JEE Main Paper 2 2026: Check Out the Trends and Difficulty Level

Overview: Delve into the latest JEE Main Paper 2 trends and difficulty levels. Discover past years' statistics and learn about scoring benchmarks for JEE Advanced, NITs, IITs, and top architecture colleges.

JEE Main Paper 2 is the national level entrance exam conducted by NTA for admission into top architecture schools like NITs, IITs (Kharagpur & Roorkee) and SPA across the country.

Are you planning to appear for JEE Main Paper 2 Exam but worried about clearing the exam? Well, with proper preparation, you can clear the exam with a high score. 

This post shall take you through the previous year's JEE Main Paper 2 trend and difficulty level. By going through the JEE Main Paper Exam trend 2025 and past years, you can get an idea about the difficulty level of the question paper, the type of questions asked, how many have cleared the exam and more. 

Download Free Study Material for JEE Mains Paper 2 by Creative Edge

What are JEE Main Paper 2 (B.Arch) Trends - and How Do They Help for 2026?

'Trends' are recurring patterns in the exam and admissions data. How the paper is set and how seats are allotted. For 2026 prep, watch these five:

1. Section difficulty drift

• Math stays conceptual (geometry, conics, vectors, basic calculus).
• Aptitude remains most scoring (3D/visualization, perspective, architectural awareness).
• Drawing is idea-first (scenario/perspective + redesign).

Why it helps? To allocate time in the preparation of different sections.

2. Question format balance

• 20 MCQ + 5 NAT in Math; Aptitude with fast MCQs; 2 Drawing tasks.

Why it helps? To decide attempt order and OMR/CBT time splits.

3. Topic recurrence

• Repeated appearance of 3D views, nets & folding, mirror/shadow, coordinate geometry, 3D composition, one-/two-point perspective.

Why it helps? To build a tight last-month drill list.

4. Institute cut-off behaviour

• SPAs and top NITs show stable but inching-up closing ranks; HS vs OS pools differ.

Why it helps? To set realistic target ranks and college lists.

5. Normalisation & session spread

• Scores from multiple sessions are normalised; rank is what matters in JoSAA.

Why it helps? To aim for rank bands, not just “marks”.

How to use this in 2026: JEE B.Arch Preparation Strategy

• Make a weekly loop: (i) 3D/Aptitude sprints, (ii) geometry/calculus problem-sets, (iii) one timed Drawing sheet (scene + redesign), (iv) past-year JEE Main Paper-2 question papers aptitude drills.
• Practise exam order: Aptitude → Math → Drawing (which questions to attempt first based on your performance analysis or strengths & weaknesses)
• Track your mock rank equivalents vs last year’s closing ranks to map target colleges.

Check: JEE Main Marks vs Percentile 2026

JEE Main Paper 2 Trends - Topic-wise Expected Questions, Weightage & Difficulty-level

The JEE Main Paper 2 (B.Arch) 2026 will likely continue to assess a candidate’s mathematical reasoning, spatial visualization, and design aptitude. However, based on the 2025 exam analysis, we can expect a slight tilt toward visualization-heavy aptitude questions and conceptual drawing tasks rather than purely artistic ones.

Mathematics Section - Expected Topics & Weightage (2026)

The Mathematics section is expected to remain moderate to slightly tough. The JEE B.Arch Maths syllabus will focus on geometry, calculus, and visualization-based numerical. It is designed to test logic through mathematics, not rote memorization.

Topic Area	Expected No. of Questions	Weightage (%)	Expected Difficulty	Remarks / 2026 Trend
3D Geometry & Vectors	6–7	28–30%	Moderate	Key scoring zone; frequently repeated. Focus on planes, angles, and direction ratios.
Coordinate Geometry	4–5	20%	Moderate	Conic sections and locus questions remain important.
Calculus (Derivatives, Integrals, AOD)	4–5	18–20%	Moderate to Tough	Application-heavy; real-world geometry-based calculus possible.
Algebra & Quadratic Equations	3	12%	Moderate	Standard JEE type, but expect conceptual trick questions.
Trigonometry & Geometry Basics	2–3	10%	Easy	Often linked with visual reasoning.
Probability & Statistics	1–2	8–10%	Easy	Quick-scoring if basics are clear.

