NATA Exam 2026
🏛️NATA 2026: National Aptitude Test in Architecture
Your Complete Guide to the National Aptitude Test in Architecture
It is the National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) is an important entrance exam for architects who are aspiring in India and offers a pathway to top architecture schools. The test is conducted through the Council of Architecture (CoA), NATA 2026 is designed to test an applicant’s ability to be an architect using a combination of visual, cognitive and technical skill tests. This comprehensive guide explains every aspect that is part of the NATA 2026 including eligibility requirements to tips for preparation, exam pattern, and career opportunities. If you’re a student who dreams of the possibility of a career in architecture, or a parent who wants clarity the future of their child, this blog is a one-stop source for everything about NATA.
🎯 What is NATA?
The National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) is an entrance test that is designed at a national level to evaluate candidates’ ability to pursue the five-year B.Arch degree program. As opposed to other entrance exams, NATA focuses on architectural aptitude that tests the skills of observation, drawing aesthetic sensitivity, logic and critical reasoning. It is administered through the Council of Architecture (CoA) since 2006, NATA assures that candidates have the required qualifications for architectural education in accordance with the Architects Act, 1972. The test is recognized by more than 600 institutions across India which makes it an important requirement for students who want to be accepted into top architectural institutions.
📌NATA Exam 2026 Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Conducting Body | Council of Architecture (CoA) |
| Exam Mode | Hybrid (Part A: Offline Drawing Test; Part B: Online Aptitude Test) |
| Exam Time | Exams are conducted multiple times (March to June 2025 on Saturdays and Fridays). |
| Duration | Three (3) Hours (Part A: 90 minutes, Part B: 90 minutes) |
| The Total Marks | 200 Marks (Part A: 80 marks; Part B: 120 marks) |
| Eligibility Criteria | Candidates must have the 10+2 or 10-plus3 Diploma that includes Mathematics as a mandatory subject and at least 50 percent aggregate marks. |
| Score Validity | Valid for 2 academic years |
| Application Process | Online at nata.in |
| Qualifying Marks | Minimum 70 out of 200 (Part A: 20 marks; Part B: 30 marks) |
📅NATA 2026 Important Dates (Tentative)
| Event | Dates (Expected) |
|---|---|
| NATA 2026 Notification Release | January 2026 |
| Application Form Start Date | February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | March 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | April 2026 |
| NATA 2026 Exam (Session 1) | April 2026 |
| NATA 2026 Exam (Session 2) | May 2026 |
| NATA 2026 Exam (Session 3) | July 2026 |
| Result Declaration | Within 7 days of exam |
🎓NATA 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification:
Candidate must have passed 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) as compulsory subjects.
Minimum 50% aggregate marks in PCM and overall in 10+2. (Relaxation for SC/ST/OBC – 45%).
Diploma Holders:
Candidates with a 10+3 Diploma with Mathematics as a subject and 50% marks are also eligible.
Age Limit:
No specific age limit prescribed by CoA.
Number of Attempts:
Students can appear in all sessions of NATA 2026.
📝NATA 2026 Application Form
Visit the Official Website – nata.in.
Register with a valid mobile number and email ID.
Fill the Application Form – personal, academic, and communication details.
Upload Documents – scanned photograph, signature, and certificates.
Pay Application Fee – online via credit card/debit card/net banking/UPI.
Download Confirmation Page – for future reference.
💰 NATA 2026 Application Fees (Expected)
| Category | For One Test | For Two Tests | For Three Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Candidate | ₹2000 | ₹4000 | ₹5400 |
| SC/ST/PwD Candidate | ₹1500 | ₹3000 | ₹4050 |
| International Candidate | ₹10,000 | ₹20,000 | ₹27,000 |
NATA Career Scope
- Architecture design commercial, residential or public structures.
- urban Planner Create urban layouts, infrastructure as well as public areas.
- Interior Designer Create beautiful and functional interior spaces.
