NATA vs JEE Main Paper 2 for B.Arch: which exam leads where?

Every year, thousands of architecture aspirants in India face a version of the same question: NATA or JEE Main Paper 2? The confusion is understandable. Both exams test aptitude for architecture. Both lead to B.Arch programmes. Both are conducted nationally. But they are not interchangeable, and the colleges that accept one do not accept the other.

This guide covers what each exam tests, which colleges accept which exam, and the single most important correction you will not find on most coaching centre websites.

The most important thing to know first: SPA Delhi does not accept NATA

Before anything else, this needs to be said clearly. The School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, one of India’s most sought-after B.Arch programmes, does not accept NATA scores. It uses JEE Main Paper 2 exclusively.

This is widely misunderstood. Coaching centres, online forums, and aggregator websites routinely list SPA Delhi alongside NATA-accepting colleges. They are wrong. If SPA Delhi is on your target list, you need JEE Main Paper 2. NATA scores will not get you there.

The same applies to all NIT B.Arch programmes: NIT Calicut, NIT Trichy, NIT Hamirpur, NIT Warangal, and every other NIT that offers B.Arch use JEE Main Paper 2. Not NATA. Also note that IIT Kharagpur, the only IIT offering B.Arch, uses a completely separate route: JEE Advanced followed by an Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT). No JEE Main, no NATA.

Verify this directly at josaa.nic.in and the individual NIT admission portals.

What each exam is

NATA: National Aptitude Test in Architecture

NATA is conducted by the Council of Architecture (CoA), the statutory body that regulates architecture education in India under the Architects Act 1972. CoA conducts NATA in two phases per year: Phase 1 from April to June, Phase 2 in August.

One critical rule: Students can appear in ONE phase per year only. If you register for Phase 1, you are not eligible for Phase 2 in the same year. This is different from JEE Main, where students can take both January and April sittings. With NATA, you get one attempt per year.

Exam structure (2026):

NATA is 200 marks total:

• Part A: Drawing test, 80 marks, 3 questions, 135 minutes. Questions test freehand drawing, 2D and 3D composition, perspective, and visual communication of architectural ideas.
• Part B: Computer-based MCQ and NAT questions, 120 marks. Tests proportions, geometry, mathematical reasoning, general aptitude, and aesthetic sensitivity.

NATA scores are valid for two academic years from the year of the attempt. Full information at nata.in.

JEE Main Paper 2B: Architecture

JEE Main Paper 2B (Architecture) is conducted by NTA (National Testing Agency). The January and April sessions are the two windows, and unlike NATA, students can appear in both sessions in the same year. The higher score from either session is used for central counselling.

Exam structure:

JEE Main Paper 2B tests:

• Part I: Mathematics (shared with JEE Main Paper 1, the B.Tech exam). 100 marks.
• Part II: General Aptitude. 50 marks.
• Part III: Drawing. 70 marks.

JEE Main Paper 2 scores are used by NTA for central counselling via JoSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority). JoSAA allocates seats at NITs, SPA Vijayawada, SPA Bhopal, and other centrally funded technical institutes.

Full information at jeemain.nta.nic.in and josaa.nic.in.

Which colleges accept which exam

Colleges that accept NATA

NATA is the admission test for the majority of B.Arch colleges in India by count. The 600+ CoA-approved architecture colleges outside the NIT and central government category use NATA as their primary screening test.

Government colleges accepting NATA include:

• Sir J.J. College of Architecture, Mumbai (Maharashtra state counselling using NATA)
• Chandigarh College of Architecture
• SPA Vijayawada and SPA Bhopal (these two SPAs do accept NATA; SPA Delhi does not)
• Government architecture colleges in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka

Private colleges accepting NATA include:

• BMS College of Architecture, Bengaluru
• R.V. College of Architecture, Bengaluru
• Manipal School of Architecture and Planning (MSAP), Manipal
• BIT Mesra, Ranchi
• Jamia Millia Islamia (Architecture), New Delhi
• VIT School of Architecture, Vellore
• Amity School of Architecture, Noida
• Most private deemed universities with B.Arch programmes

