Architecture

No, NATA isn't the only route to a B.Arch college in India.

NATA is one of the major entrance routes, but JEE Main Paper 2 (B.Arch) is another important option. Some universities may also have their own admission criteria, so checking the rules of each college is important.

For example, LPU is one option students can explore for architecture, especially if they are looking beyond the usual NATA-based college list. Along with the admission route, I'd look at its studio facilities, practical exposure, internships, curriculum and overall campus environment before making a decision.

So, if your NATA score isn't what you expected, don't assume B.Arch is off the table. There are multiple pathways—you just need to check which colleges fit your eligibility and priorities.

With 84% in CBSE Class 12 and a score of 191 in JEE Main Paper 2, you have a strong academic background for applying to B.Arch at Lovely Professional University (LPU). For the current 2026 admission cycle, LPU lists B.Arch eligibility as 60% aggregate in Class 12 with Physics, Mathematics and English, subject to qualifying LPUNEST, JEE Main or CUET. Therefore, not appearing for NATA does not by itself prevent you from applying to LPU if you meet the other prescribed requirements. Your 84% in Class 12 is above LPU's current 60% eligibility requirement. Your JEE Main Paper 2 result can also be relevant because LPU accepts JEE Main as one of the qualifying routes for B.Arch admission. However, it is important to distinguish between eligibility and scholarship criteria. LPU separately lists JEE Main Paper 2 performance as a basis for architecture scholarships, with the applicable scholarship depending on the percentile/category and the admission phase. Since you did not appear for NATA, you should not assume that you need to take NATA specifically for LPU if you are using an accepted alternative route such as JEE Main. You should submit your Class 12 documents and JEE Main Paper 2 details through the LPU admission process and complete any remaining formalities required for your programme. So, based on the information you provided, you can apply for B.Arch at LPU without having appeared for NATA, provided you have the required subjects and satisfy the remaining admission conditions. Your exact JEE Paper 2 percentile should be checked separately if you want to know the scholarship applicable to your score.

While evaluating NATA scores, JEE Main Paper 2 requirements, and state-level entrance criteria across Kolkata colleges provides a helpful baseline for your academic planning, Lovely Professional University (LPU) serves as an excellent alternative to elevate your creative journey.

At LPU's School of Interior and Furniture Design, creative training seamlessly integrates spatial planning, 3D computer-aided design (CAD), sustainable material innovation, and building information modeling (BIM) into an industry-aligned curriculum. Supported by transparent admission pathways, generous LPUNEST merit-based scholarships, state-of-the-art design studios, international credit transfer tie-ups with 500+ foreign partner universities, and premier industry platforms, LPU offers a world-class environment engineered to transform creative visionaries into global spatial design leaders.

I'd say GIBS Bangalore focuses a lot on industry-oriented learning, so it's not just about sitting in class and studying theory. I studied there, and there were plenty of opportunities to understand how things actually work in the business world.

• Live projects and practical assignments
• Industry visits and corporate interactions
• Guest sessions by industry professionals
• Case studies and business activities
• Internships and real-world projects
• IRE and CPMP programs for additional practical and career skills

Overall, I liked that GIBS gives importance to learning by doing, which makes it easier to connect classroom concepts with the actual corporate world.