JEE Main 2026 Day 1 analysis: April 2 shifts set the tone for Session 2
Day 1 of JEE Main 2026 Session 2 was held on April 2, 2026. Subject experts rated both shifts as moderate in difficulty, with Shift 1 reported easier than Shift 2 .
JEE Main 2026 Day 1 analysis: subject-wise takeaways
Physics on Day 1 featured largely formula-based questions, according to expert feedback. Chemistry followed an NCERT-centric pattern. Mathematics was time-consuming but overall easier than the January session.
A moderate paper typically allows more accurate attempts, which can push raw scores up. Experts warn this may cause score inflation across Session 2.
JEE Main 2026 Day 1 analysis: marks, percentiles and admission impact
Experts estimate that students may need 5–10 extra marks in Session 2 to match the same percentile from Session 1. For Session 2 conditions, a safe score for 99 percentile is estimated at 190–200 marks .
For newer IIITs, a 95–96 percentile (roughly 140–150 marks ) could be sufficient. Top NITs and IIITs continue to demand very high percentiles for CSE and related branches.
Below is the expected percentile range table for NITs and IIITs based on Day 1 feedback and expert estimates.
| Institute Tier | Typical CSE/IT Percentile (NIT) | Typical CSE/IT Percentile (IIIT) |
|---|---|---|
| Top Tier | 99.7 – 99.9 | 99.2 – 99.6 |
| Mid Tier | 98.5 – 99.4 | 97.5 – 98.8 |
| Lower / Newer | 95.5 – 97.0 | 94.0 – 96.0 |
Top-tier NITs (CSE) generally require percentiles above 99.5 for General category. Top IIITs like Allahabad and Gwalior typically require above 98.5 percentile for General category seats.
Accuracy over attempt volume remains the advised strategy from subject experts. Higher accuracy helps in a high-scoring Session 2 where small mark differences change percentiles significantly.
What this means for your admission chances
If you scored near the estimated ranges above, your chances at specific NITs/IIITs will vary by branch and home-state factors. Experts say moderate difficulty on Day 1 raises the probability of higher cutoffs across Session 2.
FAQs
Q: When was JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Day 1 held? A: April 2, 2026.
Q: What was the overall difficulty on Day 1? A: Subject experts rated both shifts as moderate .
Q: Which subjects stood out on Day 1? A: Physics was largely formula-based ; Chemistry was NCERT-centric ; Mathematics was time-consuming .
Q: How much extra is needed in Session 2 for the same percentile as Session 1? A: Experts estimate +5–10 marks may be needed.
Q: What score roughly ensures 99 percentile in Session 2? A: Around 190–200 marks .
Q: Can 95–96 percentile get you into IIITs? A: Yes— 140–150 marks (approx.) could open chances at newer IIITs.
Q: Do top NITs still need very high percentiles? A: Yes. Top NIT CSE seats typically need percentiles above 99.5 .
Q: Will Day 1 difficulty affect overall cutoffs? A: Yes. A moderate Day 1 may contribute to score inflation , pushing cutoffs higher for Session 2.