JEE Main 2026 Jan 29 LIVE: Paper 2 Exam Begins for B.Arch & B.Planning — 10 Key Updates

JEE Main 2026 Jan 29 LIVE: Paper 2 Exam Begins for B.Arch & B.Planning — 10 Key Updates

JEE Main 2026 Jan 29 LIVE: Paper 2 exam begins for B.Arch and B.Planning candidates. Get live updates, exam analysis, student reactions, and key highlights

The JEE Main 2026 Paper 2 exam has officially begun today, January 29, 2026, for candidates aspiring to pursue B.Arch (Bachelor of Architecture) and B.Planning (Bachelor of Planning) programs across India. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), the examination marks a crucial step for students aiming to secure admission into top architecture and planning colleges, including prestigious institutions like NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs.

With lakhs of students appearing for the exam nationwide, JEE Main Paper 2 LIVE updates are being closely followed by candidates, parents, and educators alike. This article provides real-time exam updates, paper pattern details, difficulty analysis, student reactions, important instructions, and expected cutoffs.

📅 Exam Date

January 29, 2026

🎓 Courses Covered

• B.Arch (Paper 2A)
• B.Planning (Paper 2B)

🏫 Conducting Body

National Testing Agency (NTA)

⏰ Exam Duration

• 3 hours (180 minutes)

🖥️ Mode of Examination

• Computer-Based Test (CBT) for Mathematics & Aptitude
• Drawing Test (Offline) for B.Arch candidates

🔹 B.Arch (Paper 2A)

The exam consists of three sections:

1️⃣ Mathematics (CBT)

• 20 MCQs + 5 Numerical Value Questions
• Focus on calculus, algebra, trigonometry, and coordinate geometry

2️⃣ Aptitude Test (CBT)

• Spatial reasoning
• Visual perception
• Architecture awareness
• General aptitude

3️⃣ Drawing Test (Offline)

• Sketching
• Perspective drawing
• Creative design
• Architectural visualization

🟢 Entry at Exam Centers

Candidates began arriving at exam centers early in the morning. Strict security checks were conducted, including biometric verification, frisking, and ID authentication.

🟢 Mandatory Items Allowed

• Admit card
• Valid government ID proof
• Transparent water bottle
• Passport-size photograph

🔴 Prohibited Items

• Mobile phones
• Smart watches
• Calculators
• Study material

1️⃣ Mathematics

2️⃣ Aptitude Test

3️⃣ Planning-Based Questions

• Urban planning concepts
• Sustainable development
• Environmental planning
• Infrastructure knowledge

Many students expressed a mix of nervousness, excitement, and confidence before entering the examination halls.

I’ve prepared for months. The drawing section is my strength,” said a B.Arch aspirant.

Aptitude and planning concepts are crucial — hoping for a balanced paper,” shared a B.Planning candidate.

Parents gathered outside exam centers, offering emotional support and encouragement.

📊 Expert Predictions

• Mathematics: Moderate to Difficult
• Aptitude: Easy to Moderate
• Drawing (B.Arch): Creativity-based
• Planning Section (B.Planning): Moderate

Experts believe the paper will test conceptual clarity, creative thinking, and problem-solving skills rather than rote memorization.

Key focus areas include:

• Differential calculus
• Probability
• Matrices
• Vectors
• Coordinate geometry

Students reported strong emphasis on:

• Mental ability
• Pattern recognition
• 3D visualization
• Architecture awareness

Expected tasks:

• Perspective drawings
• Human figures
• Street scenes
• Creative compositions

Once students exit exam centers, early feedback suggests:

• Mathematics was lengthy but manageable
• Aptitude section was interesting and creative
• Drawing section was moderately challenging
• Planning section tested real-world knowledge

Reach exam center at least 90 minutes early

Follow COVID safety protocols (if applicable)

Do not carry prohibited items

Avoid malpractice — strict action will be taken

📈 Tentative Cutoff Predictions

🏛️ For B.Arch

• NIT Trichy
• NIT Calicut
• School of Planning and Architecture (SPA) Delhi
• NIT Hamirpur
• NIT Raipur

🏙️ For B.Planning

• SPA Delhi
• NIT Patna
• NIT Bhopal
• CEPT University

The exam serves as a gateway to some of India’s best architecture and planning institutes. Strong performance can lead to:

• Admission into top-ranked colleges
• Scholarship opportunities
• Strong career prospects in architecture, urban planning, design, and infrastructure

🏗️ B.Arch Career Options

• Architect
• Interior designer
• Urban designer
• Landscape architect
• Sustainable design consultant

🏙️ B.Planning Career Options

• Urban planner
• Infrastructure planner
• Policy analyst
• Environmental planner
• Government planning officer

✅ Relax and Recover

After the exam, students should take time to unwind.

✅ Analyze Performance

Review question attempts and estimate expected scores.

✅ Plan Next Steps

• Focus on Session 2 (if appearing again)
• Explore architecture portfolio preparation
• Stay updated with counseling schedules

📝 Steps Include:

• Online registration
• Choice filling
• Seat allotment
• Document verification
• College reporting

Education experts recommend:

• Practicing drawing daily
• Strengthening spatial reasoning skills
• Solving previous year papers
• Focusing on conceptual understanding

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