NATA vs JEE Main Paper 2 - Which is Best Option for B Arch Aspirants
NATA Vs JEE Mains Paper 2 - Wondering which is a better option for B. Arch aspirants? Read this article to get a detailed comparison between the two and make an informed decision.
NATA vs JEE Main Paper 2 - Students interested in pursuing a BArch. degree have the choice of applying through JEE Main Paper 2 or NATA. NATA and JEE Main Paper 2 are both conducted to provide admission to BArch courses. While NATA primarily focuses on evaluating artistic and creative skills along with the cognitive abilities of the candidates, JEE Main Paper 2 combines Mathematics, Aptitude, and Drawing skills. It is crucial to note that both exams provide opportunities to candidates for securing admission into the prestigious architecture institutions of India. Depending on the college for which admission is sought, students may opt to take either the NATA or JEE Main 2025 Paper 2 for BArch admission. NATA is administered by the Council of Architecture (CoA), whereas JEE Main Paper 2 is administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
NTA has released the JEE Main 2025 exam dates. The JEE Main Phase 1 exam will be held from January 22 to 31, 2025. JEE Main session 2 exam 2025 is to be held from April 1 to 8, 2025. The NATA exam will be conducted by the CoA in March 2025 (Tentatively).
JEE Main paper 2 is conducted for granting admissions to NITs, IIITs, IITs, GFTIs, SPAs, etc. While the NATA exam is held for granting architecture seats at CEPT University, Lovely Professional University, BMS College of Architecture, IES College of Architecture, etc. Students usually get confused thinking about 'Which test should I take' and 'What is the syllabus, exam pattern, and eligibility requirements?' Given that both exams have similar exam patterns and objectives, you can choose between taking the NATA or the JEE Main Paper 2 by reviewing our detailed guide.
Today, let us go through both these national-level exams for BArch admissions and try to find out if it is really advantageous to appear in one of these two exams compared to the other.
About NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture)
NATA or National Aptitude Test in Architecture is a national-level entrance exam for BArch admissions in various institutions in the country offering a 5-year undergraduate programme in Architecture. NATA is conducted thrice every year, usually during April and May. NATA is a gateway exam for the vacant BArch seats in various premier institutes in India but the decision regarding final admission to the candidates who appear in NATA lies with the authorities of the respective institutions or colleges.
About JEE Main (Paper-II)
JEE Main 2025 is another popular national-level entrance examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) every year for students looking for admission into programmes such as B.Tech course, B.E., BArch and B.Plan offered by the National Institute of Technologies (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs) and Centrally Funded Technical Institutes (CFTIs) in the country. For BArch admission in these institutes, the aspirants have to appear in the second paper of the JEE Main examination.
Differences Between NATA and JEE Main 2025
The table below contains the basic differences between the two BArch entrance exams, i.e. NATA and JEE Main Paper 2 -
Particulars | NATA | JEE Main (Paper-II) |
Total Questions in Paper | 48 | 82 |
Total Sections |
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Total Marks | 200 Marks | 400 Marks |
Total Duration of Exam | 3 Hours | 3 Hours |
Institutes Accepting Scores | Premier Architecture Institutes | NITs, IIITs and CFTIs, SPA |
Number of Vacant Seats | More compared to JEE Main | Less Compared to NATA |
Eligibility |
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Which is Tougher - JEE Main Paper 2 or NATA?
This question - 'Is JEE Main paper 2 tougher compared to NATA' again has haunted many BArch aspirants in the past. Although there is no such thing as tough or easy yet, students fall for these kinds of comparisons and pre-determined notions do rarely help in scoring good marks in these kinds of national-level architecture entrance exams.
However, there is one little thing that might make JEE Main (Paper-II) tougher to crack as compared to NATA and that is the number of participating colleges. The number of institutes accepting JEE Main Paper 2 scores for BArch admission is far less than the colleges that accept NATA scores for BArch admissions. Fewer institutes mean fewer seats and thus fierce competition. Due to this small reason, talks are everywhere regarding how tough it is to crack JEE Main (Paper-II) compared to NATA. The experts at CollegeDekho believe that instead of gauging the toughness of the exams, the candidates must devote their entire energy towards preparing to fulfil their dream of pursuing a BArch from one of these reputed Architecture colleges in the country.
NATA v/s JEE Main (Paper-II) - Syllabus Comparison
As we are talking about whether JEE Main or NATA is the best option for an Architecture aspirant in the country, it is time we compare the syllabus of these two reputed national-level undergraduate architecture entrance exams. The following table contains the direct link to the syllabus of NATA and JEE Mains -
NATA vs JEE Main Paper II Exam Pattern
Candidates can go through the NATA exam pattern and JEE Main BArch exam pattern given below to get a fair idea about the differences between the two.
