VITEEE 2026 April 28 Shift 1 Analysis: Moderate Difficulty with a New Twist in Marking

The VITEEE 2026 April 28 Shift 1 was moderate but lengthy in Mathematics, with a major emphasis on accuracy due to the newly introduced negative marking scheme. Chemistry and Aptitude remained the highest-scoring sections for most students.

The VITEEE 2026 entrance exam officially kicked off today, April 28, 2026. As the first shift concluded at 12:00 PM, thousands of engineering aspirants emerged from centers across the country with mixed emotions.

While the syllabus remained rooted in NCERT, the introduction of a new marking scheme and some lengthy math problems defined the morning session.

For those appearing in the upcoming slots, here is a comprehensive breakdown of the Shift 1 paper, student reactions, and what to expect next.

Overall Difficulty Level: Moderate but Competitive

Initial feedback from students suggests that the April 28 Shift 1 paper was moderate. However, “moderate” in 2026 carries more weight than in previous years. This is because VIT has officially implemented negative marking ($+4$ for correct, $-1$ for incorrect), making it an accuracy-driven game rather than a speed-only race.

Section-Wise Breakdown

Subject Highlights & Topics Asked

1. Mathematics: The Time-Consumer

As per the trend, Mathematics was the most challenging section. Students reported that while the questions weren’t “impossible,” they were lengthy.

• Key Topics: Integration, Differential Equations, Probability, and Vector Algebra.

• Student Insight: Many candidates could only attempt 25–30 questions accurately due to time constraints.

2. Physics: Conceptual and Formula-Based

Physics was relatively balanced. Unlike JEE Main, VITEEE focused more on the application of direct formulas.

• Key Topics: Electrostatics, Current Electricity, Optics, and Semiconductor Devices.

• Observation: A few tricky questions from Magnetic Effects of Electric Current required deeper conceptual clarity.

3. Chemistry: The Rank Booster

Chemistry was the saving grace for many. Most questions were derived directly from Class 11 and 12 NCERT textbooks.

• Key Topics: Chemical Equilibrium, Coordination Compounds, and Organic Chemistry (around 10–12 questions).

• The Catch: Some students found the inorganic section (p-block and d-block) a bit “out of the box,” suggesting that just reading the NCERT summary might not be enough.

The “Big Change”: Negative Marking Impact

The most discussed topic outside the exam halls wasn’t the questions, but the new marking scheme. With a total of 500 marks (125 questions x 4), the penalty for “blind guessing” has become severe.

“In previous years, we used to mark all 125 questions. This time, I left nearly 15 questions in Maths because I didn’t want to lose marks,” said Rohan, an aspirant from the Delhi center.

Memory-Based Questions & Solutions

While the official answer key will be released later, several coaching institutes have started compiling memory-based questions.

• Physics: Questions on finding electric potential at equidistant points and calculating equivalent capacitance in a bridge circuit.

• Chemistry: Direct questions on the oxidation state of central atoms in coordination compounds and polymer identification.

• Aptitude: Coding-decoding problems and number series were the highlights.

What is a Safe Score for VIT Vellore CSE?

Given the shift in marking and the moderate difficulty, experts suggest that a score above 380–400 could be considered excellent for Category 1 admissions in Computer Science Engineering (CSE) at the Vellore campus.

Exam Day Essentials for Shift 2 & Future Dates

If you are appearing for the exam in the coming days, ensure you carry:

• Admit Card: A physical copy with a clear watermark.

• Valid ID Proof: Aadhaar Card, PAN, or Passport (Original).

• Photos: 2-3 passport-size photographs as uploaded in the form.

Pro-Tip: Focus on your accuracy. With the $-1$ penalty, it is better to leave a question than to guess incorrectly.

Written by Simran

Simran is currently working as a Senior Content Writer at Findmycollege , where she creates engaging and research-driven learning resources for students. She has completed her Graduation in Journalism from Delhi University. With 4 years of experience in the EdTech industry, she has previously contributed to leading platforms like Leverage Edu and Aakash. Her expertise lies in simplifying Engineering and Medical entrance exam content to guide aspirants in their preparation journey. Beyond writing, Simran enjoys sketching, watching movies, and finding creative inspiration in everyday life.

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