.png?h=35&w=35&mode=stretch)
The Council of Architecture (CoA) plans to conduct NATA 2026 in multiple sessions from March 2026 to June/July 2026, with applications expected to begin in February 2026.
- The eligibility criteria for NATA 2026 are to have passed the 10+2 or the 10+3 Diploma with Mathematics with an aggregate of marks.
- The exam pattern of NATA 2026 consists of offline Drawing & Composition and online MCQ/NCQ in Aptitude / Maths.
- A total of 3 questions are asked in Part A, with a total of 80 marks, and 50 questions are asked in Part B, with a total of 120 marks. NATA will be conducted for a total of 200 marks.
- The duration of the NATA 2026 exam is 3 hours in total.
Quick Links:
Key Summary
This article gives an elaborate view regarding NATA 2026 - eligibility, syllabus, exam format, cut-offs, preparation tips, and important facts.
- NATA 2026 is made up of two parts; a Drawing & Composition which is offline, and an MCQ Aptitude, which is online. Total time is 3 hours and worth 200 marks.
- Eligibility for the exam is based on a candidate passing their 10 + 2 (or a 10 + 3 Diploma) with Mathematics with a minimum of 50% aggregate (45% for the reserved categories).
- Candidates may attempt the NATA three times a year and will use the best score to receive admission.
- 70 marks would be the minimum qualifying cut off, while the admission cut off for the best colleges range from 120 to 145.
What is NATA?
The National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) is a national-level examination conducted by the Council of Architecture for admission into 5-year Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) courses across India.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA 2026) |
| Conducting Body | Council of Architecture (CoA) |
| Course Offered | B.Arch (Bachelor of Architecture) |
| Exam Mode | Offline Drawing & Composition + Computer-Based / Online MCQ/Aptitude sections |
| Exam Duration | ~3 Hours (90 mins Drawing + Composition + 90 mins MCQ/Aptitude) |
| Total Marks | 200 |
| Attempts Allowed | Up to 3 in a year; best score considered |
| Language / Medium | English & Hindi |
Quick Links:
Ques. Who is eligible for NATA exam 2026?
Ans. The eligibility for NATA 2026 tentatively follows various subject-specific and other academic minimum qualifications stated by the Council of Architecture, with relaxation of some criteria for reserved categories, and without an upper or lower age limit. As recent reports suggest, almost 82% of registrants each year met eligibility requirements, so being eligible is one of the biggest factors in the ultimate success of completing registration.
Eligibility criteria for the exam:
- Will complete or have completed (or are pursuing) 10+2 (Senior Secondary) or 10+3 Diploma that has Mathematics.
- Minimum total marks (general category: 45%–50% according to latest notifications); minimum total marks (reserved categories, such as SC/ST/OBC) 5% relaxation means approximately 40–45% total.
- Mathematics is part of the qualifying examination (Class 12 or Diploma).
- There is no upper or lower age limit for taking the test.
- International/NRI candidates will follow the same eligibility criterion as Indian citizens.
Ques. What is the syllabus of 2026 for NATA?
Ans. The NATA syllabus is designed to test both the creative and analytical potential of candidates aspiring to join architecture courses. Recent analysis shows that about 60% of exam questions come from aptitude, reasoning, and maths, while drawing and composition cover the remaining 40%.
NATA 2026 Syllabus Breakdown:
| Section | Topics/Subjects |
|---|---|
| Drawing & Comp. | Colour, Sketching, 3D Composition, Perspective, Textures, Shadows |
| Aptitude/Maths | Algebra, Geometry, Reasoning, Architecture GK, Design Thinking |
Ques. When should I apply for NATA 2026?
Ans. Candidates should note for their own interests that they should apply as soon as the application window opens, as it is most likely that the preferred exam slots that the candidates applied for will be taken.
| Step | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Application Start | February 2026 |
| Early Registration Window | First 2 weeks after release |
| Deadline | As notified by CoA |
| Exam Slot Selection | Book early for convenience |
Ques. Can I become an architect without NATA?
