JEE Main Paper Analysis 2026 for April 2(Shift 1 and Shift 2): What the Paper Actually Looked Like To Me

I spent all of April 2 looking for JEE Main 2026 Session 2 April 2 Shift analysis. I tried to collect data from multiple sources throughout the day. This included student reactions, news coverage, coaching institute reports, and memory-based questions shared online. I cross-checked everything to make sure the overall picture was accurate. By the time Shift 2 ended at 6 PM, I had a clear idea of how the paper was.

So here is what I found. Both shifts were rated Moderate overall. Chemistry was the easiest section in both shifts. Maths was long and time-consuming in both, but not conceptually very hard. Physics had a slightly different story in each shift. Shift 1 Physics was tougher and caught several students off guard. Shift 2 Physics was more standard.

Compared to January 2026, April 2’s paper was noticeably easier. Students who appeared for Session 1 and are reappearing now had a clear advantage in terms of familiarity with question types. The paper covered the full syllabus without over-concentrating on any one chapter, so no one got completely blindsided unless they had major gaps.

One thing that came up again and again in student feedback was time management in Maths. The questions were not impossible, but they were slow. Students who got stuck on two or three Calculus problems early lost 15 to 20 minutes they never got back. The session 2 result will come on or before April 20, 2026. Until then, here is everything you need to know about the JEE Main Session 2 first-day paper.

JEE Main Paper Analysis: What I Noticed in Both Shifts Together?

Before going subject-wise, I want to lay out both shifts side by side. This gives you a better picture of how the day went and helps you understand the marks vs percentile section later.

Shift 1 had about 12 easily doable questions across all three subjects. Shift 2 had around 8 to 10. The difference came mainly from Maths, which was harder in Shift 2, and Physics, which was easier in Shift 2. Chemistry was slightly easier in Shift 2 than in Shift 1. Overall, both shifts were at a similar difficulty level, but Shift 2 students had a harder time finishing Maths on time.

Parameter	Shift 1 (9 AM to 12 PM)	Shift 2 (3 PM to 6 PM)
Overall Difficulty	Moderate	Moderate
Physics	Moderate to Difficult	Moderate
Chemistry	Moderate	Easy to Moderate
Mathematics	Moderate, Lengthy	Moderate, Lengthy
Easiest Section	Chemistry	Chemistry
Toughest Section	Physics	Mathematics
Compared to Jan 2026	Slightly Easier	Slightly Easier
Class Weightage	Class 12 dominant	Class 12 dominant
Good Attempts (Safe)	50 to 55	48 to 53
Easy Questions (Approx.)	12 questions	8 to 10 questions

JEE Main Paper Analysis 2026: My Observation on April 2 Shift 1 Analysis

Shift 1 ran from 9 AM to 12 PM. Out of the three sections, Chemistry was the easiest and Physics was the toughest. Maths sat in the middle but ate up the most time. As per various resource analyses, the overall paper broke down as 40% easy, 40% moderate, and 20% difficult. The difficult questions came mostly from Current Electricity, Thermodynamics in Physics, and GOC in Chemistry. Students in Shift 1 generally said they finished Chemistry quickly, spent around 55 to 60 minutes on Physics, and then realised they did not have enough time left for Maths. The ones who planned their order of attempt in advance did much better.

JEE Main Paper Analysis: Shift 1 Physics Analysis

Physics in Shift 1 surprised many students. It was rated Moderate to Difficult, which is higher than what most expected. Around 50% of Physics questions were easy, 33% were moderate, and 17% were difficult. The difficult ones mostly came from multi-step problems in Current Electricity and Thermodynamics. If you had a strong grip on Class 12 chapters, this section was manageable.

JEE Main Analysis for Shift 1 Physics: Chapter-Wise Weightage

Current Electricity had the highest weightage at 8%, followed by Heat and Thermodynamics at 7.33%, and Properties of Matter at 7%. Questions from Atoms and Nuclei and Electrostatics also showed up in significant numbers.

