator in percentile scores for this shift.

Conclusion

The JEE Main 2026 January 28 Shift 1 BTech paper maintained a moderate standard overall, with Mathematics being the most demanding section. Aspirants appearing in upcoming shifts are advised to focus on time management, selective question attempts, and accuracy to improve performance.