NATA 2026: Registration, Exam Dates, Result , Pattern, Syllabus, Eligibility Criteria

National Aptitude Test in Architecture 2026 ( NATA )

Dhanya B
Updated on Sep 29, 2025 15:35 IST

By Dhanya B

NATA 2026 Exam: The NATA 2026 registration link will be active online at nata.in. The NATA application form 2026 will be available from February 2026, tentatively. The NATA application form for 2026 had to be completed and submitted to participate in the examination. NATA 2026 notification will be released on the official website.  The NATA exam will be conducted on Friday and Saturday. The NATA 2026 admit card was available online 2-3 days before the examination slot selected by the candidates. When reporting for the NATA exam, candidates must present their NATA admit card 2026 and a valid identity proof.

The NATA exam pattern was revised, and the question paper will consist of two sections: Drawing and Composition (online test) and MCQ section (offline test). The scores and ranks obtained in the entrance exam could be checked through the NATA 2026 result.  Candidates could attempt a maximum of three sessions of NATA 2026. The exam authorities will consider the best of the three scores for the NATA 2026 result evaluation. Qualifying in NATA 2026 is mandatory for admission to the BArch degree offered by various colleges across India. No common counselling will be conducted for NATA 2026 qualified candidates. Read to know more about NATA 2026.

 

Table of content
  • What is NATA?
  • NATA 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule
  • NATA 2026 Highlights
  • NATA 2026 Application Form
  • NATA 2026 Result
  • NATA 2026 Syllabus
  • NATA 2026 Exam Pattern
  • NATA 2026 Preparation Tips
  • NATA 2026 Admit Card
  • NATA 2026 Answer Key
  • NATA 2026 Counselling
  • Previous Years' NATA Statistics
  • NATA 2026 Contact Information
  • NATA 2026 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
View More
NATA Logo

What is NATA?

National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the Council of Architecture (CoA) for candidates seeking admission to undergraduate programmes in Architecture (5-year BArch). Candidates will have the choice of appearing in one or all exams.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the minimum qualifying marks in NATA?
Q:   What after NATA results.
Q:   Is there any provision to reschedule the NATA exam date?

NATA 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule

Take a look at the table below for the complete schedule of NATA 2026 exam

DatesUpcoming Exam Dates
Feb ' 26

NATA 2026 application form start date

TENTATIVE
Mar ' 26 - Aug ' 26

NATA 2026 exam dates

TENTATIVE
Apr ' 26

NATA 2026 result

TENTATIVE
Aug ' 26

NATA 2026 additional exam dates

TENTATIVE
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NATA 2026 Highlights

The detailed NATA 2026 highlights can be checked from the table given below.

Particulars Details
Name of the Exam National Aptitude Test for Architecture or NATA
Conducted By Council of Architecture
Exam Level Undergraduate 
Exam Frequency Thrice
Mode of Exam Computer-Based and Offline Test
Total Registrations (Previous Year)

First Phase - 10,901 (2023)

Second Phase - 17,183 (2023)

Third Phase - N.A

Course offered through the exam BArch
Exam Fees

For One Attempt:

  • General Category Male Candidates - INR 1,750
  • General Category Female Candidates - INR 1,250
  • SC/ST/EWS/PwD Male Candidates -  INR 1,250
  • SC/ST/EWS/PwD Male Candidates -  INR 1,000

For Two Attempts:

  • General Category Male Candidates - INR 3,250
  • General Category Female Candidates - INR 2,250
  • SC/ST/EWS/PwD Male Candidates -  INR 2,250
  • SC/ST/EWS/PwD Male Candidates -  INR 1,750

For Three Attempts

  • General Category Male Candidates - INR 4,500
  • General Category Female Candidates - INR 3,000
  • SC/ST/EWS/PwD Male Candidates -  INR 3,000
  • SC/ST/EWS/PwD Male Candidates -  INR 2,500
Exam Duration

3 Hours 

Number of Papers

1

Total Questions

48

Marking Scheme

The marks will vary as per the question

Medium of Exam English and Hindi
Colleges Accepting Exam Score 365
No. of Test Cities 61
Official Website nata.in
Contact Details

NATA Email ID: nata.helpdesk2025@gmail.com

NATA Helpline: 9560707764, 9319275557

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Does NATA syllabus overlap with JEE Main Paper 2?
Q:   Can I change my exam centre after downloading the NATA admit card?
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NATA 2026 Application Form