Chapter	Weightage
Current Electricity	8%
Heat and Thermodynamics	7.33%
Properties of Matter	7%
Atoms and Nuclei	6.67%
Units and Measurements	5.50%
Electrostatics	5.33%
Magnetic Effect of Current	5.17%
Alternating Current	4.33%
Laws of Motion	4%
Gravitation	4%
Wave Optics	3.83%
Dual Nature of Radiation	3.83%
Semiconductor	3.67%
Rotational Motion	3.33%
Work Power and Energy	3.17%
Electromagnetic Induction	2.83%

JEE Mains Paper Analysis: Memory-Based Physics Questions from Shift 1

Memory-Based Physics Questions from Shift 1 have been discussed below:

• The velocity of a particle is given as v⃗ = −xî + 2yĵ − 2k̂ m/s. The magnitude of acceleration at point (1, 2, 4) is _____ m/s²?
• A wooden cubic block of relative density 0.4 is floating in water. The side of the block is 10 cm. When a coin is placed on the block, it dips 0.3 cm in equilibrium. Find the weight of the coin. (Answer: 0.3 N)
• Dimensional formula for (1/2)ε₀E² is given as MᵃLᵇTᶜ. Find the value of 2a − b + c.
• The equation of a plane progressive wave is y = 5cos π(200t − x/150), where x and y are in cm and t is in seconds. Find the wave velocity.
• For YDSE, wavelength of light = 620 nm, separation between slits = 0.2 mm. Find the angular fringe width. (Answer: 3.1 × 10⁻³ rad)
• Photons of wavelength λ and 3λ/2 are incident on a metal surface. If stopping potentials are 4V₀ and V₀ respectively, find the threshold wavelength. (Answer: 9λ)
• The orbital angular momentum of an electron in the nth shell of H-atom is 3h/π. Find the total energy of the electron. (Answer: −0.38 eV)
• In circular motion, angular position and time are related as θ = 5t⁴/4 − t³/3 + 10. Find angular acceleration at t = 10 s. (Answer: 1480 rad/s²)
• In YDSE, wavelength of light used is 620 nm. Find angular fringe width if slit separation = 0.2 mm. (Answer: 3.1 × 10⁻³ rad)

JEE Main Paper Analysis: Shift 1 Chemistry

I noticed that Chemistry in Shift 1 was exactly what students hoped for. Most questions were based on NCERT. Inorganic Chemistry had the highest representation, followed by Organic. Physical Chemistry mostly appeared in the numerical section. Students reported finishing Chemistry in around 40 to 45 minutes, which gave them more time for Maths. Out of all the questions, 37% were easy, 33% were moderate, and 30% were difficult. The difficult ones were GOC mechanism questions and the Physical Chemistry numericals. Even then, most students walked out feeling good about this section.

JEE Main Paper Analysis for Shift 1 Chemistry: Chapter-Wise Weightage

Coordination Compounds had the highest weightage at 7.2%, followed by GOC and Thermodynamics at 6.8% each. Periodic Table and Periodicity came in at 6%.

Chapter	Weightage
Coordination Compounds	7.2%
Basics of Organic Chemistry (GOC)	6.8%
Thermodynamics	6.8%
Periodic Table and Periodicity	6%
Electrochemistry	5.6%
Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids	5.6%
Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry	5.2%
d and f Block Elements	5.2%
Chemical Kinetics and Nuclear Chemistry	5.2%
Hydrocarbons	5.2%
Compounds Containing Nitrogen	5.2%
Biomolecules	4.4%
Structure of Atom	4.4%
Haloalkanes and Haloarenes	4.4%
Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure	4%
Solutions	3.6%
Ionic Equilibrium	3.2%

JEE Main Paper Analysis: Memory-Based Chemistry Questions from Shift 1

For Memory-Based Chemistry Questions from Shift 1 review the section below:

