
NATA 2026: The Council of Architecture (CoA) conducted the NATA 2026 examination over multiple weekend windows from April to June and has declared the final results. NATA 2026 counselling is decentralised and handled individually by participating institutes or regional state authorities. The application form for NATA 2026 is currently available at nata.in. The NATA 2026 information brochure is available at the Council of Architecture website, coa.gov.in.
NATA 2026 Latest Updates
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The NATA 2026 Phase 1 examination cycle concluded successfully on June 13, 2026.
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The Phase 2 registration window for the final makeup window is currently underway.
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The Phase 2 offline and online examination dates are scheduled for August 7 and August 8, 2026.
- What is NATA Exam?
- NATA 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule
- NATA 2026 Counselling
- NATA 2026 Result
- NATA 2026 Cutoffs
- NATA 2026 Question Papers
- NATA 2026 Answer Keys
- NATA 2026 Analysis
- NATA 2026 Admit Card
- NATA 2026 Exam Pattern, Syllabus & Preparation
- NATA 2026 Eligibility & Application Form
- NATA 2026 Frequently Asked Questions
What is NATA Exam?
The National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) is a national-level aptitude entrance exam for admission into the first year of the 5-year Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) degree program across India. The exam is organized and conducted by the Council of Architecture (CoA), an autonomous statutory body under the Ministry of Education. Unlike standard academic tests, it measures specific cognitive skills, visual perception, aesthetic sensitivity, logical reasoning, and critical thinking abilities.
Additionally, qualifying for NATA or JEE Main Paper 2 is an essential statutory mandate to seek admission into any CoA-approved architectural institution, state-level government college, or private university across India.
Courses Covered Under NATA
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Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch)
Key Highlights of NATA 2026
| Particulars |
Details |
|---|---|
| Exam frequency |
Multiple times across weekend sessions (Candidates can attempt up to 3 times) |
| Mode of exam |
Hybrid model consisting of an online computer-based format and an offline drawing test |
| Number of papers |
Single structured paper divided into two main parts (Part A and Part B) |
| How many candidates registered for NATA 2026 |
Approximately 45,000 to 55,000 candidates across all testing windows |
| Language of the exam |
Conducted primarily in the English language |
Commonly asked questions
Minimum qualifying marks in NATA change slightly every year. Approximate marks required to clear NATA are provided below.
Qualifying Marks: Candidates must score minimum of 70 out of 200 marks in NATA exam to qualify, regardless of category. This is the standard passing mark for each attempt of exam.
In addition, there will be a separate minimum score for each section.
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 and watch videos to learn about architecture.
- For the drawing test, candidates must practice drawing at least 5 to 7 sketches every day. Candidates must make sure they cover 3D, 2D and perspectives in the sketches.
The syllabus of the logical reasoning section of NATA will have the following topics included.
- Understanding the pattern
- Logical Sequences
- Critical Reasoning
After NATA results are announced by the authorities of CoA, the candidates will have two options. First, if the candidate is not satisfied with their obtained scores, then they can apply to attempt the remaining examination sessions of NATA. If the candidate is satisfied with their obtained score or there is no more attempts left, then they can apply for admissions into their preferred institute. Since there is no common counselling conducted by CoA, the candidates will have to apply individually to their preferred colleges/institutes.
NATA 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule
Take a look at the table below for the complete schedule of NATA 2026 exam
| Dates | Upcoming Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| 07 Aug ' 26 - 08 Aug ' 26 | NATA 2026 Phase 2 Exam |
| Dates | Past Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| 04 Apr ' 26 | NATA 2026 exam commencement date |
| 04 Apr ' 26 - 13 Jun ' 26 | NATA 2026 Phase 1 Exam(Friday and Saturday) |
| 09 Mar ' 26 | NATA 2026 application form start date |
NATA 2026 Counselling
The Council of Architecture does not conduct a centralized or common online NATA counselling process for qualifiers. Instead, individual state admission authorities or separate institutions carry out independent counseling rounds. 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. The typical state-level counseling procedure is outlined below:
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Qualified candidates must manually monitor and log into individual state portals (such as DTE, CAP, or specific university sites) to fill out their respective application profiles.
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Candidates select and lock in their choices of architecture schools, design institutions, and state universities based on personal priorities.
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Regional systems allot seats to individuals using their calculated NATA score merit indices alongside category reservation matrices.
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Complete online reporting: This includes:
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Payment of structural institutional seat confirmation fees.
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Allocation validation through option freezing or upgrades based on specific authority layout rules.
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Mandatory upload and online verification of core documents by verified scrutiny officers.
Commonly asked questions
CoA will not release the NATA 2026 counselling dates. No common counselling process will be held for NATA qualified candidates. For admissions, the candidates will have to individually apply to their preferred institute. The individual counselling dates will be prepared and released by the participating institutes. Candidates will have to check the counselling dates and apply accordingly to their preferred institutes.
CoA does not conduct any common counselling process for NATA qualified candidates. Therefore, the candidates will have to check the official website of their preferred institute for the admission process based on NATA scores. Candidates with a valid NATA score will be eligible for state-level and private institute admissions. The details regarding the admission process will vary as per the institute that the candidate is applying for.
There is no common counselling process for NATA qualified candidates. For BArch admissions, the candidates will have to individually apply to their preferred institutes. The dates and guidelines regarding the BArch admissions will be released by the respective authorities. Majority of the Architecture institutes offer admissions based on NATA scores so the candidates will have many options to select from. The candidates are advised to keep checking the official websites of their preferred institutes for any updates regarding the counselling and admission dates.
