NATA 2026 Phase 1 does not set a minimum overall raw score — you qualify by clearing 25% in each section: 20 out of 80 in Part A (Drawing) and 30 out of 120 in Part B (Aptitude).
The Council of Architecture (CoA) removed the earlier 35% overall floor for NATA 2026. Your admission outcome now depends on your score relative to individual college cutoffs. For reputed private colleges, 100 or above is a safe starting point. For top government-aided institutions, aim for 120 or higher based on 2025 trends.
- NATA 2026 Phase 1 total marks: 200 — Part A Drawing and Composition: 80 marks; Part B Aptitude Test: 120 marks.
- Section-wise minimum: 25% — at least 20 out of 80 in Part A and 30 out of 120 in Part B.
- No overall raw score minimum for 2026 — CoA removed the earlier 35% threshold; colleges now set their own cutoffs.
- Safe score for reputed private colleges: 100 and above (based on 2025 admission trends).
- Competitive score for top government-aided colleges: 120 and above (based on 2025 admission trends).
| Direct Link — NATA 2026 Official Website (Active) | nata.in |
NATA 2026 Phase 1 Exam Pattern and Total Marks
NATA 2026 is conducted by the Council of Architecture in two phases. Phase 1 is a 3-hour test carrying 200 marks, divided between a Drawing section and an Aptitude section. Knowing the mark split helps you set realistic targets for each part.
| Section | Content | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A — Drawing and Composition | Freehand drawing, spatial perception, perspective | 80 | 45 minutes |
| Part B — Aptitude Test | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Logical Reasoning, General Aptitude | 120 | 135 minutes |
| Total | — | 200 | 180 minutes |
There is no negative marking in NATA. The drawing section is evaluated offline by trained examiners at CoA-authorised assessment centres after the test date.
NATA 2026 Section-wise Qualifying Minimum
For NATA 2026, CoA has removed the earlier overall raw score floor of 35% (70 out of 200). The only mandatory threshold is now 25% in each individual section. You must clear both Part A and Part B minimums simultaneously. A strong aggregate cannot compensate for failing a section minimum.
| Section | Total Marks | Minimum Required (25%) |
|---|---|---|
| Part A — Drawing and Composition | 80 | 20 marks |
| Part B — Aptitude Test | 120 | 30 marks |
| Overall | 200 | No raw score minimum prescribed for 2026 |
Students who clear both section minimums receive a valid NATA 2026 score and can apply to B.Arch programmes. Individual colleges then screen applicants using their own cutoffs, which are considerably higher than these CoA thresholds.
What is a Safe Score in NATA 2026 Phase 1?
A safe score in NATA 2026 Phase 1 — one that opens meaningful B.Arch admission options — is generally 100 or above out of 200. Your ideal target depends on whether you are aiming for a government-aided college, a top private institution, or a mid-tier private college. The score bands below are expected figures based on 2025 admission trends.
| Score Range (out of 200) | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| 140 and above | Excellent — strong prospects at premier government architecture schools (expected, based on 2025 trends) |
| 120 – 139 | Very good — competitive for top private and government-aided colleges (expected, based on 2025 trends) |
| 100 – 119 | Good — eligible for most reputed private architecture colleges (expected, based on 2025 trends) |
| 80 – 99 | Average — suitable for mid-tier private architecture colleges (expected, based on 2025 trends) |
| Section minimums to 79 | Qualifying only — meets CoA eligibility but very few college options available (expected) |
Students in reserved categories may find slightly lower scores sufficient at equivalent institutions depending on their state’s reservation policy in B.Arch counselling.
College-wise Safe Score Based on 2025 Trends
Architecture colleges use NATA scores in different ways — some rely solely on the NATA score while others blend it with Class 12 PCM marks. The expected safe scores below are based on 2025 admission cutoff data and are indicative figures for NATA 2026.
| Institution | Expected Safe Score (General) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Sir J.J. College of Architecture, Mumbai | 105 and above | Expected, based on 2025 admission trends |
| Manipal School of Architecture | 105 and above | Expected, based on 2025 admission trends |
| RV School of Architecture, Bangalore | 100 and above | Expected, based on 2025 admission trends |
| BIT Mesra — Architecture | 90 and above | Expected, based on 2025 admission trends |
| Top state government architecture colleges | 115 – 130 | Expected range; varies by state |
| Mid-range private architecture colleges | 85 – 100 | Expected range across states |
States such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana run centralised B.Arch counselling that combines NATA scores with Class 12 PCM marks. Check your state’s admission authority for the exact weightage formula used.
NATA Qualifying Marks Trend: Previous Years
Past cycles show that while the CoA minimum has eased for 2026, college-level admission cutoffs have risen steadily year on year. Targeting 120 or above remains a prudent goal even without a CoA-mandated overall floor for 2026.
| Year | Total Marks | CoA Overall Minimum | Section-wise Minimum | Typical Top-College Cutoff |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NATA 2026 | 200 | Not prescribed; colleges set cutoffs | 25% per section | 120 – 140 (expected) |
| NATA 2025 | 200 | 70 (35%) | 25% per section | 115 – 135 |
| NATA 2024 | 200 | 70 (35%) | 25% per section | 112 – 130 |
| NATA 2023 | 200 | 70 (35%) | 25% per section | 108 – 125 |
Admission cutoffs cited above are approximate figures from available data. NATA 2026 final cutoffs will be confirmed only after the complete admission cycle concludes across all states.
NATA 2026 Phase 1 Qualifying Marks FAQs
Ques. What is the minimum score to qualify NATA 2026 Phase 1?
Ans. CoA has not set a minimum overall raw score for NATA 2026. You qualify by scoring at least 25% in each section: 20 out of 80 in Part A (Drawing) and 30 out of 120 in Part B (Aptitude). Both thresholds must be cleared at the same time.
Ques. Is 80 marks a good score in NATA 2026 Phase 1?
Ans. A score of 80 clears the CoA eligibility threshold and lets you apply to B.Arch programmes, but it limits your options to very few lower-ranked private colleges. For meaningful admission prospects at reputed institutions, aim for 100 or above.
Ques. What is a safe score for top architecture colleges in NATA 2026?
Ans. Based on 2025 admission trends, 120 and above is considered safe for competitive B.Arch admissions at top government-aided and well-known private architecture colleges. For premier government institutions, 130 or higher is advisable.
Ques. What happens if I score below 25% in one section of NATA 2026?
Ans. Failing the 25% section minimum in either Part A or Part B disqualifies you from NATA 2026 regardless of your overall total. Both section-wise thresholds are mandatory and cannot be offset by a high aggregate score.
Ques. Can I appear in NATA Phase 2 to improve my score?
Ans. Yes. NATA 2026 is held in two phases and you can sit for both. Colleges and state counselling authorities typically use the higher of your two phase scores for admissions, so appearing in Phase 2 is strongly advisable if you are not satisfied with your Phase 1 result.
Ques. Do SC and ST students get relaxed qualifying marks in NATA 2026?
Ans. No. NATA does not offer any relaxation in qualifying marks for SC or ST students. The same 25% section-wise minimum applies to all categories. SC and ST students do receive a 5% relaxation in Class 12 eligibility requirements — 45% aggregate instead of 50% — which is a separate condition for B.Arch admission.
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