• Statement I: Bond length order of O₂⁻, O₂²⁻, O₂⁺, O₂²⁺. Statement II: Unpaired electrons in O₂⁻, O₂²⁻, O₂⁺, O₂²⁺. Which statement(s) are correct?
• The correct increasing order of bond length:
  • (1) O₂⁺, O₂, O₂⁻, O₂²⁻
  • (2) O₂⁺, O₂, O₂²⁻, O₂⁻
  • (3) O₂²⁻, O₂⁻, O₂, O₂⁺
  • (4) O₂⁻, O₂²⁻, O₂⁺, O₂
  • (Answer: Option 1)
• For a first order reaction, rate constant at 27°C and t°C is 1.5 × 10³ and 4.5 × 10³ respectively. Activation energy = 60 kJ. Find t. (Answer: 41.3°C)
• Ksp of Ag₂CrO₄ = 32x and Ksp of AgBr = 4y. Find the ratio of solubility of (1) to (2):
  • (a) 2∛x / y
  • (b) ∛x / √y
  • (c) √(x/y)
  • (d) 2√(x/y)
• Match the following:
  • Vitamin C → Ascorbic Acid
  • Vitamin B1 → Thiamine
  • Vitamin B6 → Pyridoxine
  • Vitamin B2 → Riboflavin
  • (Answer: I-C, II-A, III-D, IV-B)
• Calculate the number of isomers of C₅H₁₀ that do not decolourise cold alkaline KMnO₄ solution. (Answer: 7)
• In an isobaric reversible process on a diatomic gas, the ratio ΔQ : ΔU : W shall be: (Answer: 7 : 5 : 2)
• 18 g of H₂O reacts with x grams of Fe to produce Fe₃O₄. Find x. (Atomic mass of Fe = 56 u) (Answer: 42 g)
• Arrange the following complexes in increasing order of crystal field splitting energy (Δ₀): [Co(H₂O)₆]²⁺, [Co(H₂O)₆]³⁺, [Co(en)₃]³⁺

JEE Main Paper Analysis: Shift 1 Mathematics

As per my observation, Maths in Shift 1 was moderate in difficulty but very long. Students who practiced regularly said the questions were “doable but slow.” The ones who struggled said even the questions they knew how to solve took 6 to 8 minutes each. Matrices and Determinants had the highest weightage at 7.6%, followed by 3D Geometry at 6.4% and Vector Algebra at 5.6%. Out of all Maths questions, 40% were easy, 40% were moderate, and 20% were difficult.

JEE Main Paper Analysis for Shift 1 Mathematics: Chapter-Wise Weightage 

The difficult 20% came mostly from Calculus and 3D Geometry. If you spent more than 5 minutes on any single question, you likely did not finish the section.

Chapter	Weightage
Matrices and Determinants	7.6%
3D Geometry	6.4%
Vector Algebra	5.6%
Differential Equations	5.6%
Sequences and Series	5.2%
Permutations and Combinations	5.2%
Limits, Continuity and Differentiability	5.2%
Probability	4.8%
Definite Integration	4.8%
Sets and Relations	4.4%
Binomial Theorem	4.4%
Parabola	4%
Area Under the Curves	4%
Complex Numbers	4%
Quadratic Equations and Inequalities	3.2%
Ellipse	3.2%
Functions	3.2%
Inverse Trigonometric Functions	2.8%

JEE Main Paper Analysis: Memory-Based Mathematics Questions from Shift 1

Memory-Based Mathematics Questions from Shift 1 has been discussed here. Let’s have a look:

• Evaluate: ∑(n=1 to 8) [1³ + 2³ + … upto n terms] / [1 + 3 + 5 + … upto n terms] (Answer: 71)
• The number of seven-digit numbers that can be formed using digits 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 such that each digit is used at least once:
  • (a) 16800
  • (b) 15400
  • (c) 29400
  • (d) 17800
  • (Answer: a, 16800)
• Let sin(π/18) · sin(5π/18) · sin(7π/18) = k. Find the value of sin(10k · π/3).
• lim(x→2) [sin(x³ − 5x² + ax + b)] / [(√(x−1) − 1) · logₑ(x − 1)] = m. Find a + b + m.
• If the eccentricity of the ellipse x²/a² + y²/b² = 1, passing through (3, 4), is √5/3, find the length of its latus rectum. (Answer: 8√5/3)
• Roots of x(x+2) + (x+1)(x+3) + … + (x+(n−1))(x+n+1) = 4n are α and α + 2. Find |2α + n|. (Answer: 3)
• Two A.P.s: A.P.₁ has first term = 1, common difference = 5, total terms = 101. A.P.₂ has first term = 9, common difference = 7, total terms = 71. Find the number of common terms. (Answer: 14)
• If y = f(x) is the solution of (1 + sinx) dy/dx + cosx = 0, with f(0) = 0, find f(π/2). (Answer: −ln2)
• The value of sin(π/18) · sin(5π/18) · sin(7π/18). (Answer: 1/8)

