Paper 2 is conducted in a single shift from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Candidates were advised to report early to their respective exam centres, with entry gates closing at 8:30 AM. Essential documents required for entry include the hard copy of the admit card, a valid government-issued photo ID, and passport-size photographs matching the ones submitted during registration.
Items Prohibited Inside Exam Halls
Students were strictly prohibited from carrying mobile phones, calculators, Bluetooth devices, smartwatches, stationery items like geometry boxes or paper, eatables, and metallic accessories. The NTA warned that there might be no facility for storing valuables inside the examination centre. Candidates were also advised to avoid rings, bracelets, and other jewelry that could complicate security checks.
How to Calculate JEE Main Scores
Once the official answer key is released, candidates can estimate their scores using the following marking scheme: four marks for each correct answer and one mark deducted for every incorrect response. The final score is calculated by subtracting the total negative marks from the cumulative marks of correct answers. NTA has warned students to avoid social media claims about paper leaks, emphasizing that no question paper is officially released online before the exam (NTA Official Website).
Student Reactions and Paper Analysis
According to student feedback and expert analysis by Ajay Sharma, National Academic Director at Aakash Educational Services Limited, the January 29 exams were well-structured, covering the prescribed syllabus with balanced question distribution. Mathematics emerged as the most challenging and time-consuming section, particularly topics like Integral Calculus, Conic Sections, and Algebra. Physics ranged from moderate to easy, focusing heavily on Electromagnetism, Mechanics, and Thermodynamics. Chemistry was rated easy to moderate, with an emphasis on Organic Chemistry, aligned closely with NCERT concepts.
Students with a strong grasp of Class 11 fundamentals found the exams manageable. Many noted that timely preparation in Physics and Chemistry could result in high scores, whereas Mathematics demanded extra time and precision.
Exam Results and Future Sessions
The results for the January 2026 session will be announced on February 12, 2026. Candidates planning to appear in the second session, scheduled from April 1 to April 10, 2026, can expect results by April 20, 2026. The NTA continues to advise candidates to follow official channels for all updates and avoid fraudulent sources circulating on social media.