Are you dreaming of becoming an architect and studying at an IIT? If yes, then the Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT) is the next step after clearing JEE Advanced. Many students focus only on JEE Advanced, but those who want to pursue B.Arch at top IITs like IIT Roorkee, IIT Kharagpur, and IIT BHU must clear AAT.
AAT is not as widely discussed as JEE Advanced, so students often get confused about its purpose, syllabus, and registration process. If you are thinking about architecture as your career and want to secure a seat in the B.Arch program at IITs, understanding AAT is very important.
This guide will help you know everything about AAT—from eligibility and syllabus to preparation tips—so you can clear the exam with confidence and take a step closer to your dream of studying architecture at an IIT.
What is AAT in JEE Advanced?
The Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT) is a special exam conducted for students who wish to pursue a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) degree at selected Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). It is not a separate entrance exam but an additional test that candidates must clear after qualifying for JEE Advanced.
The full form of AAT is the Architecture Aptitude Test. This exam is specifically designed to assess a candidate’s drawing skills, creativity, aesthetic sense, and architectural awareness. These abilities are essential for students planning to enter the field of architecture and design. Since JEE Advanced mainly tests mathematics, physics, and chemistry, AAT ensures that students opting for B.Arch have the necessary aptitude for architecture.
AAT is a mandatory test for students who wish to study B.Arch at IITs. However, not all IITs offer a B.Arch program. Currently, only three IITs provide this course:
| Name of institute | Number of seats |
| IIT Roorkee | 35 |
| IIT Kharagpur | 43 |
| IIT Varanasi | 26 |
| Total | 114 |
Unlike engineering courses, where JEE Advanced rank determines admission, AAT does not provide ranks or scores. Instead, candidates receive only a Pass or Fail result. Those who pass AAT become eligible for admission to the B.Arch course through JoSAA counseling.
The test helps IITs filter students who are not only good at science and mathematics but also have strong visualization, freehand drawing, and creative problem-solving skills—all of which are crucial for architecture.
Since B.Arch seats at IITs are limited, clearing AAT does not guarantee admission. The final allotment depends on:
- AAT qualification (Pass status).
- JEE Advanced rank (for seat allocation through JoSAA).
- Availability of seats in the participating IITs.
Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT) Registration Process in JEE Advanced
The registration process for the Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT) is simple, but it is important for students to complete it within the given timeline. Only those who qualify for JEE Advanced can register for AAT. Without registration, students cannot appear for the exam.
When to Apply:
The registration for AAT starts after the JEE Advanced results are declared. Candidates need to check the official JEE Advanced website once the results are out. Usually, AAT registration begins a day after the JEE Advanced result and remains open for a short period—around 1 to 2 days.
So, students who are interested in the B.Arch course at IITs should be ready to apply as soon as the JEE Advanced results are announced. Missing the registration deadline means you will not be able to appear for AAT, and you will lose the chance to apply for B.Arch at IIT Roorkee, IIT Kharagpur, or IIT BHU.
How to Register
AAT registration is done online through the JEE Advanced portal. Here are the steps to register:
- Visit the official JEE Advanced website after the results are declared.
- Log in using your JEE Advanced application number, date of birth, and other required details.
- Find the link for AAT registration on the portal.
- Click on the link and fill in the required information.
- Choose the examination center from the options provided (AAT is usually conducted at the same IIT zones where JEE Advanced was held).
- Submit the form after carefully reviewing all the details.
- Download the registration confirmation or take a screenshot for future reference.
Exam Fee
There is no separate registration fee for AAT. It is included in the JEE Advanced application fee. Once you have paid the JEE Advanced registration fee, you do not need to pay anything extra for AAT.
Important Points to Remember
- Only JEE Advanced-qualified candidates can register.
- Registration is open for a short period (usually 1 to 2 days).
- No late registration is allowed, so apply on time.
- No fee is required for AAT.
JEE Advanced Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT) Exam Centres
| Test Centre | Address |
| Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay | Victor Menezes Convention Centre (VMCC)Seminar Rooms 1, 2, 3 and 4, Ground FloorIndian Institute of Technology BombayMumbai-400076, Maharashtra |
| Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi | Lecture Hall ComplexIIT Delhi Campus, Hauz KhasNew Delhi – 110016 |
| Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati | Hall No.#5G2, Core 5 (Ground Floor)New Classroom ComplexIndian Institute of Technology GuwahatiGuwahati 781039Assam, India |
| Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad | IITH Road, Near NH-65Sangareddy, KandiTelangana 502285 |
| Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur | L7, Lecture Hall ComplexAcademic AreaIIT Kanpur,Kanpur-208016, Uttar Pradesh |
| Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur | Kharagpur, Paschim Medinipur,West Bengal,India – 721302. |
| Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras | CRC 101 – 103Class Room ComplexIndian Institute of Technology MadrasChennai – 600036Tamil Nadu |
| Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee | Room Nos. 005 & 006Gargi BlockNear Department of Management StudiesIIT Roorkee CampusRoorkee 247667 |
JEE Advanced Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT) Exam Pattern
| Particulars | Details |
| Name of the Exam | Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT) |
| Conducted By | 7 Zonal coordinating Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) |
| Exam Level | Undergraduate exam at the National level |
| Exam Frequency | Annual |
| Mode of Exam | Pen and Paper Based Test |
| Total Registrations | N/A |
| Course offered through the exam | BArch |
| Exam Fees | N/A |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours |
| Number of Sections | 5 – General Knowledge, Geometry Drawing, 3D Aspects, Freehand Drawing, Imagination and Aesthetic Sensitivity |
| Total Questions | 16 |
| Marking Scheme | The detailed marking scheme will be mentioned on the AAT 2023 question paper. |
| Medium of Exam | English |
| Colleges Accepting Exam Score | 3 |
| No. of Test Cities | 7 |
| Official Website | jeeadv.ac.in |
JEE Advanced Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT) Syllabus
The Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT) syllabus focuses on evaluating a student’s drawing, visualization, creativity, and architectural awareness. Since the B.Arch program is different from engineering, this test checks skills required for architecture, like freehand sketching, spatial understanding, and artistic sense.