Key Insight: The 3D Geometry + Calculus combo continues to dominate the Math section, worth nearly half the total marks.

Check: JEE Main Salary​ in 2026

Aptitude Section - Expected Topics & Weightage (2026)

The Aptitude section (200 marks) remains the most scoring and stable part of the JEE Main Paper 2 exam. Based on the 2025 paper, 2026 is expected to see a mix of 3D visualization, logical reasoning, and architectural awareness questions.

Topic Area	Expected No. of Questions	Weightage (%)	Expected Difficulty	Remarks / 2026 Trend
3D Visualization & Spatial Ability	12–14	25–28%	Moderate	Rotations, mirror projections, unfolding cubes — top scoring topic every year.
Analytical & Logical Reasoning	10–12	22–25%	Easy to Moderate	Simple reasoning puzzles; visual-based logic patterns likely.
Architectural Awareness / GK	8–10	18–20%	Moderate	Expect current architecture trends, iconic structures, and architects’ names.
Perspective & Visual Analysis	6–8	15%	Moderate	Identifying correct 2D projections, symmetry, and scaling.
Mental Ability & Pattern Recognition	4–5	10–12%	Easy	Fast-solve visual puzzles or object sequences.

 Key Insight: Aptitude continues to be the highest-scoring section with least negative marking risk. Expect more architecture-related reasoning questions that link visual logic with real-world design.

Free Resource: GK Questions for JEE Main Paper 2 2026

Drawing Section - Expected Topics & Weightage (2026)

The Drawing section will remain conceptual yet creative, aligning more with practical visualization than fine-art drawing. The 2025 trend showed NTA’s focus on design thinking and real-world application, this is likely to continue in 2026.

Question Type	Expected Question Count	Weightage (Marks)	Expected Difficulty	Remarks / 2026 Trend
Scene Composition / Perspective Drawing	1	50 marks	Moderate	Based on real-life scenes, e.g., street, park, public place.
Product Design / Object Redesign Question	1	50 marks	Moderate to Difficult	Problem-solving based design (e.g., redesign a workstation, streetlight, or bench).

Key Insight: 2026 may continue testing design innovation and practical thinking over pure artistic detail. Candidates should focus on clarity of idea, proportion, and relevance to context, not over-detailed sketching.

To push your rank higher:

• Focus on Aptitude & Math - they carry 75% weightage.
• Practice freehand sketching and perspective drawing daily.
• Attempt mock tests to build speed and accuracy.
• Revise NATA concepts too - they overlap a lot.
• Keep an eye on JoSAA opening & closing ranks when results are out.

NOTE: Use only as a planning grid; actual distribution can vary by shift.

Check: JEE Main Paper 2 Drawing Questions with Answers

JEE Main Paper 2 Trends - Expected Cut-off for JEE B.Arch 2026

Score Range	Approx Percentile	Expected Rank	Category
280-320	98-99.5%	Top 500	Excellent - SPA level
240-280	95-98%	500-1500	Very Good - Top NITs
200-240	90-95%	1500-2500	Good - Mid NITs
160-200	80-90%	2500-4000	Decent - Lower NITs
Below 150	Below 80%	4000+	Needs improvement

Also Check: List of Best Colleges Taking Admission Through JEE Main Paper 2

JEE Main Paper 2 Analysis 2025 - Trends from Session-1 & Session-2 (What actually happened)

• Overall Difficulty-level: Moderate
• Number of Students Appeared: Over 91K candidates
• Mathematics: Conceptual geometry/coordinate more than long calculus; a couple of NATs were time-takers.
• Aptitude: Very scoreable, heavy on 3D views, pattern logic, mirror/shadow; a few architecture-awareness items.
• Drawing: One street/space composition + one object redesign; marks favoured clarity, scale, and human use-logic over ornate shading.