Colleges that require JEE Main Paper 2

JEE Main Paper 2 is required for all NIT B.Arch seats and most centrally funded institution B.Arch seats:

• All NITs with B.Arch: NIT Calicut, NIT Trichy, NIT Hamirpur, NIT Warangal, NIT Raipur, and others
• SPA Delhi (uses JEE Main Paper 2 exclusively, not NATA)
• SPA Vijayawada and SPA Bhopal also accept JEE Main Paper 2 in addition to NATA
• Jamia Millia Islamia Architecture accepts both NATA and JEE Main Paper 2 scores

IIT Kharagpur (separate route)

IIT Kharagpur B.Arch is not via NATA or JEE Main Paper 2. The route is:

1. Appear for JEE Advanced and obtain a qualifying rank
2. Appear for the Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT) conducted by IIT Kharagpur
3. Seat allocation through JoSAA

There is no NATA component in IIT Kharagpur’s B.Arch admission.

Detailed college guide: which colleges accept NATA, which require JEE Paper 2

Understanding which colleges accept which exam is critical to your decision. Here is a comprehensive breakdown with specific examples.

NATA-accepting colleges: the complete landscape

NATA is accepted by approximately 600 colleges across India, making it the broader admission pathway. These colleges fall into several categories.

Category 1: Government and state-aided architecture colleges

Government architecture colleges across states use NATA as the primary entrance test. Admissions are managed through state-level counselling, typically conducted after JoSAA closes. Here are major examples:

• Sir J.J. College of Architecture, Mumbai (Maharashtra)
• Government College of Architecture, Lahore (in union territory list; verify current status)
• Chandigarh College of Architecture (Chandigarh)
• Government College of Architecture, Hyderabad (Telangana)
• Government College of Architecture, Gandhinagar (Gujarat)
• Government College of Architecture, Bengaluru (Karnataka)
• Rajkumar College of Architecture, Rajasthan
• Government Institute of Architecture, Indore (Madhya Pradesh)
• Government College of Architecture, Nagpur (Maharashtra)
• Government College of Architecture, Jaipur (Rajasthan)

All of these colleges conduct their own state-level counselling after NATA scores are released. You apply through the respective state portal, not through a central portal.

Category 2: Private colleges accepting NATA (very large category)

Hundreds of private deemed universities and private institutions accept NATA. Examples include:

• Manipal School of Architecture and Planning (MSAP), Manipal (Karnataka)
• BMS College of Architecture, Bengaluru (Karnataka)
• R.V. College of Architecture, Bengaluru (Karnataka)
• VIT School of Architecture, Vellore (Tamil Nadu)
• BIT Mesra, Ranchi (Jharkhand)
• Amity School of Architecture and Planning, Noida (NCR)
• TERI School of Advanced Studies, Delhi
• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Institute of Architecture, Delhi
• JK Lakshmipat University School of Architecture, Jaipur (Rajasthan)
• IIM Indore School of Architecture (Madhya Pradesh)
• Pearl Academy School of Architecture, Delhi (NCR)
• Symbiosis Institute of Design, Pune (Maharashtra)
• MIT School of Architecture and Design, Pune (Maharashtra)

This is a partial list. Additional private colleges exist in every major city. A complete list is maintained by the Council of Architecture at coa.gov.in. You should verify college approval status there.

Category 3: Autonomous colleges accepting NATA

Some autonomous institutions accept NATA:

• Sir J.J. College of Architecture, Mumbai (autonomous but government college)
• Anna University-affiliated colleges in Tamil Nadu (some accept NATA)

JEE Main Paper 2 required colleges: the centrally funded institutions

JEE Main Paper 2 is the mandatory entrance test for centrally funded institutions and NITs. These seats are allocated through JoSAA (central counselling).

All NIT B.Arch programmes:

• NIT Calicut, Kerala
• NIT Trichy, Tamil Nadu
• NIT Warangal, Telangana
• NIT Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh
• NIT Raipur, Chhattisgarh
• NIT Allahabad (now MMMUT Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh
• NIT Jalandhar, Punjab
• NIT Kurukshetra, Haryana

Every NIT that offers B.Arch uses JEE Main Paper 2 exclusively. NATA scores are not accepted at any NIT.

