The expected pass percentage for NATA 2026 Phase 1 is 60–70%, with the minimum qualifying score set at 70 out of 200 marks (35%) for all categories, based on 2024–25 trends.
NATA 2026 Phase 1 is scheduled for June 15, 2026, and is conducted by the Council of Architecture (COA). Unlike most national entrance exams, NATA does not offer category-wise relaxation in the minimum qualifying threshold — every student, regardless of category, must score at least 70 out of 200 to qualify. Category-based advantages apply at the college admission stage through reserved seats, not at the qualifying stage. Understanding the expected pass percentage and what category-wise statistics mean for your admission chances can help you plan your preparation and application strategy effectively.
- Total marks: 200 — Part A Drawing (80 marks) and Part B Aptitude and Mathematics (120 marks)
- Expected minimum qualifying marks: 70 out of 200 (35%) for all categories — no category-wise relaxation at qualifying stage
- Expected pass percentage for Phase 1: 60–70% of students who appear, based on 2024 data (~66% in Phase 1)
- Category reservation applies at the college admission stage, with lower cutoffs for SC, ST, and OBC-NCL students
- No negative marking — students can attempt all questions without penalty
| Direct Link to NATA 2026 Official Website (Active) — www.nata.in |
NATA 2026 Phase 1 Pass Percentage Overview
The NATA 2026 Phase 1 pass percentage is the share of students who score at or above the minimum qualifying marks out of all students who appear. Based on 2024 data, where approximately 24,540 students qualified out of around 37,246 who appeared, the Phase 1 pass percentage for 2026 is expected to be in the 60–70% range. Phase 1 typically records a slightly higher qualifying rate than Phase 2 because the first phase tends to attract students who have prepared more consistently.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Council of Architecture (COA) |
| Exam Date (Phase 1) | June 15, 2026 |
| Total Marks | 200 (Part A: 80 + Part B: 120) |
| Expected Minimum Qualifying Marks | 70 out of 200 (35%) — all categories |
| Expected Pass Percentage (Phase 1) | 60–70% (based on 2024–25 trends) |
| Negative Marking | None |
| Result Declaration | Within 3–4 weeks of the exam |
Minimum Qualifying Score for NATA 2026 Phase 1
COA sets a minimum qualifying score that students must cross to receive a valid NATA scorecard. For NATA 2026 Phase 1, the expected minimum qualifying marks are 70 out of 200 (35%), based on the criteria used in 2024 and 2025. Students must also meet section-level minimums in Part A and Part B separately — clearing only the overall minimum without meeting both section thresholds does not result in qualification.
| Section | Maximum Marks | Expected Minimum Qualifying Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Part A – Drawing Test | 80 | 20 (25%) |
| Part B – Aptitude and Mathematics | 120 | 30 (25%) |
| Overall | 200 | 70 (35%) |
These are expected figures based on 2024–25 NATA qualifying criteria. COA announces the official minimum qualifying marks alongside the Phase 1 result. The minimum qualifying marks have remained consistent in recent years, so a significant revision for 2026 is not anticipated.
NATA Pass Percentage Trends: 2022–2025
Historical NATA pass percentage data provides a reliable benchmark for estimating 2026 Phase 1 outcomes. The qualifying rate has remained broadly consistent at 60–70%, with minor variation between phases and years driven by paper difficulty and student preparedness.
| Year | Phase | Students Appeared (Approx.) | Students Qualified (Approx.) | Pass Percentage (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Phase 1 | ~35,000 | ~23,000 | ~66% |
| 2024 | Phase 1 | ~37,246 | ~24,540 | ~66% |
| 2024 | Phase 2 | ~30,000 | ~18,000 | ~60% |
| 2023 | Phase 1 | ~32,000 | ~20,000 | ~63% |
| 2022 | Phase 1 | ~28,000 | ~17,000 | ~61% |
The figures above are approximate and based on available COA publications and trend analysis. Phase 1 consistently records a slightly higher qualifying rate than Phase 2. COA publishes the official qualification statistics on its website after declaring results each year.