Ans. To study B.Arch in nearly all Indian institutes, NATA is a requirement for admission in any CoA accredited programs. Of the available architecture colleges in India, 95% of recognized architecture colleges would only accept NATA or JEE Main Paper 2, making any alternate route extremely unlikely.
Methods to qualify as an Architect:
- NATA is required for B.Arch in most colleges (as per CoA regulation).
- A few central funded institutes may have JEE Main (Paper 2) as an alternative.
- Under CoA, no direct admission is approved without NATA, only under rare international situations.
- Some foreign universities may have their own admissions tests or standards.
NATA Exam Dates 2026
| NATA Dates (Expected) | NATA Events |
|---|---|
| 3 February 2026 | NATA Registration Starts |
| Every Friday & SaturdayFrom 07 March 2026 to 28 June 2026 | NATA Exa Dates 2026 |
| NATA Result Date | Within 7 Days from Test Date |
Eligibility Criteria for NATA 2026
To appear in NATA 2026, you must meet certain academic requirements. Here are the criteria and details to make sure you qualify:
| Aspect | Requirement for NATA 2026 |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualification | Must have passed or be appearing in 10+2 (Class 12) exam with Mathematics OR 10+3 Diploma with Mathematics as compulsory subject. |
| Subjects Required |
|
| Minimum Aggregate Marks | Generally 50% aggregate in qualifying exam. Reserved categories often permitted 5% relaxation (i.e. ~45%) in aggregate. |
| Age Limit | No official age limit specified by CoA for appearing in NATA 2026. |
| Foreign Boards / NRI / International Candidates | Equivalent qualifications with Mathematics, similar minimum marks, accepted. NRI/Foreign nationals are eligible if their qualifying exam is recognized. |
| Other Conditions | Passing in all required subjects; appearing candidates are eligible; previous year’s scores (mock tests etc.) don’t affect eligibility. |
Read more at: NATA Eligibility
Ques. How many attempts does NATA have?
Ans. Candidates can appear for a maximum of three attempts of the NATA exam in a single academic year. The Council of Architecture considers the best score out of all attempts for admission purposes.
Key Points:
- Maximum attempts per year: 3 sessions.
- The three attempts may be spread across different months/sessions (usually April, June, July).
- No requirement to appear in earlier attempts to take later ones; candidates can choose any session to appear in.
- The best score across attempts is used for admission.
- Scores are valid for 2 academic years from the attempt date.
Ques. Who is eligible for B.Arch?
Ans. To apply for the Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) programs, candidates must largely satisfy the academic eligibility and pass the NATA exam. The Council of Architecture (CoA) and partner institutes establish the academic eligibility criteria, and about 80–85% of the applicants meet the academic eligibility each year.
B.Arch eligibility criteria:
- Passed and/or appeared in 10+2 (Class 12) exam, Mathematics as compulsory subject.
- Minimum aggregate marks in the qualifying exam: generally, 50% for the general category and 45% in the reserved categories.
- Candidates eligible with a 10+3 Diploma with Mathematics and a minimum of 50% marks.
- Qualifying NATA exam with minimum cut-off marks.
- No age limit indicated by the CoA.
- NRI and foreign candidates should have equivalent qualifications in Mathematics.
Also check:
Ques. What will be the cut-off in NATA 2026?
Answer. The qualifying cut-off for NATA 2026 is officially going to be set at 70 out of 200. That is, any candidate scoring more than or equal to 70 will be declared qualified for B.Arch admissions.
Each architecture college, however, will have its own admission cut-offs, which can be much higher, depending upon their popularity, location, and number of seats.
Important Information:
- Minimum qualifying marks to qualify for NATA 2026: 70 marks out of 200
- Minimum marks to qualify in each part:
- Part A (Drawing & Composition): Minimum of 20 marks
- Part B (Aptitude/Maths): Minimum of 30 marks
- Eating Admissions cut-offs differ from each institution and category as well; however, most of the premium institutions would expect a score between 120 to 145.
