The JEE Main B.Arch 2026 Exam was conducted today, on 29th January 2026, for candidates appearing in both B.Arch & B.PlanningIt was conducted till 12:30 P.M. 

The JEE Main 2026 B.Arch Exam was of a moderate level for all 3 subjects, with mathematics being more time-consuming. 

  • Mathematics: It was moderate to tough, with high weightage given to calculus, coordinate geometry and Vector/3D, and more application-based numerical questions. 
  • Aptitude Test: In the aptitude section, the difficulty level was easy to moderate, with more focus on visual reasoning, 3D Objects and analytical thinking.
  • Drawing Test: The Difficulty for the drawing section was moderate as well, with the questions based on perspective drawing and architectural composition.

The JEE Main B.Arch Examination included a total of 77 Questions, with 25 questions in mathematics, 50 questions in the aptitude section and 2 questions in drawing. The drawing section was held in an offline mode.

Check:

In this Article, you can check the JEE Main 2026 Memory-Based question paper for B.Arch along with exam analysis, after the exam is conducted.

Check:

JEE Main B.Arch

JEE Main 2026 Question Paper PDF (Paper 2A/2B)

You can download the question paper for both Paper 2A and 2B once the exam is conducted.

Question Paper Download Check Solutions
JEE Main 2026 Paper 2A (B.Arch) Question Paper Download PDF Check Here View Solutions
JEE Main 2026 Paper 2B (B.Planning) Question Paper Download PDF Check Here View Solutions

JEE Main 2026 B.Arch Paper Analysis

The JEE Main 2026 B.Arch Exam is expected to be moderate to difficult, as the optional questions have been removed from Section B and the major questions are application-based problem-solving questions.

Section No. of Questions Expected Difficulty Question Type High-Weightage Topics
Mathematics 25 Moderate to Tough Numerical-based Calculus, Coordinate Geometry, 3D Geometry, Vectors, Matrices
Aptitude Test 50 Easy to Moderate Visual reasoning, analytical thinking 3D visualisation, pattern recognition, mental ability, architectural awareness
Drawing Test 2 Moderate Descriptive, creative Perspective drawing, architectural composition, proportion
Overall 77 Moderate (+) Application-based Balanced conceptual & creative skills

JEE Main 2026 B.Arch Exam Date & Timings

The JEE Main B.Arch Exam will be conducted in a single morning shift, as per the official schedule. You should follow the reporting and gate closing time as mentioned in the admit card.

JEE Main 2026 B.Arch (Paper 2A): Exam Schedule

Particulars Details
Exam Name JEE Main 2026 B.Arch (Paper 2A)
Session Session 1 (January)
Exam Date January 29, 2026
Exam Timing 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Duration 3 Hours 30 Minutes
Mode of Exam
  • CBT (Maths & Aptitude)
  • Offline (Drawing)
Admit Card Release January 24, 2026
Reporting Time As mentioned on the admit card
Gate Closing Time Before exam start time (strict)

JEE Main Paper 2A (B.Arch) Exam Pattern

Part Subject Number of Questions Marks Mode
Part I Mathematics 20 (Section A: MCQs) + 5 (Section B: Numerical Value) 100 Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Part II Aptitude Test 50 200 Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Part III Drawing Test 2 100 Pen and Paper Based (Offline)
Total - 77 Questions 400 Mixed Mode (CBT + Offline)

Marking Scheme for JEE Main Paper 2A

Section Criteria Marks Awarded
Section A (MCQs) Correct Answer +4
Incorrect Answer or Multiple Answers -1
Unanswered/Marked for Review 0
Section B (Numerical Value) Correct Answer +4
Incorrect Answer -1
Unanswered/Marked for Review 0
Part III (Drawing Test) Evaluation of 2 Questions 100

Points:

  • Negative Marking: Applicable for both Section A (MCQs) and Section B (Numerical Value).
  • Numerical Answer Entry: Candidates must round answers to the nearest integer and enter them using the on-screen numeric keypad.
  • Drawing Test: Evaluated out of 100 marks on an A4-sized sheet.

Method of Determining Merit

Step Details
Conversion of Raw Scores The raw scores in Mathematics, Aptitude Test, Drawing Test, and total are converted into NTA scores.
Overall Merit The merit list is prepared by merging NTA scores from both shifts across all days.

