Architecture Entrance Exam

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.

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.

Yeah so, with 194 in JEE Main paper 2 and then 97% in 12th, you are pretty much in the eligible zone for B.Arch admission at LPU, because LPU actually considers JEE Paper-2 ( or NATA ) marks, and for eligibility they set a minimum of 60% in 10+2 with Mathematics  , like you are above that. So just go ahead with the online application, upload your JEE Paper-2 score along with your 12th mark sheets, then do the document verification process, after that counselling / seat confirmation, and most likely you'll get the offer letter. Also sometimes students land in merit scholarship brackets based on both your JEE and 12th performance, so it's worth checking those options during application or counselling.