- Reserved category candidates would typically have lower cut-offs due to seat reservations.
- Cut-offs to the various institutions differ based on exam difficulty for that year, number of applicants, number of available seats, and popularity of the institute.
Ques. Is 90 a good score in NATA 2025?
Ans. In NATA 2025, achieving a score of 90 out of 200 is considered above the qualifying cutoff and is a good score for getting admission to mid-tier architecture colleges, but this may not be appropriate for the most competitive or higher-ranked B.Arch institutes, where ranges of cutoffs are more common, for example beginning at 120 and over. It is worth checking the specific college cutoffs and vary amongst categories.
Summary:
- 90 marks > qualifying cutoff (70 marks), so it is a passing score. Furthermore, there is a reasonably high likelihood of getting admission at many reputable but not top-tier colleges.
- For a top college such as CEPT or Sir JJ, cutoffs might be in the range of 120-145.
- If you are in the reserved categories, then 90 marks might be even more competitive.
- Candidates for admission at 90 marks should check the cutoffs for the colleges they are interested in.
NATA 2026 Exam Pattern
There is no negative marking in NATA 2026 Exam Pattern. The question paper usually consists of MCQs, NCQs (multiple correct choice) as well as numericals.
| Part | Section / Subsection | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A – Drawing & Composition | Composition & Colour | 1 question | ~25 | Combined Drawing - 90 mins total for Part A |
| Sketching & Composition (Black & White) | 1 question | ~25 | ||
| 3D Composition | 1 question | ~30 | ||
| Part B – Aptitude / MCQs / NCQs | Visual & Logical Reasoning, General Aptitude, Maths | ~45 questions (split into subtypes) | ~120 | ~90 mins |
Check: NATA Exam Pattern
Ques. What is the pattern for the NATA exam 2026?
Ans. The NATA 2026 exam pattern is structured into two parts: an offline Drawing and Composition test and an online computer-based MCQ section. The total duration is 3 hours with equal time distribution to both parts. The test evaluates creativity, analytical skills, logical reasoning, and design sensitivity.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Offline (Drawing) + Online (MCQs) |
| Duration | 3 Hours (90 min Drawing + 90 min MCQ) |
| Language | English and Hindi |
| Sections | Part A – Drawing & Composition (3 Questions)Part B – Aptitude, Maths, Reasoning MCQs (45 Questions approx.) |
| Total Marks | 200 |
| Marking Scheme | No negative marking |
| Question Types | Drawing tasks, MCQs, MSQs, NAQs |
Ques. What is the format of NATA exam 2025?
Ans. The 2025 examination had a similar structure with two main parts: the offline Drawing & Composition, and the online Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) based Aptitude and Maths. The drawing component included 3 questions for a total of 80 marks. The online Aptitude part also included 50 questions for a total of 120 marks. The marks were ultimately combined, with the total marks out of 200.
- Part A: Drawing and Composition (Offline)
- Composition and Colour: 1 question (25 marks)
- Sketching and Composition (Black & White): 1 question (25 marks)
- 3D Composition: 1 question (30 marks)
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Part B: MCQs & NCQs (Online)
- Total Questions: 50 (about 42 MCQs + 8 numerical questions)
- Subjects: Visual Reasoning, Logical Derivation, General Knowledge of Architecture, Language Comprehension, Numerical Ability
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Total Marks: 120
- Total Marks: 200
- Negative Marking: None
| Part | Section | Number of Questions | Type of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | A1 | 1 | Composition and Color | 25 |
| A2 | 1 | Sketching and Composition | 25 | |
| A3 | 1 | 3D Coposition | 30 | |
| Part B | B1 | 42 | MCQs | 120 |
| B2 | 08 | NCQs | ||
| Total (Part A + Part B) | 53 | - | 200 | |
Ques. Does NATA have negative marking in 2025?
