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What is JEE Main Paper 2?

JEE Main Paper 2 is for B.Arch (Paper 2A) and B.Planning (Paper 2B) admissions. Paper 2A has Mathematics + Aptitude Test + Drawing Test. Paper 2B has Mathematics + Aptitude Test + Planning-Based Questions. Both are 3 hours, 400 marks.

Paper 1 vs Paper 2 – Full Comparison

FeaturePaper 1 (B.Tech)Paper 2A (B.Arch)Paper 2B (B.Planning)
PurposeB.E./B.Tech admissionB.Arch admissionB.Planning admission
SubjectsPhysics, Chemistry, MathsMaths, Aptitude, DrawingMaths, Aptitude, Planning
Total Marks300400400
Duration3 hours3 hours3 hours
ModeFully CBTCBT + Pen-Paper DrawingFully CBT
Drawing SectionNoYes (2 questions, 100 marks)No
Planning QuestionsNoNoYes (25 MCQs, 100 marks)
Negative Marking−1 for MCQ−1 for MCQ/Aptitude−1 for MCQ/Aptitude

Paper 2A (B.Arch) – Section-wise Breakdown

SectionQuestionsMarksMode
Mathematics25 (20 MCQ + 5 numerical)100CBT
Aptitude Test50 MCQs200CBT
Drawing Test2 questions100Pen & Paper

What is the Aptitude Section in Paper 2?

The Aptitude section (50 MCQs, 200 marks) tests visual and spatial ability, aesthetic sense, and general design knowledge. Questions involve topics like: visualizing 3D objects from 2D views, texture and pattern recognition, building/architectural awareness, and mental ability related to spatial reasoning.

This section is unique to Paper 2 and does not overlap with Paper 1. Students aspiring for architecture should prepare this separately — standard JEE coaching does not cover the Aptitude section well.

Colleges You Can Get With Paper 2A Score

Top institutes that admit through JEE Main Paper 2A include: IIT Kharagpur B.Arch, NIT Trichy Architecture, NIT Calicut Architecture, School of Planning & Architecture (SPA) Delhi, SPA Bhopal, SPA Vijayawada, and all NITs/GFTIs with architecture programs. Competition is lower than B.Tech but the drawing section is a significant differentiator.

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More questions about JEE Main Paper 2

1
Can I appear in both Paper 1 and Paper 2 in JEE Main?
Yes. A student can appear in Paper 1 (B.Tech), Paper 2A (B.Arch), and Paper 2B (B.Planning) in the same session if they wish to pursue all options. The registration allows selecting which papers to appear in.
2
Is JEE Main Paper 2 harder than Paper 1?
Paper 2 has a different structure. The Drawing section in Paper 2A requires artistic skill and spatial thinking. The Mathematics and Aptitude sections are comparable in difficulty to Paper 1's non-math sections. For students with strong drawing skills, Paper 2A may feel manageable.
3
Which colleges accept JEE Main Paper 2 score for B.Arch?
NIT Architecture departments (NIT Trichy, NIT Calicut, NIT Rourkela, etc.), School of Planning and Architecture (SPA Delhi, SPA Bhopal, SPA Vijayawada), IITs with B.Arch programs, and many private architecture colleges accept JEE Main Paper 2A scores.
4
Is NATA required if I have JEE Main Paper 2A score?
NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture) is required for many architecture colleges not under JoSAA. JEE Main Paper 2A covers NIT/GFTI admissions through JoSAA. Private and state-level architecture colleges often need NATA separately. Some colleges accept either.
5
What is the duration of JEE Main Paper 2?
Both Paper 2A and Paper 2B are 3 hours long. Paper 2A has an additional drawing component which is pen-and-paper (not CBT). For PwD candidates, 4 hours are given. The Maths and Aptitude sections are computer-based.

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Disclaimer

Information is based on official NTA/JoSAA announcements and previous year data. Always verify at jeemain.nta.nic.in and josaa.nic.in.