NATA 2024 Exam Pattern (OUT): Check Revised Exam Pattern and Syllabus
National Aptitude Test in Architecture 2026 ( NATA )
NATA 2024 exam pattern has been revised and released by the authorities of CoA. Candidates can now check the detailed exam pattern of NATA 2024. The authorities will conduct NATA 2024 as a computer-based and pen-and-paper-based test. The NATA 2024 syllabus has also been revised for the ongoing academic year. Read to know more about the NATA 2024 Exam Pattern and Syllabus.
The Council of Architecture (CoA) has released the official NATA 2024 information brochure online at nata.in. With the release of the official brochure, the authorities have announced major changes in the NATA 2024 exam pattern and syllabus. For the ongoing academic year, NATA 2024 will be held as a computer-based and pen-and-paper-based test every weekend from April 6, 2024, in two sessions (Forenoon and Afternoon). The candidates will be required to attempt questions from two sections - Drawing and Composition (online test) and MCQ section (offline test). CoA has also released the detailed NATA 2024 syllabus to prepare for the examination.
What is the revised NATA 2024 exam pattern?
Candidates can now check the detailed revised exam pattern of NATA 2024. The entrance exam will be held in two sessions every weekend from April 6, 2024. However, each candidate will be eligible for only three attempts. If the candidate has attempted more than one session, then the best score will be considered for admission.
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The authorities will conduct the Drawing and Composition section as a pen-and-paper-based test. However, the next section will be computer-based and will consist of multiple-choice questions.
NATA 2024 Exam Pattern
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based and Offline Test |
| Duration | 3 Hours Part A - Drawing and Composition Test - 90 Minutes Part B - MCQs - 90 Minutes |
| Medium | English and Hindi |
| Section | Part A - Drawing and Composition Test Part B - MCQs |
| Total Number of Questions | 48 Questions |
| Division of Questions | Part A - Drawing and Composition Test
Part B - MCQs
|
| Total Marks | 200 |
| Marking Scheme | Part A - Drawing and Composition Test
Part B - MCQs
|
NATA 2024 Syllabus
CoA has released the official NATA syllabus 2024. There are various topics that the candidates will have to prepare for the entrance examination. Candidates are advised to check the syllabus of NATA 2024 carefully before starting their preparation process since it has been revised.
CoA will release the NATA exam pattern online at nata.in. The details regarding the NATA exam pattern are available along with the official information brochure. Candidates can check the details on how the entrance examination will be held through the exam pattern of NATA. During the preparation period, the candidates are advised to become familiar with how the entrance examination will be held. NATA will be held as a computer-based and offline test.
CoA will release the official marking scheme of NATA 2026. The allotted marks vary as per the type of question. The NATA 2026 question paper will consist of 48 questions that have to be answered in 180 minutes. It is to be noted that there will be no negative marking. The total marks of the NATA 2025 question paper are 200. The exact marks of every question can be checked during the NATA 2026. Since there is no negative marking, the candidates are advised to attempt as many questions as they can to score well.
Part A - Drawing and Composition Test
- A1 - Composition and Colour Test - Creating suitable compositions for various situations and colouring them appropriately. Re-arranging various shapes in a visually appealing manner and colouring it suitably.
- A2 - Sketching and Composition (Black and White) - Ability to draw, visualize, and depict a situation, involving buildings/its components, people, environment, products with an understanding of scale, proportions, textures, shades and shadow etc.
- A3 - 3D Composition - Creating interesting 3D compositions for the given situation using the provided kit.
Part B - MCQs
- Visual Reasoning - Ability to understand and reconstruct 2D and 3D composition, knowledge about its composition and technical concepts.
- Logical Derivation - Ability to decode a situation, composition, context and generate meaning. Understanding the minute information hidden in a particular situation and drawing conclusions.
- G.K. Architecture & Design - General awareness of architecture and design, current issues, recent episodes etc., Knowledge about important buildings, historical progression, innovation in materials and construction technology.
- Language Interpretation - Ability to correctly & logically generate meaning of words, sentences, and understanding about English grammar.
- Design Sensitivity - Ability to observe record and analyze, people, space, product, and environment. Critical thinking, reasoning and ability to identify subtle communications.
- Design Thinking - Ability to understand semantics, metaphors, problem identification and definition, and analysis of a given situation.
- Numerical Ability - Basic Mathematics and its association with creative thinking. To unfold a space with the use of geometry.
NATA 2024 Preparation Tips
Candidates can check some of the important preparation tips of NATA 2024 to help them be well-prepared for the upcoming entrance examination.
