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 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)
These dates have been aligned with the updated JEE Main 2026 and JEE Advanced 2026 timelines.
| 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 object in its correct form and proportion, indicating surface texture, relative location, and details of component parts.
- Geometrical Drawing: Exercises involving lines, angles, triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, and circles.
- Three-dimensional Perception: Understanding and appreciation of 3D forms with building components, elements, color, volume, and orientation.
- Imagination and Aesthetic Sensitivity: Composition exercises with given elements, creativity assessment through uncommon problem-solving, and color sense evaluation.
- Architectural Awareness: General interest in and awareness of famous architectural creations—national and international—including places, architects, and styles.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – AAT 2026 (Architecture Aptitude Test)
No. Qualifying JEE Advanced only makes you eligible to appear for AAT. To be considered for B.Arch. at IIT Roorkee or IIT Kharagpur, you must also pass AAT. Even after passing AAT, admission is based solely on your JEE Advanced All India Rank (AIR) during JoSAA counselling. AAT works only as a qualifying test, not a ranking exam.
No. There is no separate AAT admit card. Candidates must bring their original JEE Advanced 2026 admit card along with a valid ID proof to the AAT examination centre. Without the JEE Advanced admit card, you will not be allowed to appear for AAT.
AAT focuses more on creativity, drawing skills, visualisation and architectural awareness than on theoretical knowledge. It is generally considered less competitive than other architecture entrance exams because only JEE Advanced–qualified candidates are eligible, but its subjective nature means that regular sketching practice and strong perception skills are essential.
There is no negative marking in AAT because it is a subjective, drawing-based exam. However, the organizing committee sets a minimum qualifying cutoff every year. Candidates must score at least this cutoff to be considered “AAT qualified.” No rank is issued; it is only a pass/fail qualification.
No. AAT is used exclusively for admission to the B.Arch. programmes offered at IIT Roorkee and IIT Kharagpur. Passing AAT does not grant eligibility for architecture programs at other IITs, NITs, SPAs, or private architecture colleges. Those institutions may have their own selection processes.