JEE Mains 23 Jan Shift 2 2026 Paper Analysis: Check Subject-Wise Analysis and Download Answer Key

The National Testing Agency has successfully completed the Day 3 shift 2 of the Joint Entrance Examination Mains (JEE Main 2026) Session 1. As per the given JEE Main analysis by test-takers, this January 23 Shift 2 was the toughest shift for the Session 1, leaving behind the difficulty level of the jan 22 Shift 1. 

As per the JEE Mains 23 Jan Shift 2 2026 Paper Analysis, the JEE Main question paper was moderate to tough in overall difficulty level. Although the official JEE Main Paper pattern is followed in all shifts throughout the session, the difficulty level varies. Based on the experts’ JEE Mains 2026 analysis and minimum cutoff marks, the 99th percentile corresponds to 180 marks or less in all shifts.

Also Check: 

• JEE Mains 2026 Jan 21 Shift 1 Exam Analysis
• JEE Mains  Jan 21 Shift 2 Paper Analysis 2026
• JEE Main January 22 2026, Shift 1 Paper Analysis
• JEE Main January 22, 2026 Shift 2 Paper Analysis 
• JEE Main Januay 23, 2026 Shift 1 Paper Analysis

Where To Get JEE Main Paper analysis?

JEE Main Exam Analysis allows you to determine whether a shift was easy, moderate, or difficult in comparison to others, and also determines which chapters are frequently queried and should be prioritised.

Checking JEE Mains 2026 paper analysis provides clarity, confidence, and a data-driven preparation roadmap—and platforms such as CollegeDost make this information easily accessible and student-friendly

JEE Mains Paper Analysis 2026 on College Dost

Why JEE Main Mock Test Crucial for the April Session?

According to the JEE Main Paper analysis of January 23 2026 Shift 2 exam, JEE Mock test, and JEE Main PYQs are critical for the April session for the following reasons. CollegeDost JEE Mains Mock Test gives the best preparation method to get ready for the Upcoming JEE Mains 2026 shifts along with the April Session. Along with JEE Mains PYQs to the chapterwise questions, check out some benefits below.

• Mastering Time Management for Lengthy Papers: The Jan 23 Shift 2 JEE Main Analysis found that the paper was particularly long and conceptually difficult, with many candidates struggling to manage their time effectively. Experts observed that paper length, rather than intricacy, dictated the difficulty. Thus Mock tests are important for the April session.
• Simulate real-time pressure: Taking full-length JEE Main Mock Tests with a 3-hour timer helps build the stamina and efficiency required to write a “time-intensive” paper.
• Refine question selection: Mock exams teach students how to identify and solve easy, high-scoring questions first, avoiding getting stuck on difficult ones, which was a big challenge in the Jan 23 shift 2 session.
• Addressing Subject-Specific Challenges: JEE Main Exam Analysis of the Jan 23 Shift 2 session revealed that Physics was the most difficult portion, with advanced-level numerical issues, while Chemistry was surprisingly time-consuming due to statement-based questions. 
• Encounter with a Variety of Questions: As Chemistry transitions from simple memory-based questions to mixed-concept and statement-based issues, regular mock examinations help students become comfortable with these forms.

Recommended for JEE Mains 2026 aspirants 👇

JEE Main Paper Analysis 2026 January 23 2026 Shift 2

The JEE Mains January 23 Shift 2 Examination was held from -3:00 P.M to 06:00 P.M. Students who are going to appear in upcoming shifts must refre the JEE Mains 2026 analysis to make their preparation more exam-oriented. 

According to the JEE Mains Jan 23 Shift 2 Paper Analysis provided by experts and student input, the January 23 evening shift was moderately tough. Physics and Chemistry were easier to manage than Mathematics, which proved slightly more difficult. The JEE Main analysis shows that the JEE Mains cutoff for the January session is expected to go lower, compared to last year.

JEE Main 2026 Exam Difficulty Level Analysis

According to the JEE Main exam analysis based on student input, the shift 2 paper was moderate to challenging.  Talking to the subjectwise JEE Main 2026 exam difficulty level analysis, the chemistry section was moderate, with numerous statement-based questions. Physics was difficult and lengthy, including JEE Advanced-level questions. On the other hand, Mathematics was equally lengthy and difficult. It took the students time to finish their papers.

