NATA 2026 Phase 2 registration is now open at nata.in — if you did not qualify in Phase 1, you can register and appear again to improve your score and secure a B.Arch seat.
The Council of Architecture (COA) conducts NATA in multiple phases each year, giving every student more than one opportunity to qualify. If your Phase 1 score fell below the qualifying threshold, Phase 2 is your next chance without losing a year. COA counts the best score from all phases for final merit, so registering and appearing in Phase 2 is always the right call.
- NATA 2026 is conducted for a total of 200 marks; the qualifying score for General/OBC students is 30% (60 out of 200).
- Phase 2 registration is done entirely online at nata.in using your Phase 1 credentials.
- The best score from all phases you appear in is used for B.Arch admission merit lists.
- Phase 2 follows the same exam pattern as Phase 1 — a drawing test and PCM/General Aptitude MCQs.
- Both Phase 1 non-qualifiers and fresh applicants are eligible to register for Phase 2.
NATA 2026 Phase 1 Qualifying Criteria
Students who scored below the minimum qualifying mark in Phase 1 are considered non-qualifiers and are eligible to register for Phase 2. COA sets the qualifying threshold as a percentage of total marks.
| Category | Qualifying Marks (out of 200) | Qualifying Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC | 60 marks | 30% |
| SC / ST / PwD | 54 marks | 27% |
If your Phase 1 score is below these thresholds, registering for Phase 2 is the only path forward in the 2026 admission cycle. Students who qualified in Phase 1 can also appear in Phase 2 to aim for a higher score — COA uses the best result from all attempts for merit.
NATA 2026 Phase 2 Important Dates
The expected Phase 2 schedule based on the COA academic calendar is listed below. Confirm all dates on nata.in before taking action.
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Phase 2 Registration Opens | July 2026 |
| Last Date to Register | As notified on nata.in |
| Phase 2 Admit Card | Before Phase 2 exam date |
| NATA 2026 Phase 2 Exam | July–August 2026 (expected) |
| Phase 2 Result | To be announced on nata.in |
How to Register for NATA 2026 Phase 2
Complete your Phase 2 application on the same NATA portal you used for Phase 1. The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes if your documents are ready.
- Go to nata.in and click Candidate Login.
- Enter your registered email ID and password from Phase 1.
- On your dashboard, select Apply for Phase 2.
- Review and confirm your personal and academic details. Update any incorrect information.
- Choose your preferred exam city and test slot.
- Upload your recent passport-size photograph and signature in the required format.
- Pay the Phase 2 application fee online via UPI, net banking, or debit/credit card.
- Submit the form and save or print the confirmation page for your records.
Documents to keep ready before starting registration:
| Document | Format / Requirement |
|---|---|
| Passport-size photograph | JPG, white or light background, recent |
| Signature | Signed on plain white paper, JPG format |
| Class 10 certificate | For date of birth verification |
| Class 12 marksheet | PCM marks required for eligibility check |
| Category certificate | SC / ST / OBC / PwD students only |
NATA 2026 Phase 2 Exam Pattern
Phase 2 follows the same structure as Phase 1. NATA 2026 is held for 200 marks in total, across two parts conducted in a single session at your chosen exam centre.
| Part | Section | Marks | Question Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | Drawing Test | 100 | 2 drawing questions (offline, pen and paper) |
| Part B | PCM and General Aptitude | 100 | MCQ and NAT (computer-based) |
| Total | — | 200 | — |
The Drawing Test is conducted offline while the aptitude section is computer-based. Both are held at the same examination centre in a single session. Refer to your admit card for the exact session duration and reporting time.
How to Improve Your NATA Score for Phase 2
If you missed the qualifying mark in Phase 1, the weeks before Phase 2 are your window to close that gap. Here is where to focus your effort.
Analyse your Phase 1 scorecard first. COA publishes section-wise scores on nata.in. Check whether you lost more marks in Drawing or in the MCQ section and direct most of your preparation time to the weaker section.
Practise drawing daily under timed conditions. The Drawing Test carries 100 marks and is where most non-qualifiers lose the most points. Set a timer and complete at least one drawing question each day. Focus on proportions, shading, 3D spatial forms, and finishing your sketch within time.
Revise PCM and General Aptitude topic by topic. Work through Class 11 and 12 chapters you found difficult. For General Aptitude, focus on architectural awareness, spatial reasoning, and visual perception. Thirty to forty-five minutes of daily revision over four to six weeks makes a measurable difference.
Take full-length mock tests before Phase 2. Sitting two or three timed mock tests builds time management, shows which question types still trip you up, and reduces exam-day anxiety. Review every wrong answer the same day you take the test.
| Focus Area | Recommended Daily Time | Priority Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Drawing | 60–90 minutes | 3D forms, 2D composition, shading, colour application |
| PCM | 45–60 minutes | Maths, Physics, Chemistry (Class 11–12 level) |
| General Aptitude | 30 minutes | Spatial reasoning, architectural awareness, visual perception |
| Mock tests | One full test on weekends | Time management, full-paper accuracy, error analysis |
NATA 2026 Phase 2 FAQs
Ques. Can NATA 2026 Phase 1 non-qualifiers register for Phase 2?
Ans. Yes. Students who did not qualify in Phase 1 can register for NATA 2026 Phase 2 at nata.in. Use the same login credentials you created during Phase 1 registration.
Ques. What is the qualifying score for NATA 2026?
Ans. The qualifying score is 30% of total marks — 60 out of 200 for General and OBC students, and 54 out of 200 (27%) for SC/ST/PwD students, as per COA norms.
Ques. If I appear in both Phase 1 and Phase 2, which score is used for admission?
Ans. COA uses the best score from all phases you appear in for final merit calculation. Appearing in Phase 2 can only help your standing — it never reduces your earlier score.
Ques. Is there a separate fee for NATA 2026 Phase 2?
Ans. Yes. Phase 2 has a separate application fee payable online during registration. Check the official NATA 2026 notification on nata.in for the current fee amount before applying.
Ques. What is the total mark for NATA 2026?
Ans. NATA 2026 is for 200 marks in total. Part A (Drawing Test) carries 100 marks and Part B (PCM and General Aptitude MCQs) carries 100 marks. You must score at least 30% (60 marks) to qualify.
Ques. How many times can I appear in NATA in a year?
Ans. COA conducts NATA in two phases each year. You can appear in one or both phases. There is no lifetime attempt limit for NATA, and the best score from any phase is used for merit lists.
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