Should I take both NATA and JEE Paper 2?

For most aspirants, yes. Submitting both maximises the counsellings you can apply to. The exception is if you only want JoSAA (NIT/IIT/SPA) which uses JEE Paper 2 only, or only KEAM Kerala / HSTES Haryana which use NATA only.

Which counsellings accept NATA only?

KEAM (Kerala), HSTES (Haryana), DTE Goa, CEPT University. JEE Paper 2 alone is not accepted at these.

Which counsellings accept JEE Paper 2 only?

JoSAA (NIT/IIT/SPA), CSAB Special, JAC Delhi, JAC Chandigarh, CSAB-NEUT. NATA alone is not accepted at these.

How long is NATA score valid?

Typically two academic years. NATA 2025 was valid for 2025-26 and 2026-27 admissions. Some states accept the best of multiple attempts. Confirm in each counselling brochure.

Are NATA and JEE Paper 2 syllabi the same?

There is overlap (Mathematics, General Aptitude, drawing). NATA emphasises drawing more, JEE Paper 2 emphasises drawing less but tests Aptitude and Drawing alongside Mathematics in a more academic format.

Can I take JEE Paper 2 multiple times in a year?

JEE Main Paper 2 is offered in two sessions per year (typically January and April). The better score is used for B.Arch admission. NATA has multiple phases per cycle (typically 2 to 3) and best-of can apply per state.

NATA vs JEE Main Paper 2 2026: Difference, State Acceptance, Strategy

Two exams, two examining bodies

NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture) is conducted by the Council of Architecture, the statutory regulator for architecture education in India. JEE Main Paper 2A (B.Arch) is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) under the Ministry of Education. They test similar territory but for different audiences.

Acceptance map: which exam works where

NATA only

KEAM (Kerala): NATA is the only entrance, JEE Paper 2 not accepted
HSTES (Haryana): NATA mandatory for state quota
DTE Goa: NATA only
CEPT University Ahmedabad: NATA mandatory, JEE Paper 2 not accepted

JEE Paper 2 only

JoSAA: JEE Main Paper 2 (NITs/SPAs) or JEE Advanced + AAT (IITs)
CSAB Special: JEE Main Paper 2 only
JAC Delhi: JEE Main Paper 2 only (NATA not accepted)
JAC Chandigarh: JEE Main Paper 2 only (NATA not accepted)
CSAB-NEUT: JEE Main Paper 2 plus NE/UT domicile

Both NATA and JEE Paper 2 accepted

TNEA (Tamil Nadu): best-of-both
MHT-CET CAP (Maharashtra): separate inter-se merit lists
KEA (Karnataka): best-of-both
ACPC (Gujarat): best-of-both
AP B.Arch, TG B.Arch: NATA or JEE Paper 2
UPTAC (Uttar Pradesh): NATA priority, JEE Paper 2 secondary
WBJEE, OJEE, REAP, DTE-MP, IKGPTU: NATA or JEE Paper 2

Format and frequency

NATA

Two to three phases per cycle (typically April, June, July). Each phase is a 3-hour computer-based test with a drawing component. Total marks 200, no negative marking. NATA evaluates Mathematics, General Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, and Drawing/Composition.

JEE Main Paper 2A (B.Arch)

Two sessions per year (January and April). 3-hour test with three parts: Mathematics (computer-based, 25 questions), Aptitude Test (computer-based, 50 questions), and Drawing Test (pen and paper, 2 questions). Total marks 400. Negative marking on Mathematics and Aptitude (-1 for wrong, +4 for correct).

Strategy for 2026 aspirants

If your goal is JoSAA (NIT/IIT/SPA)

JEE Main Paper 1 + Paper 2 is mandatory. Add JEE Advanced + AAT if IIT B.Arch is on the table. NATA is not strictly needed but useful as a backup if your JEE Paper 2 result disappoints.

If your goal is a state hub like TNEA, MHT-CET, KEA, ACPC, AP, TG, UPTAC

Take both NATA and JEE Main Paper 2. Most state counsellings use best-of-both. Maharashtra has separate merit lists, so both scores compete in their respective lists independently. Submitting both raises your floor.

If your goal is KEAM Kerala or CEPT University

NATA is mandatory. JEE Paper 2 alone will not work. Focus on NATA and Class 12 marks. CEPT specifically uses 50:50 NATA + Class 12.

If you do not know yet

Take both. The cost (registration fees plus prep time) is offset by the optionality. Lock in your top NATA phase for the result, then take JEE Paper 2 in either January or April (or both) sessions.

Validity rules

NATA validity: Two academic years (NATA 2025 valid for 2025-26 and 2026-27)
JEE Main Paper 2 validity: Same admission cycle only (JEE Main 2026 for 2026-27)
Multi-attempt: NATA allows multiple phase attempts in a cycle, best score is used. JEE Main allows two sessions per year, better score is used.

Normalisation in merit calculation

Different counsellings normalise NATA and JEE Paper 2 differently. Maharashtra runs separate merit lists (no normalisation needed because they do not compete). Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Gujarat, AP, TG normalise both to a common scale and use best-of-both. Always read the specific counselling brochure to understand how your scores will be converted.

For 2026 cycles, NATA and JEE Main schedules are confirmed. JEE Advanced is on May 17, AAT on June 4. Most NATA phases run April through July. Plan exam attempts and counselling registrations across both windows.

NATA vs JEE Paper 2: Which Exam, Which Counselling, Best Strategy

NATA is conducted by the Council of Architecture. JEE Main Paper 2 is conducted by NTA. Different syllabus, different acceptance, different timing. Most aspirants should give both.