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JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Highlights | Paper Analysis, Solutions Insight & Strategy for Session 2

  • ALLEN Overseas
  • February 12, 2026

The first session of JEE Main 2026 has concluded successfully, giving lakhs of engineering aspirants a clear understanding of the exam pattern, difficulty trends, and topic distribution. Session 1 is not just an exam attempt—it is a performance analysis tool that helps students refine their strategy for Session 2. Based on student feedback, expert reviews, and question pattern observations, this blog presents a complete breakdown of Session 1 highlights along with preparation strategies for improving performance in the upcoming attempt.

JEE Main 2026 Session 1 – Overall Highlights

Session 1 followed the standard JEE Main pattern but showed slight variations in subject difficulty across different shifts. The paper maintained a balanced structure overall, though some sections demanded stronger conceptual clarity and time management skills.

Key Highlights

  • Overall difficulty ranged from moderate to moderately difficult
  • Chemistry remained the most scoring section in most shifts
  • Mathematics acted as the deciding subject for rank differentiation
  • Physics focused mainly on formulas and core concepts
  • Time management was crucial for completing all questions

Students who balanced accuracy and speed performed better than those who attempted maximum questions without strategy.

JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Question Paper and Solution PDF:

After the completion of Session 1, many students look for reliable question papers and solutions to analyze their performance and prepare better for upcoming attempts. Access to the official or memory-based question papers along with detailed solutions helps aspirants understand exam difficulty, question patterns, and problem-solving approaches used in the actual test.

Question papers and solution PDFs are valuable study resources because they allow students to revisit real exam questions and evaluate their accuracy, speed, and conceptual understanding. Practicing these papers also helps identify frequently asked topics and common mistakes.

JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Question Paper and Answer key is release by ALLEN and is available to download.

JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Question Paper and Answer Key

Subject-Wise Paper Analysis:

Understanding the paper subject by subject helps aspirants evaluate which sections were scoring and which required deeper effort. A detailed subject-wise analysis also reveals the areas where students struggled and the topics that appeared frequently across shifts.

Physics – Conceptual but Scoring

Physics questions were mostly formula-based and application-oriented. Candidates who revised standard derivations, formulas, and NCERT concepts found this section manageable.

Observed Trends
  • Strong weightage from Modern Physics, Electrostatics, and Mechanics
  • Several direct formula-based numericals
  • Few conceptual assertion-type questions
  • Limited lengthy calculations

Conclusion: Students with clear fundamentals and good formula recall scored well in Physics.

Chemistry – NCERT-Based and High Scoring

Chemistry continued its trend of being the most scoring subject in JEE Main. Most questions were directly or indirectly based on NCERT content.

Observed Trends
  • Inorganic Chemistry heavily NCERT-based
  • Organic Chemistry focused on named reactions and mechanisms
  • Physical Chemistry included standard numerical problems
  • Statement-based questions appeared in some shifts

Conclusion: Candidates who thoroughly revised NCERT textbooks found this section quick and easy.

Mathematics – Lengthy and Rank Achiever:

Mathematics was consistently the most time-consuming section across shifts. While not always conceptually difficult, many questions required multiple calculation steps.

Observed Trends
  • Calculus and Algebra dominated question distribution
  • Vectors and 3D Geometry appeared frequently
  • Questions required patience and careful solving
  • Completing all questions within time was challenging

Conclusion: Mathematics differentiated top rankers due to its time-intensive nature.

Question Paper Pattern Insights:

Beyond individual subjects, the overall paper pattern also revealed important trends. Observing these patterns helps aspirants understand how the exam is designed and how to approach it strategically in future attempts.

Across Session 1, certain structural patterns remained consistent:

  • Equal subject distribution
  • Mix of MCQs and numerical value questions
  • Moderate difficulty level overall
  • Balanced syllabus coverage

Students who practiced mock tests regularly adapted more easily to the real exam pattern.

Important Topics Repeated Across Shifts:

When certain chapters appear repeatedly in multiple shifts, they become priority areas for preparation. Identifying such topics helps students focus on high-weightage sections that are more likely to appear again.

Physics
  • Modern Physics
  • Thermodynamics
  • Current Electricity
  • Mechanics
Chemistry
  • Coordination Compounds
  • Chemical Bonding
  • Mole Concept
  • Organic Reaction Mechanisms
Mathematics
  • Calculus
  • Matrices & Determinants
  • Probability
  • Coordinate Geometry

These chapters are expected to remain high-priority areas for Session 2 preparation.

Expected Score vs Percentile Trend (Session 1 Estimate):

When certain chapters appear repeatedly in multiple shifts, they become priority areas for preparation. Identifying such topics helps students focus on high-weightage sections that are more likely to appear again.