DeskCalendarRegistration: Feb ' 26

NATA application form for the additional exam dates will be available online at nata.in. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria can register using the NATA application form 2026 until the final date, which is yet to be announced. While filling out the application form of NATA 2026, the candidates will have to provide their valid personal, academic and contact details. Candidates will also have to select their choice of exam centres in the order of preference. NATA 2026 application fee has to be paid online i.e., through net banking/credit card/debit card. No other mode of fee payment will be accepted. Candidates will be eligible to attempt a maximum of three sessions of NATA 2026. It is to be noted that the authorities will not accept any applications after the final date. Before NATA 2026 registration, the candidates are advised to check the official eligibility criteria. 

NATA 2026 Application Fee

Number of Tests Application Fee
Single test

General/OBC Male Candidates - INR 1750

General OBC Female Candidates - INR 1250

SC/ST/EWS/PwD Male Candidates - INR 1250

SC/ST/EWS PwD Female Candidates - INR 1000

Transgender Candidates - INR 1000

Outside India - INR 10000

Fee for two test

General/OBC Male Candidates - INR 3250

General OBC Female Candidates - INR 2250

SC/ST/EWS/PwD Male Candidates - INR 2250

SC/ST/EWS PwD Female Candidates - INR 1750

Transgender Candidates - INR 1500

Outside India - INR 18000

Fee for three test

General/OBC Male Candidates - INR 4500

General OBC Female Candidates - INR 3000

SC/ST/EWS/PwD Male Candidates - INR 3000

SC/ST/EWS PwD Female Candidates - INR 2500

Transgender Candidates - INR 2500

Outside India - INR 25000

NATA 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The CoA has revised the NATA eligibility criteria 2026. Every candidate must fulfil the NATA eligibility criteria before filling out the application form:

  • Age Limit: There is no age limit to apply for NATA 2026.
  • Subjects in Class 12: Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects along with either Chemistry or Biology or Technical Vocational subjects or Computer Science or Information Technology or Informatics Practices or Engineering Graphics or Business Studies.
  • Qualifications: The candidates must have passed the 12th-level examination from a recognised board.
  • Marks: Candidates must have scored at least 45% marks in aggregate in the qualifying examination.

Diploma Holders: Candidates should have passed the 10+3 diploma examination with Mathematics as a compulsory subject with at least 45% marks in aggregate.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Is NATA held in international centres? Is the application fee different for the international exam centres?
Q:   Which details have to be kept ready before filling out the NATA application form?
Q:   Will all details be open for editing through the NATA application correction facility?
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NATA 2026 Result

DeskCalendarResult: Apr ' 26

NATA 2026 results will be released online. To access the results of NATA 2026, the candidates have to log in using their required credentials. No other mode is being used to declare the NATA result. The candidates can check their obtained scores and qualifying status through the NATA result 2026. Since the result is required for the admission process, the candidates are advised to download and print out the NATA result. The authorities will not accept any requests for review of the allotted NATA 2026 scores.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Which NATA score will be considered for B.Arch admission if I have appeared for all the sessions?
Q:   How long is NATA score valid for?
Q:   When will NATA 2026 result be announced?
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NATA 2026 Syllabus

NATA 2026 syllabus consists of the subjects, units and topics that the candidates will have to study for the entrance examination. To be well-prepared for the entrance examination, the candidates are advised to refer to the NATA syllabus 2026. It is to be noted that the NATA syllabus is prepared carefully to assess the aptitude of the candidate. Through the syllabus and examination, the candidates will be assessed for their various reasoning skills. Candidates are advised to carefully check and be familiar with the NATA syllabus before the examination. Along with the syllabus of NATA 2026, the candidates are also advised to check the official exam pattern to be well-prepared.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What do I have to study for NATA 2026?
Q:   What are the NATA 2026 assessment factors?
Q:   Do I need to study the entire NATA syllabus?
View Syllabus
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NATA 2026 Exam Pattern

The official NATA 2026 exam pattern will be available online. The details regarding how the entrance examination will be held can be checked through the NATA exam pattern 2026. Understanding the exam pattern is essential for candidates to secure good scores in the entrance examination. According to the exam pattern of NATA 2026, the entrance examination will be held as a computer-based and offline test for 3 hours. The candidates will have to attempt objective multiple-choice, drawing and composition questions. According to the type of questions, the marks will be allotted. There is no negative marking for incorrect answers. The total marks of the NATA 2026 question paper is 200. 