- Landscape Architecture Create spaces for outdoor use, such as gardens and parks.
- Conservation Architecture: Restore and protect historic buildings.
- Academia/Research Teaching architecture or conduct research on technology and design.
With India’s growing real estate and infrastructure industries architects are in high demand. Students can join public bodies, private companies or establish their own businesses. The salaries for fresh B.Arch graduates usually vary from 4-8 LPA, while professionals with experience earning up to the amount of INR15 LPA. Furthermore, NATA scores are accepted by more than 600 colleges which provide access to many job opportunities.
📘 NATA 2026 Exam Pattern
This Exam pattern of NATA 2025 includes two components:
- Total Marks: 200
- Duration: 3 hours (90 minutes per part)
- Parts :
- Part A (Drawing with 80 points): Offline, with three questions about composition, sketching, as well as 3D visualization.
- Part B (Apt. ‘,’), 120 points) Online including 50 online questions (MCQs MSQs, PCQs, MSQs and NAQs) in visual reasoning, logical reasoning and architectural understanding.
- Marking There is no negative marking Qualifying marks mark: 70/200 (20 in Part A and 30, in Part B).
- Medium: English and Hindi
The test will be conducted in 60 cities, with applicants selecting their preferred location.
📚 NATA 2026 Syllabus
1. Mathematics
Algebra, Trigonometry, Coordinate Geometry, Calculus, Probability, Vectors.
2. General Aptitude
Logical reasoning, Analytical ability, General awareness of architecture, Visualizing 3D objects, Mental ability.
3. Drawing & Design Aptitude
Freehand sketching, Perspective drawing, 2D & 3D composition, Scale & proportion, Creativity and visualization.
📊 NATA 2026 Marking Scheme
| Section | Marks |
|---|---|
| Mathematics and Reasoning | 125 |
| Drawing and Design Aptitude | 75 |
| Total | 200 |
👉 No negative marking.
NATA 2026 Prepration Tips:
- Know the Exam Structure and the Syllabus Be familiar with the outline that is Part A as well as Part B. Download the official syllabus from nata.in to concentrate on the most important subjects.
- Practice Drawing regularly Make time for drawing, with a focus on perspective, proportion and composition. Do practice drawings in 3D and 2D to increase your understanding of.
- Increase your understanding of mathematics Learn to brush up on Mathematics for students in the 12th grade, particularly geometry, algebra and mensuration. Find solutions to CBSE problems in textbooks to make it clearer.
- Solve Previous Year’s Papers Examine previous NATA questions to better understand the question format and time management.
- Make Mock Tests Mock tests online simulate the test environment, increasing speed and accuracy.
- Learn the basics of architecture Discover famous architect, famous buildings, and the architectural language to pass your general-knowledge section.
- time management Time Management: Set aside the time needed for each section of the practice session to ensure that you are able to finish the test within 90 minutes for each section.
- Participate in Coaching (Optional): While not mandatory, coaching institutions such as Creative Edge or Alpha Academy provide structured instruction and study tools.
- Revise regularly Create an outline of your study plan to cover all subjects and revise the most important concepts every month prior to the test.
- Be calm and focused When you take the exam get there early, carry all required documents (admit card ID evidence) and follow the directions attentively.
The recommended books include:
- “NATA & B.Arch Complete Self Study Material” by Ar. Shadan Usmani
- “A Complete Self Study Guide for B.Arch Entrance Examination” by P.K. Mishra
- CBSE Class 12 Maths textbooks for the ability to compute.
NATA Top Colleges
Over 600 colleges across India recognize NATA score to be used for B.Arch admissions. Here are a few NATA top schools that are well-known for their outstanding architecture programs:
School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), New Delhi It is well-known for its faculty and its infrastructure.
Sir J.J. College of Architecture, Mumbai: One of the most well-known and oldest architecture schools.
RV College of Architecture, Bangalore: Known for its business connections and its modern facilities.