Schools of Planning and Architecture (SPAs):

Three major SPAs exist. Two accept NATA, one does not.

• SPA Delhi: JEE Main Paper 2 ONLY. Does not accept NATA. This is the most critical distinction you must remember.
• SPA Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh): Accepts BOTH NATA and JEE Main Paper 2.
• SPA Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Accepts BOTH NATA and JEE Main Paper 2.

IIITDM Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh):

Accepts JEE Main Paper 2. Offers B.Arch as part of its architecture and design programmes.

Important note about NIT Nagpur and other newer NITs:

Some newer NITs may also offer B.Arch. Verify the complete and most current list of NITs offering B.Arch by visiting josaa.nic.in and searching for B.Arch seat matrix. This is the official source and updates every year.

The SPA Delhi question: why so many students are confused

SPA Delhi is arguably the most misrepresented B.Arch programme in Indian admission information. Here is why the confusion exists and why it matters.

The fact: School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi uses JEE Main Paper 2 for admissions. It does not accept NATA scores. A student with a NATA score, no matter how high, cannot gain admission to SPA Delhi through NATA.

Why the confusion exists:

First, online guides and forums repeatedly list SPA Delhi among NATA-accepting colleges. This is factually wrong. These guides often compile lists from years ago when information was less organised, or they copy from sources without verification.

Second, SPA Vijayawada and SPA Bhopal accept both exams. Many students and parents conflate “SPA colleges” as a category and assume all SPAs are alike. They are not. SPA Delhi is the flagship institution (established 1955 in Delhi) and uses JEE Main. SPA Vijayawada and Bhopal are newer and use NATA (and also accept JEE Main).

Third, coaching institutes sometimes make this error in their promotional materials to simplify their messaging. Saying “NATA leads to 600 colleges including SPAs” is simpler than saying “NATA leads to 600 colleges, and some SPAs accept NATA, but the flagship SPA Delhi does not.” The error persists because it is convenient.

Why it matters:

SPA Delhi is consistently ranked among the top 5-10 architecture colleges in India by NIRF and other international rankings. It has significant international reputation and is highly sought after. Many students dream of SPA Delhi. If SPA Delhi is on your target list, you must appear for JEE Main Paper 2, not NATA.

Every year, students appear for NATA aiming to get into SPA Delhi. Upon result day, they discover they cannot apply to SPA Delhi because SPA Delhi only accepts JEE Main Paper 2. This is a preventable mistake, and the awareness needs to be higher.

The official confirmation:

You can verify this at multiple sources:

• josaa.nic.in lists all colleges accepting JEE Main Paper 2 for B.Arch. SPA Delhi appears in this list.
• nata.in does not list SPA Delhi in the NATA-accepting colleges list.
• The official SPA Delhi website mentions JEE Main Paper 2 as the entrance test.

Key colleges by exam: quick reference table

To make it clearer, here is a side-by-side comparison of major colleges:

College	NATA	JEE Main Paper 2	Location
SPA Delhi	No	Yes (only)	Delhi
SPA Vijayawada	Yes	Yes	Andhra Pradesh
SPA Bhopal	Yes	Yes	Madhya Pradesh
NIT Trichy	No	Yes	Tamil Nadu
NIT Calicut	No	Yes	Kerala
NIT Hamirpur	No	Yes	Himachal Pradesh
NIT Warangal	No	Yes	Telangana
NIT Raipur	No	Yes	Chhattisgarh
IIITDM Jabalpur	No	Yes	Madhya Pradesh
IIT Kharagpur	No (uses JEE Advanced + AAT)	No (uses JEE Advanced + AAT)	West Bengal
Manipal School of Architecture	Yes	No	Karnataka
BMS College of Architecture	Yes	No	Karnataka
R.V. College of Architecture	Yes	No	Karnataka
VIT School of Architecture	Yes	No	Tamil Nadu
Amity School of Architecture	Yes	No	NCR
TERI School of Architecture	Yes	No	Delhi
Sir J.J. College of Architecture	Yes	No	Maharashtra
Symbiosis Architecture	Yes	No	Maharashtra
Pearl Academy School of Architecture	Yes	No	Delhi

