JEE Main 2026: 24 January Shift 2 Full Paper Review & Topic Analysis

Key Takeaway

The JEE Main 2026 – 24 January Shift 2 paper was moderate overall but notably time-consuming, especially in Chemistry and Mathematics. Physics was relatively manageable yet lengthy, rewarding students with strong fundamentals and time discipline. Students who combined conceptual clarity with speed management performed best. 

Exam Overview

The JEE Main 2026 Jan 24 Shift 2 exam followed NTA’s standard CBT pattern with 75 questions (25 from each subject) and a total score of 300. The memory-based analysis indicates that while no section was extremely difficult, several questions required multi-step reasoning and careful application of core concepts. 

Overall Difficulty Level

Student Feedback:
Chemistry emerged as the toughest due to complex mixed questions, while Physics was the easiest comparatively, though it still taxed time management skills.

Subject-Wise Analysis

Physics

The Physics section tested core concepts with manageable calculations. Important areas included Ray Optics, Modern Physics, Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, and Current Electricity. 

OGcollege Insight:
Physics was easier relative to other subjects but still required precision and speed, especially in numerical solving. 

Chemistry

Chemistry in this shift was challenging and mixed, with several questions combining multiple areas, including Physical Chemistry, Inorganic, and Organic topics. 

OGcollege Insight:
Chemistry required deep conceptual understanding beyond just NCERT, especially for mixed and assertion-reason questions. 

Mathematics

Mathematics was moderate in difficulty but lengthy due to multi-step problems and calculation intensity. Key topics frequently observed were Conic Sections, Vectors & 3D Geometry, Coordinate Geometry, Sets & Relations, and Calculus.

OGcollege Insight:
Maths kept its standard pattern with multi-topic questions that rewarded accuracy and methodical problem solving.

Key Observations & Trends

• Balanced difficulty: The paper was moderate overall but highly time-consuming due to lengthy problems in Chemistry and Maths. 
• Physics remains manageable: Physics was the relatively easiest section yet still required good time allocation.
• Mixed Chemistry questions: Chemistry included complex, concept-linked questions that tested deeper understanding.
• Time management is essential: Smart time allocation between sections would significantly impact overall performance. 

Preparation Strategy for Upcoming Shifts

1. Strengthen Conceptual Understanding

• Chemistry: Revise Physical Chemistry concepts like Electrochemistry and Thermodynamics thoroughly.
• Physics: Focus on Ray Optics, Fluid Mechanics, and Current Electricity.
• Mathematics: Prioritize Conic Sections, Vectors, Coordinate Geometry, and Calculus.

2. Practice Timed Mock Tests

Practice full-length mock tests under strict time limits to build strategy and pacing skills.

3. Analyse Shift-Wise Trends

Compare trend insights from earlier shifts (Shift 1 / Shift 2) to spot recurring high-yield topics and adapt your revision plan accordingly.

Contextual Tip

Before finalizing your April revision plan, check your expected percentile using the OGcollege Rank Calculator.
To explore colleges suited to your performance, use the College Predictor Tool for personalized guidance.

Conclusion

The JEE Main 2026 – 24 January Shift 2 paper was moderate in difficulty but intense in time requirements, with Chemistry being comparatively tougher. Physics offered scoring opportunities with clear concepts, and Mathematics required thorough preparation and accuracy. Aspiring candidates should focus on strong fundamentals, hybrid problem practice, and time strategy to maximize performance in future shifts.

Verified Sources:

• NTA — Official JEE Main 2026 Notification
• Vedantu — JEE Main 2026 Jan 24 Shift 2 Paper & Solutions