Lovely Professional University (LPU), Punjab: Provides a worldwide recognized B.Arch program.
VIT School of Architecture, Vellore The school combines the best of academics with practical instruction.
Jadavpur University, Kolkata is a top option for an affordable, top-quality education.
World University of Design, Sonipat: Focuses on design education with an innovative approach.
Amity University, Noida known for its business-oriented courses.
Certain institutes, such as NITs or IITs place a high value on JEE Main B.Arch scores, however many private and state colleges take NATA scores. Be sure to verify the eligibility of your college, as well as cutoff criteria.
NATA 2026 Answer Key
It is the answers to the NATA exam of 2026 is made available by the CoA following each exam stage on the official website nata.in. Candidates can cross-check their answers and determine their scores. Key details:
The Release Date typically within a week following the examination phase.
Access Log in using the application code and your password.
Response Sheet Candidates can look at their response scripts after paying INR 3,000 for each test.
Opinion Window If there are discrepancies discovered, the candidates may raise objections within a certain time.
Utilize the answer key to calculate your score using your official marking system. Be aware that the score calculated can be indicative and could differ from the final score.
NATA 2026 Counselling
This NATA 2025 counseling process isn’t controlled through the CoA. Candidates must instead apply on their own to the institutions or admissions offices of state/university. This is how it works:
Review College Admission Requirements Each college has its own admissions criteria which could comprise NATA results, marks for Class 12 and other exams or interview.
Registration for counselling Certain universities and states offer centrally-run counselling sessions to applicants for B.Arch admissions. Sign up online, enter your preferences for colleges, and then submit the required documents.
Validation of documents Bring originals as well as copies of your NATA scorecard Mark sheet for Class 12 admit card and ID verification as well as category certificate (if relevant).
Seat allotment In accordance with your NATA rank preference, your preferences, and availability of seats Colleges allocate seats.
Fee Admission and Payment Payment of the admission fee and follow all the necessary formalities to guarantee your seat.
The most well-known institutes such as SPA Bhopal, RVCE Bangalore along with Sir J.J. College conduct their own counseling. Visit their websites to find specific dates and guidelines.
NATA 2026 Admit Card
The NATA 2026 admit card (also known as an Appointment Card) will be issued a few days prior to the exam date. Candidates need to download it from nata.in with their account ID and passcode. Key details:
Information in the Admit Card The candidate’s name as well as roll number examination slot, exam center and exam guidelines.
How to Download:
Go to NATA’s portal. NATA portal and sign in.
Go to”Admit Card. “Admit Card” link.
Print and download the admission card.
Examination Day Prerequisites You must carry a printed admit card, valid photograph ID (Aadhaar or Voter ID Passport or Driving License) as well as erasers, pencils, and dry color for Part A.
Candidates who choose to take multiple tests will need to generate a fresh admit card for every test. Secure the admit card up to the time that admission is completed.
NATA 2026 Result
- How to Check:
- Go to NATA’s website. NATA Website and click”Result” on the NATA website “Result” link.
- Log in using your application code and passcode.
- Download the scorecard that displays scores, rank, and status as a qualifying.
- Details on Scorecard:
- Marks taken from 200.
- Status of Qualifying (minimum 70/200, including the Part A requirement being 20 and Part B having 30).
- Score with the highest (if more than one attempt) or the average of two scores (for three attempts).
- Validity The NATA 2025 scores can be used for two years of academic study.
Frequently Asked Questions.
A: The National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) is an exam that is conducted at a national level by the CoA for admission into 5-year B.Arch programs. It evaluates the aptitude of drawing visually, reasoning and architectural awareness, which makes it an essential test for architects who are aspiring.
A: Three attempts The score with the highest score counts.
A: Yes, in class 12 or a diploma.
A: 70/200 (20 in Part A, 30 in Part B).
A: SPA New Delhi, Sir J.J. College, RVCE Bangalore, and more.