JEE Main Paper Analysis: What Students Said Right After Shift 1

I found out from various resources that the general mood was calm but slightly surprised by Physics. Most said the paper was manageable overall, but Physics took longer than expected. Here is what some of them shared:

A student from Vijayawada said the paper felt student-friendly compared to January. He added that he finished Chemistry in under 40 minutes and used that extra time for Maths. He attempted around 22 questions in Maths but was not fully confident about 3 of them.

A student appearing for the second time said Shift 1 was “clearly easier than January,” especially Chemistry. She said she walked out feeling good about two sections but was unsure about Physics because a few questions needed multi-step thinking she did not anticipate.

Another student from Kota said Physics was the one that slowed him down. He mentioned that some questions from Current Electricity and Thermodynamics were not straightforward formula-apply types. They needed you to actually understand what was happening in the setup.

One student mentioned she tried to do Maths first, and that was a mistake. “Maths took 85 minutes and I barely had time left for Chemistry,” she said. She managed to finish but had to skip 4 questions.

What students commonly said about Shift 1:

• Chemistry was NCERT-based and doable in 40 to 45 minutes
• Physics surprised many with its difficulty in Current Electricity
• Maths was not hard but very long
• Session 2 paper felt kinder than Session 1 overall
• Most students who followed a Chemistry-first strategy felt more comfortable

JEE Mains Today Paper Analysis Shift 2 April 2

JEE Main Shift 2 was conducted from 3 PM to 6 PM. What I found out from students’ reactions was that the overall difficulty was Moderate, the same as Shift 1. But the paper felt harder for many students because Maths was longer and Physics required more conceptual thinking. Chemistry was actually easier in Shift 2 than in Shift 1. As per student feedback, around 8 to 10 questions were easily doable, compared to 12 in Shift 1.

Physics in Shift 2 leaned more toward Class 12, with Ray Optics dominating at 3 questions. Rotational Motion and Fluid Mechanics each had 2 questions. Shift 1 Physics had been heavier on Class 11. In Chemistry, Physical Chemistry had a bigger share this time, with around 8 to 9 questions from that area. Students also noted 4 to 5 statement-based questions in Chemistry for Shift 2. Overall, students who appeared for Shift 2 said the paper was fine, but the Maths section left them with too many unfinished questions. Attempting accurately mattered more than attempting more here.

JEE Main Paper Analysis: Shift 2 Physics

Physics in Shift 2 was Moderate. It was easier than Shift 1 Physics but required more conceptual depth than just formula application. Ray Optics appeared 3 times, which is more than usual. Fluid Mechanics and Rotational Motion each had 2 questions. Modern Physics, Kinematics, Gravitation, Capacitance, Semiconductors, and Current Electricity all made appearances. Students who took 55 to 60 minutes on this section said they were able to attempt 21 to 22 out of 25 questions.