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What type of questions will be present in the NATA paper?
Q:   How are the sections divided in the NATA 2026 question paper?
Q:   Is there a negative marking in NATA?
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NATA 2026 Preparation Tips

NATA 2026 preparation tips will allow the candidates to know some important tips and tricks which they can use to boost their potential to score well in the entrance examination. Some of the important preparation tips of NATA 2026 are listed below.

  • Know the Exam Pattern and Syllabus - Candidates are advised to check the official exam pattern and syllabus of NATA 2026 before starting their preparation. Knowing what to study and how the examination will be prepared is very important and will allow the candidates to have a higher chance of scoring well. This will also make the candidates comfortable while attempting the exam.
  • Create Timetable - Preparing a personalised timetable will allow the candidates to complete the syllabus before the examination date. Candidates are advised to divide their subjects and topics so that the studying process does not feel monotonous. While creating the timetable, the candidates should ensure that they include enough time for revision and mock tests. The timetable should be prepared as per the aptitude of the candidate.
  • Attempt Mock Tests - To know their progress and commonly made mistakes, the candidates are also advised to regularly attempt NATA mock tests. By solving mock tests, the candidates will know more about the exam pattern, identify their progress and commonly made mistakes, and accordingly work on it.
  • Prepare Notes - The candidates are advised to prepare notes for the tough topics so they can study them whenever they wish. Creating notes will also allow the candidates to know the important topics that they need to regularly revise so that they can perform well in the examination.
  • Revise Regularly - Candidates should make sure that they revise all of the topics and subjects regularly so they do not forget what they have studied earlier.
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Which are the best books for preparation of NATA exam?
Q:   How can I create a good timetable for NATA preparation?
Q:   What are some of the important last minute preparation tips for NATA?
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NATA 2026 Admit Card

NATA 2026 admit card will be available online at nata.in. Candidates can access their NATA 2026 hall ticket 2-3 days before their selected exam slot. To download the NATA admit card 2026, the candidates will have to log in using their registered email ID and password. Through the NATA admit card, the candidates can access important details such as the examination date, time, centre, guidelines, etc. While reporting at the exam centre, the candidates have to present their admit card and identity proof (Aadhaar Card/Voter ID/PAN Card/Driving License/Govt. Approved ID). Without the NATA 2026 admit card and identity proof, the candidates will not be allowed to attempt the entrance examination.

Read more
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   When will NATA 2026 admit card be available?
Q:   How to download the NATA admit card?
Q:   What identity proofs are to be produced at the exam centre along with the NATA admit card?
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NATA 2026 Answer Key

CoA does not release the NATA 2026 answer key online at nata.in. If released, the candidates would have been able to know the correct answers to the question paper through the NATA answer key 2026. Candidates could have used the answer key to calculate their probable secured scores in NATA 2026. While calculating the scores, the candidates would have to refer to the official marking scheme as per the official NATA 2026 exam pattern. However, the calculated scores would have been indicative and could differ from the official result. Along with the answer key, the authorities were also expected to release the official NATA 2026 response sheet. 

Read more
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What are the steps to calculate the scores using NATA answer key?
Q:   What are the steps to download the NATA answer key?
Q:   Will the authorities accept objections against the NATA answer key?
View answer key
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NATA 2026 Counselling

CoA does not conduct a common NATA counselling. For BArch admissions, the qualified candidates will have to apply at their preferred colleges individually. There are 365 colleges (including one international campus) that accept NATA scores for admission into their 5-year BArch programs. Some of the colleges for Barch admissions through NATA scores are - World University of Design, R V School of Architecture, RVCE, Bangalore, School of Architecture and Planning, VMRF, Chennai, Sir J J College of Architecture, Mumbai, Faculty of Architecture & Ekistics, JMI, New Delhi, etc.

Also Read: NATA 2024 Participating Institutes: Check List of Colleges, State-Wise Seats

Read more
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Which documents will be required for BArch admissions through NATA?
Q:   Can I know about NATA counselling process?
Q:   Where can I get information about counselling on the basis of NATA scores?
NATA Logo

Previous Years' NATA Statistics

Candidates can check the detailed previous years' statistics of NATA below.