- Be familiar with the exam pattern and syllabus – The first step is to check and become familiar with the official NATA 2024 exam pattern and syllabus. By knowing the exam pattern and syllabus beforehand, the candidates will be able to know how the exam will be conducted and what topics need to be studied. This will help them to prepare their study plan for NATA 2024.
- Prepare a timetable – The candidates are advised to create a timetable to plan out their preparation. The timetable should ensure that the candidates complete the syllabus before the examination date so that they can allot more time for revision. The timetable should also include regular mock test practice time.
- Practice mock tests – Candidates should attempt mock tests to understand their preparation progress. By attempting mock tests, the candidates will be able to know the pattern of the question paper and their current progress. Commonly made mistakes can also be identified and rectified before the examination. Mock tests also help the candidates improve their time management skills.
- Regular revision – Another important preparation tip is the regular revision of the syllabus. This will ensure that the candidates do not forget what they have studied earlier.
NATA 2024 registration will commence on March 1, 2024. The final date to submit the NATA 2024 application form is yet to be announced. Candidates will be eligible for a maximum of three attempts of NATA 2024. The best score will be considered by the authorities for admission. CoA is expected to announce the other important NATA 2024 dates soon.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 weeks ago
Absolutely, either NATA or JEE Paper 2 (B.Arch Aptitude Test) is compulsory for admission into Chandigarh University's architecture program. Even if a student has scored well in 12th or diploma, the aptitude test cannot be skipped because it is mandated by the Council of Architecture. These tests me
R
Beginner-Level 4
Answered a month ago
Yes, candidates have to qualify AAT after qualifying JEE Advanced to be eligible for IIT BArch admissions.
A
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
In the NATA Drawing section, questions are designed to test your creativity, imagination, visualisation, and sketching ability. You won't be judged on artistic perfection, but on clarity, proportion, perspective, and originality.
Here are the common types of questions asked:
Sketching from Memory – Dr
A
Beginner-Level 5
Answered a month ago
Yes, NCERT Mathematics (Class 11 & 12) is generally enough for NATA preparation because most of the topics in the syllabus are covered in NCERT.
The NATA Mathematics section usually tests:
Algebra
Trigonometry
Coordinate Geometry
Matrices & Determinants
Probability & Statistics
Vectors
Differential & Integr
M
Beginner-Level 5
Answered a month ago
For NATA, you don't need to study architecture as a full subject before the exam. However, having a basic awareness is very helpful because the General Aptitude section includes questions on:
- Famous architects (like Le Corbusier, B.V. Doshi, Zaha Hadid, etc.)
- Well-known monuments and buildings in Indi
S
Beginner-Level 5
Answered a month ago
The General Aptitude section of NATA checks your reasoning, visualization, and awareness related to design and architecture. It generally covers:
Analytical Reasoning & Mental Ability – puzzles, patterns, coding-decoding, sequences, etc.
Logical Reasoning – problem-solving, relationships, analogies, a
M
Beginner-Level 5
Answered a month ago
No, the NATA syllabus does not include Physics and Chemistry.
The exam mainly focuses on Mathematics, General Aptitude, and Drawing skills. While Physics and Chemistry are not part of the test, having a basic understanding of these subjects may indirectly help in architectural concepts, but they are
P
Beginner-Level 5
Answered a month ago
Students can refer to the table below for some details about the top government Architecture colleges in India accepting NATA:
Public/Government Colleges | Total Tuition Fee | NIRF '24 |
|---|---|---|
INR 10 Lakh | 1 | |
INR 10 Lakh | 2 | |
INR 6.25 Lakh | 3 | |
INR 4 Lakh | 5 | |
INR 6.25 Lakh | 8 |
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.
M
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The table below provides some details about the private top Architecture colleges in India that accept NATA:
Private Colleges | Total Tuition Fee | NIRF '24 |
|---|---|---|
| CEPT University Admission | INR 22.75 Lakh | 6 |
INR 13.75 Lakh | 11 | |
| Nirma University Admission | INR 11.1 Lakh | 13 |
| Nirma University Admission | INR 11.5 Lakh | 19 |
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.
M
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The Council of Architecture has not yet announced the official last date to register for NATA 2026. However, based on previous years' trends and information from exam sources, the registration process is expected to begin in February 2026 and continue until the third week of March 2026. Additionally
D
Contributor-Level 10
Yes. The candidates are advised to download and check the NATA exam pattern to understand how the entrance examination will be held. Using the exam pattern of NATA 2026, the candidates will be able to know how the authorities will conduct the entrance examination. Through the exam pattern, the candidates will understand the nature of the questions, sections, marking scheme and more. By having prior knowledge of the pattern, the candidates will be able to boost their preparation progress.