You are probably inspired by the outlines and shapes of buildings like the Burj Khalifa, the Shard, Petronas Towers, skyscrapers, mansions, landscapes and many more. You are the right candidate for a career in Architecture.
While considering Architecture as a career option, there are some prerequisite things you should know. First of all, you need to be a Science student in your 12th Standard with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as your subjects.
You also require to have skill in drawing, particularly geometric drawings, and need to be good at tackling Aptitude questions.
It would be best if you also had a passion for buildings, public spaces, and creativity for designing.
Curious to know what is the difference between NATA and JEE Main Paper 2? Read on!
What is the Difference Between NATA and JEE Main Paper 2?
NATA or the National Aptitude Test in Architecture is an entrance examination conducted by the National Institute of Advanced Studies in Architecture (NIASA). JEE Paper 2 is held by the NTA (National Testing Agency).
The holding agency is different between these two. Otherwise, both are popular nation-wide entrance exams for admission into well-known Architecture courses in the country.
The difference between them also lies in which colleges accept their scores.
JEE Paper 2 scores are accepted by select premier institutions, such as the IITs, IIITs, SPAs (School of Planning and Architecture), NITs and GFTIs.
Several private institutions of high repute accept NATA scores.
Difference Between NATA and JEE Main Paper 2 – Eligibility
For JEE Paper 2, the minimum eligibility criteria are as follows:
50% marks in (12th Standard) Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
50% in JEE Main Paper 2.
For NATA, the eligibility criteria are as follows:
50% marks in 12th Standard Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
50% marks in aggregate.
Test Paper Pattern Difference Between NATA and JEE Main Paper 2
The paper for the JEE Paper 2 is set by the NTA (National Testing Agency) while the Council of Architecture sets the paper for NATA. There are a lot of differences in both the test pattern as well as the skills being tested.
In preparing for either of the entrance exams, one has to consider the weightage given to the skills being tested in terms of marks.
For JEE Paper 2, the total marks are 400. The paper has three parts, each testing a different skill, with more weightage given to aptitude skills.
The paper is divided as per the following pattern:
Part 1 on Mathematics has 25 questions for a total of 100 marks
Part 2 on Aptitude has 50 questions for a total of 200 marks
Part 3 on Drawing has two questions for a total of 100 marks
The questions under Part 1 and Part 2 are of 4 marks each. Negative marking is applicable, with 1 mark for every wrong answer.
The NATA paper is of 200 marks. In this exam, more weightage is given to Drawing skills and Visual Composition.
The paper is divided as per the following pattern:
Part A tests Cognitive skills for Drawing and Visual Composition, which is of 125 marks.
Part B, which is of 75 marks, is divided into two sub-parts:
Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics MCQs having 15 questions X 1.5 marks = 22.5 marks
Aptitude and Logical Reasoning MCQs having 35 questions X 1.5 marks = 52.5 marks
Negative Marks in NATA and JEE Main Paper 2
The JEE Paper 2 has negative marks, whereas the NATA paper has no negative marks. One has to be dead sure while answering the JEE Paper 2 exam or one may end up losing a lot of marks, and given the stiff competition, every mark counts.
The NATA exam is not that competing, because there is no negative marking.
Duration of NATA and JEE Paper 2 – Difference Between JEE Main Paper 2 and NATA
The duration of NATA is two hours while the duration for JEE Paper 2 is three hours, and this can be quite taxing at times.
Schedule of NATA and JEE Paper 2 In One Year
NATA is held in the April and July, and one can appear for both the tests. NATA is taken well after the Board exams, and so one can prepare with a free and clear mind.
JEE Paper 2 is held in January and April. Here also one can appear for both the tests. The January exam can clash with the Board exam preparation.
Level of Difficulty
The JEE Paper 2 is of a higher level of difficulty, and since it has the negative marking, scores can get affected. The papers are set in such a way that only the best students can score well.
The level of difficulty of NATA is moderate in comparison. It is less daunting, and if one has the skills and passion, they can score quite well with focussed preparation.
Mode of Conduction
Both exams are conducted online. All the questions in the JEE Paper 2 are MCQs while the questions in the NATA exam are both MCQs and PCQs.
Institutions Where You can get Admission
JEE Paper 2 helps one to get admission into the premier institutions in the country, offering a course in Architecture and Planning. This includes the NITs (National Institute of Technology), GFTIs (Government Funded Technical Institutes), CFTIs (Centrally Funded Technical Institutes), and IIITs (Indian Institute of Information Technology) as well as the SPAs (School of Planning and Architecture).
NATA helps one to get admission to CEPT (Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology) as well as several other reputed private colleges like Sir J. J. College of Architecture, Chandigarh College of Architecture, BIT-Mesra, Manipal University to name a few.
Number of Seats
The total number of seats in the colleges using the scores of the JEE Paper 2 are much lesser than the seats available in the NATA colleges. So, the competition in the JEE Paper 2 is stiffer.
Testing Skills
JEE Paper 2 exam mostly tests one’s Aptitude and mathematical skills while NATA tests one’s observational skills, drawing, aesthetic sensitivity, critical thinking, and math. A more extensive range of skill sets would give a more unambiguous indication of one’s aptitude for the course.
Language
NATA is held only in English while JEE Paper 2 is held in English, Hindi, and Gujarati.
Conclusion
After having decided to pursue a fulfilling career in Architecture and Planning, you need to try your best to get into the most reputed institution in the country. With careful preparation and practice, this is achievable.
It will help if you stay focussed and positive as this field of study is in high demand and is highly satisfying and rewarding.
The structure of the course is made in such a way that it trains you in all aspects of architecture. It is a perfect way to help you so that you could find your niche, and establish yourself in the years to come.