Method of Resolving Ties

Tie-Breaking Step Criteria
1 Higher NTA score in Mathematics.
2 Higher NTA score in Aptitude Test.
3 Higher NTA score in Drawing Test.
4 Lesser proportion of incorrect to correct answers across all subjects.
5 Lesser proportion of incorrect to correct answers in Mathematics (Part-I).
6 Lesser proportion of incorrect to correct answers in Aptitude Test (Part-II).
7 If the tie persists, candidates will be assigned the same rank.

JEE Main Paper 2 (B.Arch) 2026 Answer Key

  • The NTA is expected to release the JEE Main 2026 Answer Key on February 4, 2026.
  • Along with the answer key, response Sheet of JEE Main will also be released.
Document Release Date (Expected) Availability
JEE Main 2026 Answer Key February 4, 2026 Available on jeemain.nta.nic.in
Response Sheet February 4, 2026 Available on jeemain.nta.nic.in

Provisional and Final Answer

  1. Provisional Answer Key:

    • NTA will first release a provisional answer key.
    • If candidates notice discrepancies, they can challenge it online.

  2. Objections:

    • Objections can be submitted during the specified window by logging into the official website.
    • A fee of INR 200 per question is required to raise an objection.

Actions Details
Raise Objections Online via login at jeemain.nta.nic.in
Fee for Objection INR 200 per question
Objection Window Available for a limited time post-release

Final Answer Key:

  • After reviewing and scrutinizing objections, NTA will release the final JEE Main 2026 Answer Key.
  • This final key is used for result computation.

Check: JEE Main Answer Key

JEE Main Paper 2 (B.Arch) 2026 Result

JEE Main 2026 B.Arch will be announced by NTA on the official website. Candidates should note that NTA will release JEE Main 2026 Result and JEE Main B.Arch Result with a difference of a few days.

Session Expected Result Declaration Date Expected Result Time
January 2026 12th February 2026  Between 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM IST
April 2026 3rd Week of May 2026 Between 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM IST

“The actual date may vary based on the official announcement from the National Testing Agency (NTA).”

Check JEE Main 2026 B.Arch Result

Gave the JEE Main January session? Should you appear for the April session?

If you gave the JEE Main January session, it could be beneficial to appear for the April session as well.

Here’s why:

  • The April session allows you another chance to boost your score, especially if you feel there are areas where you can perform better.
  • In previous years, the April session often has a slightly easier paper compared to January, which could work in your favor.
  • Some top engineering colleges like NITs and IIITs might offer slightly lower cutoffs in the April session compared to January, giving you a better chance of securing admission.

Ultimately, if you feel confident that you can strengthen your performance and secure a higher score, it’s worth considering the April attempt.

JEE Main Paper 2 (B.Arch) Toppers

The list of candidates who secured 100 NTA Score in JEE Main Paper 2 is listed below:

Name of candidate State Percentile
B.Anantha Krishnan Tamil Nadu 100
Noha Samuel Jammu and Kashmir 100
Joysula Venkata Aditya Telangana 100

JEE Main Paper 2 (B.Arch) 2026 Expected Cut-off

The cut-off for JEE Main B.Arch (Paper 2) 2026 is expected to follow trends similar to previous years. The cut-off marks are influenced by several factors, including the number of candidates appearing, difficulty level of the exam, and seat availability. Analyzing the 2024 cut-off gives us a clear understanding of what to anticipate in 2026.

Factors Impacting Cut-Off in 2026

Number of Candidates Appearing:

  • In 2024, out of 99,086 registered candidates, only 71,009 appeared across both sessions, indicating a significant drop in participation.
  • A similar trend might be observed in 2026, with participation rates potentially affecting the cut-off.

Difficulty Level of the Paper:

  • The cut-off usually varies with the toughness of the exam. A challenging paper tends to lower the cut-off, while an easier paper raises it.
  • The 2026 Paper 2 cut-off will depend heavily on the exam’s overall difficulty compared to the 2024 paper.

Reservation Categories and Seats:

  • Reserved categories like SC, ST, and OBC typically have lower cut-offs than the general category.

