The Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT) is a specialized entrance exam conducted for admission to the Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) program offered exclusively by IIT Kharagpur and IIT Roorkee. Candidates aspiring to pursue architecture at these prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology must clear AAT after qualifying the JEE Advanced 2026 examination.
What is AAT?
AAT stands for Architecture Aptitude Test, and it is conducted annually by the Joint Implementation Committee of the IIT JEE Advanced organizing body. This test assesses the architectural aptitude of students based on various parameters such as drawing, visual perception, creativity, and architectural awareness.
Eligibility Criteria for AAT 2026
To appear for the Architecture Aptitude Test 2026, candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- You must qualify JEE Advanced 2026 and secure a rank (AIR or Category Rank).
- You must select IIT Kharagpur or IIT Roorkee as one of your choices while filling out the JEE Advanced counseling form.
- Only those who opt for B.Arch. as one of the choices during JoSAA counseling will be eligible to appear for AAT 2026.
- There is no separate admit card for AAT. Candidates must carry the original JEE Advanced 2026 admit card to the AAT examination center.
Important Dates for AAT 2026 (Tentative)
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration for AAT | Second week of June 2026 |
| AAT Exam Date | Third week of June 2026 |
| Declaration of AAT Results | Third to Fourth week of June 2026 |
| Official Portal for AAT Registration | www.jeeadv.ac.in |
📌 Note: These dates are tentative and subject to change. Candidates must check the official JEE Advanced website regularly for updates.
AAT 2026 Exam Pattern
- Mode of Exam: Offline (pen-and-paper based)
- Language: English only
- Duration: 3 hours
- Type of Questions: Subjective (drawing and sketch-based)
AAT 2026 Syllabus
The syllabus for the Architecture Aptitude Test includes:
- Freehand Drawing: Simple drawing depicting the total object in its right form and proportion, surface texture, relative location, and details of its component parts in appropriate scale.
- Geometrical Drawing: Exercises in geometrical drawing, lines, angles, triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, circles, etc.
- Three-dimensional Perception: Understanding and appreciation of three-dimensional forms with building elements, color, volume, and orientation.
- Imagination and Aesthetic Sensitivity: Composition exercise with given elements. Creativity check through innovative uncommon test with familiar objects. Sense of color grouping or application.
- Architectural Awareness: General interest and awareness of famous architectural creations, both national and international, places and personalities (architects).
The syllabus for AAT is given in IIT JEE Syllabus page.
Items to Carry
Since AAT is a subjective drawing-based paper, candidates are required to carry their own drawing and coloring aids such as pencils, erasers, geometry sets, crayons, or sketch pens.
Admission & Cut-off Criteria
- No separate rank is awarded for AAT.
- Admission to the B.Arch. program at IITs is done solely based on the JEE Advanced 2026 All India Rank (AIR) and category rank.
- The cut-off marks for passing AAT are decided by the Joint Implementation Committee of the JEE Advanced organizing body.
- Seat allocation will be done through JoSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority) based on your JEE Advanced rank, AAT qualification, category, and choices filled during counseling.
Why Pursue B.Arch. from IIT?
Pursuing Bachelor of Architecture from IIT Roorkee or IIT Kharagpur provides unmatched academic exposure, global recognition, and cutting-edge facilities. The architecture departments of both these IITs are renowned for:
- World-class faculty and research infrastructure
- Multi-disciplinary studio-based learning
- Access to national and international architectural competitions
- Internship opportunities in reputed architectural firms
Final Tips for AAT Aspirants
- Focus on improving your sketching skills and visual creativity.
- Practice with past AAT papers or similar architecture entrance test papers.
- Stay updated on JEE Advanced and AAT timelines by checking the official JEE Advanced website.
- During counseling, do not forget to opt for B.Arch. and choose IIT Kharagpur or IIT Roorkee as one of your preferred institutes.