JEE Main 2026 Session 1 vs Session 2: Which is Easier?

Introduction

Every year, more than 10 lakh students appear for the JEE Main exam, and one question keeps coming back—“Which session is easier, Session 1 or Session 2?” With NTA conducting the exam in two sessions, January and April. students and parents often wonder whether one attempt offers an advantage over the other.

In this blog, we’ll break down the difficulty trends of JEE Main 2026, compare Session 1 vs Session 2, and share practical strategies to help Class 11 and 12 students decide how to plan their attempts.

JEE Main Two-Session Format Explained

The National Testing Agency (NTA) introduced the two-session format to reduce student stress and provide multiple opportunities.

Session 1 (January): Early attempt, allows students to test preparation before boards.
Session 2 (April): A second chance to improve scores after boards or extra revision.
Best Score Considered: NTA takes your higher score across sessions for ranking.

The exam pattern remains the same for both sessions, 75 questions, covering Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

This means the real difference lies in student readiness and competition levels, not the paper itself.

Session 1 vs Session 2: What Past Trends Suggest

Looking at previous years, here’s what students have experienced:

Session 1 (January):
- Papers are often slightly unpredictable since it’s the first exam of the year.
- Some years, Physics or Chemistry felt easier, while Maths was lengthy.
- Students felt less pressure as it’s the “trial run.”
Session 2 (April):
- Many students are more confident after their first attempt.
- Competition rises as serious aspirants return stronger.
- Questions are usually balanced but can feel tougher due to pressure.

Conclusion from trends: Neither session is consistently easier. It depends on individual preparation and mindset.

Is Session 1 Really Easier?

Advantages of Session 1:

You get an early shot at JEE before board exam distractions.
Less pressure—students see it as a practice attempt.
Builds confidence for Session 2.

Disadvantages of Session 1:

Class 12 students may feel underprepared if syllabus isn’t complete.
First-time nerves may affect performance.

For Class 11 → 12 movers, Session 1 is a great rehearsal. For Class 12 students, it works best if you’ve revised most of the syllabus before January.

Is Session 2 Really Easier?

Advantages of Session 2:

More time for syllabus completion and revision.
Experience from Session 1 helps you avoid mistakes.
Boards are done, so you can focus fully on JEE.

Disadvantages of Session 2:

Higher competition—many strong candidates appear.
Fatigue from boards + JEE preparation can hit some students.
Pressure is higher because it’s the “final shot.”

If you’re well-prepared, Session 2 can definitely give you a boosted percentile, but it also comes with extra competition.

Factors That Influence Difficulty

Wondering why students feel one session is easier? Here are the real factors:

NTA’s Normalisation Process
- Even if one shift feels harder, scores are adjusted fairly.
Your Preparation Level
- A paper feels “easy” when you’re fully prepared.
Time Management
- Lengthy questions make exams feel tougher.
External Pressure
- Boards, expectations, and mental stress play a big role.

Ultimately, the exam is designed to be balanced, so preparation matters more than timing.

Which Attempt Should You Prioritize?

Here’s a simple rule: Don’t choose—attempt both!

Session 1: Treat it as both a rehearsal and a genuine attempt.
Session 2: Use it as a booster attempt to improve your score.

For Class 11 students entering Class 12:

Use Session 1 as experience.
Take Session 2 more seriously after full syllabus prep.

For Class 12 students:

Revise as much as possible before Session 1.
Aim for a good score in Session 1, then strengthen weak areas before Session 2.

Preparation Strategy for Both Sessions

Before Session 1 (Jan):
- Revise NCERT thoroughly.
- Attempt mock tests in exam-like conditions.
- Don’t skip difficult chapters entirely; cover basics.
Between Session 1 and 2 (Feb–Apr):
- Analyze Session 1 mistakes.
- Work on weaker topics.
- Attempt previous year papers and online mocks.
- Stay consistent instead of cramming.

The ideal strategy: Appear for both sessions with full seriousness, and let NTA pick your best score.

How Career Plan B Helps

Choosing the right exam strategy can be confusing for both students and parents. Career Plan B helps by offering:

Personalized Career Counselling to plan attempts wisely.
Psycheintel and Career Assessment Tests to understand strengths and weaknesses.
Admission and Academic Profile Guidance for college selection.
Career Roadmapping to align JEE goals with future career paths.

This ensures students don’t just prepare for JEE Main, but also build clarity for life after the exam.

FAQs

Is Session 1 easier than Session 2 in JEE Main?
Not always. Difficulty varies by year and shift. Your preparation level matters more.
Can I skip Session 1 and only attempt Session 2?
Yes, but not advisable. Attempting both increases your chances of scoring higher.
Does NTA make Session 2 tougher on purpose?
No. NTA balances difficulty levels through normalisation. Both sessions are meant to be fair.
Which session gives better chances of scoring 99 percentile?
Either. Your score depends on accuracy and preparation, not the session.
Should I appear for both JEE Main sessions?
Yes! That way, you get two chances and NTA considers your best score.

Conclusion

So, which is easier; Session 1 or Session 2 of JEE Main 2026? The truth is, neither session is universally easier. For some, Session 1 feels smooth because of less pressure, while others perform better in Session 2 with extra preparation time.

The best approach is simple: appear for both attempts with equal seriousness. Use Session 1 as a rehearsal plus genuine attempt, and Session 2 as your booster.

Remember: “The easier session is the one you are most prepared for.” Stay consistent, practice mock tests, and keep your confidence high, success will follow

For expert guidance, contact career plan b