JEE Main Paper 2 Mathematics Questions:

Topic cluster	Weightage*
Algebra & allied (complex nos., sequences/series, binomial, matrices, linear equations, functions/inequalities, sets/relations, basic combinatorics, statistics)	44%
Coordinate/Conic/3D/Vectors (2D & 3D geometry, conics, vectors)	28%
Calculus (limits & continuity, definite integral, differential equations)	24%
Probability	4%

 JEE Main Paper 2 Aptitude Questions:

Aptitude bucket	Typical tasks in the paper	Weightage*
3D Visualization & Orthographic (views, top view, visible faces)	Identify top/front views, count visible surfaces, arrow-direction views	13%
Non-verbal Reasoning (mirror/water image, odd one, sequences, counting shapes, direction sense)	Mirror/water images, figure sequence/odd, count triangles/squares, path/direction, syllogism	13%
Plan/Contour/Quant in Planning	Contour crossings, % area in a plan, level inference, avg. density	7%
Architecture/Urban-Design Awareness (history, materials, terminology, famous works, planning/GK)	Designers & buildings, styles, schemes, urban planning & geography GK	67%

Check: JEE Mains Paper 2 Aptitude Weightage 2026

Session-2 Analysis 2025

• Overall: Moderate to slightly tougher in Math, similar Aptitude feel.
• Math: Questions required detailed calculations with an average time of 2.5 to 3 minutes as reported by students.
• Aptitude: repeat motifs, unfolding nets, cube mapping, orientation; quick gains for prepared students.
• Drawing: perspective drawing and greater emphasis on problem-solving narrative (why your design works).
• Net effect: Scores clustered via Aptitude; Math & Drawing separated top bands.

JEE Main Paper 2 (2025) Rank & Cut-off Analysis (Admissions)

Typical patterns observed each year:

• SPA Delhi closes in the lowest (best) ranks among B.Arch programs.
• Top NITs (Calicut, Tiruchirappalli, Bhopal) follow.
• Category-wise lists differ.

Check: JEE Mains preparation books

JEE Main Paper 2 Cut Off - Opening & Closing Rank Trends for Major IITs (Indian Institute of Technology) 

IIT Kharagpur
Seat Type	Gender	Opening Rank	Closing Rank
OPEN	Gender-Neutral	9970	17823
IIT Roorkee
OPEN	Gender-Neutral	12842	16596
IIT BHU Varanasi
OPEN	Gender-Neutral	18075	19019

JEE Main Paper 2 Cut Off - Opening & Closing Rank Trends for Major NITs [General Category, Gender Neutral]

Category

NIT Trichy

MANIT Bhopal

MNIT Jaipur

VNIT Nagpur

NIT Calicut

NIT Rourkela

NIT Patna

NIT Raipur

NIT Hamirpur

GEN

HS

OS

HS

OS

HS

OS

HS

OS

HS

OS

HS

OS

HS

OS

HS

OS

HS

OS

OR-112 CR-276

OR-20 CR-151

OR-1019 CR-2157

OR-566 CR-776

OR-638 CR-1481

OR-346 CR-525

OR-153 CR-398

OR-271 CR-617

OR-93 CR-208

OR-2 CR-232

OR-643 CR-1204

OR-316 CR-369

OR-1536 CR-3414

OR-378 CR-878

OR-1170 CR-3366

OR-626 CR-839

OR-939 CR-5810

OR-609 CR-780

• HS = Home State Quota
• OS = Other States 
• OR & CR = Opening Ranks & Closing Ranks

Read more: Best study timetable for JEE Main Paper 2 exam

JEE Main Paper 2 Cut Off - Opening & Closing Rank Trends of Major SPA (School of Planning and Architecture):

SPA (Bhopal)
OPEN	Gender-Neutral	74	367
SPA (Delhi)
OPEN	Gender-Neutral	4	158

For detailed official report on JEE B.Arch exam cut offs for other categories like OBC-NCL, SC/ST, PwD, & Female candidates, CLICK HERE.

Previous Year JEE Main Paper 2 Exam Trend

Over the years, there is an increase in the number of students taking up JEE Main paper 2 exam. Let us understand the statistical data of last year's JEE Main Paper 2 exam analysis below. 

Practice With: JEE Main Previous Year Question Paper With Solution

JEE Main Difficulty Level 2024

Given the recent increase in cut-off scores from 2023 to 2024 across all categories, the trend suggests either consistent or slightly reduced difficulty with an increase in candidate performance.