This table is representative, not exhaustive. For a complete list of colleges accepting your exam, check:

• NATA colleges: Council of Architecture at coa.gov.in
• JEE Main Paper 2 colleges: JoSAA at josaa.nic.in

The key differences in one table

Aspect	NATA	JEE Main Paper 2
Conducted by	Council of Architecture (CoA)	National Testing Agency (NTA)
Attempts per year	1 (Phase 1 OR Phase 2 only)	2 (January + April)
Marks	200 (Part A: 80 + Part B: 120)	400 (Maths: 100 + Aptitude: 50 + Drawing: 70 + scaled)
Colleges accepting	Most private B.Arch + government-aided	NITs + SPA Delhi + CFTIs
SPA Delhi	Does NOT accept NATA	Yes
NIT B.Arch	Does NOT accept NATA	Yes
IIT Kharagpur	Does NOT apply	No (uses JEE Advanced + AAT)
Official portal	nata.in	jeemain.nta.nic.in

Should you appear for both?

Yes, if you are serious about B.Arch admission, appearing for both exams in the same year is a common and sensible approach. The exams are independent. NATA typically falls between April and August. JEE Main is in January and April. The schedules allow you to prepare for and appear in all relevant sittings.

The strategy question is whether you are primarily targeting NITs and SPA Delhi (in which case JEE Main Paper 2 is the core exam and NATA is a backup for private colleges), or primarily targeting private or state government colleges (in which case NATA is the core and JEE Main is an additional option if your Maths is strong).

If you have PCM in Class 12: Appear for both. The JEE Main Mathematics section is demanding but accessible if you are a PCM student. Clearing JEE Main Paper 2 with a reasonable score opens NIT seats. NATA opens the remaining 600+ colleges.

If you have Maths but not PCM: You are eligible for NATA and can appear for JEE Main Paper 2 (Maths is the core requirement). Some NIT counselling processes may ask for PCM specifically, so verify individual NIT eligibility requirements at josaa.nic.in before applying.

If you want to target only private colleges: NATA alone is sufficient. JEE Main is not required.

What each exam tests: the drawing difference

Both exams have a drawing component, but the drawing vocabulary is different.

NATA Part A drawing questions typically involve:

• 2D geometric composition with colour
• 3D perspective sketching from a given description
• Memory drawing of architectural elements or spatial scenarios
• Imagination and representation of built environments

JEE Main Paper 2 drawing section is shorter (70 marks, 2 questions, 70 minutes) and tends toward:

• Two-dimensional design and colour composition
• Three-dimensional drawing from given three orthographic views
• Scene sketching based on a described topic

The NATA drawing section carries more weight relative to the total (80 of 200 = 40%) than the JEE Main drawing section (70 of 400 = 17.5%). This means drawing ability matters more in absolute terms for NATA outcomes. Candidates who are strong in Mathematics but weaker in freehand drawing may find JEE Main Paper 2 results more favourable.

Preparation overlap

Roughly 70% of preparation content is shared:

• Geometric construction and drawing fundamentals benefit both exams
• Architectural awareness, proportions, and spatial reasoning are tested in both
• Mathematical reasoning and aptitude form the core of both Part B (NATA) and Parts I-II (JEE Main)
• Regular observational sketching improves performance in both drawing sections

The difference in emphasis is Maths depth. JEE Main Mathematics tests full Class 12 NCERT Maths including calculus, coordinate geometry, probability, and statistics at a level comparable to JEE Main Paper 1 (B.Tech). NATA Part B tests mathematical reasoning at a lower difficulty level without calculus-intensity. If preparing for JEE Main Paper 2, your Maths preparation alone covers and exceeds the Maths demands of NATA Part B.

A practical timeline for 2026

UCEED and NID DAT (for B.Des students considering architecture as an alternative) are in January. NATA Phase 1 starts in April. JEE Main sessions are in January and April.

