Academic eligibility
10+2 (Higher Secondary) or equivalent, or 10+3 Diploma with Mathematics as a compulsory subject.
Physics + Mathematics
45%
One elective from
Aptitude test (mandatory)
Best NATA score is considered per COA rules. Valid NATA 2025 / NATA 2026 scores accepted (subject to COA conditions).
An aptitude test in architecture is mandatory; admission without NATA or JEE Paper-2 is not allowed.
If you have both NATA and JEE Paper-2 scores, the higher one is used in the merit calculation.
Holders of valid NATA 2025 score who did not take admission in 2025-26 can use that score (per COA conditions).
Nativity & special category rules
Studied 8th to 12th in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu candidates who passed VIII, IX, X, XI, XII from schools located in Tamil Nadu. No nativity certificate required.
Tamil Nadu native, studied outside
Tamil Nadu native candidates who studied any of VIII to XII outside Tamil Nadu. Must produce nativity certificate in electronic / digitally signed e-Certificate form from the Government of Tamil Nadu.
Children of Central Government employees
Eligible irrespective of nativity, provided parents/guardians have served in Tamil Nadu continuously for the past five years. Employer certificate required. Considered under Open Competition.
Children of PSU / Government-recognised institution employees
Parents must be permanently employed in Tamil Nadu continuously for the past five years (PF slips, IT returns as evidence). Considered under Open Competition.
Sons/daughters of All India Service Tamil Nadu cadre officers
Eligible to apply with a self-declaration from the parent. Considered under Open Competition.
Other state candidates who studied 8th to 12th in Tamil Nadu
Eligible without nativity certificate. Considered under Open Competition.
Sri Lankan Tamil Refugee
Considered under Open Competition. Identification certificate from Headquarters Tahsildar (or passport + visa + police-station letter for non-camp registered).
OCI / PIO cardholders
Native of Tamil Nadu OCI/PIO cardholders are eligible under Open Category from 2023-24 onwards. Not applicable to OCI/PIO born in a foreign country after 04.03.2021.
Merit formula
Total = Board (200) + NATA / JEE (200) = 400
Higher of NATA or JEE Paper-2 is used. Tiebreaker: Aggregate marks in Higher Secondary / Diploma (higher is better) → Date of birth (elder candidate gets preference) → Random number assigned at registration (preference to the larger number)
Documents required
Upload clear scans or PDFs at barch.tneaonline.org. Names should match across all documents. Certificates obtained after the registration close date are not considered.
10th Standard Mark Sheet
Required for: All candidatesClear scan or PDF of original certificate. Name should match across all documents.
12th / HSC Mark Sheet
Required for: All candidates (or 10+3 Diploma mark sheet)All semester marks for diploma candidates.
NATA Score Card
Required for: All candidates qualifying through NATAAll attempts. Best NATA score will be considered as per COA rules.
JEE (Main) Paper-2 B.Arch Score Card
Required for: Candidates qualifying through JEE Paper 2 (alternative to NATA)Higher of NATA or JEE Paper 2 will be used in the merit calculation.
Nativity Certificate
Required for: Tamil Nadu native candidates who studied outside Tamil NaduElectronic form / digitally signed e-Certificate issued by the Government of Tamil Nadu only.
Issuing authority: Government of Tamil NaduPermanent Community Certificate
Required for: BC / BCM / MBC & DNC / SC / SCA / ST candidatesPermanent card / electronic / digitally signed e-Certificate. Must be issued before the registration close date.
Issuing authority: ST: RDO/Sub Collector. SC/SCA: Tahsildar of native taluk. BC/BCM/MBC/DNC: HQ Deputy Tahsildar / Zonal Deputy Tahsildar.Transfer Certificate (TC)
Required for: All candidates (school-leaving certificate)Aadhaar Card
Required for: All candidatesParental Income Certificate
Required for: Candidates applying for First Graduate concession or PMSSIssuing authority: TahsildarFirst Graduate Certificate
Required for: Candidates claiming First Graduate tuition fee concessionIncludes father, mother, grandparents, brother, sister names. Joint declaration by candidate and parent.
Issuing authority: Head Quarters Deputy TahsildarGovernment School Study Proof (6th to 12th)
Required for: Candidates claiming 7.5% Government School preferential quotaEx-Servicemen Certificate + Discharge Certificate
Required for: Sons/Daughters of Ex-Servicemen quotaIssuing authority: Tamil Nadu Dept of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (Asst. Director or above)Persons with Benchmark Disabilities Certificate
Required for: PwBD 5% horizontal reservationFrom a Medical Board (minimum 3 doctors) of the district, in the prescribed format. Certificates from individual doctors are not accepted.
Issuing authority: District Medical BoardSports Achievement Certificates
Required for: Eminent Sports Persons quotaOriginal sports certificates with the appropriate forms per Annexure III of the brochure.