NATA vs JEE Paper 2: Complete Comparison Guide 2025

Confused between NATA and JEE Paper 2 for B.Arch admission? This comprehensive comparison will help you understand both exams and make the right choice for your architecture career.

Quick Comparison Table

Detailed Section-wise Comparison

1. Mathematics Section

NATA Mathematics:

• Questions: 40 MCQs
• Marks: 120 (3 marks each)
• Syllabus: Class XI & XII NCERT
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Key Topics: Calculus, Coordinate Geometry, Trigonometry

JEE Paper 2 Mathematics:

• Questions: 25 MCQs + 5 Numerical
• Marks: 100 (4 marks each MCQ, 4 marks numerical)
• Syllabus: JEE Main level (Class XI & XII)
• Difficulty: Higher than NATA
• Key Topics: Same as NATA but deeper concepts

Verdict: JEE Maths is tougher than NATA Maths.

2. Aptitude Section

NATA Aptitude:

• Questions: 40 MCQs
• Marks: 80 (2 marks each)
• Topics: Logical reasoning, visual reasoning, sets, architecture awareness
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Preparation Time: 2-3 months

JEE Aptitude:

• Questions: 25 MCQs + 25 Numerical
• Marks: 200 (4 marks each)
• Topics: Similar to NATA + more technical questions
• Difficulty: Moderate to High
• Preparation Time: 3-4 months

Verdict: JEE Aptitude requires more in-depth preparation.

3. Drawing Section

NATA Drawing:

• Format: Computer-based drawing using mouse/stylus
• Questions: 2 drawings
• Time: 90 minutes total (can allocate freely)
• Topics: Object drawing, composition, perspective, memory drawing
• Evaluation: Creativity, proportion, shading, composition

JEE Paper 2 Drawing:

• Format: Computer-based using mouse/stylus
• Questions: 2 drawings
• Time: 90 minutes total
• Topics: Similar to NATA
• Evaluation: Same parameters

Verdict: Drawing section is almost identical in both exams.

College Acceptance

Colleges Accepting NATA:

Government Colleges:

• SPA Delhi (also accepts JEE)
• SPA Bhopal
• SPA Vijayawada
• Some state government colleges

Top Private Colleges:

• Sushant School of Art & Architecture
• RV College of Architecture, Bangalore
• CEPT Ahmedabad (also CEPT AAT)
• Manipal School of Architecture
• NMIMS School of Architecture
• Amity School of Architecture
• VIT Architecture

Total NATA-accepting Colleges: 400+

Colleges Accepting JEE Paper 2:

NITs (23 NITs):

• NIT Trichy (Top ranked)
• NIT Calicut
• NIT Hamirpur
• NIT Bhopal
• MANIT Bhopal

IIITs:

• IIIT Kota
• IIIT Jabalpur
• IIIT Kalyani

CFTIs:

• SPA Delhi
• SPA Bhopal
• SPA Vijayawada

Total JEE-accepting Colleges: 50+

Key Point: For NITs and SPAs, JEE Paper 2 is mandatory. For most private colleges, NATA is accepted.

Difficulty Level Analysis

NATA:

✓ Mathematics easier than JEE
✓ Aptitude section moderate
✓ Drawing section creative-focused
✓ Overall: Moderate difficulty
✓ Good for students targeting private colleges

JEE Paper 2:

✓ Mathematics tougher (JEE Main level)
✓ Aptitude more technical
✓ Drawing similar to NATA
✓ Overall: Moderate to High difficulty
✓ Essential for NITs/SPAs

Preparation Time Required

Who Should Choose NATA?

✅ Students targeting private architecture colleges
✅ Those who want multiple attempts (2 per year)
✅ Students with moderate math skills
✅ Those who prefer less competitive exam
✅ Want quicker preparation timeline

Best for: Private college aspirants, Karnataka/TN students (many good colleges accept NATA)

Who Should Choose JEE Paper 2?

