JEE Main Paper 2A is the B.Arch paper and Paper 2B the B.Planning paper, both conducted by NTA in each JEE Main session. Each is a 3-hour, 400-mark test with Mathematics and Aptitude; 2A adds a pen-and-paper Drawing Test and 2B a Planning section. JEE Main 2027 Session 1 is on 20 to 24 and 28 January 2027.
JEE Main 2027 Paper 2A and 2B
Who takes each paper, the latest pattern and marking, the subject rules for admission and a preparation plan.
What are JEE Main Paper 2A and Paper 2B?
Paper 2A ranks are used for B.Arch admissions and Paper 2B ranks for B.Planning admissions, while Paper 1 is for B.E./B.Tech. NITs, SPAs and other institutes in the JoSAA and CSAB process admit students to these courses on the paper’s rank. You can take one paper or both, and each gets its own NTA score and rank.
| Paper | Course | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 2A | B.Arch | Mathematics and Aptitude on computer; Drawing on an A4 drawing sheet |
| Paper 2B | B.Planning | Fully computer-based |
| Paper 2A and 2B together | Both courses | One sitting of 3 hours 30 minutes |
Taking both papers adds only 30 minutes, because Mathematics and Aptitude are common and are answered once.
What is the JEE Main 2027 Paper 2A and 2B exam pattern?
Both papers have 400 marks: 100 for Mathematics, 200 for Aptitude and 100 for Drawing (2A) or Planning (2B). The table is from the latest official bulletin (2026); NTA will confirm the 2027 pattern in the new bulletin.
| Part | Paper 2A (B.Arch) | Paper 2B (B.Planning) |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 20 MCQs + 5 numerical, 100 marks | 20 MCQs + 5 numerical, 100 marks |
| Aptitude Test | 50 MCQs, 200 marks | 50 MCQs, 200 marks |
| Drawing Test | 2 questions, 100 marks (pen and paper) | Not in this paper |
| Planning | Not in this paper | 25 MCQs, 100 marks |
| Total | 77 questions, 400 marks | 100 questions, 400 marks |
- MCQs and numerical questions: +4 for a correct answer, -1 for a wrong answer, 0 if unanswered. Older guides that say numerical questions have no negative marking are out of date.
- Numerical answers are entered as integers, rounded off to the nearest whole number, with an on-screen keypad.
- Drawing Test: the two questions are evaluated out of 100 marks, with no negative marking.
- Ties are broken by the NTA score in Mathematics, then Aptitude, then Drawing (2A) or Planning (2B), then by fewer wrong answers compared with right ones.
Which Class 12 subjects do you need for B.Arch and B.Planning seats?
You can sit Paper 2A or 2B after Class 12, but NIT+ seats need the subject combinations below, as listed in the 2026 bulletin. You also need 75% in Class 12 (65% for SC, ST and PwD) or a place in the top 20 percentile of your board.
| Course (rank used) | Class 12 subjects required for NIT+ seats |
|---|---|
| B.Arch (Paper 2A rank) | Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, plus two more subjects |
| B.Planning (Paper 2B rank) | Mathematics, plus four other subjects |
The Council of Architecture minimum for B.Arch is Physics and Mathematics plus one listed subject with 45% aggregate, or a 3-year diploma with Mathematics and 45%. The full rules for every paper are on the JEE Main 2027 page.
When is JEE Main 2027 Paper 2A and 2B?
NTA has not yet given a separate Paper 2 date for 2027. Its public notice of 24 October 2026 puts Session 1 on 20 to 24 and 28 January 2027, and the paper-wise schedule usually comes with the city intimation slip on 30 December 2026. NTA public notice.
In 2026, Paper 2A and 2B were held on 29 January (Session 1) and 7 April (Session 2). The Session 1 Paper 2 scores came on 24 February 2026, and the final Paper 2 result on 5 May 2026, so expect a similar gap in 2027.
How should you prepare for Paper 2A and 2B?
Start with Mathematics, because it is common to both papers and to Paper 1, then add daily practice for the part that is unique to your paper.
- Mathematics: cover the 14 units of the JEE Main syllabus; the 25 questions are of Paper 1 standard.
- Aptitude: practise visualising 3D objects from 2D drawings, plans and elevations, and questions on buildings, materials and textures.
- Drawing (2A): sketch scenes from memory, such as markets, festivals, gardens and village life, on an A4 sheet against the clock. Our JEE Main drawing test practice questions page has sample prompts.
- Planning (2B): read about Indian cities, development issues and government schemes, and practise map reading, charts, graphs and short passages.
- Solve past Paper 2 questions and full-length timed tests, for example the free JEE Main mock tests on AglaSem, to fix your speed.
- For the Drawing Test, carry your own pencils, geometry box, erasers, colour pencils and crayons on exam day.
Year-wise papers with answer keys are on the JEE Main previous year question papers page.