Subject-wise JEE Mains 2026 Paper Analysis

The subject-wise analysis for the JEE Main 23rd January Shift 2 exam indicates a paper that was generally doable but showed a trend toward being more lengthy and concept-heavy than in previous years. Aspirants who are 

JEE Main Chemistry Analysis

The Chemistry section was described as doable but slightly lengthy, requiring more effort and time than the usual “fast-paced” sessions of previous years. Approximately 50% of the questions were considered solid and straightforward, while others contained traps or distortions. Take a look at the Chemistry high-weightage of chapters in JEE Mains as per the JEE Main Exam analysis:

Sections	Chemistry JEE Mains Questions Based on
Organic	Electronegativity trends (specifically Group 13 and Group 15), oxidation states (e.g., Cr in acidified K2Cr2O7 reactions), and coordination compounds (calculating unpaired electrons in Nickel complexes). Tinert pair effect was also a featured concept.
Inorganic	Topics included the Carius method for chlorine estimation, dehalogenation of vicinal dihalides, carbocation stability (alpha-hydrogen count), and the Iodoform test for differentiating alcohols like methanol and ethanol.
Physical	Direct application of Raoult’s Law for ideal solutions and Le Chatelier’s Principle in chemical equilibrium problems was noted.

JEE Main Physics Analysis

As per the JEE main paper analysis 2026, many students perceived Physics as “very easy,” instructors noted it was actually “tricky” due to the inclusion of statement-based and cognitive skill-based questions. Compared to the morning shift, this session was considered slightly less difficult but still required careful calculation. Take a look at the physics JEE Mains chapter-wise questions for the same shift below

Chapters	JEE Mains Physics Questions based on
Optics and Waves	Ray Optics JEE Mains Questions involved convex lens magnification, Brewster’s angle (polarisation), and the temperature dependence of the speed of sound.
Mechanics	Featured questions on Moment of Inertia (disk with cavities), projectile motion on inclined planes, and a complex bead-on-a-wire problem categorised as an old JEE Advanced-level question.
Electromagnetism:	Included parallel plate capacitors with dielectrics, magnetic fields at the centre of triangular frames, and induced EMF when a circular loop is reshaped into a square.

JEE Main Maths Analysis

Mathematics was frequently cited as lengthy. However, the instructors noted that compared to the last two or three years, the variety of doable questions has increased, and calculations were slightly reduced for about 15–16 of the questions. Take a look at the Mathematics high-weightage of chapters in JEE Mains as per the JEE Main Exam analysis:

Sections	JEE Mains Maths Questions based on
Algebra	Direct applications of the Beggar Method in Permutations and Combinations, Probability (Total Probability Law), and Equivalence Relations.
Calculus and Geometry	Area between curves (solvable geometrically), Parabolas (equilateral triangles involving chords), and Hyperbolas (eccentricity and area of triangles).
Trigonometry and Others	Trigonometry JEE Mains questions based on Minimum/maximum values of trigonometric expressions, logarithmic equations, and vector algebra (dot/cross products)

Student’s Reaction to JEE Main 2026 23 Jan Shift 2 Paper Analysis

After the shift is over, we have talked to the students to know their reaction to the JEE mains question paper of Jan 23 evening shift.  Many students noted that the paper was “Moderate to Hard” and one of the most difficult shifts observed thus far. Take a quick look at the JEE Mains students’ reaction shift 2

• Several students spent too much time on Physics, with one stating it took more than an hour. Another kid spent 45 minutes on Physics, just to answer 7-8 questions. A third student took an hour to answer only nine questions.
• One student noted that Maths felt easier than Physics during this shift, as they were able to complete 11 questions in Section A.
• One student attempted 11 Chemistry, 9 Physics, and just 5-6 Maths, labelling Physics as the “toughest”.
• Students stated that Chemistry was “badly designed” for the time. One student mentioned that they met four questions with five statement possibilities (A, B, C, D, E) and three assertion-reasoning questions, which slowed them down significantly.
• Many students reported between 26 and 40 total questions due to the unexpected complexity of the Physics and Chemistry formats.
• One student reported that he attempted 18 questions in Chemistry, 15 in Physics, and 15 in Maths, for a total of 48 questions, which was deemed a successful attempt for this shift.

