JEE Main 2026 Exam Insights: Student Reactions and Expert Reviews

The first shift of the JEE Main 2026 exam has concluded, revealing varied student experiences and expert evaluations. While Physics and Mathematics posed significant challenges, Chemistry was deemed easier. Insights from educational leaders provide a deeper understanding of the exam's structure and focus. Read on for a detailed analysis of each subject's difficulty level and expert opinions.

By Ambika Singh Jan 22, 2026, 13:26 IST

Overview of JEE Main 2026 First Shift

The initial shift of the JEE Main 2026 examination has just wrapped up, and feedback from both students and experts is starting to emerge. Let's explore which subjects were perceived as easier and which posed more challenges.

Details of the Exam Schedule

The first shift of the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026 took place on the second day from 9 AM to 12 PM, concluding recently. The subsequent shift is scheduled from 3 PM to 6 PM. Early responses from examinees indicate that the Physics and Mathematics sections were particularly challenging, while the Chemistry paper was viewed as more manageable.

Expert Evaluations of the Exam

Now, let's delve into the expert assessments of the exam. Saurabh Kumar, the CEO and Founder of Shiksha Nation, noted that the first shift paper was notably difficult. Here’s a breakdown of his insights on each subject.

Subject-Specific Reviews

Physics

According to Saurabh Kumar, many students found the Physics section to be quite challenging. It was characterized as lengthy and conceptually demanding, requiring a solid grasp of the material and careful application of concepts.

Mathematics

Kumar highlighted that Mathematics was the most arduous part of the exam. Students reported that it was very time-intensive, featuring complex calculations and questions that rigorously tested their problem-solving abilities.

Chemistry

Conversely, Chemistry was regarded as easier and more scoring. Most of the questions were straightforward and memory-based, allowing students to complete this section more quickly than Physics and Mathematics.

Insights from Oswaal Books CEO

Following the first shift, Prashant Jain, CEO of Oswaal Books, shared his perspective. He remarked, "Feedback from students indicates that the overall difficulty level was moderate, with Mathematics being the most time-consuming section. Physics assessed conceptual understanding and application, while Chemistry was primarily based on NCERT material, making it the easiest and highest-scoring section. The exam emphasized comprehension of fundamental concepts over rote memorization."