JEE Mains Today Paper Analysis Shift 2: Memory-Based Physics Questions from Shift 2

To check memory-based physics questions from shift 2, candidates can refer to the section below:

• In an equilateral prism, the path of a ray is shown. Determine the refractive index (μ):
  • (a) 1.71
  • (b) 1.52
  • (c) 1.39
  • (d) 1.84
  • (Answer: c, 1.39)
• A soap bubble of radius r = 1 mm, liquid of density ρ₁ = 2000 kg/m³, rising upward with constant velocity v = 1/2 cm/s. Find coefficient of viscosity (η):
  • (a) 2/9 N·s/m²
  • (b) 4/9 N·s/m²
  • (c) 2/3 N·s/m²
  • (d) 8/9 N·s/m²
  • (Answer: d, 8/9 N·s/m²)
• Surface tension of a soap bubble is 0.03 N/m. Work done in increasing its diameter from 2 cm to 6 cm is α × π × 10⁻⁴ J. Find the value of α.
• Dimensions of G (Universal Gravitational Constant) in terms of h (Planck’s constant), m (mass), t (time), and L (length):
  • A. h⁻¹Lm⁻²t
  • B. hL⁻¹m²t
  • C. hLm⁻²t⁻¹
  • D. h⁻¹L⁻¹m²t⁻¹
  • (Answer: C)
• Position of a particle: x = a sin(50t + π/3). Speed and acceleration reach maximum for first time at t₁ and t₂. Find t₁ and t₂:
  • A. π/150, π/300
  • B. π/300, π/75
  • C. π/50, π/150
  • D. π/300, π/150
  • (Answer: B)
• What is the equivalent logic gate for the given circuit? (Answer: NOR Gate)
• In Bohr’s atomic model, find the ratio of magnetic field at centre produced by electron in 2nd orbit to 4th orbit. (Answer: 32)
• A small circular loop of radius r is enclosed within a large square loop of side L (L >> r), both concentric and co-planar. Find the coefficient of mutual induction. (Answer: M = μ₀πr² · 2√2 / L)
• A ball is released from rest. It comes to rest after moving 10 cm below the surface. Find the average force applied by the floor material. (Answer: 1000 N)

JEE Main Paper Analysis: Shift 2 Chemistry

Chemistry in Shift 2 was Easy to Moderate. Physical Chemistry had a noticeably larger share compared to Shift 1, with around 8 to 9 questions from that area. Students reported 4 to 5 statement-based questions. Coordination Compounds appeared twice in integer-type format. Overall, this was still the easiest section of the day and most students said they finished it comfortably.

Topics that featured: Coordination Compounds, Amines, Chemical Kinetics, Ionic Equilibrium (Buffer), Inorganic Chemistry, Chemical Bonding, Salts, GOC, and Electrochemistry.

JEE Main Paper Analysis: Memory-Based Chemistry Questions from Shift 2

Memory-Based Chemistry Questions from Shift 2 have been discussed below:

• Arrange the following complexes in increasing order of CFSE (Δ₀):
  • (a) [Co(H₂O)₆]²⁺
  • (b) [Co(H₂O)₆]³⁺
  • (c) [Co(en)₃]³⁺
  • Options: 1. c>a>b 2. c>b>a 3. a>b>c 4. b>a>c
  • (Answer: 2, c>b>a)
• Molarity of H₂SO₄ = 4.9 M, density = 1.40 g/mL. Find molality and mole fraction of solute:
  • (1) m = 5.34, χ(solute) = 0.088
  • (2) m = 5.34, χ(solute) = 0.072
  • (3) m = 5.21, χ(solute) = 0.088
  • (4) m = 5.21, χ(solute) = 0.072
  • (Answer: 1)
• 20 mL of 0.2 M HA (weak monoprotic acid) is titrated with 10 mL of 0.2 M NaOH. Find pH at 25°C. pKₐ = 4.76. (Answer: 4.76, since this is the half-equivalence point, pH = pKₐ)
• The correct set containing all kinds of oxides (basic, acidic, amphoteric, neutral):
  • (a) Na₂O, N₂O, Al₂O₃ and CO
  • (b) Al₂O₃, As₂O₃, CO and NO
  • (c) K₂O, Cl₂O₇, As₂O₃ and NO
  • (d) Na₂O, K₂O, Al₂O₃ and As₂O₃
  • (Answer: c)
• For reaction 2A → 4B + C: At t = 30 min, total pressure = 300 mm Hg. After infinite time, total pressure = 600 mm Hg. Find the pressure of C at t = 30 min. (Answer: 20 mm Hg)
• Two solutions of protein (M.W. = 50,000 g/mol): Solution A is 1 g protein in 0.5 L, Solution B is 2 g protein in 1.0 L. When mixed at 300 K, find total osmotic pressure. (R = 0.08 L·atm·K⁻¹·mol⁻¹) (Answer: 9.8 × 10⁻³ torr)
• Consider the reaction below. A gives a positive Fehling’s test. Choose the correct relation between molar weights of A and B:
  • (1) Molar weight of A and B are the same
  • (2) Molar weight of A is greater than B
  • (3) Molar weight of B is greater than A
  • (4) None of these
  • (Answer: 3)