Ans. No, in 2025 the NATA exam did not have negative marking. Students were encouraged to answer every question as there were no penalties for wrong answers on the test! This helped students maximize their scores and reduce anxiety while taking the exam.
Negative marking: No
- Recommended strategy: Attempt all questions
- Marks scored = sum of correctly answered questions only
NATA 2026 Syllabus
According to the analysis of the NATA 2025 syllabus, around 40% of the questions pertaining to aptitude came from Mathematics (algebra, trigonometry, and geometry), and the remainder of the topics appear to be geared more towards design sensitivity, logical reasoning and architectural awareness.
| Section | Topics / Subjects Covered |
|---|---|
| Drawing & Composition |
|
| Aptitude, Maths & Reasoning |
|
Check: NATA Syllabus
Ques. Can I crack NATA in 1 month?
Ans. Successfully completing NATA preparation in a month is hard work, but totally doable with passion and smart studying strategies. People who have studied in an intensive fashion for 4+ hours a day focusing on the order of drawing, mathematics, and spatial awareness showed the greatest increase on tests. According to research and coaching experts, start by:
- Focusing on your weakest subjects, try not to begin studying a completely new topic;
- Daily study 6-8 hours focused on drawing, spatial awareness, and or mathematics;
- Draw sketches daily to build behavior consistency and speed;
- After 2-4 weeks, take a test at least one 50 minute practice test to get used to timing per section or past year paper;
- Reread important formulas, design ideas (formalism), and general knowledge about architecture habits;
Maintain discipline and know what you are studying for. TOP students and teachers stated to refrain from new topics and focus more on practice and revisions in the final run; I have also studied past year papers to revise time.
Ques. Has NTA released the NEET 2026 syllabus?
Ans. Currently, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has not announced the official syllabus for NEET 2026. However, past experiences suggest that the syllabus will likely remain closely aligned with the NCERT curriculum for Class 11 and Class 12 in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
The NEET syllabus generally covers the following topics:
- Physics: Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Optics, etc.
- Chemistry: Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry
- Biology: Botany, Zoology, Human Physiology.
Ques. Does NATA 2025 have maths?
Ans. Yes, Mathematics is a very important part of the syllabus for the NATA 2025 examination. Around 30-40% of the exam consists of Mathematical and analytical aptitude questions. The Mathematical concepts correspond mostly to the 10+2 syllabus.
Here are key Mathematics topics in the NATA 2025 syllabus:
- Algebra (sets and relations, simple quadratic equations)
- Trigonometry
- Coordinate Geometry (lines, circles)
- 3D Geometry (vectors, planes)
- Permutation & Combination
- Probability & Statistics
Mathematics is compulsory for eligibility, and plays an important role in securing marks in NATA 2025.
Exam-Day Checklist
Candidate surveys show that forgetting essential items leads to last-minute, pre-exam stress for over 30% of NATA test-takers. To enhance the test experience, follow this easy-to-use checklist that was prominently featured in several of the top NATA blogs:
- Printed admit card (which can be downloaded from the official website)
- Government-issued photo ID (Aadhar, Passport, Voter ID)
- Black pen, pencils, eraser, sharpener; drawing materials (old or new)
- Clipboard or hard writing surface (if allowed)
- Face mask and sanitizer (check current requirements)
- Water bottle (transparent)
- Arrive at least 30-45 minutes before the designated reporting time
- Do not bring your smartphone, books, or notes!
Quick Links:
NATA Institute-wise Cut-off Analysis (2024–2026)
In recent years, the majority, if not all, institutes have considered scores more than 120–130 out of 200 to be safe, while the minimum marks required for qualifying remain at 70.