While IITs do not officially declare a detailed syllabus weightage, students can prepare better by understanding the key topics. These topics are divided into five main sections.
1) Freehand Drawing
This section tests a student’s ability to draw objects from memory or daily life. Students must represent objects with proper proportions, shading, and details.
Topics to focus on:
- Simple objects like chairs, tables, books, lamps, or cups.
- Daily-use items like bags, bottles, mobile phones, and shoes.
- Human figures in different postures like standing, sitting, or walking.
- Scenes from daily life like a street view, park, or a market scene.
- Basic shading techniques to show light and shadow effects.
What to Practice:
- Practice drawing objects quickly and accurately.
- Focus on proportions, 3D appearance, and neatness.
2) Geometrical Drawing
This section tests understanding of 2D and 3D geometry. Students need to draw accurate shapes and objects using geometry.
Topics to focus on:
- 2D shapes like squares, rectangles, triangles, and circles.
- 3D objects like cubes, cylinders, cones, and spheres.
- Symmetry, rotation, and transformations.
- Combining simple shapes to form complex objects.
What to Practice:
- Drawing 3D shapes from different angles.
- Practice symmetry-based drawings and transforming 2D shapes into 3D objects.
3) Three-Dimensional Perception
This section checks the understanding of depth, perspective, and spatial visualization. Students should be able to draw objects in a realistic 3D space.
Topics to focus on:
- Perspective drawings (e.g., road vanishing into the distance).
- Shadow analysis based on light falling on objects.
- Object proportions – how objects look bigger when closer and smaller when far.
What to Practice:
- Practice perspective views of buildings, roads, and rooms.
- Focus on drawing cubes, staircases, or buildings in 3D space.
4) Imagination and Aesthetic Sensitivity
This section tests a student’s creativity and artistic thinking. It requires drawing creative compositions from ideas and completing unfinished sketches.
Topics to focus on:
- Creative sketching based on a given theme.
- Completing incomplete figures with imaginative designs.
- Using colors, patterns, and symbols to express an idea visually.
What to Practice:
- Sketch imaginary scenes like futuristic buildings or nature-inspired designs.
- Improve your visual interpretation skills by observing artwork, nature, and architecture.
5) Architectural Awareness
This section tests knowledge about famous buildings, architects, and architectural styles.
Topics to focus on:
- Famous Indian and international monuments like Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, Eiffel Tower, and Burj Khalifa.
- Renowned architects like Le Corbusier, Charles Correa, and Frank Lloyd Wright.
- Architectural styles like Gothic, Mughal, and Modern architecture.
What to Practice:
- Read about famous buildings and architects.
- Observe different styles of buildings around you.
Final Note on Syllabus
There is no fixed weightage for any section, and no negative marking. The focus is on testing creativity, visualization, and drawing accuracy.
Daily practice of sketching and geometric drawings will help students gain confidence and perform well in AAT.
JEE Advanced AAT Result & Qualification Criteria
The Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT) result is different from JEE Advanced results. In JEE Advanced, candidates receive marks, rank, and percentile, but AAT follows a simpler approach. Candidates are not given marks or ranks in AAT. Instead, they only receive a “Pass” or “Fail” status.
Students must understand the result and qualification process properly because clearing AAT is necessary for admission to the B.Arch program at IIT Roorkee, IIT Kharagpur, and IIT BHU.
JEE Advanced AAT Scoring System
AAT does not display individual marks.
When the AAT result is announced, students will only see one of two outcomes:
- Pass
- Fail
There are no marksheets, subject-wise scores, or ranks like JEE Advanced. This is because AAT is a qualifying exam, not a competitive exam.
Once you pass AAT, you become eligible to apply for the B.Arch program at the participating IITs. Failing AAT means you cannot apply for B.Arch, but your JEE Advanced rank is still valid for other B.Tech programs through JoSAA counseling.
