NATA 2026 Question Papers: Download PDF Here

National Aptitude Test in Architecture 2026 ( NATA )

DeskCalelnderExam On - 4 Apr '26

Dhanya B
Updated on Feb 16, 2026 10:44 IST

By Dhanya B

NATA 2026 question papers will be released by the Council of Architecture (CoA) on the official website, nata.in. Candidates preparing for the architecture entrance exam can check the NATA sample papers for details like exam pattern, type of questions, subject weightage and more. Learning using the sample papers helps the candidates to know more about the entrance examination and have higher chances of performing well in the exam using the question papers of NATA. Candidates can also use these question papers to track the preparation process and improve time management skills.

NATA 2026 will be conducted on every Saturday and Sunday from April onwards. Candidates will be able to attempt a maximum of three sessions of NATA 2026. Read to know more of NATA 2026 Question Papers.

Table of contents
  • NATA 2026 Exam Pattern
  • Highlights of NATA Question Papers
  • NATA Syllabus 2026
  • Benefits of Solving NATA Question Papers
  • NATA Preparation Guides
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NATA 2026 Exam Pattern

Candidates can check the official exam pattern of NATA 2026 below.

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

  • A1 - 1 Question - Composition and Colour
  • A2 - 1 Question - Sketching and Composition (Black and White)
  • A3 - 1 Question - 3D Composition

Part B - MCQs 

  • B1 - 30 Questions
  • B2 - 15 Questions
Total Marks 200
Marking Scheme

Part A - Drawing and Composition Test

  • A1 - 1 Question - Composition and Colour - 25 marks
  • A2 - 1 Question - Sketching and Composition (Black and White) - 25 marks
  • A3 - 1 Question - 3D Composition - 30 marks

Part B - MCQs 

  • B1 - 30 Questions x 2 marks - 60 marks
  • B2 - 15 Questions x 4 marks - 60 marks
 
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What type of questions will be present in the NATA paper?
A: 

NATA paper will be prepared to assess the aptitude of the candidates for BArch admissions. Within the 3 hour duration, the candidates will have to attempt a total of 48 questions. NATA questions will be Multiple-Choice type (MCQ), Drawing and Composition. The question paper will be prepared so that the candidates can be assessed on basic concepts in mathematics, Physics and Geometry, language and interpretation, elements and principles of design, aesthetic sensitivity, colour theory, lateral thinking and logical reasoning, visual perception and cognition, graphics and imagery, building anatomy and architectural vocabulary, basic techniques of building construction and knowledge of material, general knowledge and Current Affairs etc. and may not be limited to those outlined.

Q:   Will NATA be held online?
A: 

NATA will be conducted by the authorities as an online  i.e., computer-based and offline test. The MCQ section will be held as a computer-based test, while the drawing and composition test will be held as an offline test. CoA will conduct NATA at various centres. All registered candidates will have to report to their allotted centres and attempt the examination through the systems provided there. The detailed information regarding NATA exam pattern has been announced online.

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Highlights of NATA Question Papers

The NATA exam highlights are given below.

  • Candidates will be able to check NATA question papers to know the commonly asked questions that candidates will have to answer in the examination.
  • Using NATA question papers, candidates will be able to prepare well for the examination. 
  • Through the question papers, the candidates will be able to know the pattern of NATA 2026.
  • Previous year question papers can be used as sample papers to prepare for the exam.
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How is the NATA question paper prepared?
A: 

NATA question paper is prepared by authorities after referring to official syllabus. The authorities prepare tNATA question paper to check candidates on aptitude and reasoning skills. Candidates are advised to check and refer to syllabus carefully to be well prepared for questions prepared by candidates for tentrance examination. NATA question paper will consist of various types of questions such as Multiple-Choice type, Multiple Select type, Preferential Choice type and Numerical Answer type. 

Q:   Will CoA release the NATA question papers?
A: 

CoA has not released official NATA question papers. However, if released, candidates will be able to access NATA question papers here. The questions asked in examination can be checked by candidates to review answers. NATA question papers will be prepared by authorities and will be based on official syllabus. Through question paper of NATA, candidates will be assessed on their aptitude and reasoning skills. 