NATA 2023 Statistics

Particulars Details
Number of registered candidates - Test 1 10,901
Number of candidates who appeared for the exam - Test 1 10,105
Number of registered candidates - Test 2 17,183
Number of candidates who appeared for the exam - Test 2 13,932 

NATA 2022 First Test Statistics

Particulars

Details

Number of candidates registered for the first session

6675

Number of candidates who appeared for the first session

5979

Number of candidates registered for the second session

5685

Number of candidates who appeared for the second session

5094

Total number of candidates registered for the first test of NATA 2022

12,360

Total number of candidates who appeared for the first test of NATA 2022

11,074

Total number of candidates who qualified the first test of NATA 2022

10,080

NATA 2022 Second Test Statistics

Particulars

Details

Total number of candidates registered for the second test of NATA 2022

16,634

Total number of candidates who appeared for the second test of NATA 2022

13,829

Total number of candidates who qualified the first test of NATA 2022

13,109

NATA 2022 Third Test Statistics

Particulars

Number of Candidates

Total candidates registered for the first session of NATA 2022 Third Test

9499

Total candidates who appeared for the first session of NATA 2022 Third Test

6290

Total candidates registered for the second session of NATA 2022 Third Test

8482

Total candidates who appeared for the second session of NATA 2022 Third Test

6237

Total number of registered candidates for NATA 2022 Third Test

17981

Total number of candidates who appeared for NATA 2022 Third Test

12527

NATA 2021 Statistics (Test 2)

Particulars Details
Number of candidates who applied for NATA 2021 25860
Number of candidates who attempted NATA 2021 21657
Number of candidates who qualified NATA 2021 11583

NATA 2021 Statistics (Test 1)

Particulars Details
Number of candidates who applied for NATA 2021 15066
Number of candidates who attempted NATA 2021 14140
Number of candidates who qualified NATA 2021 11431

Also Read:

How to Prepare for NATA 2025: Check Best Books and Important Topics

Read more

NATA 2026 Contact Information

Council of Architecture
Core 6-A, 1st Floor,
India Habitat Center,
Lodhi Road, New Delhi - 110003

NATA Help Desk No: 9560707764, 9319275557

Email: helpdesk.nata2024@gmail.com

NATA Logo

NATA 2026 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Read to know the NATA 2026 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What after NATA results.
Q:   When will NATA 2026 be conducted?
Q:   I have not studied Mathematics in my 12th standard qualifying examination. Am I eligible for NATA?
Q:   When will NATA 2026 application form be available?
Q:   What is the syllabus for Logical Reasoning section of NATA exam?
Q:   Will NATA be held online?
Q:   What are some important last minute preparation tips for NATA?
qna

NATA Exam

Student Forum

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

Answered a week 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

...Read more

R

RUHI KHAN

Beginner-Level 4

Answered 3 weeks ago

Yes, candidates have to qualify AAT after qualifying JEE Advanced to be eligible for IIT BArch admissions.

A

Akansha Bhandari

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 4 weeks 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

...Read more

A

Aishwarya Garg

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 4 weeks 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

...Read more

M

Mohit Shukla

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 4 weeks 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

...Read more

S

Shikha Hazarika

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 4 weeks 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

...Read more

M

Manisha Sahni

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 4 weeks 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

...Read more

P

Parul Pandey

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

IIT Roorkee Admission

INR 10 Lakh

1

IIT Kharagpur Admission

INR 10 Lakh

2

NIT Calicut Admission

INR 6.25 Lakh

3

SPA Delhi Admission

INR 4 Lakh

5

NIT Trichy Admission

INR 6.25 Lakh

8

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

M

Muskan Chugh

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

SRM IST Admission

INR 13.75 Lakh

11

Nirma University Admission

INR 11.1 Lakh

13

Nirma University AdmissionINR 11.5 Lakh19

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

M

Muskan Chugh

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

...Read more

D

Dhanya B

Contributor-Level 10

517 Institutes accepting NATA

CEPT University

University Area, Ahmedabad Private

CEPT Unive
  • 22.75 Lakh
  • 5 years
  • |
  • Full Time

Chandigarh University (CU)

Chandigarh Private

Chandigarh
  • 11.10 Lakh
  • 5 years
  • |
  • Full Time

Parul University

Vadodara Private

Parul Univ
  • 7.20 Lakh
  • 5 years
  • |
  • Full Time

Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute

Maduravoyal, Chennai Private

Dr. M.G.R.
  • 5.00 Lakh
  • 5 years
  • |
  • Full Time

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