For students targeting B.Arch in 2026:

• November to January: Build drawing fundamentals, geometry, and aptitude. JEE Main January session.
• February to March: NATA registration opens. Continue drawing practice.
• April: NATA Phase 1. JEE Main April session (second attempt if needed).
• June: NATA Phase 1 ends. Final NATA session in this phase.
• August: NATA Phase 2 (for students who did not appear in Phase 1).
• June to July: JoSAA counselling for NIT and SPA seats.
• August to September: State counselling rounds for NATA-accepting colleges.

Resources

• NATA complete guide and preparation resources on ShapeVerse
• NATA past papers and drawing topic guide
• Official NATA information: nata.in
• Official JEE Main Paper 2 information: jeemain.nta.nic.in
• JoSAA seat allocation for NIT B.Arch: josaa.nic.in
• Council of Architecture (CoA) approved college list: coa.gov.in

Summary

NATA and JEE Main Paper 2 serve different ends of the B.Arch college landscape in India. NATA covers the vast majority of private and state government colleges. JEE Main Paper 2 is the route to NITs, SPA Delhi, and centrally funded institutions. SPA Delhi is the most consequential correction: it is consistently listed on NATA college lists across the web, and it does not accept NATA.

If architecture is your goal, appear for both. The exams are independent, the schedules allow it, and the overlap in preparation content means you are not splitting your effort in two different directions, you are building a shared foundation and targeting different college sets with it.

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Expanded FAQ: NATA vs JEE Main Paper 2

If I take only NATA, can I get into SPA Delhi?

No, absolutely not. SPA Delhi requires JEE Main Paper 2. A perfect NATA score does not open SPA Delhi doors. If SPA Delhi is even a secondary target on your list, you must prepare for JEE Main Paper 2. Do not take the risk of preparing for NATA alone and discovering later that you cannot apply to SPA Delhi.

If I take only JEE Main Paper 2, can I get into private architecture colleges?

Most private architecture colleges prefer NATA scores, but many also accept JEE Main Paper 2. Colleges like Manipal, BMS Bengaluru, and others have separate counselling processes for NATA and JEE Main candidates. A JEE Main Paper 2 score can often be used for private college admissions, though NATA may be preferred (and may lead to better merit-based scholarships). Verify the specific college’s admissions process before assuming your JEE Main score will be accepted.

My goal is NIT B.Arch. Should I prepare for NATA?

If your only goal is NITs, NATA is not necessary. Prepare exclusively for JEE Main Paper 2. Your effort is better spent mastering Mathematics and drawing for JEE Main. However, if you also want backup options at private colleges, preparing for NATA alongside JEE Main is wise.

I scored well in NATA but not in JEE Main. What are my college options?

You can attend any NATA-accepting college. This includes government colleges (like Sir J.J. Mumbai or government colleges in your state), private colleges (Manipal, BMS, VIT, etc.), and autonomous institutions. The pool is large. However, NIT and SPA Delhi options are closed to you. If you are happy with private colleges or government colleges outside NITs, a high NATA score is sufficient.

I scored well in JEE Main Paper 2 but missed NATA. Can I still get a good B.Arch college?

Yes. Your JEE Main score qualifies you for NITs, which are excellent institutions. You can also apply to private colleges that accept JEE Main (many do, in addition to NATA). The main difference is that you lose access to the large pool of NATA-exclusive colleges. But NITs are arguably the most prestigious B.Arch institutions (second only to IIT Kharagpur), so a good JEE Main score is valuable.

Are NIT B.Arch and private college B.Arch equally good?

NIT B.Arch programmes are government institutions with excellent faculty and placement outcomes. Private colleges vary widely. Top private colleges like Manipal School of Architecture, BMS Bengaluru, and VIT Vellore have strong reputations and good placements. Lesser-known private colleges may be less recognised. If you have a choice, NITs are generally safer in terms of placements and reputation. However, a strong specific programme at a good private college (e.g., Manipal’s innovative design programme) can be as good as or better than a generic NIT programme.

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Official exam portals: NATA at nata.in, JEE Main at jeemain.nta.nic.in, JoSAA at josaa.nic.in, Council of Architecture at coa.gov.in. Verify eligibility and admission requirements directly at official portals before applying.