AAT Exam 2026

The Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT) 2026 is the mandatory entrance exam for students seeking admission to the Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) programs offered by the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). Key highlights include:

• Exam Name: Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT)
• Conducting Body: Organizing IIT for JEE Advanced 2026
• Exam Level: Undergraduate (National Level)
• Frequency: Once a year
• Mode of Exam: Offline (Pen and Paper-based)
• Duration: 3 Hours
• Medium: English

The schedule for AAT 2026 follows the declaration of JEE Advanced results. Below are the tentative dates:

• JEE Advanced 2026 Result: Second week of June 2026
• AAT 2026 Registration: June 7 - June 9, 2026
• AAT 2026 Exam Date: June 12, 2026
• Declaration of AAT Results: June 16, 2026
• JoSAA Counselling Starts: Mid-June 2026

The Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT) is a specialized entrance examination conducted for candidates who have qualified for the JEE Advanced and wish to pursue a 5-year B.Arch degree at an IIT. Unlike JEE Main Paper 2, which is for NITs and SPAs, AAT is specifically for the three IITs offering architecture courses.

The full form of AAT is the Architecture Aptitude Test. It is designed to evaluate the aesthetic sensitivity, drawing skills, and architectural awareness of prospective students.

Over the years, the AAT has remained the sole gateway for architecture at the IITs. While the number of seats remains limited to three campuses (Kharagpur, Roorkee, and BHU), the competition has intensified. The exam has evolved to place greater emphasis on 3D perception and creative imagination, moving beyond basic sketching to test a candidate's spatial reasoning.

To be eligible for AAT 2026, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• JEE Advanced Qualification: Candidates must have qualified for the JEE Advanced 2026 and obtained a valid rank.
• B.Arch Interest: Candidates must express interest in the B.Arch program by registering specifically for AAT through the official portal.
• Qualifying Marks: There are no separate marks criteria for AAT eligibility beyond the JEE Advanced cutoff.

The application process for AAT 2026 is entirely online:

• Visit the official JEE Advanced 2026 website.
• Log in using your JEE Advanced registration number, date of birth, and mobile number.
• Select the option 'Yes' for the AAT registration.
• Choose your preferred exam center from the list provided.
• Submit the form and download the confirmation page. (Note: No additional fee is usually charged for AAT).

The AAT 2026 focuses on five core areas:

• Freehand Drawing
• Geometrical Drawing
• Three-Dimensional Perception
• Imagination and Aesthetic Sensitivity
• Architectural Awareness

The syllabus for AAT 2026 includes:

• Freehand Drawing: Sketching objects from memory, light and shadow, proportions, and texture.
• Geometrical Drawing: Lines, angles, triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, and circles.
• 3D Perception: Visualization of objects through plans and elevations, orientation of 3D objects.
• Imagination: Creative use of elements to create compositions.
• Architectural Awareness: Knowledge of famous buildings, architects, and historical landmarks in India and the world.

The AAT 2026 exam pattern is as follows:

• Duration: 180 minutes (3 hours).
• Language: English.
• Type: Offline exam consisting of drawing tasks and aptitude questions.
• Sections: Drawing, Mathematics (Geometry), and General Aptitude.
• Marking: Evaluation is done by a committee; there is no specific publicized marksheet, only a 'Pass/Fail' result.

The admission process involves several steps:

1. Qualify JEE Main.
2. Qualify JEE Advanced.
3. Register for AAT.
4. Appear for and Pass the AAT exam.
5. Participate in JoSAA Counselling.
6. Seat allocation based on JEE Advanced All India Rank (AIR), provided the candidate has passed AAT.

Only three IITs offer the B.Arch program and accept AAT scores:

• IIT Roorkee
• IIT Kharagpur
• IIT BHU (Varanasi)

The AAT 2026 results will be declared on the official JEE Advanced portal. The result is unique because it does not provide a rank or specific score. It only mentions whether the candidate is 'Qualified' or 'Not Qualified'.

Once the AAT results are declared, qualified candidates must fill their choices on the JoSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority) portal. Candidates must ensure they list B.Arch at IIT Roorkee, IIT Kharagpur, or IIT BHU in their preference list to be considered for seat allotment.

The counseling is conducted by JoSAA. Key points:

• Only AAT-qualified candidates can opt for B.Arch seats in IITs.
• Seat allotment is based strictly on the candidate’s JEE Advanced Category Rank/AIR.
• AAT is only a qualifying exam; it does not influence the rank used for allotment.

The cut-off for AAT is decided by the Joint Admission Board (JAB). There is no fixed numerical cutoff released to the public. Candidates who score above the threshold set by the board are declared 'Pass'. Admission is then granted based on their JEE Advanced rank.

While AAT is managed by the IITs, students often refer to the JEE ecosystem. For AAT 2026 queries, contact the Organizing Institute:

• Official Website: jeeadv.ac.in
• Email: (To be updated by the 2026 Organizing IIT)
• Phone: +91-XXX-XXXXXXX
• Address: JEE (Advanced) Office, (Organizing IIT Campus)