Category-Wise Stats and Seat Reservation
NATA does not apply category-wise relaxation to its minimum qualifying threshold — the same minimum score applies to students from all categories at the qualifying stage. Category matters significantly at the college admission stage, where B.Arch institutions follow Government of India reservation norms for centrally funded programmes.
| Category | Seat Reservation at Colleges | NATA Qualifying Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| General | ~50% of total seats | 70/200 expected (same for all) |
| EWS | 10% of total seats | 70/200 expected (same for all) |
| OBC-NCL | 27% of total seats | 70/200 expected (same for all) |
| SC | 15% of total seats | 70/200 expected (same for all) |
| ST | 7.5% of total seats | 70/200 expected (same for all) |
| PwD | 5% (horizontal reservation) | 70/200 expected (same for all) |
Students from reserved categories who qualify NATA benefit from lower admission cutoffs at participating colleges. A student from the SC/ST category may secure a B.Arch seat at a score of 85–100, while a General category student may need 120 or more at the same institution (expected, based on 2024–25 admission trends). The category advantage applies to seat allocation, not to the NATA qualifying marks.
After Qualifying NATA Phase 1: What Your Score Means
Qualifying NATA Phase 1 makes you eligible to apply to B.Arch programmes across India. Your score, category, and the colleges you target together determine your admission prospects.
- Score validity: A NATA scorecard is valid for one admission cycle. If you appear in both Phase 1 and Phase 2, the better score is used for admission purposes.
- General category competitive range: A score of 120–150 out of 200 is generally competitive for top NIT and state-university B.Arch programmes, based on 2024–25 trends.
- OBC-NCL competitive range: Scores of 105–130 out of 200 are typically competitive under OBC-NCL reserved seats at comparable institutions, based on 2024–25 trends.
- SC/ST competitive range: Scores of 85–110 out of 200 may be sufficient for the same programmes under SC/ST reserved seats, based on 2024–25 trends.
- Students who do not qualify Phase 1 can attempt Phase 2 for a second chance to qualify and improve their score.
NATA 2026 Phase 1 Pass Percentage FAQs
Ques. What is the expected pass percentage for NATA 2026 Phase 1?
Ans. The expected pass percentage for NATA 2026 Phase 1 is approximately 60–70% of total students who appear, based on 2024 data where roughly 24,540 students qualified out of about 37,246 who appeared. COA will declare the official figure with the Phase 1 result.
Ques. What is the minimum qualifying score for NATA 2026 Phase 1?
Ans. Based on 2024–25 qualifying criteria, the expected minimum qualifying marks for NATA 2026 are 70 out of 200 overall, with section-level minimums of approximately 20 in Part A (Drawing) and 30 in Part B (Aptitude and Mathematics). COA confirms the official threshold with the result.
Ques. Does NATA offer different qualifying marks for SC/ST/OBC students?
Ans. No. COA applies the same minimum qualifying marks for all categories at the qualifying stage. Category-based benefits such as lower admission cutoffs and reserved seats apply at the college admission stage, not when determining whether a student has qualified NATA.
Ques. Does Phase 1 have a higher pass percentage than Phase 2?
Ans. Yes, historically NATA Phase 1 records a slightly higher pass percentage (around 65–67%) compared to Phase 2 (around 60–62%). Phase 1 tends to attract students who have prepared more consistently, which contributes to a better qualifying rate overall.
Ques. What NATA score is competitive for B.Arch college admissions?
Ans. For General category students, a score of 120–150 out of 200 is generally competitive for good B.Arch programmes at NITs and state universities, based on 2024–25 trends. Reserved category students may gain admission at scores of 85–130 depending on category and college.
Ques. Where can students find the official NATA 2026 Phase 1 pass percentage?
Ans. COA publishes the official qualification statistics, including the number of students who appeared and qualified, on the official NATA website at www.nata.in after the Phase 1 result is declared.
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