JEE Advanced AAT Cutoff Determination
The cutoff marks for AAT are not revealed to students. Every year, IITs internally decide the cutoff based on factors like:
- Difficulty level of the AAT paper.
- Number of students appearing for AAT.
- Number of B.Arch seats available in the participating IITs.
The cutoff is not uniform every year, and IITs do not publish any cutoff marks. Students only need to aim to perform their best in the exam. Passing the cutoff is enough, as there is no rank-based competition in AAT.
Impact on Admissions
Clearing AAT alone does not guarantee admission to the B.Arch program. Admission depends on three main factors:
- AAT Qualification (Pass status).
- JEE Advanced Rank.
- Availability of Seats in B.Arch programs during JoSAA counseling.
After qualifying in AAT, students can select B.Arch programs in their choice filling during JoSAA counseling. Final seat allotment is done based on the JEE Advanced rank, not the AAT performance.
For example:
- If two students pass AAT, the one with a better JEE Advanced rank will get priority during B.Arch seat allotment.
- If a student passes AAT but has a low JEE Advanced rank, they may not get a B.Arch seat if seats fill up quickly.
Important Points to Remember
- The AAT result is Pass/Fail.
- Marks and ranks are not shown.
- Cutoff is decided by IITs internally.
- Only AAT “Pass” students can choose B.Arch in JoSAA counseling.
- Final B.Arch seat allotment depends on JEE Advanced rank and seat availability.
Clearing AAT is a necessary step, but your JEE Advanced performance is equally important for getting a seat in the B.Arch program at IIT Roorkee, IIT Kharagpur, or IIT BHU.
Preparation Tips for AAT in JEE Advanced
Preparing for the Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT) requires a different approach compared to JEE Advanced. While JEE Advanced focuses on Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, AAT tests a student’s creativity, drawing skills, and visualization abilities.
Even though AAT is considered easier than JEE Advanced, students should not take it lightly. Proper preparation can increase your chances of passing the test comfortably and securing a B.Arch seat at IIT Roorkee, IIT Kharagpur, or IIT BHU.
Here are some effective preparation tips to help you perform well in AAT:
Recommended Study Materials
Students often struggle with AAT preparation because there are fewer specific books for the exam. However, the right study materials can help you improve your drawing skills and architectural knowledge.
Some useful resources are:
- NCERT Books (Class 6 to 10): Improve basic geometry and visual understanding.
- Drawing Books: Books like N.D. Bhatt’s Elementary Drawing or Architectural Drawing by M.G. Shah helped improve freehand and geometrical drawing skills.
- Architecture Magazines and Websites: Reading about famous buildings, architects, and architectural styles improves your architectural awareness.
- Previous AAT questions: Although official papers are not available, practicing questions from NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture) can help, as both exams test similar skills.
Practice Methods
AAT preparation mainly involves practice. Since the exam focuses on drawing, perception, and creativity, daily practice is necessary.
Some practical ways to prepare:
- Freehand Sketching: Practice drawing objects around you like bottles, cups, furniture, and human figures. Focus on proportions, shading, and neatness.
- Geometric Drawings: Practice 2D and 3D geometric shapes. Learn to draw cubes, cones, cylinders, and complex objects from different angles.
- Perspective Drawing: Practice showing depth in your sketches, like a road going into the distance or a building viewed from a corner.
- Creative Sketching: Try creating designs from imagination, like futuristic buildings, parks, or home interiors.
- Architectural Awareness: Learn about famous Indian and international structures like Taj Mahal, Lotus Temple, Sydney Opera House, and Burj Khalifa. Know the names of famous architects like Le Corbusier and Charles Correa.
Time Management Tips
AAT is a 3-hour test, but drawing can be time-consuming. Proper time management is necessary to complete all questions within the given time.
Follow these time management tips:
- Start with the section you are most comfortable with.
- Do not spend too much time on a single sketch.
- Keep your drawings neat and simple instead of adding too many small details.
- Focus on accuracy and creativity rather than rushing through the paper.
- Practice solving sample questions under exam conditions to improve your speed.
Final Advice
- Start your preparation early after your JEE Advanced exam.
- Draw every day to improve your speed and sketching quality.
- Observe buildings, objects, and daily surroundings to improve your imagination and perception.
- Stay calm during the exam and give your best effort.
With regular practice and smart preparation, clearing AAT becomes easy, helping you secure a B.Arch seat in your dream IIT.
Conclusion
The Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT) is a key step for students who wish to pursue B.Arch at IIT Roorkee, IIT Kharagpur, or IIT BHU. It is conducted only for JEE Advanced-qualified candidates and acts as a qualifying test for admission to the B.Arch program.
There are no marks or ranks in AAT—just Pass or Fail. Clearing AAT opens the door to top IITs for architecture.
If you are serious about architecture, prepare well for AAT by focusing on drawing skills, creativity, and architectural knowledge. Practice daily, work on your speed, and strengthen your imagination.
AAT is not difficult if you prepare smartly. With the right effort, you can secure your seat in an IIT and begin your journey towards a bright future in architecture.
Stay focused, keep practicing, and give your best in AAT!