JEE Main Paper Analysis: Shift 2 Mathematics

Maths in Shift 2 was the hardest section of the entire day. It was Moderate in concept level but extremely lengthy. Students said attempting more than 15 questions accurately was very difficult within the time given. Topics like Vectors, 3D Geometry, Calculus, and Coordinate Geometry all required multi-step solutions. Matrices and Determinants, Conic Sections, and Definite Integration also had a heavy presence.

The key takeaway from Shift 2 Maths: it was not that the questions were too hard to understand. The problem was that every question had too many steps. That is a time trap, not a knowledge trap.

JEE Main Paper Analysis: Memory-Based Mathematics Questions from Shift 2

To get more information on Memory-Based Mathematics Questions from Shift 2 candidates can refer to the section below:

• f(x) is a 5th degree polynomial with extremes at x = ±1 and lim(x→0) f(x)/x³ = 5. Find f(2) − f(−2). (Answer: 112)
• Evaluate ∫₀²⁰π (sin⁴x + cos⁴x) dx:
  • (1) 15π
  • (2) 15π/2
  • (3) 25π
  • (4) 25π/2
  • (Answer: 1, 15π)
• If ³⁰C(30−r) + 3·³⁰C(31−r) + 3·³⁰C(32−r) + ³⁰C(33−r) = ⁿCᵣ, find the value of n. (Answer: 33)
• A regular polygon with n sides is given. Pₙ is the number of triangles formed by joining three vertices. If Pₙ₊₁ − Pₙ = 66, find the sum of all prime divisors of n:
  • (1) 9
  • (2) 5
  • (3) 11
  • (4) 23
  • (Answer: 1, n = 12, prime divisors are 2 and 3, sum = 9)
• Tossing a coin: 10 points for heads, 5 points for tails. Find the probability of getting exactly 30 points in 5 tosses. (Answer: 43/64)
• A small circular loop of radius r enclosed in a large square loop of side L (L >> r). Both concentric and co-planar. Find mutual inductance. (Answer: M = μ₀πr² · 2√2 / L)
• If A = [[2, −2], [4, −2]] and B = [[3, 3], [1, 9]], and PA = B and AQ = B, find 2(P + Q). (Answer: [[-11, 12], [-24, 13]])
• Evaluate the sum: 1³/1 + (1³+2³)/(1+3) + (1³+2³+3³)/(1+3+5) + … up to 8 terms:
  • (1) 71
  • (2) 70
  • (3) 73
  • (4) 72
  • (Answer: 1, 71)

How Did Students Reacted When JEE Mains Shift 2 Ended?

A student from Mumbai said she found Physics and Chemistry fine, but Maths was the issue. “I kept solving questions correctly but slowly. By the time I got to the last 8 questions in Maths, there were only 12 minutes left,” she said. A student from Hyderabad who appeared for the first time said he was relieved that Chemistry was easy. He said he finished Chemistry in 38 minutes, which gave him an extra buffer. He ended up attempting 20 questions in Maths and left 5.

One student said Physics was easier than he expected based on the morning shift feedback he had heard. He felt the Fluid Mechanics and Optics questions were direct. “I was prepared for something tougher,” he said.

A dropper from Delhi said Shift 2 Maths had more multi-concept problems than Shift 1. “In Shift 1, most Maths questions were one or two-step. In Shift 2, some questions needed three or four steps to reach the answer,” he noted.

A student from Chennai said she attempted all 10 numericals across all subjects because there is no negative marking. She strongly recommended that all students do the same in the upcoming shifts.

