Last Verified: 2026-03-01 from official conducting body notifications.
Official Overview & Examination Scope
Purpose, Scope & Academic Impact
JEE Main Paper 2 is conducted by NTA alongside JEE Main. Paper 2A governs admissions into B.Arch while Paper 2B governs admissions into B.Planning across elite central institutions: School of Planning and Architecture (SPA Delhi, SPA Bhopal, SPA Vijayawada), top NITs (NIT Trichy, NIT Calicut, VNIT Nagpur), and IIEST Shibpur through JoSAA/CSAB counseling.
Eligibility Criteria & Academic Qualifications
Exam Pattern & Test Structure
Total: 400 Marks| Section / Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part I: Mathematics (CBT) | 20 MCQs + 5 Numerical | 100 Marks | Integrated |
| Part II: Aptitude Test (CBT) | 50 Questions (3D visualization, architectural awareness) | 200 Marks | Integrated |
| Part III: Drawing Test (Paper 2A - Offline Sheet) | 2 Questions (Sketching, scale, composition) | 100 Marks | Integrated |
| Part III: Planning Test (Paper 2B - CBT) | 25 MCQs (Urban planning, maps, government schemes) | 100 Marks | Integrated |
Mathematics & Aptitude: +4 correct, -1 wrong. Drawing Test: 100 marks evaluated subjectively. Total 400 marks.
Negative Marking Rule: -1 mark penalty on CBT MCQs and numericals
Recommended Preparation Roadmap & Strategy
Cutoff Trends & Score Benchmark
SPA New Delhi B.Arch closes at 99.6+ percentile (All India Rank under 250); NIT Trichy and SPA Bhopal close around 99.2+ percentile.
Participating Institutes / Career Pathways
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Paper 2A and Paper 2B in JEE Main?
Paper 2A is for Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) and includes a physical Drawing Test on paper. Paper 2B is for Bachelor of Planning (B.Planning) and replaces the drawing test with an online Planning MCQs section.
Does IIT admit through JEE Main Paper 2?
No, admissions to B.Arch at IIT Kharagpur, IIT Roorkee, and IIT BHU are conducted through the Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT) taken by candidates who qualify JEE Advanced.
Related Examinations & Pathways
Explore other national, state-level, or professional examinations in this discipline.
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The largest engineering entrance exam in India with over 14 lakh candidates annually. Serves as the single gateway for admission into 31 NITs, 26 IIITs, and ~38 GFTIs, and serves as the qualifying screening test for the top ~2.5 lakh candidates to appear in JEE Advanced for the 23 IITs.
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