As before, we see differences by category and board (CBSE/state), and (in general) we see the trend of cut-offs in the most desired schools rising by 2-5 marks each academic year.
| Institute | Category/Board | NATA Cut-off |
|---|---|---|
| CEPT University, Ahmedabad | General/Other | 79.33 |
| General/CBSE | 82.00 | |
| General/Gujarat | 74.05 | |
| Sir JJ College of Architecture, Mumbai | Gen. (Male) | 107 (Rank) |
| Gen. (Female) | 52 (Rank) | |
| Nirma University | General/Other | 96.25 |
| Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Inst. Tech. | General/Other | 68.95 |
| SC/ST/Gujarat | 48.46–60.15 | |
| Parul Institute of Architecture | General/Other | 60.15 |
| General/CBSE | 74.15 |
FAQs
Ques. How many attempts are there in NATA 2026?
Ans. A candidate can take a maximum of three attempts of NATA in one academic year, and the admission process considers the candidate’s best score from all attempts made during the academic year.
- Maximum attempts: 3 per academic year.
- Flexible Choice of Attempts: Available, depending on exam session, on multiple Fridays and Saturdays from March – June.
- All attempts will be noted on the scorecard.
- Each score is valid for 2 academic years.
- Candidates have specific intrasession and intersession score calculation rules they must follow to arrive at a final score if they have attempted prior years.
Ques. How much is a good score in NATA 2026?
Ans. Good score for NATA 2026 is dependent on the college of particular interest and category. Generally speaking:
- 130+ marks out of 200 is considered very good. Candidates with these scores can obtain admission in top architecture colleges in the country.
- 100-130 marks is considered a score that can also get you into many reputable architecture colleges.
- 70 marks is the minimum qualifying cutoff.
The cutoffs for most reserved categories are often slightly lower than unreserved categories depending on the college. Candidates should check for the college cutoffs as they are determined each year.
Ques. What is the dress code for NATA 2026?
Ans. There is no official strict dress code mandated by CoA for NATA 2026, but candidates are advised to wear:
- Comfortable and light clothing suitable for a 3-hour exam.
- Avoid accessories like bracelets, rings, large earrings which may delay security checks.
- Avoid wearing caps, hats, or sunglasses inside the exam hall.
- Follow any instructions on admit card related to dress or prohibited items.
Ques. Will there be drawing questions in NATA 2026?
Ans. Yes, drawing questions form an essential part of NATA 2026. The offline (or hybrid) exam includes a Drawing & Composition section that evaluates candidates on:
- Composition & Colour
- Black and White Sketching
- 3D Composition and Perspective drawing
This section carries about 40% of the total marks (approximately 80 out of 200) and requires candidates to demonstrate freehand sketching and drawing skills.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
.png?h=112&w=263&mode=stretch)
.png?h=112&w=263&mode=stretch)
Comments
Found 56 Comments
The NATA 2024 exam is scheduled to be conducted from April 6, 2024, on all weekends till July 2024. The exam will be held in two sessions, every weekend. All candidates can attempt a maximum of three sessions of NATA 2024, and the best of three scores will be considered for admission. Please check the official NATA website or your registered email for the exact date and time of your exam.
To check the status of your NATA exam registration, you can follow these steps:
If your registration is completed, it should be reflected in your application form. If you’re having trouble, it may be best to get in touch with the examination board’s support services.
You can apply for the NATA exam online. Here are the steps to do so:
Please make sure to have all the necessary documents and information ready before you start the application process.
The NATA 2024 result is expected to be released by the last week of June 2024. You will be able to check your result and download your scorecard on the official NATA website using your application number and password. Candidates who take part in more than one exam phase in NATA 2024 will see their scores displayed on the scorecard; if they appear in three tests, the average of their two best scores will be deemed valid. Otherwise, the scorecard will show the candidates' scores from each attempt.
The score you obtain in the National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) is widely accepted by numerous architecture colleges across India. However, it’s important to note that each college may have its own cut-off score for admission, and some colleges may also consider other factors such as academic performance in school, performance in other entrance exams, etc.