✅ Students targeting NITs or SPAs
✅ Strong mathematics background
✅ Willing to prepare for JEE Main level
✅ Want government college
✅ Prefer high-stakes single attempt

Best for: NIT aspirants, students from other states seeking government colleges

Can You Take Both?

✅ YES! We Recommend Taking Both

Strategy:

1. Prepare for JEE Paper 2 (harder exam)
2. Automatically prepared for NATA
3. Attempt JEE in April/May
4. Attempt NATA in April and July
5. Maximize your college options

Timeline:

• November-March: Focus on JEE Paper 2 level preparation
• April: Attempt both exams
• May-June: Analyze results, focus on NATA if needed
• July: Second NATA attempt if required

Exam-wise Success Rates

NATA:

• Total Applicants: ~35,000 (per attempt)
• Qualifying Score: 70-80/200
• Competition: Moderate
• Success Rate: ~60% qualify

JEE Paper 2:

• Total Applicants: ~2 lakh
• Qualifying Score: 100-120/390
• Competition: High
• Success Rate: ~50% qualify for NITs

Coaching Requirements

NATA Coaching:

• Duration: 6 months sufficient
• Cost: ₹25,000 - ₹80,000
• Mode: Online/Offline both effective
• Focus: Drawing practice + Mathematics basics

JEE Paper 2 Coaching:

• Duration: 8-12 months
• Cost: ₹40,000 - ₹1.5 lakhs
• Mode: Integrated with JEE Main
• Focus: Strong mathematics + Drawing

Neram Classes Offers: ✓ Combined NATA + JEE Paper 2 course
✓ IIT/NIT faculty for mathematics
✓ Architect faculty for drawing
✓ Online classes (Tamil Nadu & Karnataka focus)

Score Requirements for Top Colleges

NATA Score Benchmarks:

• 160-200: Top private colleges (RV, Sushant, NMIMS)
• 130-159: Good private colleges
• 100-129: Decent private colleges
• 70-99: Average colleges

JEE Paper 2 Score Benchmarks:

• 280-390: Top NITs (Trichy, Calicut, Hamirpur)
• 220-279: Mid-tier NITs
• 180-219: Lower NITs, SPAs
• 140-179: Marginally qualified

Our Recommendation

Scenario 1: Targeting Government Colleges

Choice: Prepare for JEE Paper 2
Backup: Also attempt NATA

Scenario 2: Targeting Private Colleges

Choice: Focus on NATA
Optional: Attempt JEE for NIT backup

Scenario 3: Want Best of Both Worlds

Choice: Prepare for JEE Paper 2 standard
Strategy: Attempt both exams, maximize options

Common Myths Debunked

❌ Myth: NATA is easier, so NATA colleges are inferior
✅ Reality: Many NATA colleges (RV, NMIMS) are excellent

❌ Myth: JEE is only for IIT-JEE aspirants
✅ Reality: JEE Paper 2 is separate, architecture-focused

❌ Myth: Drawing section is harder in JEE
✅ Reality: Drawing is almost identical in both

❌ Myth: Can't prepare for both simultaneously
✅ Reality: Syllabus overlap is 80%, very feasible

Final Verdict

Take Both Exams to maximize your chances. Here's why:

1. ✅ Syllabus overlap is 80%
2. ✅ Opens 450+ college options
3. ✅ NATA offers 2 attempts (safety net)
4. ✅ JEE gives access to NITs
5. ✅ Drawing preparation is common

Preparation Strategy:

• Start with JEE Paper 2 level (tougher)
• Practice drawing daily (3-4 hours/day)
• Mathematics: Focus on calculus + coordinate geometry
• Aptitude: Visual reasoning + logical thinking
• Take mock tests for both exam patterns

Conclusion

Both NATA and JEE Paper 2 are excellent pathways to architecture education. Your choice should depend on target colleges, math strength, and preparation timeline. However, preparing for both is the smartest strategy in 2025.

Ready to start your architecture exam preparation? Join Neram Classes for combined NATA + JEE Paper 2 coaching by IIT/NIT architects. Get personalized study plans, weekly mocks, and college counseling.

Contact us today for a free trial class and career guidance session!