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NATA Syllabus 2026

NATA syllabus 2026 will be released online at nata in. The NATA syllabus is designed to test both cognitive and architectural aptitude. While drawing was the most important section in earlier years, the updated syllabus focuses more on mental ability, creativity, and perception skills. The entrance exam will include a variety of question types such as general aptitude, diagrams, verbal reasoning, and logical reasoning. The exam will be conducted online. Candidates skills in mathematics, verbal communication, and drawing will be evaluated in aptitude section. Familiarising the NATA 2026 Syllabus will help candidates to focus on relevant topics and save time during preparation. 

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Is NATA syllabus important for the examination preparation?
A: 

Yes. NATA syllabus is very important for the examination preparation as it will allow the candidates to have a first-hand experience to know which topics and units have to studied. By knowing the syllabus beforehand, the candidates will be able to take the necessary measures that are required to complete it well before the entrance examination. Ideally, the candidates are expected to finish studying and revising the NATA syllabus before the examination. 

Q:   Are Mathematics and Drawing included in the NATA syllabus?
A: 

While Mathematics is not included in the NATA syllabus, CoA has reintroduced the Drawing section. As per the current pattern of NATA, the examination will consist of two sections - Drawing and Composition and MCQ sections. Candidates are advised to be well prepared as per their syllabus for the examination. 

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Benefits of Solving NATA Question Papers

The importance of solving NATA question papers is given below.

  • Solving NATA question papers helps candidates improve performance.   
  • Solving past year question papers helps in understanding the exam pattern.  
  • Referring to NATA 2026 question papers helps candidates understand the topics better.  
  • Applicants can also understand the marking scheme of NATA 2026 exam.  
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What are the NATA 2026 assessment factors?
A: 

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).

Q:   Will there be a drawing section in NATA paper?
A: 

Yes. The CoA has added the drawing and composition section in the NATA paper. During the examination, the candidates will have to attempt questions on composition and colour, sketching and composition (black and white) and 3D composition. All three questions have to attempted within 90 minutes. Therefore, the candidates are advised to carefully prepare for the drawing and composition section.

Download previous year NATA question papers and sample papers. Use them for practice and improve your speed and accuracy. You can download NATA previous year question papers and the preparation guides for free.

NATA Preparation Guides

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Important Chemistry Formulae for Success in Engineering Entrance Exams
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Important Physics Formulae for Success in Engineering Entrance Exams
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NATA Exam

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 3 weeks ago

Yes, students can get admission in SPA Delhi without NATA. Students with a score in the JEE Main Paper II are also eligible for BArch admissions. For other programmes, scores of exams, such as GATE, UCEED are also accepted.

N

Nishtha Hazarika

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 weeks ago

All the candidates who have registered and booked the slot will receive the admit card. NATA 2026 admit card will be available online at nata.in. Registered candidates will be able to download the admit card by logging into their account 2-3 days before the selected exam slot. 

I

Ishita Patra

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 4 weeks ago

The last date to apply for NATA 2026 will be in August 2026. The registration for NATA 2026 will begins. The application form released on March 9, 2026.

M

Mohit Gaurav

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 4 weeks ago

The last date to apply for NATA 2026 will be in August. The NATA application form was released on March 9, 2026.

D

Dhanya B

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 weeks ago

No common counselling will be conducted for NATA 2026 qualified candidates. Counselling will be conducted by the individual colleges based on the NATA score. Therefore, candidates can apply to any architecture college with NATA result. 

P

Pallavi Sinha

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 4 weeks ago

NATA 2026 exam will be conducted multiple times in a year. The exam date of the NATA exam are from April to August 2026. The exam will be conducted on Friday and Saturday throughout the month. 

A

Akansha Karan

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 4 weeks ago

The NATA exam includes the Drawing section and the MCQ section. The drawing section is considered more difficult than the MCQs. Candidates must practice 5 to 7 drawings every day to score well in the exam.

A

Aishwarya Garg

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 4 weeks ago

The NATA 2026 exam will be conducted for 200 Marks. The candidates must score above 80 marks to get admission in the top colleges. 

M

Mohit Shukla

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 4 weeks ago

No, NATA is not a tough exam. The difficulty level of NATA is easy to moderate. Candidates must be well prepared with the drawings and architecture aptitude. 

S

Shikha Hazarika

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 4 weeks ago

Candidates can crack NATA through proper planning and strategies. Candidates must check the exam pattern before they start the preparation. 

  • For the Aptitude Test, candidates can expect questions based on Indian and world architectural structures, designs, colour, and pattern. Therefore, read books a

...Read more

P

Parul Pandey

Contributor-Level 7

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