Expected Cut-Off Range for 2026

Based on the 2024 cut-off, here’s an estimate for 2026:

Category 2024 Cut-Off Percentile Expected 2026 Cut-Off Percentile
General 88.5 - 91.0 89.0 - 91.5
OBC-NCL 70.5 - 73.0 71.0 - 74.0
SC 50.0 - 53.0 51.0 - 54.0
ST 39.5 - 42.0 40.0 - 43.0
EWS 68.0 - 70.5 68.5 - 71.0

Insights from 2024 Data

  • A significant number of candidates registered but didn’t appear for the exam (approx. 28% drop-off).
  • For the B.Arch Session 2, participation rates were lower (only 36,707 appeared out of 73,362 registered).
  • These trends highlight a competitive environment but also underline a moderate level of non-participation, which could benefit serious candidates.

Candidates aiming for top architecture colleges should aim to score in the higher percentile range (90+ for General). With consistent preparation and understanding of the previous year’s trends, candidates can set realistic targets and focus on areas that boost their scores, such as aptitude and drawing skills.

JEE Main Paper 2 (B.Arch) 2024 Cut off

JEE Main B.Arch 2024 Cut Off will be released in two types-qualifying and admission cut off. JoSAA will release admission cut-off in the form of opening and closing ranks after the declaration of results. JEE Main B.Arch 2024 Cut-off will be different for various colleges and participating institutes and the courses offered by them.

Course Name Category Male Female
Home State Other State Home State Other State
MNIT Jaipur Open 2260 930 2260 930
EWS 972 273 972 294
OBC NCL 2530 573 5484 635
SC 832 345 832 345
ST 1015 202 1015 202
MANIT Bhopal OBC 3289 605 3289 605
EWS 447 242 447 282
General 2455 1104 2455 1104
SC 1119 374 1119 374
ST 409 173 409 173
NIT Calicut OBC 173 418 173 418
EWS 1101 144 1101 165
Open 376 599 376 599
SC 184 137 184 137
ST 2527 66 - 66
NIT Hamirpur OBC 15232 710 15232 710
EWS 1625 327 1625 327
General 5406 1327 5406 1327
SC 1008 280 1008 280
ST 1088 280 1088 231
NIT Patna Open 4900 1454 4900 1454
EWS 570 366 570 414
OBC NCL 2080 713 2080 713
SC 905 384 905 384
ST 2115 203 2115 202
NIT Raipur OBC 4648 717 4648 717
EWS 4050 356 4050 356
General 5515 1415 5515 1415
SC 1392 358 1392 358
ST 273 196 392 196
NIT Rourkela OBC 2301 511 2301 511
EWS - - - -
General 1974 842 1974 842
SC 61 103 61 103
ST 336 31 336 31

JEE Main Paper 2 (B.Arch) 2026 Participating Institutes

JEE Main Paper 2 Participating Institutes will offer the candidates a total of 824 seats for B.Arch. course. Candidates who wish to get admission in Bachelor of Architecture at IIT Kharagpur and IIT Roorkee will be required to appear in the Architecture Aptitude Test after JEE Advanced 2026.

JEE Main Paper 2 (B.Arch.) Previous Year Question Paper

Practicing JEE Main Paper 2 (B.Arch.) previous year question papers is essential for understanding the exam pattern, difficulty level, and types of questions asked. It helps candidates identify important topics, improve time management skills, and boost confidence for the actual exam.

JEE Main B.Arch and B.Planning Question Paper 2024

Paper/ Subject Question Paper PDF Solution PDF
JEE Main 2024 April 12 Shift 1 B.Arch/B.Planning Download Check Solutions
JEE Main 2024 Jan 24 Shift 2 B.Arch Download Check Solutions

JEE Main B.Arch Paper 2023

Paper/ Subject Date Shift/ Slot Question Paper Link
B.Arch/ B.Planning Apr 12, 2023 2 Check Here
B.Arch Apr 12, 2023 2 Check Here
B.Arch/ B.Planning Jan 28, 2023 2 Check Here

Check More PYQs

JEE Main 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Particulars Details
Age No minimum or maximum age limit
Qualifying Exam Candidates should have passed class 12 in 2023 or 2024 or appearing in the exam in 2026
Number of attempts Students can appear in the JEE Main for 3 consecutive years from the year of passing class 12

As per the Gazette of India dated: 19 July 2023, F. No. CA/498/2023/MSAE (Regulations), the eligibility criteria for B.Arch. has been updated as mentioned above.