NATA Exam Pattern 2025 for Part A Drawing and Composition Test
The Council of Architecture (CoA) has revised the NATA Exam Pattern 2025. NATA Part A consists of 3 sections and will be held in offline mode. The duration of Part A Drawing and Composition section will be 90 minutes.
Section No. | No. of Questions | Name of Section | Marks |
A1 | 1 Question | Composition and Color | 25 Marks |
A2 | 1 Question | Sketching & Composition (Black and White) | 25 Marks |
A3 | 1 Question | 3D Composition | 30 Marks |
Total | 3 Questions | - | 80 Marks |
NATA 2025 Exam Pattern for Part B MCQ Test
NATA Part B section will include questions on design thinking, visual reasoning, language interpretation, design sensitivity, and other topics. This section will be held in online mode. The duration of NATA Part B will be 90 minutes.
Section No. | No. of Questions | Marks |
B1 | 30 questions x 2 Marks | 60 Marks |
B2 | 15 questions x 4 Marks | 60 Marks |
Total | 45 Questions | 120 Marks |
JEE Main BArch Exam Pattern 2025
The JEE Main BArch paper will include 3 sections namely Mathematics, General Aptitude, and Drawing. The JEE Main 2024 paper 2 will be held in CBT mode except for the drawing section. Candidates can check the JEE Main Paper 2 exam pattern below.
Paper | Subject | Marks Distribution | Total Marks |
Paper I | Mathematics | 25 (20+10*) 5 out of 10* questions with numerical answers must be answered | 100 |
Paper 2 | General Aptitude | 50 Questions 4 Marks Each | 200 |
Paper 2 | Drawing | 2 Questions | 100 |
Total | - | 82 Questions | 400 Marks |
JEE Main Cutoff Marks for Top Colleges
The JEE Main Paper 2 cutoff is released in the form of opening and closing rank for the State as well as the National quota. Candidates are required to score minimum qualifying marks and they should also meet the minimum cutoff mark of the college for which admission is desired. Candidates can find the college wise cutoff list for JEE Main Paper 2 exam in the table below.
Name of the College | Closing Ranks (Open Category) | |
| Home State | Other States | |
3235 | 1629 | |
2401 | 1263 | |
11202 | 1902 | |
1141 | 1323 | |
NATA Cutoff Ranks for Top Colleges
The overall rank for NATA is calculated on the basis of the class 12 marks and the NATA scores of the candidates. Institutes that offer admission via NATA follow the cutoff for admission as per the marks secured in class 12 and in the NATA exam.
Name of the College | Closing Ranks (Open Category) | |
| Home State | Other States | |
Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara | 10044 | 20003 |
10026 | 20001 | |
List of Top Architecture Colleges Offering Admission through NATA
Candidates can check the list of top architecture colleges offering admission via NATA exam given below.
College Name | Architecture Courses Offered |
SRM University Chennai |
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Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation Guntur |
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Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai |
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BS Abdur Rahman University Chennai |
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Hindustan Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai |
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Nirma University |
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Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Virudhunagar |
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MSU Baroda |
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Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai |
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Chandigarh University, Chandigarh |
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CEPT University |
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List of Top Architecture Colleges Offering Admission through JEE Main Paper 2 (B.Arch)
College Name | Architecture Courses Offered |
NIT Hamirpur |
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NITCalicut |
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MNIT Jaipur |
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NIT Patna |
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BITS Mesra |
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National Institute of Technology- Raipur |
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School of Planning & Architecture- Bhopal |
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SRM University-Chennai |
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GITAM University- Visakhapatnam |
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NATA Qualifying Marks 2025
Council of Architecture (CoA) has set the NATA 2025 qualifying marks that candidates must score to pass the NATA exam. The best score from all attempts will be considered a valid NATA 2025 score. The NATA 2025 Qualifying Marks will be decided according to the following regulations.
- A minimum of 20 marks must be attained in PART A.
- A minimum of 30 marks must be attained in PART B.
- The overall qualifying scores for the NATA 2024 test should be 70 out of 200, calculated as the sum of Parts A and B.
JEE Main Paper 2 Qualifying Marks
The National Testing Agency (NTA) does not assigned any qualifying marks for the JEE Main Paper 2 test before. The qualifying scores for B.Arch admission through JEE Main would differ for each college. In general, students must earn a minimum aggregate of marks in their 12th-grade board examinations, which is normally about 50% with mathematics as a required subject. They must also achieve a specific percentage or score in the JEE Main Paper 2. The qualifying scores may differ based on the difficulty of the exam, the number of candidates, and the college's admission standards.
JEE Main Exam Dates 2025
You can find JEE Main 2024 exam dates in the table below -
Events | JEE Main Dates 2025 |
JEE Main 2025 exam date |
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NATA 2025 Exam Dates
Check out the NATA 2025 exam dates given in the table below:
Events | NATA Exam Dates 2025 |
NATA 2025 Exam | March 2025 (tentative) |
NATA v/s JEE Main Paper 2: Number of Seats
The total number of seats in the colleges considering the scores of the JEE Main Paper 2 are much lesser than the seats available in the NATA colleges. So, the competition for the JEE Main Paper 2 is stiffer.