Will the NTA JEE Main Answer Keys be released?

The NTA JEE Mains answer key allows students to compare their answers to the official solutions. Candidates can use the JEE Main question paper and solutions to predict their expected results before the release of scorecards. 

The National Testing Agency will issue the official JEE Main answer key 2026 for session 1 during the first week of February 2026. The individual response sheet and JEE Mains Answer key will be made available on the candidate’s dashboard at jeemain.nic.in.

If you are looking for the JEE Mains 23 Jan shift 2 answer key, you can access it via the direct link provided below.

Access the JEE Mains 2026 Answer Key for the 23rd of January shift 2

Know Your Score By JEE Mains Percentile Predictor

If you want to know about your JEE Mains Percentile Score, then you should refer to the CollegeDost’s exclusive JEE Mains Percentile Predictor Tools. Based on the JEE Mains January Analysis and previous year cutoff trends, this tool provides you with an estimate of your scores before the JEE Mains Results 2026 are announced 

Know your JEE Mains 2026 Percentile Score Now

JEE Main Shift wise Difficulty Level

The NTA has successfully completed the three days of the JEE Mains 2026 Session1. Now We have a detailed JEE Main Analysis of each day’s both shifts on the basis of what students and  experts take a look at the comparison of JEE Main shift-wise difficulty level

Exam Date	Shift	Overall Difficulty	Physics	Chemistry	Mathematics	Hardest Subject
Jan 21, 2026	Shift 1	Moderate to Tough	Easy–Moderate	Moderate	Tough & Lengthy	Mathematics
Jan 21, 2026	Shift 2	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate	Tough & Time-Consuming	Mathematics
Jan 22, 2026	Shift 1	Easy to Moderate	Moderate	Easy	Moderate	Mathematics
Jan 22, 2026	Shift 2	Moderate	Easy–Moderate	Moderate	Tough & Lengthy	Mathematics
Jan 23, 2026	Shift 1	Easy to Moderate	Moderate	Easy	Tough	Mathematics
Jan 23, 2026	Shift 2	Moderate	Moderate to Tough	Moderate	Moderate	Physics / Mathematics

JEE Mains 2025 vs JEE Mains 2026 Analysis For 23rd Jan Shift 2 

Those who want to compare JEE Mains previous year analysis with this shift for them, we have presented complete details in tabular format.

Feature	JEE Main 2025 Analysis	JEE Mains 23 Jan 2nd Shift Paper Analysis
Overall Difficulty	Generally rated as Moderate.	Rated Moderate to Hard or Tough; considered one of the hardest shifts of the session.
JEE Main Physics analysis	Typically Easy to Moderate; often formula-based and scoring.	The most challenging section; featured advanced-level numericals and was very lengthy.
JEE Main chemistry analysis	Traditionally, the toughest section due to extreme length and complexity.	Unexpectedly time-consuming and tricky; featured many statement-based and mixed-concept questions.
JEE Mains Maths analysis	The most challenging section featured advanced-level numericals and was very lengthy.	While lengthy, it was considered the “most friendly” or manageable section compared to this shift’s Physics.
Time Pressure	Standard 3-hour requirement; requires steady management.	Extreme length; time management was the single biggest hurdle as all sections were time-intensive.
99 Percentile Benchmark	Average for the session was approximately 176 marks.	Required approximately 180–188 marks; slightly higher than the session average despite the difficulty.
Key Topics Involved	Varied by shift but stayed within the standard JEE Mains 2026 Syllabus.	Physics: Fluid Mechanics, Error Analysis; Math: Vectors/3D, Conic Sections; Chemistry: Coordination Compounds, Biomolecules.

Conclusion

Reviewing the JEE Mains 2026 Paper analysis is very beneficial for the students who are going to appear in the upcoming shifts. We at CollegeDost regularly provide JEE Main Exam analysis for all shifts, including subject-specific difficulty levels, topic-specific weightage, good attempts, and projected cutoff insights—all in one spot.

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