What students commonly said about Shift 2:

• Chemistry was easier here than in Shift 1
• Physics was more standard and formula-based than the morning
• Maths had more multi-step problems and was the toughest section
• Many students left 5 to 8 Maths questions unattempted
• Students who attempted the numericals last recovered some marks

JEE Main Paper Analysis: Here’s What I Noticed About Marks vs Percentile

This is where a lot of students get confused, so let me break it down simply. Because the two shifts had different difficulty levels in Maths, the score you need for the same percentile is slightly different in each shift. Shift 2 students can land the same percentile with a slightly lower raw score than Shift 1 students. These are expert estimates. NTA calculates the actual percentile after normalisation and will differ slightly.

JEE Main Paper Analysis for Shift 1: My Findings on Expected Marks vs Percentile

From what I analysed for Shift 1, the marks vs percentile trend looks slightly on the higher side. The paper was moderate, but scoring well needed good accuracy. From the data, I found that getting 220+ marks can take you close to the 99.99 percentile. For the 99 percentile, the range is around 175 to 185 marks. If you are scoring between 160 and 175 marks, you are likely around the 98 percentile. For the 95 percentile, the expected range is 125 to 135 marks. For those aiming for the 90 percentile, a score of around 100 to 110 marks should be enough. Overall, I feel Shift 1 slightly rewards higher scores at the top end.

Percentile	Expected Score
99.99th	220+
99th	175 to 185
98th	160 to 175
95th	125 to 135
90th	100 to 110

JEE Main Paper Analysis for Shift 2: Expected Marks vs Percentile

For Shift 2, the trend looks a bit more balanced to me. The paper felt slightly more manageable for many students. Based on the data that I collected, 215 to 230 marks can get you close to the 99.99 percentile. For the 99 percentile, I found the range to be around 165 to 185 marks. If your score is between 155 to 170 marks, you can expect around the 98 percentile. For the 95 percentile, the range is roughly 118 to 130 marks. For the 90 percentile, a score between 95 to 110 marks should work. Compared to Shift 1, I feel Shift 2 is a bit more forgiving in some ranges.

Percentile	Expected Score
99.99th	215 to 230
99th	165 to 185
98th	155 to 170
95th	118 to 130
90th	95 to 110

Raw Score vs Percentile for JEE Main Session 2: The Bigger Picture I’m Seeing

When I put all the data together, the full score vs percentile trend gives a much clearer picture. At the very top, the competition is extremely tight. Scores between 291 to 300 marks are expected to touch almost 100 percentile, while even 281 to 290 marks stay very close to it.

As scores drop slightly, the difference becomes more visible. Around 251 to 260 marks, you are still comfortably above 99.9 percentile. Even 221 to 230 marks keep you in the high 99.8+ range.

What I found interesting is the 150–200 mark range. For example, 191 to 200 marks can give around 99.6+ percentile, while 161 to 170 marks may still keep you above 99 percentile.

In the mid zone, the drop becomes more noticeable. 131 to 140 marks bring you closer to 98 percentile, and 101 to 110 marks fall around the mid-90 percentile range. Below that, the shift is sharper. Scores like 71 to 80 marks are around 90 percentile, while 51 to 60 marks drop to the low 80s

Raw Score (out of 300)	Expected Percentile
291 to 300	100 to 99.9999
281 to 290	99.999 to 99.997
271 to 280	99.994 to 99.993
261 to 270	99.990 to 99.988
251 to 260	99.977 to 99.969
241 to 250	99.950 to 99.946
231 to 240	99.915 to 99.934
221 to 230	99.866 to 99.901
211 to 220	99.807 to 99.851
201 to 210	99.731 to 99.795
191 to 200	99.624 to 99.710
181 to 190	99.480 to 99.597
171 to 180	99.295 to 99.456
161 to 170	99.069 to 99.272
151 to 160	98.778 to 99.028
141 to 150	98.407 to 98.732
131 to 140	97.940 to 98.317
121 to 130	97.354 to 97.811
111 to 120	96.609 to 97.142
101 to 110	95.643 to 96.204
91 to 100	94.396 to 94.998
81 to 90	92.762 to 93.471
71 to 80	90.411 to 91.072
61 to 70	87.060 to 87.512
51 to 60	81.575 to 82.016
41 to 50	73.081 to 73.287

