This document discusses the various paths and requirements to obtain a professional degree in architecture in India. There are generally two main entrance exams students can take: the JEE Mains Paper II for admission to NITs and SPAs, which also requires strong performance on 12th standard boards; or the National Aptitude Test for Architecture (NATA), which measures drawing and other aptitude skills. Students may also apply abroad by submitting a portfolio of their creative works directly to international colleges. The best approach is to pursue comprehensive education to develop knowledge, skills, and critical thinking needed for the architecture field.

1. So you want to become an Architect !!
Architecture spans a wide expanse as a professional discipline. In India, students from
all streams with mathematics as a subject can take up Architectural studies. Students
must have an understanding of the architectural terminology, should have good
observation skills and skills in communication, both visual and verbal, are essential.
While knowledge and skills must be developed, it is ultimately a process of critical
thinking, analysis, and creative activity. The best way to face the challenges of the
Bachelor of Architecture entrance exams is with a comprehensive education that
establishes a foundation for lifelong learning.
Main Paths to a Professional Degree in Architecture- Entrance Exams For Career
in B.Arch
In general, two types of entrance exams lead to the admission to colleges for an
accredited, professional B.Arch degree in India.

2. Path I – JEE Mains Paper II for B.Arch
The first exam that a student takes is the JEE Paper II for B.Arch admission to the
National Institute of Technologies or NIT’s as they are popularly called and the School
of Planning and Architecture or the SPA’s as they are popularly called.
The B.Arch aspirant needs to take the Paper II of JEE Main Examination which happens
on the first Sunday of April generally, every year. For ranking purpose in the JEE Main
for admission to the NITs and SPA’s , 40% of marks of XIIth boards are also added to
the JEE Exam Marks. So the student has to do really well in the XIIth standard boards
and also the JEE Mains Paper II.
In case a student wants to apply for B.Arch in Indian Institute of Technology ( IIT ) , JEE
Advanced Exams is also required to be taken on passing JEE Mains. The two IIT’s that
offer B.Arch degree are IIT Roorke and IIT Kharagpur.
Path II – National Aptitude Test for Architecture or NATA for B.Arch
The other examination that the student requires to take is the National Aptitude Test for
Architecture or NATA for B.Arch. The National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA)
measures the aptitude of the applicant for Architecture study leading to B.Arch Degree. The
test measures drawing and observation skills, sense of proportion, aesthetic sensitivity and
critical thinking ability, that have been acquired over a long period of time.
Path III – Architecture Studies Abroad
For an international B.Arch Degree one needs to apply to the colleges directly alongwith a
portfolio of own works in a digital format or hard copy, as is required by the individual institute.
A varied portfolio showing the creative abilities and aesthetic sensibilities of the B.Arch
aspirants is expected by the colleges abroad.
Portals for B.Arch Examination related informations:
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http://www.natacoachingindelhi.com/
http://www.architecturedesigncareers.com/157811370
http://jeemain.nic.in/jeemainapp/Welcome.aspx
http://portal.nata.in/www13/default.aspx
http://www.coa.gov.in/school/admission.htm
http://www.ucas.com/how-it-all-works/undergraduate