JEE Main B. ARCH Paper 2A:
Exam Guide
Understand the JEE Main B. ARCH Paper 2A pathway and explore AICT preparation programs. Check the current official bulletin for eligibility, dates and exam rules.
Explore preparation programs: Prakhar Foundation · Prakhar Focus · Prakhar Preparation · Prakhar Crash
The exam details below reference NTA’s 2026 documents, reviewed October 6, 2026. For the next cycle, check the latest bulletin and Paper 2A notices. Upcoming dates and fees are not confirmed here.
Start with your course goal.
NTA conducts JEE Main. Paper 2A is for B.Arch; Paper 2B is for B.Planning. Select your intended course carefully when applying.
Know your pathway
Make a college shortlist and record which entrance scores each program accepts. Use the institution’s admission page as your reference.
Read before registering
Keep the current bulletin, syllabus, and notices together. Write down questions about your subjects or qualifications before completing the application.
Build a balanced routine
Give each study session a purpose: solve accurately, visualize clearly, or communicate an idea through a drawing.
Three parts. One architecture paper.
| Part | Questions | Marks | Mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Math | 20 MCQs + 5 numerical | 100 | Computer based |
| Aptitude | 50 MCQs | 200 | Computer based |
| Drawing | 2 | 100 | Paper; A4 drawing sheet |
MCQs and numerical answers: +4 correct, −1 incorrect, 0 unanswered. Drawing is assessed separately. Read the 2026 bulletin.
Exam eligibility and admission eligibility.
Taking the exam
For 2026, candidates who passed Class XII/equivalent in 2024 or 2025, or were appearing in 2026, were eligible. NTA specified no age limit; institutions may have their own criteria.
Entering the NIT+ system
Paper 2A admission requires Physics, Chemistry, Math, and two other subjects. The five-subject aggregate requirement is 75% (65% for SC/ST/PwD), or the category-wise board top 20 percentile.
Consult current JoSAA/CSAB rules and the institution. Other B.Arch admission routes have separate requirements. NTA bulletin, eligibility and admission chapters.
What should you study?
Math
Review algebra, matrices, calculus, coordinate and 3D geometry, vectors, statistics, probability, and trigonometry.
Aptitude
Study architectural awareness, reasoning, 2D/3D visualization, scale, proportion, form transformations, plans, elevations, and compositions.
Drawing
Practice memory sketches of urban scenes, landscapes, and rural life. NTA lists pencils, a geometry set, erasers, colored pencils, and crayons for the drawing test.
This overview is a starting point. Use the full Paper 2A syllabus to make your topic checklist.
Turn the official instructions into a checklist.
Open the official portal
Read the latest notice and bulletin. Confirm that you are viewing the correct exam year and session.
Prepare your details
Match your name and qualification details to your records. Follow the portal’s current document and image specifications.
Review your selection
Check your intended paper, category, and exam location before payment. Read the applicable fee row in the bulletin.
Keep your records
Save the confirmation page and receipt. Track correction notices, city information, and admit-card instructions.
Use the latest official notice.
Build your calendar from the current NTA announcement. Record the application deadline, payment deadline, correction window, and your Paper 2A exam date separately. Use the admit card for your assigned reporting time and venue.
Build skills you can measure.
The study suggestions below are AICT guidance, separate from NTA’s exam rules. Adjust the routine to your school schedule and current strengths.
Solve and review
Keep a math error log. After each practice set, identify whether the problem came from a concept, calculation, or reading mistake. Revisit the method before attempting another set.
Train your visual thinking
Draw an everyday object from different viewpoints. Compare the views and explain which edges or surfaces would be visible. Move from simple forms to more complex arrangements.
Sketch with intention
Choose a familiar scene, plan its composition, and sketch it from memory. Review proportion, perspective, depth, and clarity. Repeat the scene after making one specific improvement.
Complete a timed practice session, review your mistakes, and choose three priorities for the next week. Track progress by the quality of your corrections as well as your score.
Before you apply.
Do I need to appear in both sessions?
NTA’s 2026 FAQ allows one or both sessions. If both are taken, the best total NTA score is used for ranking. Check the new cycle’s rules before deciding.
Is there a separate application for each session?
The 2026 FAQ requires applying separately for each session. Candidates who missed Session 1 could apply for Session 2 when its portal opened.
Can I use a calculator?
The 2026 NTA FAQ says calculators in any form are not permitted.
How should I plan my college shortlist?
Make a comparison sheet with the program name, accepted entrance score, subject requirements, admission authority, and application deadline. Verify each entry on the institution’s official website.
How can AICT help me organize my preparation?
Bring your topic checklist, recent practice work, and questions about your study routine to a counseling discussion. Ask about the current preparation options and how feedback is provided.
Go directly to NTA.
- National Testing Agency
- Official JEE Main portal
- JEE Main 2026 Information Bulletin
- JEE Main 2026 Syllabus, Paper 2A
- JEE Main 2026 FAQs
Reviewed October 6, 2026. AICT is a coaching provider. NTA conducts the exam; the relevant admission authority manages admission.
Make a plan for your architecture journey.
Explore the architecture entrance hub or discuss your preparation with AICT.
