NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture)

NATA 2026

Notification | Exam Dates | Eligibility | Application Form | Exam Pattern | Admit Card | Syllabus | Results 

The National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the Council of Architecture (CoA) for admission to the 5-year Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) program in India. Introduced in 2006, NATA aims to provide a unified platform for architecture aspirants, eliminating the need to appear for multiple entrance exams across different institutions. Candidates who have completed their 10+2 education with Mathematics as one of the subjects are eligible to apply for NATA.

NATA held three times a year, allowing candidates to improve their scores by appearing in multiple sessions. The best score is considered for admission. NATA scores are accepted by over 350 architecture colleges across India, making it the principal gateway for students aspiring to study architecture. The test ensures a standardized assessment of skills essential for success in the field and streamlines the admission process for both students and institutions

Here, students can view all of the information regarding the NATA  2026 exam, such as registration, eligibility, exam date, Syllabus, application form and more.

NATA 2026 Exams Highlights

NATA 2026 Notification

The National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) 2026 is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the Council of Architecture (CoA) for admission to 5-year B.Arch programs across India. The official notification for NATA 2026 is expected to be released in early 2026 (most probably in month of February or March) with detailed information on the application process, exam dates, eligibility, and exam pattern.

NATA 2026 Exam Dates

The CoA will issue the exam schedule for NATA 2026 early in February/March. Candidates can go through the section below to know complete schedule (expected) of NATA 2026:

NATA 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The NATA 2026 eligibility criteria are set by the Council of Architecture (CoA) and must be met by all candidates aspiring to join a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) program in India. Here are the detailed requirements:

Educational Qualification

• 10+2 or Equivalent: Candidates must have passed or be appearing in the 10+2 examination with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects, along with one of the following: Chemistry, Biology, Technical Vocational subject, Computer Science, Information Technology, Informatics Practices, Engineering Graphics, or Business Studies.
• 10+3 Diploma: Candidates who have passed or are appearing in a 10+3 Diploma examination with Mathematics as a compulsory subject are also eligible.
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: Candidates with an International Baccalaureate Diploma after 10 years of schooling, with Mathematics as a compulsory subject, are eligible.

Age Limit

• No age limit is specified for appearing in NATA 2026.

Minimum Marks Required

• Aggregate Marks: At least 45% marks in aggregate in the qualifying examination (either 10+2 or 10+3 Diploma) are required for eligibility.
• Subject-wise Marks: Candidates must also secure a minimum of 45% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics taken together in 10+2, or 45% in Mathematics in 10+3 Diploma.

NATA 2026 Application Process

The NATA 2026 application process is conducted entirely online and consists of several sequential steps. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. Registration

• Visit the official NATA website.
• Click on the “NATA 2026 Registration” or “New Registration” link.
• Enter basic details: name, date of birth, gender, mobile number, email ID, and create a password.
• After submitting, you’ll receive a registration/application number and password via email for future logins.

2. Filling the Application Form

• Log in using your registration credentials.
• Complete the form with personal, academic, and contact details.
• Select your preferred exam centers (usually up to three choices)

3. Uploading Documents

• Upload scanned copies of your passport-size photograph and signature in the specified format (usually JPG/JPEG, photo: 4–100 KB, signature: 1–30 KB).
• Ensure documents meet the prescribed size and format requirements to avoid rejection.

4. Fee Payment

• Pay the application fee online via debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI.
• Application fees vary by category and gender; for example, General/OBC (NCL) male candidates pay Rs. 1750 per test, while SC/ST/PwD and transgender candidates pay less.
• International candidates pay a higher fee.

5. Confirmation and Submission

• Review all entered details before final submission.
• After successful payment, a confirmation page is generated.
• Download and save/print the confirmation page for future reference. There is no need to send any documents by post.

