B.Arch Admission Guide 2026 for Foreign Nationals
B.Arch admission 2026 for foreign nationals through DASA and direct entry. Eligibility, entrance scores, documents and steps to apply for architecture colleges in India.
The B.Arch degree from India is becoming really famous among international students. Some of the finest architecture colleges in India, such as IITs, NITs, and SPAs, offer standards of education that can really compete with any Western country at a fraction of the cost. If you're a foreign national, NRI, OCI, or PIO cardholder who wants to study architecture in India, the admission procedure is really simple once you get through the steps: the Government of India has introduced special schemes like DASA for the easy entrance of international students to study in India without having to suffer through the normal competitive exams Indian students would need to take.
Who is Eligible as a Foreign National?
Before applying, you need to understand which category you fall under. Foreign nationals are actual passport holders from other countries, NRIs who are Indian citizens but live abroad, OCI cardholders, and PIO cardholders. An OCI cardholder is someone who has obtained Overseas Citizenship of India status, while PIO is a Person of Indian Origin. Different procedures are followed for each category while applying for admission, so identifying your status correctly is quite important.
Eligibility Criteria for B.Arch Admission 2026 for Foreign National Students
Most colleges providing architecture education in India have a standard requirement for admissions. These are what are required for a student to be eligible:
Criteria | Requirement |
Academic Qualification | Must have passed 10+2 or equivalent with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects |
Additional Subjects | One subject from Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, Biotechnology, or Technical Vocational Subject |
Minimum Marks | 60% aggregate in qualifying examination (may vary by institution) |
Age Limit | Must be born on or after October 1, 2001 for DASA 2026 |
Entrance Exam | Valid JEE Main Paper 2 (B.Arch) rank OR NATA score depending on the admission scheme |
Study Requirement (DASA) | Must have completed at least 2 years of education including Classes 11 and 12 abroad in the last 8 years |
Appearing Candidates | Students appearing for 12th exam in 2026 with results expected by September 30, 2026 are eligible |
Admission Pathways for Foreign Nationals
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In India, there are two broad avenues for foreign nationals seeking admission to B.Arch courses. The first avenue is through the DASA scheme, which stands for Direct Admission of Students Abroad. The DASA scheme is specifically designed for foreign nationals, NRIs, OCIs, or PIOs seeking admission to NITs, IIITs, SPAs, and other centrally funded technical institutions. For admission to B.Arch. by DASA, a valid JEE Main Paper 2 rank is required. Approximately fifteen percent of total seats are reserved as supernumerary seats for foreign students.
The other route is for each university to permit foreign nationals admission into their B.Arch programs, with many private universities and deemed universities setting up their very own admission criteria for international students. Some have chosen to accept NATA scores, while others may administer university-specific entrance examinations, or may come to the decision based on 12th-grade marks.
DASA Scheme Details for 2026
In India, there are two broad avenues for foreign nationals seeking admission to B.Arch courses. The first avenue is through the DASA scheme, which stands for Direct Admission of Students Abroad. The DASA scheme is specifically designed for foreign nationals, NRIs, OCIs, or PIOs seeking admission to NITs, IIITs, SPAs, and other centrally funded technical institutions. For admission to B.Arch. by DASA, a valid JEE Main Paper 2 rank is required. Approximately fifteen percent of total seats are reserved as supernumerary seats for foreign students.
The other route is for each university to permit foreign nationals admission into their B.Arch programs, with many private universities and deemed universities setting up their very own admission criteria for international students. Some have chosen to accept NATA scores, while others may administer university-specific entrance examinations, or may come to the decision based on 12th-grade marks.
List of Documents Required for B.Arch Application
When you keep documents ready before applying, it saves a lot of time and stress in the application procedure itself. Make sure all documents are scanned in proper format and at the size mentioned by the application portal.
Document Type | Details |
Valid Foreign Passport | Copy of passport showing personal details and validity |
Visa or Residence Proof | Documents showing you lived abroad |
Class 10 Mark Sheet and Certificate | Original or attested copies |
Class 12 Mark Sheet and Certificate | Original or attested copies |
Migration Certificate | From your previous school |
JEE Main or NATA Scorecard | Valid scorecard with rank/percentile |
OCI/PIO/NRI Status Certificate | If applicable to your category |
Passport-size Photographs | Recent colored photographs as per specifications |
Birth Certificate | Original or attested copy |
Financial Support Affidavit | Showing ability to pay fees |
Anti-ragging Affidavits | As per UGC guidelines |
Equivalence Certificate | If 12th is from a foreign board |
Step-by-Step Application Process for Foreign Students
Starting from January, the application timeline is subject to a series of different counseling rounds to proceed until July. It's necessary to carefully follow every step and stick to the deadlines.
Step | Process Details | Timeline |
Step 1: Check Eligibility | Verify all eligibility criteria and ensure you meet academic and residence requirements | November 2025 - January 2026 |
Step 2: Register for JEE Main Paper 2 | Create account on NTA portal and fill JEE Main application form for B.Arch | January 2026 |
Step 3: Appear for JEE Main Exam | Take the JEE Main Paper 2 exam at designated centers | January/April 2026 |
Step 4: Get JEE Main Rank | Check results and note down your rank/percentile | February/May 2026 |
Step 5: Apply Through DASA Portal | Register on DASA website and fill application form with all details | March 2026 onwards |
Step 6: Pay Application Fee | Pay US $300 registration fee through online mode | During application |
Step 7: Fill College Preferences | Choose your preferred NITs, IIITs, SPAs in order of priority | During counseling rounds |
Step 8: Wait for Seat Allotment | Check seat allotment results based on merit and preferences | Multiple rounds from June 2026 |
Step 9: Pay Admission Fee | Pay first semester fee (US $4000) to confirm your seat | Within specified deadline |
Step 10: Document Verification | Visit allotted college for physical document verification | July-August 2026 |
Step 11: Complete Admission | Submit all original documents and complete admission formalities | August 2026 |
Top Architecture Colleges Accepting Foreign Nationals
There are a number of top colleges in India that offer courses in architecture and admit foreign students. Government institutions are generally offering better value, while private universities can be flexible in terms of admission.
College Name | Location | Type | Admission Mode |
Roorkee, Uttarakhand | Government | DASA (JEE Main) | |
Kharagpur, West Bengal | Government | DASA (JEE Main) | |
Calicut, Kerala | Government | DASA (JEE Main) | |
Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu | Government | DASA (JEE Main) | |
Delhi | Government | DASA (JEE Main) | |
Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh | Government | DASA (JEE Main) | |
Ahmedabad, Gujarat | Government | Direct Admission | |
Jalandhar, Punjab | Private | Direct Admission/NATA | |
Mohali, Punjab | Private | Direct Admission/NATA | |
Noida, Uttar Pradesh | Private | Direct Admission/NATA | |
Manipal, Karnataka | Private | Direct Admission | |
Chennai, Tamil Nadu | Private | Direct Admission/NATA |
With the right combination of planning and preparation, getting into a B.Arch program in India as a foreign national is definitely possible. The DASA scheme has made it comparatively easier because, earlier, options for international students were limited. Just be sure to get an early start in preparing for the JEE Main exam, have all of your documentation in order, and submit your applications on time. The architecture colleges in India offer a superb education for a lesser amount of money, and your degree will be recognized across the globe. All the best for your architectural journey in India!