JEE Advanced 2026: My Estimate of the Expected Qualifying Cutoff

The JEE Advanced qualifying cutoff is released along with the Session 2 result. Based on past year trends and what I’ve analysed, here’s what I expect the cutoff to look like this year:

Category	Expected Percentile
General (UR)	93.3 to 95.0
Gen-EWS	Around 81.4
OBC-NCL	Around 80.7
SC	Around 61.3
ST	Around 48.2
UR-PwD	Around 0.008

Check: JEE Main Exam Admit Card 2026

JEE Main 2026: What I Know of Tie-Breaking Rules

A lot of students do not know this, but when two candidates have the same total NTA score, rank is not assigned randomly. NTA follows a specific order to decide who ranks higher.

1. Higher NTA score in Mathematics
2. Higher NTA score in Physics
3. Higher NTA score in Chemistry
4. Lower ratio of incorrect to correct answers across all subjects
5. Lower ratio of incorrect to correct answers in Mathematics
6. Lower ratio of incorrect to correct answers in Physics
7. Lower ratio of incorrect to correct answers in Chemistry
8. If still tied, both candidates get the same rank

JEE Main Paper Analysis: What This Means for You If You’re Yet to Appear

If your exam is on April 4, 5, 6, or 8, this April 2 paper analysis gave you a lot of useful information. Here is what I would focus on based on what I saw:

• Chemistry is still your fastest-scoring zone. Both shifts on April 2 showed that Inorganic Chemistry, Coordination Compounds, and Salt Analysis are high-frequency topics. Go through NCERT d-block and f-block properties, p-block trends, and organic name reactions one more time. These are questions where you can earn 4 marks in under a minute if you know the material.
• In Maths, question selection matters more than speed. The students who did well on the April 2 exam were not the fastest. They were the ones who identified the 12 to 15 doable questions and solved those perfectly. Attempting 20 questions with 60% accuracy is worse than attempting 14 with 95% accuracy. Learn to skip and move on.
• Physics difficulty can vary. Shift 1 on April 2 had harder Physics than Shift 2. You do not know which version you will get. So, revise Current Electricity, Thermodynamics, Wave Optics, and Rotational Motion properly. These are the chapters that separate moderate Physics from difficult Physics in JEE Main.
• Negative marking is real. The paper pattern has 20 MCQs and 5 numerical questions per subject (you attempt any 5 out of 10 numericals). MCQ wrong answers carry −1 penalty. Do not mark MCQs unless you are reasonably confident. For numericals, there is no negative marking, so always attempt all 5.

Conclusion

After going through everything, the shifts, student reactions, and marks vs percentile trends, one thing is very clear to me. This paper is not about how much you know. It is about how well you use what you know in a limited time.

From what I’ve seen, the level is manageable. You are not going to face something completely unexpected. But the real difference is coming from decision-making inside the exam hall. Students who stayed calm, picked the right questions, and didn’t waste time on tough ones ended up with better attempts.  If I had to sum it up simply, accuracy matters more than attempts, and time matters more than difficulty. You don’t need to solve everything. You just need to solve the right set of questions. Chemistry can still give you quick marks. Maths can still trap you if you don’t choose wisely. Physics can go either way, so being prepared matters more than predicting.

At this point, I wouldn’t suggest changing your strategy. Just refine it. Trust what you already know, stay flexible during the paper, and don’t let one tough question affect the rest of your exam. Also, make sure you don’t ignore the basics on exam day, i.e., carry your JEE Mains admit card, reach the centre on time, and avoid any last-minute stress.

From everything I’ve seen so far, the paper is fair, but how you handle it is what will actually decide your score. Also, remember to take a colour printout of both pages, and give yourself enough time to get to the centre without rushing. Everything else is already in your hands.