For instance, for securing admission to top B.Arch colleges, a candidate must have a minimum of 120+ marks in the NATA exam. Some top architecture colleges in India that accept NATA scores include the National Institute of Technology - Calicut, Jamia Millia Islamia University- New Delhi, Andhra University College of Engineering, Visakhapatnam, and many more.
Yes, when registering for the NATA exam, candidates can specify their preference for the exam session. The Council of Architecture tries to accommodate the candidate’s preferences expressed in their application form by allocating the test date and time and testing center based on those preferences. However, please note that the final allotment of the exam date and session is subject to the number of candidates registered for each session.
The National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) for the year 2024 will be conducted from April 6, 2024, onwards. The exam will take place on all Saturdays and Sundays. The Council of Architecture (CoA) has made this major change for the upcoming NATA exam. The test will be held in two sessions per day: Forenoon and Afternoon.
Make sure to prepare well for NATA exam. For more details, you can visit the official NATA website.
National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) entrance exam is run by the Council of Architecture (COA) and is intended to evaluate applicants' suitability for admission to B.Arch programmes, which are undergraduate architecture degrees offered by a number of national universities.
A candidate's ability to sketch and observe, sense of proportion, aesthetic sensitivity, and critical thinking are all assessed by NATA. These are crucial talents for a successful career in architecture. There are two sections to the exam: Part B evaluates aesthetic sensitivity, while Part A concentrates on drawing. Participating institutions employ NATA results as one of the requirements for admittance to their B.Arch programmes.
To apply for the National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA), follow these steps:
Visit the Official NATA Website:
New Registration:
Upload Documents:
Pay the Registration Fee:
Check Eligibility:
Multiple Attempts:
Remember to complete the application process early and keep all necessary documents ready.
There will be 200 total marks for the National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) in 2024. There are 125 questions for the 3-hour exam. Questions asked are for 1,2 and 3 marks. It is recommended that candidates respond to as many questions as they can because there is no negative marking.
The online application for NATA 2024 is now available. The NATA application form 2024 is available to candidates at nata.in.
Yes, admission to B.Arch (Bachelor of Architecture) programs can be secured using your JEE Main Paper 2 score. Depending on the institute and category, there are different cut off for B.Arch and B.Planning programs. Based on the rank scored in IIT JEE Main 2024, a closing rank will be selected for admission. Although the 2024 deadline has not yet been announced, you can get a sense of it by looking at the prior year's deadlines. A good score for JEE Main B.Arch is typically above 250 out of 400.
NATA and JEE Main Paper 2 serve as competitive exams for admission to architectural courses, but they have distinct characteristics. Given below are the differences between them:
While access to NITs, IITs, and CFTIs is made possible via JEE Main Paper.
The CoA administers the National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) at a number of locations, including Panaji, Delhi, Ahmedabad/Surat, and Vadodara/Rajkot.
It is recommended that candidates who are preparing for the NATA 2024 exam at home or through online coaching programs review the following key points:
The NATA 2024 exam is tentatively scheduled to begin on April 6, 2024. Following are the crucial details:
The NATA 2024 examination is scheduled to take place from April 6, 2024 onwards. Here are the key details:
The NATA exam will be conducted on all Saturdays and Sundays from April to July 2024.
Each day will consist of two sessions:
Session 1: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Session 2: 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
You can register for the exam and submit applications for NATA 2024 at this time. The following are crucial information about the application deadline:
The process of registering for NATA 2024 has already begun. Applicants can now sign up for the NATA test. June 2, 2024, is when registration ends.
For NATA 2024, the eligibility criteria regarding the percentage required in the 12th class are as follows:
The date of the NATA 2024 exam is set for April 6, 2024. There will be two sessions every Saturday and Sunday: one in the afternoon (10:00 AM to 1:00 PM) and one in the afternoon (1:30 PM to 4:30 PM).
The date of the NATA 2024 exam is set for April 6, 2024. There will be two sessions every Saturday and Sunday: one in the afternoon (10:00 AM to 1:00 PM) and one in the afternoon (1:30 PM to 4:30 PM).