JEE Main 2026 Session 2 paper analysis: April 2-9 shift-wise difficulty and subject-wise scoring potential

NTA is conducting JEE Main 2026 Session 2 from April 2 to April 9. Read the paper analysis based on memory-based questions, student feedback, marking scheme and expected percentile guidance.

Edited by Kunal Bhatia

Updated April 2, 2026 3:34 AM

    JEE Main 2026 Session 2 paper analysis

    The NTA is conducting JEE Main 2026 Session 2 from April 2 to April 9, 2026 , and early reports point to a paper that is overall moderate but lengthy. This JEE Main 2026 Session 2 paper analysis is based on memory-based questions and real student feedback after the shifts.

    JEE Main 2026 Session 2 paper analysis: Quick summary

    Around 15–17 lakh candidates are expected to sit for the April session. The marking scheme remains +4 for correct and -1 for incorrect responses. Based on January session trends, a raw score in the 160–180 range can yield roughly 98–99 percentile , though this will vary by shift.

    Shift-wise reports describe subject difficulty as follows:

    Subject Expected Difficulty Nature of Questions Time Consumption Scoring Potential
    Mathematics Moderate to Tough Lengthy, calculation-heavy, multi-step Very High Moderate
    Physics Easy to Moderate Formula-based and conceptual Moderate High
    Chemistry Easy to Moderate NCERT-based, direct & statement-based Low to Moderate Very High
    Overall Paper Moderate (Lengthy) Mix of concepts and numericals High Moderate to High

    JEE Main 2026 Session 2 paper analysis: What students said

    Students called Maths lengthy and time-consuming with several multi-step problems. Physics was reported as mostly formula-driven with a solid chance to score well. Chemistry was described as NCERT-based and direct, making it the highest scoring section for many.

    A Reddit thread reflecting early perceptions suggested 180 marks ≈ 99 percentile and 160 marks ≈ 97–98 percentile for this April session; official percentiles depend on final shifts and answer keys.

    Live updates recorded during the first day include:

    • 11:17 PM • Apr 01 2026 — Physics analysis (expected)
    • 12:16 AM • Apr 02 2026 — Maths analysis (expected)

    Raw score calculation requires the final answer key. Use the marking scheme ( +4 / -1 ) to convert correct and incorrect responses into a raw score. Percentile and ranks will be released by the exam authority after all shifts and normalization.

    FAQs

    When is JEE Main 2026 Session 2 held? A: Session 2 runs from April 2 to April 9, 2026 .
    How many students are expected for the April session? A: Roughly 15–17 lakh candidates are expected to appear.
    What is the marking scheme? A: +4 marks for each correct answer and -1 mark for each incorrect answer.
    How to calculate JEE Main raw score? A: Use the final answer key and apply +4 for correct answers and -1 for incorrect answers; omit unanswered questions.
    What score is needed for top percentiles? A: Early signals indicate 160–180 marks can fetch 98–99 percentile , subject to shift normalization.
    Which subject is most time-consuming? A: Mathematics — reported as lengthy and calculation-heavy.
    Which subject offers highest scoring potential? A: Chemistry, described as NCERT-based and direct, is seen as very high scoring.

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