JEE Main Paper 2 (B.Arch) 2026 Syllabus

JEE Main Paper 2 Syllabus has already been released by NTA . JEE Main Paper 2 consists of three main sections- Mathematics, Aptitude and Drawing The topics are mentioned below:

Sections Syllabus
Mathematics Sets Relations and Functions, Complex Numbers and Quadratic Equations, Matrices and Determinants, Permutations and Combinations, Mathematical Inductions, Binomial Theorem, and Its simple applications, Sequence and Series, Limit Continuity and Differentiability, Integral Calculus, Differential Equations, Coordinate Geometry, three-dimensional Geometry, Vector Algebra, Statistics and Probability, Trigonometry and Mathematical Reasoning
Aptitude Awareness of Persons Buildings and Materials, Three-dimensional Perception
Drawing Sketching of Scenes and activities from memories or urbanscape

JEE Main B.Arch 2026 Counselling

Candidates who qualify for JEE Main Counselling will be eligible to participate in JoSAA Counselling. Counseling will be held in online mode only after the merit list is released. Candidates will be allotted seats based pm JEE Main Ranks, preferences, category, and availability of seats. Candidates who qualify in JEE Main B.Arch can participate in either of the three counseling processes of JEE Main:

  • JoSAA- JoSAA allows candidates to take admissions in the seats of 110 participating institutes like NITs, GFTIs
  • CSAB NEUT- CSAB NEUT Counselling is conducted by Central Seat Allocation Board for admission to supernumerary seats in North East Region and Union Territories.
  • CSAB SFTI- CSAB SFTI is conducted for admission to Self Financial Technical Institues.

Documents required for JEE Main B.Arch Counselling

Candidates will be required to carry the following documents for JEE Main Paper 2 Counselling:

  • Provisional JEE Main Seat Allotment Result
  • 3 passport sized photographs (same as uploaded during registration)
  • Photo identity card
  • Proof of JEE Payment
  • Proof of date of birth
  • JEE Main B.Arch Admit Card
  • Mark sheet of Class 12th examination
  • JEE Main 2026 Scorecard
  • Category Certificate (if applicable)

FAQs

Question 1. Is JEE Paper 2 for Architecture?

Answer- JEE Paper 2 is specifically designed for candidates seeking admission to Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) and Bachelor of Planning (B.Plan) courses. The paper has two parts:

  • Paper 2A (B.Arch): Includes Mathematics and Aptitude Test sections, testing basic knowledge and aptitude required for architectural studies.

  • Paper 2B (B.Plan): Focuses on Planning, evaluating understanding of spatial and urban planning concepts.

Students interested in B.Arch should attempt Paper 2A, while those interested in B.Plan should opt for Paper 2B.

Question 2. Is the B.Arch Session 2 result out in 2024?

Answer- As of now, the B.Arch Session 2 results for JEE Main 2024 have not been officially released. Results for JEE Paper 2 (B.Arch) are usually declared after the completion of both sessions. Candidates are advised to check the official NTA JEE Main website for updates.

Question 3. How many students appeared for JEE Paper 2 B.Arch in 2024?

Answer- A significant number of candidates appeared for JEE Paper 2 (B.Arch) in 2024 across India. The total number of participants varies each year based on factors such as increased awareness, number of available seats, and the popularity of architecture as a career. Official statistics will be released by NTA after the examination process is completed.

Question 4. What is Paper 2A B.Arch?

Answer- Paper 2A (B.Arch) focuses on Mathematics and Aptitude Test sections of JEE Paper 2:

  • Mathematics (Part-I): Includes 25 questions divided into Section A (20 MCQs) and Section B (5 numerical answer type questions).

  • Aptitude Test (Part-II): Contains 50 questions testing spatial ability, sense of proportion, aesthetic sensitivity, and critical thinking skills.

This paper evaluates analytical and problem-solving skills required for architecture studies.