Overview: Did you take the JEE Main Paper 2 for B.Arch. and B. Planning admissions this year and feel your performance wasn't what you'd hoped for? Don’t worry, check these alternate architecture exams in India that you must consider.

While JEE Main is indeed one of the major routes to the best architecture schools, it is not the only exam there.  Find the list of some alternate architecture exams in India to consider, including both government and private universities here.

Government Exams to study Architecture

National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) 2024 

• NATA 2024 is one of the most popular national level architecture exams in India conducted by Council of Architecture (CoA). It is conducted for admissions to first-year B.Arch. programmes across various government and private architecture colleges in India. 
• The NATA typically is conducted in May/June every year, which gives you ample time for preparation. 

State-Level Architecture Exams in India

Many states conduct their own entrance exams for B.Arch. admissions in colleges within their jurisdiction. This includes exam such as:

MHT CET 2024

• MHT CET stands for Maharashtra Common Entrance Test. MHT CET exam is one of the state-level architecture exams in India conducted by the State Common Entrance Test Cell (CET Cell), Maharashtra.
• It is conducted for admission to undergraduate engineering, pharmacy and architecture courses in Maharashtra.
• The authority conducts the MHT CET exam once a year.
• There is no age limit for admission and appearing to MHT-CET 2024.

University Specific Exams for B.Arch. Courses

From the list of top private architecture colleges many conduct their own entrance exams for B.Arch. programs. 

Here are a few popular architecture exams in India:

1- HITSEEE (Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science Engineering Entrance Examination)

• It is an annual exam designed to evaluate and select talented aspirants for the B.Tech/B.Arch./B.Des/Integrated programmes at HITS.
• The exam has a multiple-choice question (MCQ) format.
• You are tested based on proficiency in fundamental subjects such as Maths, Physics, Chemistry, English and General Awareness.
• Additionally, if you are one of the Top HITSEEE scorers at national level, you will be awarded a merit-based scholarship to pursue your UG studies at HITS.

2- GAT GITAM Admission Test

It is one of the popular architecture exams in India conducted by Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management.

The eligibility criteria for B.Arch. admission is:

• You must have a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in your Intermediate (10+2) examination. 
• You are eligible even if you have a 10+3 Diploma, with Physics and Mathematics as mandatory subjects.
• Additionally, you need to clear the NATA exam with a minimum score of 70 out of 200 marks or meet the qualifying marks set by the Council of Architecture (CoA) for B.Arch. admission.

Check: Best Career Options after B.Arch. 

3- KIITEE (Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology Entrance Exam)

This exam is conducted by Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology.

The eligibility criteria for B.Arch. admission is:

• You must have passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics.
• A 10+3 examination with Mathematics with at least 60% marks in Aggregate also makes you eligible for the exam.
• You must be NATA Qualified. In addition to this, you must have studied in regular full time formal education in your school / college.

Why should you explore alternate Architecture Exams in India?

Here are few benefits of exploring alternate architecture exams in India to pursue Architecture as a career. 

1-Wider Range of Options

• If you consider alternate architecture exams than JEE Mains, you get eligible for many other top colleges in India to study architecture.

2-Reduced Competition

• You cannot rule out JEE Main being very competitive in nature by attracting a vast number of applicants.
• Some alternate exams, on the other hand, might have a smaller applicant base possibly improving your chances of securing a seat in top architecture colleges in India.

How to target the right Architecture Exams in India? 

• Research: To make the right choice regarding which exam to consider, you must carefully research the syllabus, exam format, and relative weightage and choose the best books for architecture exams. 
• Location Preference: In your mind, do you have any city or a region for your B.Arch. degree? Choose exams that focus on admission to institutes located in the place where you wish to study.
• Past Performance: Consider your strengths and weaknesses from JEE Main Paper 2 based on your performance. Of course, choose the tests which match your skillset.

Conclusion

Don’t be discouraged by a single exam. Explore the alternate architecture exams in India, consider location, exam pattern and syllabus.

Appear for these exams to enter top colleges and pursue a dream career in architecture. 

Know more: How to prepare Aptitude for Architecture Exams