NATA 2026 Admit Card

The NATA 2026 admit card is a mandatory document for appearing in the National Aptitude Test in Architecture. Here are the key details:

Release Mode: The admit card will be released exclusively online on the official NATA website (nata.in); there is no offline or postal option.

Availability: Candidates can download their admit card 2–3 days before their chosen exam slot. For Friday exams, the admit card will be available from Wednesday; for Saturday exams, from Thursday.

How to Download:

• Visit nata.in.
• Click on the “NATA 2026 Registration” or admit card link.
• Log in using your registered email ID/application number and password.
• Download and print the admit card.

NATA 2026 Syllabus

The NATA 2026 syllabus is designed to assess a candidate’s aptitude for architecture through a broad range of cognitive, analytical, and creative skills. The exam covers the following main areas:

NATA 2026 Exam Pattern

The NATA 2026 exam pattern reflects the recent changes made by the Council of Architecture, focusing on a comprehensive assessment of aptitude for architecture. Here are the key details:

Language: It is quite probable that candidates will only be allowed to take the NATA 2026 exam in Hindi and English.

Duration: The question paper will be solved in a total of 90 minutes for each section.

Number of Questions: Three questions from Paper A and fifty questions from Paper B will be included in the exam.

Type of Questions: The test will consist of both multiple-choice (MCQ) and non-choice (NCQ) questions.

Negative Marking: The NATA 2026 entrance exams won't have any negative marks.

Marking Pattern-

The NATA 2026 marking pattern is structured to evaluate both creative and analytical skills, with a clear and transparent scheme:

NATA 2026 Result

The NATA 2026 result will be released online on the official NATA website (nata.in) within a week after the examination date. Candidates must log in using their application number and password to access and download their scorecard; results are not sent via post or any offline mode.

The scorecard will display your marks, rank, personal details, and instructions for the next steps in the admission process. It is important to keep a hard copy of the result for future reference during counselling and admission. The NATA score is valid for two academic years from the year of the exam.

Steps to check NATA 2026 result:

1. Visit nata.in
2. Click the result link
3. Log in with your application number and password
4. Download and print your scorecard for future use

NATA 2026 Cut-Off

The NATA 2026 cut-off consists of two main types: the qualifying cut-off set by the Council of Architecture (CoA) and the admission cut-off determined individually by participating institutes.

Qualifying Cut-Off (as per latest guidelines)

To qualify in NATA 2026, a candidate must achieve all three of the following:

• Minimum 20 marks in Part A (Drawing & Composition)
• Minimum 30 marks in Part B (General Aptitude/MCQs)
• Overall minimum of 70 marks out of 200 (aggregate of Part A and Part B)

Admission Cut-Off

• The admission cut-off is set by each participating college or institute and may vary based on factors such as the number of applicants, seat availability, and category.

NATA 2026 General Instructions

Here are the general instructions for NATA 2026 that candidates must follow before and during the examination:

The examination hall will only open half an hour prior to the test starting time. Each candidate's seat will be assigned based on their roll number. It is recommended that they find seats after the Examination Hall opens. Those who arrive late will miss part of the general instructions that will be announced in the exam room. No candidate will be allowed in examination hall after 15 minutes of commencement of test.

• Remember to bring your original admit card.
• You should also provide a valid picture ID proof and one passport-sized photo that matches the one you uploaded.
• A black ball pen, pencil, eraser, color pencils, and a piece of cardboard or a clipboard that should not have any writing on it are recommended equipment for candidates.
• Candidates are only permitted to bring their admission card, a photo, a ballpoint pen or pencil, and other items.
• Inside, electronics are not permitted.
• No applicant will leave their seat or the exam room until the exam is over unless specifically authorized by the head of the center or the relevant supervisor.
• Before leaving the hall, candidates must give the supervisor their drawing paper answer sheet.
• It is advised that candidates keep quiet throughout the test.
• A candidate's candidature will be revoked and, depending on the seriousness of the offense, they may be permanently prevented from taking the test.