Blog Details

Note:  This blog has been updated on the 15th of October 2020 and the situation mentioned in the subsequent paragraphs has changed and hence may not be applicable from 2020.

Eligibility criteria for admission in B.Arch have been causing a lot of confusion and it seems like the matter is still not fully resolved, given the seemingly contradictory provisions between what is stated by NTA (National Testing Agency) vis-a-vis Council of Architecture (CoA).

Here’s a quick summary of eligibility by three prominent entities for B.Arch Admissions (this distinction was until 2019):

     1. NATA:  50% aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics

     2. NTA:  Passed 10+2 exams with Mathematics (no mention of Physics & Chemistry)

     3. IIT:  Qualify in JEE-Main Paper 1 + Qualify in JEE-Adv (Paper 1 & Paper 2) + Pass in Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT)

The devil is in the details.  Let’s analyze what the NTA & NATA say regarding Eligibility -

As per NTA: As per information provided by National Testing Agency (NTA) for JEE Mains, the subjects combinations required for admission in B.Arch / B.Planning in NITs, IIITs, and other CFTIs is

 - Passed 10+2 examination with Mathematics

As per CoA: As per the notification dated 7th Aug 2018 release by of Council of Architecture (CoA) and its Gazette notification dated 29 May 2017, “No candidate shall be admitted to architecture course unless she/ he has passed an examination at the end of the 10+2 scheme of examination with 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics and also 50% marks in aggregate of the 10+2 level examination”.

CoA notice dated 7 Aug 2018: Download

CoA Gazette notification dated 29 May 2017: Download

Clarification obtained from CoA: On enquiring through a telephonic call to the Academic Cell of CoA on 28 Aug 2018, it was advised that starting with the 10+2 batch (Class 12 students of 2018-19), it was mandatory to study Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics in 10+2 in order to take admission in B.Arch.

Students’ dilemma: Besides the above, some institutes/universities accept NATA while many others (eg. IITs,  AMU) conduct their own separate Architecture Aptitude Test. This has been causing a lot of confusion amongst students aspiring to get into B.Arch. In fact, our interactions with numerous students in recent years also brought forth the fact that many students having an aptitude for B.Arch did not even know that they could have got admission in B.Arch without having studied Science subjects in 10+2.

The expectation from NTA, CoA, and concerned Education Ministry: It is urgently required on part of the governing bodies to bring in the required clarity and disseminate the information to all stakeholders.

Read our earlier blog 6 Little Known Facts about B.Arch Eligibility.

About the Author : Neelesh is the Co-Founder at Opasis.com. He can be reached at neelesh@opasis.com

Keywords : NATA, Architecture, BArch Eligibility, Entrance Exam, CoA, Council of Architecture, BTech, NTA, National Testing Agency