JEE Main 2026 Complete Exam Analysis: Toughest Shift, Difficulty & Expected Cutoff
Table of Contents
Students in India are debating the degree of difficulty, the hardest shift, and the anticipated cutoff following the successful conclusion of the JEE Main 2026 exam. The National Testing Agency (NTA) administers JEE Main, one of the most competitive engineering entrance tests, for admission to B.Tech, B.E., and B.Arch programs at prestigious NITs, IIITs, and other participating institutions.
The shift-wise difficulty level varied dramatically across disciplines including Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, according to input from candidates and coaching professionals. Students can estimate scores and predict ranks by analyzing these trends, which is important for admissions planning.
JEE Main 2026: Shift-Wise Difficulty Analysis
| Shift | Difficulty Level | Subjects Considered Tough | Expert Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shift 1 | Moderate | Physics & Chemistry | Mathematics was easier, conceptual questions |
| Shift 2 | Tough | Mathematics & Physics | Shift 2 had tricky integration & mechanics questions |
| Shift 3 | Moderate | Chemistry | Overall manageable, calculation-based questions |
| Shift 4 | Tough | Physics & Mathematics | High-level problem-solving, tricky numerical questions |
💡 Feedback is based on student reviews and coaching institute analysis. Difficulty levels are subjective but help in predicting expected scores.
Subject-Wise Analysis
- Physics: Questions were numerical-heavy, especially mechanics and optics.
- Chemistry: Mostly NCERT-based, with some tricky organic and inorganic questions.
- Mathematics: Challenging algebra, calculus, and coordinate geometry questions made some shifts tougher.
Expected Cutoff
The JEE Main 2026 cutoff may slightly vary based on shift difficulty, total attempts, and overall student performance. Experts predict:
| Category | Expected Cutoff (General) |
|---|---|
| General | 90–95 |
| OBC | 70–75 |
| SC | 50–55 |
| ST | 40–45 |
⚠️ These are tentative cutoffs and will be officially released by NTA after normalization.
Conclusion
According to the JEE Main 2026 exam report, shifts 2 and 4 were more challenging because of the challenging math and physics problems. This analysis can be used by students to plan for JEE Advanced, forecast ranks, and estimate scores.
For official updates, answer keys, and counseling notifications, candidates should follow the JEE Main official portal.
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