NATA v/s JEE Main Paper 2: Testing Skills
JEE Main Paper 2 exam mostly evaluates one’s Aptitude and Mathematical skills whereas NATA assesses one’s observational skills, drawing, aesthetic sensitivity, critical thinking, and mathematics skills. A more extensive range of skill sets would provide a more unambiguous indication of one’s aptitude for the course.
Admission to B.Arch in Indian Institute of Technologies (IIT’s)
IIT Kharagpur and IIT Roorkee offer bachelor degree courses in architecture. Candidates who want to secure admission in B.Arch course in any of these two IIT’s have to appear in the JEE Advanced Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT). Candidates are required to first appear and qualify JEE Main Paper I following JEE Advanced and qualify with a high rank. Candidates further have to register for Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT) conducted by IIT Kharagpur and IIT Roorkee. AAT application forms are submitted online in respective IIT after the declaration of the JEE Advanced result. There will be a single question paper with questions from aptitude of architecture related to monuments and a drawing test. Result of Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT) is released online on the website of respective IIT only.
Also Check, JEE Main Subject Wise Syllabus 2025
Both NATA and JEE Main Paper 2 are important architecture entrance exams of India. NATA examines the student's ability in architecture, whereas the JEE Main B.Arch test assesses the student's competence in Mathematics, General Aptitude, and Drawing. Whether you should sit for JEE Main BArch or NATA depends upon your choice of college. Some architecture colleges of India grant admission via NATA and some via JEE Main paper 2.
Related Links to Download JEE Main Question Paper PDF
One sure-shot way to score 90 percentile in JEE Mains 2025 is by solving the previous year's question papers. The table below features year wise JEE Main Question Papers that students can practice thoroughly after revision.
Related Articles
Here are some quick links to some of the topics related to JEE Main (Paper-II) and NATA examinations -
For the latest updates on B.Arch admission 2025, stay tuned to CollegeDekho!
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FAQs
Can I clear NATA 2024 without coaching?
Yes. It is possible to qualify the NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture) exam without the help of coaching. Many candidates have successfully prepared for and qualified the NATA 2024 exam through self-study and online resources.
Can I appear for NATA without Mathematics?
As per the candidates who have qualified their (Senior secondary Examination) 10+2, Diploma (10+3) or equivalent exam with 50% marks in aggregate in any stream from Central/ State Government with Mathematics as the mandatory subject are eligible to apply for the NATA 2024 exam.
Can I get into IIT Kharagpur with a NATA score?
IIT Kharagpur, Jadavpur University, Techno India University, OmDayal Group of Institutions, Amity University, IIEST Shibpur, Sister Nivedita University, etc. accept the NATA score for admission into BArch courses.
Is NATA tougher than JEE Main?
Both NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture) and JEE (Joint Entrance Examination) Main Paper 2 are entrance examinations for architecture courses in India. The difficulty level of both these exams can vary from person to person, as it depends upon individual strengths and weaknesses. NATA focuses more upon evaluating the drawing and observation skills of the candidates, whereas JEE Main Paper 2 comprises questions on mathematics, aptitude, and drawing.
Should I appear for JEE or NATA for architecture?
To secure admission into the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), candidates are required to appear for the National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA). The National Institute of Technologies (NITs) and the Indian Institute of Technologies (IITs) accept JEE Main scores, whereas around 500 colleges across India accept the NATA score.
Does IIT accept NATA score?
No. NITs and IITs accept only the scores of the JEE exam.
Is JEE Main necessary for architecture admission?
Yes. If the candidates want to pursue a B.Arch course from the government colleges and prestigious Schools of Planning and Architecture they need to appear for the JEE Main 2024 paper 2. However, a number of universities accept the score of both NATA & JEE Main for admission into B.Arch courses.
Which is better, NATA or JEE Mains?
Both NATA and JEE Main exams conduct the B.Arch test on the basis of Mathematics, General Aptitude, and Drawing. Moreover, both exams are conducted across multiple sessions. The slight difference between NATA and JEE Main is the participating institutes.
Are NATA and JEE Main the same?
No. The Council of Architecture (CoA) conducts the NATA whereas NTA conducts JEE Main Paper 2. B.Arch via JEE Main Paper 2 opens the door to NITs and GFTIs. The institutes which offer Architecture courses accept NATA scores for providing admission.
What is the difference Between NATA And JEE Paper 2
Both NATA and JEE Main BArch (Paper 2) are conducted for offering admission to eligible candidates into B.Arch courses. However, the institutes accepting the NATA & JEE Main B.Arch scores are different.