JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Day 3 Exam Analysis: Mathematics Emerges as Toughest Section
The third day of the Joint Entrance Examination Main (JEE Main) 2026 Session 1, held on January 23, 2026, presented a challenging paper for BTech and BE aspirants. According to detailed analysis from education experts, the mathematics section proved to be the most difficult, while chemistry was rated as lengthy and physics maintained a moderate level of difficulty.
Exam Structure and Format
The JEE Main 2026 paper for Day 3 consisted of three core subjects: mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Each subject was divided into two distinct sections. Section 1 contained 20 multiple-choice questions with single correct answers, while Section 2 featured 5 numerical-based questions requiring precise calculations. The examination was conducted in two shifts: the morning session from 9 am to 12 noon and the afternoon session from 3 pm to 6 pm.
It is important to note that examinations were suspended in West Bengal on this day due to Saraswati Puja celebrations, affecting the schedule for candidates in that region.
Physics Section: Moderately Balanced with Conceptual Focus
According to Dr. Saurabh Kumar, founder and CEO of Shiksha Nation, the physics section was of moderate difficulty. The questions primarily tested fundamental concepts, making them manageable for well-prepared students. However, many problems were time-consuming, requiring careful attention to detail.
Key topics covered in the physics paper included:
- De Broglie wavelength and matter waves
- Electrostatics and magnetic effects of current
- Wave and ray optics
- Capacitors and semiconductors from modern physics
Overall, students found this section more straightforward compared to mathematics and chemistry, with a fair mix of conceptual understanding and application-based questions.
Chemistry Section: Lengthy and Moderately Tough
The chemistry section was rated as moderate to tough and notably lengthy. While the questions were based on NCERT foundation material, they involved complex problem-solving that consumed significant time. The section provided balanced coverage across various topics, but several numerical and conceptual questions proved tricky for candidates.
Unlike typical JEE Main chemistry papers, this section was not straightforward and demanded careful attention and accuracy from students. The lengthy nature of the questions made time management a critical factor for success.
Mathematics Section: The Toughest Challenge
Mathematics emerged as the most challenging section of Day 3. Dr. Kumar emphasized that this section featured lengthy, highly calculative questions requiring multi-step solutions and strong calculation speed. Students reported that mathematics was the most time-intensive part of the examination, with many problems demanding advanced problem-solving skills.
The difficulty level of mathematics was significantly higher than both physics and chemistry, making effective time management crucial for candidates attempting to maximize their scores.
Expert Insights and Student Experience
Education experts analyzing the Day 3 paper noted that while physics remained moderately balanced, chemistry's length and mathematics' complexity created a challenging examination environment. Students who had focused on strengthening their calculation speed and conceptual clarity likely performed better under these demanding conditions.
The JEE Main 2026 examination continues to be a critical gateway for engineering aspirants seeking admission to prestigious institutions like IITs, NITs, and other engineering colleges across India. With Session 1 progressing, candidates are advised to stay updated on official announcements from the National Testing Agency (NTA) regarding results, rank predictors, and counseling schedules through JoSAA.