Based on difficulty level and student responses:

Percentile Expected Score Range
99+ 180 – 200
95+ 140 – 170
90+ 120 – 140
Qualifying Range Around 100

Note: Final percentile depends on normalization across shifts.

Common Mistakes Students Made in Session 1:

Many candidates lose marks not because of lack of preparation but due to avoidable mistakes during the exam. Recognizing these errors is essential for improving performance in future attempts.

Frequent Issues

  • Spending too much time on Maths questions
  • Ignoring easy questions first
  • Calculation mistakes
  • Panic during difficult sections
  • Poor time division among subjects

Recognizing these mistakes helps students improve their Session 2 performance.

What Students Learned from Session 1:

Real exam experience teaches lessons that no mock test can fully replicate. Session 1 helps students understand their strengths, weaknesses, and exam temperament, which becomes extremely useful for planning the next attempt.

Session 1 provides valuable insights that mock tests cannot fully simulate. Students now understand:

  • Real exam pressure
  • Time management challenges
  • Personal strengths and weaknesses
  • Accuracy vs speed balance
  • Subject priority order

Using this experience effectively can significantly improve Session 2 results.

Strategy for JEE Main 2026 Session 2:

The second session is an opportunity for improvement. A focused strategy based on Session 1 performance analysis can significantly increase a student’s chances of achieving a higher percentile.

1. Analyze Your Session 1 Performance:

Before starting new preparation, students must first evaluate how they performed. Understanding mistakes and weak areas helps in creating a targeted improvement plan.

Identify:

  • Weak chapters
  • Silly mistakes
  • Time-consuming sections
  • Topics you skipped

Work specifically on these areas.

2. Revise High-Weightage Topics First:

Not all chapters carry equal importance. Prioritizing high-weightage topics ensures better returns in less time and helps maximize score improvement efficiently.

Do not try to cover everything again. Prioritize chapters that:

  • Appear frequently
  • Carry higher weightage
  • You already know partially
3. Strengthen Mathematics Speed:

Since Mathematics often determines final ranks, improving speed and accuracy in this subject becomes crucial. Regular timed practice can make a significant difference.

Since Maths decides ranks:

  • Practice timed question sets
  • Solve mixed-topic problems
  • Avoid lengthy methods
4. Focus on NCERT for Chemistry:

For Chemistry, strong command over NCERT concepts can guarantee high accuracy. Careful revision of theory, examples, and reactions is essential for success.

For Session 2:

  • Revise NCERT line by line
  • Memorize reactions and exceptions
  • Practice assertion-type questions
5. Practice Full-Length Mock Tests:

Mock tests simulate real exam conditions and help students improve time management, confidence, and accuracy. Regular testing also highlights weak areas that need attention.

Mock tests should now be used for:

  • Time management training
  • Accuracy improvement
  • Stress control practice

Always analyze tests after attempting.

6. Follow Smart Attempt Strategy:

Choosing the right order of attempting subjects can affect performance. A planned attempt strategy helps save time, reduce stress, and improve accuracy.

Recommended order for most students:

Chemistry → Physics → Mathematics

This approach helps:

  • Build confidence early
  • Save time for Maths
  • Maximize accuracy

Preparation Plan for the Gap Between Sessions:

The period between Session 1 and Session 2 is crucial. Students who use this time wisely for revision and practice can make significant improvements in their final results.

Use the remaining time wisely:

  • Daily revision schedule
  • Formula notebook practice
  • Previous year questions
  • Mock tests every 2–3 days

Avoid starting completely new topics unless they are easy and high scoring.

ALLEN Expert tips for NRI and Overseas Students:

International candidates face additional challenges such as travel planning and time zone differences. A structured approach helps them stay organized and confident before the exam.

International candidates should also focus on logistical readiness:

  • Track official announcements regularly
  • Prepare documents in advance
  • Practice according to exam timing
  • Ensure travel and reporting plans

Structured guidance and disciplined practice can significantly improve Session 2 performance.

Also Read: JEE Main 2026 One Month Preparation Plan for NRI Students | Smart Study Strategy

JEE Main 2026 Session 1 confirmed that success in the exam is not only about knowledge but also about strategy, time management, and exam temperament. While Chemistry offered scoring opportunities and Physics rewarded conceptual clarity, Mathematics remained the key differentiator.

Students who analyze their Session 1 performance carefully and follow a focused improvement strategy stand the best chance of achieving higher percentiles in Session 2.

Consistent revision, smart practice, and calm execution are the true keys to success.

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