Explainer · Entrance exams

NATA and JEE Main Paper 2: the entrance tests for B.Arch

Admission to a five-year architecture degree uses an aptitude test. This guide explains the two common ones and how to choose between them.

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On this page
  1. NATA and JEE Main Paper 2 at a glance
  2. How to decide which test to take
  3. Other routes if architecture is not the only plan
  4. Frequently asked questions
  5. Official sources to check
  6. Keep reading
  7. More in Explainers

The short answer

A Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) is a five-year degree whose admission needs a recognised aptitude test. Two are in common use: the National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA), conducted for the Council of Architecture, and Paper 2 of JEE Main, conducted by the National Testing Agency for B.Arch. Many colleges accept either, some states set their own rules, and some institutions run their own tests. Which one you need depends on the colleges and counselling you plan to use, so list those first and read their admission notices. Class 12 with Mathematics is normally required, and the exact marks and subjects are in the notice.

Admission rules change; confirm with the official notice.

NATA and JEE Main Paper 2 at a glance

Point NATA JEE Main Paper 2 (B.Arch)
Conducted by Council of Architecture National Testing Agency
What it tests Drawing and aptitude for design, observation and reasoning Mathematics, aptitude and a drawing test
Accepted by Many architecture colleges and state counselling Many national and state institutions, including those that use JEE for admission
Sessions Check the brochure for the number of sessions and how scores are used Held with the JEE Main cycle; check the bulletin
Check before you apply Whether your target colleges accept it Whether your target colleges and counselling use it
Both tests have separate brochures. Rules for sessions, attempts and score use change, so use the current official document.

How to decide which test to take

  1. List the colleges and counselling you would genuinely consider, including state options.
  2. Open each admission notice and note which test it accepts, and whether it asks for one score or the better of two.
  3. Read the Council of Architecture requirements for B.Arch admission and check that the college is approved by the Council.
  4. If both tests are accepted, choose the one that suits your strengths and schedule, or prepare for both where the overlap is large.
  5. Practise freehand drawing, observation and sketching regularly, since a drawing component is part of the assessment.
  6. Keep your Mathematics strong, as it is part of the eligibility and the paper.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. The Council of Architecture's eligibility and most college notices ask for Mathematics in Class 12. Read the current rule for the exact marks.
Yes, if you are eligible for both. Some candidates take both to widen the colleges they can apply to.
A drawing component forms part of the assessment. Regular practice in sketching and observation helps more than natural talent.
Read the current brochure for each test. These rules can change.
No. B.Arch is a professional degree governed by the Council of Architecture. Design degrees such as B.Des use different entrance routes.

Official sources to check

Use these for current rules and dates. We do not set or control admission criteria.

More in Explainers

This page is general information to help you plan. It is not admission, legal or career advice, and it does not guarantee admission, jobs or outcomes. Rules, eligibility and exams change, so always confirm with the official source.

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