This exam analysis indicates a competitive environment where candidates need robust preparation to succeed.

What is the difficulty level of JEE Main paper 2? - Trends from past years

Let us go through the previous year difficulty level of JEE Main Paper 2 Exam. 

Subject	2021	2020	2019
Mathematics	Easy to Moderate	Easy to Moderate	Difficult
Aptitude	Easy	Easy	Easy
Drawing	Easy	Easy	Easy
Planning	Easy	-	-

Year	JEE Main Cutoff for JEE Advanced (General Category)	SC	ST	OBC
2020	90.3765335	50.1760245	39.0696101	72.8887969
2019	90 Percentile	40	40	70
2017 (in Marks)	81	32	27	49
2016 (in Marks)	100	52	48	70
2015 (in Marks)	105	50	44	70
2014 (in Marks)	115	53	47	74

Previous Year JEE Main Paper 2 Trends - Cut Off Comparison 

The JEE Main cut-off trends from 2023 to 2024 show a general increase across all categories, indicating heightened competition. Here's a brief summary

Category	2023 Cut-off	2024 Cut-off	Difference
UR-GEN	90.7788642	93.2362181	+2.4573539
UR-PH	0.0013527	0.00187	+0.0005173
EWS-ALL	75.6229025	81.3266412	+5.7037387
OBC-ALL	73.6114227	79.6757881	+6.0643654
SC-ALL	51.9776027	60.0923182	+8.1147155
ST-ALL	37.2348772	46.697584	+9.4627068

This table reflects the shifting dynamics in the cut-off scores, indicating a rising benchmark for qualification and hinting at increased overall competitiveness in the JEE Main examination.

What is a good score to get admission in IITs and NITs?

To get admission to top IITs, a good score of 99 percentile or above is required to qualify for their counselling and seat allotment. It would help if you got a rank between 1-100 to get admission to top IITs across the country. 

For NITs a rank from 200 to 800 can help you secure a seat in renowned institutes like NIT Calicut and NIT Trichy.

Note: you can use several rank predictors available from various coaching institutes that will allow you to predict your rank as per your scores.

What is a Good score to get admission to Top Architecture Colleges 2026?

If you wish to get admission to top architecture colleges in India (apart from IITs, NITs or IIITs), you must have above 90 percentile in JEE B.Arch exam. There is also an option to appear for entrance exams conducted by various deemed universities.

Preparation Tips for JEE Main Paper 2 Exam 2026

To excel in JEE Main Paper 2, follow these concise yet effective preparation tips:

• Understand the Exam Pattern: Get familiar with the exam structure, including sections and marking scheme.
• Strengthen Basics: Focus on fundamental concepts in math, architectural aptitude, and drawing.
• Regular Practice: Solve sample papers and mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
• Manage Time: Practice solving questions within the allotted time to enhance efficiency.
• Develop Drawing Skills: Practice sketching architectural drawings and geometric shapes.
• Stay Updated: Keep abreast of current affairs in architecture and design.
• Seek Guidance: Benefit from mentors or coaching institutes for personalized support.
• Maintain Wellness: Prioritize sleep, nutrition, and exercise for optimal performance.

With these insights into JEE Main Paper 2 patterns and scoring system, applicants can better navigate their preparation journey, aiming not only to meet but also to exceed previous year's standards. As competition increases, staying aware and strategically prepared is more important than ever for attaining your objectives in this difficult examination.

Key Takeaways:

• Subject Difficulty: Mathematics has varied in difficulty from easy to difficult, while Aptitude and Drawing have consistently been easy.
• Scoring Benchmarks: A score above 250 is generally needed for advancement to JEE Advanced. Specific percentile scores are required for admissions into NITs and IITs.
• Increasing Participation: The number of students taking JEE Main Paper 2 has been increasing, reflecting its growing importance.
• Admission Criteria: For top NITs, a percentile around 85-95 is necessary, while top IITs require a percentile of 80-90.
• Preparation Tips: Effective strategies include understanding the exam pattern, focusing on fundamental concepts, and maintaining overall wellness.

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