JEE Main Today Paper Shift 2 Jan 23 2026 Question Paper with Solutions Free PDF

The JEE Main 2026 January 23 Shift 2 paper was tougher compared to all the previous shifts conducted so far. Although the overall difficulty level is classified as Tough, the length of the paper and subject-wise imbalance made time management difficult for many candidates. Physics emerged as the toughest section, while Mathematics, though lengthy, was comparatively easier. Chemistry remained moderate but included several statement-based questions.

Based on the difficulty trend observed across shifts till now, the cut-off is expected to drop compared to earlier shifts.

Physics Analysis – JEE Main 2026 January 23 Shift 2

Physics was clearly the most challenging section in this shift and was tougher than all previous sessions. Many students reported that the section was lengthy, conceptually demanding, and included a few questions that required JEE Advanced-level thinking.

JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 Shift 2 Physics Topic-Wise Distribution 

• Electrostatics – 1 question

• Conservation of Momentum – 1 question

• Semiconductor Electronics (Logic Gates) – 1 question

• Modern Physics – 0 questions

• Moment of Inertia – 1 question

• Electromagnetic Waves – 2 questions

• Ray Optics – 3 questions

• Thermodynamics – 3 questions

• Fluid Mechanics – 2 questions

• Current Electricity – 1 question

JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 Shift 2 Physics Question-Type Observations

• Statement-based questions – 3

• Assertion–Reason questions – 3

• Error-based questions – 1

• Units and Dimensions – 1

• Viscosity – 1
  
  

The absence of Modern Physics questions was unexpected. The high number of statement-based and assertion–reason questions, combined with lengthy numericals, made Physics the deciding factor in this shift.

Mathematics Analysis – JEE Main 2026 January 23 Shift 2

Mathematics was lengthy but comparatively easier than Physics and Chemistry. Conceptually, the paper was manageable, but the number of multi-step calculations made it time-consuming.

JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 Shift 2 Maths Topic-Wise Distribution

• Vectors and 3D Geometry – 3 questions

• Straight Lines and Circles – 5–6 questions

• Probability – 0 questions

• Sequences and Series – 2 questions

• Continuity and Differentiability – 1 question

• Statistics – 1 question

• Quadratic Equations – 1 question

Coordinate Geometry dominated the paper, especially Straight Lines and Circles. Students with good calculation speed found Maths scoring, but many struggled to complete the section within time.

Chemistry Analysis – JEE Main 2026 January 23 Shift 2

Chemistry was moderate in difficulty and had a balanced weightage across Organic, Inorganic, and Physical Chemistry. However, several questions were statement-based, increasing the importance of NCERT clarity.

JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 Shift 2 Chemistry Topic Highlights (Chemistry)

• Coordination Compounds – 3 questions

• Biomolecules – 1 question

• Chemical Equilibrium – 1 question

• General Organic Chemistry – 1 statement-based question

• Salt Analysis – 0 questions

Chemistry did not include surprises but required careful reading of statements, especially in Inorganic and Organic sections. Students well-prepared with NCERT found Chemistry relatively scoring.

JEE Main 2026 Jan 23 Shift 2 Overall Takeaway

• Toughest shift so far in JEE Main 2026

• Physics was lengthy, concept-heavy, and toughest

• Mathematics was long but comparatively easier

• Chemistry was moderate with statement-based questions

• Cut-offs are expected to drop due to higher overall difficulty

How to Download JEE Main 2026 January 23 Shift 2 Question Paper PDF

Students can download the JEE Main 2026 January 23 Shift 2 question paper PDF by following the steps below (PDF available after verification):

1. Visit the Vedantu JEE Main Question Paper page

2. Scroll to the January 22 Shift 2 section

3. Select the subject – Physics, Chemistry, or Mathematics

4. Click on the Download PDF link

5. The question paper with solutions will open in a new tab

6. Save the PDF for offline use

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