Can You Get BArch Admission with a low NATA score?

NATA score is valid for two academic years. With their obtained scores, candidates will only be able to apply for colleges in that admission year and the following year. The score will be invalid if candidates use it for admissions after two years. If the candidates wish to apply for admissions after two years, then they will be required to retake the entrance examination. Requests for extension of the score validity will not be entertained by the authorities. Therefore, the candidates are advised to immediately apply for admissions after they receive their scores. 

Candidates will be checked on various factors during NATA 2026. Authorities will prepare NATA 2026 question paper after considering various assessement factors - Inductive Reasoning (ability to analyze data and patterns), Diagrammatic Reasoning (ability to analyze drawings and use logical reasoning), Numerical Reasoning (ability to solve simple numerical problems), Verbal Reasoning (verbal logic), Situational Judgment (problem-solving abilities), Abstract Reasoning (general knowledge and their ability to apply it in situations) and Logical Reasoning (ability to recognise patterns, relationships, sequences and more).

Candidates will be eligible to apply and attempt one or more sessions of NATA. In case a candidate appears for 2 tests, the best of the 2 scores shall be the valid score and in the case of more than 2 attempts, the valid score shall be the average of the best scores. All candidates will be required to mandatory qualify at least one session of NATA to be eligible for B.Arch admissions into the respective Architecture colleges and institutes. Candidates are advised to attempt as many sessions as they can to have a higher chance of securing good scores.

For admissions into the preferred BArch institutes, the candidates should meet the basic eligibility criteria. If the candidates do not meet the basic eligibiity criteria for BArch admissions based on NATA scores, then their chances of admission will be minimal. 

• The candidates should have passed 10+2th standard qualifying examination with minimum required marks.
• Should be minimum 17 years old as of July 13 of the admission year.
• The candidates should have secured a valid NATA 2023 score i.e., minimum 70 marks out of 200.

There is no common counselling for NATA qualified candidates. After the results are declared, the candidates will be able to individually apply to the institute of their preference. The details regarding the counselling process will be announced individually by the institutes. As per the schedule of their preferred institute, the candidates will have to apply for admission and submit their details. NATA scores will be considered for allotment of seats. 

CoA has revised the NATA eligibility criteria. Candidates are advised to check the official NATA eligibility criteria before starting the registration process. The revised eligibility criteria of NATA is given below.

• Candidates should have passed 10+2 or equivalent examinations with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects along with either Chemistry or Biology or Technical Vocational subject or Computer Science or Information Technology or Informatics Practices or Engineering Graphics or Business Studies with at least 45% marks in aggregate or passed the 10+3 diploma examination with Mathematics as a compulsory subject with at least 45% marks in aggregate.
• Candidates should qualify an aptitude test in architecture conducted either by NTA i.e., JEE Main or NATA, which is conducted by CoA.

The minimum scores that candidates need to secure for admission into their preferred institute constitute NATA admission cutoff. CoA is not responsible for creation of the admission cutoff. The colleges/institutes will prepare the NATA admission cutoff after considering various factors. It is to be noted that admission cutoff will be different for every college and category. Candidats are advised to check the previous years' cutoff trends to know the cutoff range for admissions. 

NATA qualifying cutoff will remain constant for every category. All candidates, irrespective of category, will have to secure the qualifying cutoff to be considered eligible for BArch admissions. However, NATA admission cutoff will differ for every college and category. As compared to General category, the reserved category can expect a lower cutoff. Before applying for admissions, the candidates are advised to check the previous year cutoff trends.