Candidates will be required to verify documents while applying for BArch admissions at various institutes through NATA scores. The list of documents to be verified may vary as per the institute that candidate has applied for; however, the basic documents that have to be prepared and may be required for verification are - NATA admit card and score card, 10th and 12th standard mark sheets and pass certificates, ID proof and passport photograph. If applicable, candidates will also have to present category and domicile certificates.
NATA 2026 Result
The CoA has declared the step-by-step NATA 2026 result online within 7 days after the conclusion of individual weekend slots. The NATA 2026 scorecard displays structural raw scores for distinct sections alongside an aggregate evaluation score out of 200 marks. For candidates attempting multiple sessions, the highest score achieved across their cumulative attempts is taken for evaluation.
How to Check NATA 2026 Result?
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Open the official web address - nata.in
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Click on the activated NATA 2026 Scorecard download tab
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Login using your verified application registration ID and secure password
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The scorecard will be displayed instantly on your screen
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Download and save a high-quality printout for your subsequent admission rounds
Commonly asked questions
The NATA 2026 exam will be conducted for 200 Marks. The candidates must score above 80 marks to get admission in the top colleges.
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.
Candidates can now check the NATA result 2026 at nata.in. Candidates will be able to access the NATA result online by logging in using the required details. No other mode will be used to declare the result. Separate results will be released for every examination date. Candidates who qualify NATA will be considered eligible for BArch admissions. No common counselling will be held by CoA.
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.
NATA 2026 Cutoffs
There are two main categories under the NATA cutoff evaluation system:
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Qualifying cutoff: The minimum baseline scores needed within Part A and Part B individually to pass the test framework and become eligible for ranking.
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Admission cutoff: The structural closing ranks or score bounds specified by individual colleges and universities to filter seat allocations during their independent counseling procedures.
NATA 2026 Admission Cutoff for IITs, NITs and IIITs
As NATA applies strictly to Architecture Colleges, SPAs, and state institutions rather than IIT/NIT engineering branches, candidate score closures are directly governed by the state merit lists and private university cutoffs based on total score weightage).
NATA 2026 Question Papers
Candidates can download the latest structural representation of NATA question papers along with sample visual matrices provided by training frames below.
NATA 2026 Answer Keys
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 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.
Commonly asked questions
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.
Candidates will be able to use NATA answer key to calculate their probable obtained scores before the official results are declared. First, candidates will have to download the answer key and compare it to their personal responses. The official marking scheme as per the official NATA exam pattern has to be followed during the calculation process. The final calculated scores will be the probable marks secured by the candidates in the examination. It is to be noted that the calculated marks are indicative and my differ from the results.
No. The authorities will not accept any objections against NATA answer key. Candidates will not be able to access any facility through which they will be able to send their objections or requests for review. Answer key will be prepared carefully by CoA authorities and will be final. If the candidates have any issues regarding the NATA answer key, then they can contact the authorities, however, objections against the answer key will not be accepted.
NATA answer key will be available online at nata.in. Candidates will be able to access NATA answer key by logging in using the credentials. No other mode will be used to release NATA answer key. Steps to be followed to download NATA answer key is given below. Go to nata.in. Click on answer key link. Candidates will have to provide application number and password. Click on Login. The answer key will be displayed on the screen. Candidates can download the answer key for future use.
NATA 2026 Analysis
The overall consensus for the NATA 2026 sessions held between April and June categorized the difficulty level as Moderate and highly focused on aptitude parameters.
Overall Analysis Across Sessions
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Session Comparison: Early April shifts showcased highly straightforward questions in mathematical logic, whereas later May and June test blocks demanded deeper analysis in dimensional composition segments.
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Toughest Modules: The structural drawing visualization tasks and design perception elements required swift time handling inside the 180-minute window.
Subject-Wise Analysis
| Mathematics & Numerical Ability |
General Aptitude & Logical Reasoning |
Drawing & Creative Composition |
|---|---|---|
| Easy to Moderate |
Moderate and scoring |
Highly creative & time-consuming |
| Basic geometrical problems and conceptual application calculations |
Evaluated cognitive capacity, architectural facts, and spatial awareness |
Practical visualization tasks requiring structural drawing composition |
| Most questions came from: • Coordinate Geometry • Trignometry • Mensuration Formulas • Basic Algebra |
Most questions came from: • Visual Logic & Puzzles • Identification of 3D objects • Color Theory & Metaphors • Architectural Heritage |
Most questions came from: • 2D & 3D Composition sketching • Perspective Drawing tasks • Proportional Scaling • Light and Shadowing effects |
NATA 2026 Admit Card
Commonly asked questions
If the candidates find any mistakes in their NATA admit card, then they are advised to immediately contact their authorities. No correction facility will be provided for the correction in the NATA admit card, but the candidates can try to correct their details directly from the CoA authorities. However, it is to be noted that the authorities will not accept requests for a change of exam centre. Correction requests related to the candidate's basic details will be accepted. Since the admit card is prepared based on the details submitted in the application form, the authorities are advised to be careful while filling out the NATA application form.
NATA 2026 admit card will be available online on official website. No other mode will be used to declare NATA admit card 2026. To access admit card, candidates will have to open the official website and click on admit card link. Registered email ID and password has to be provided and submitted. Next, NATA 2026 admit card will be displayed on screen. Candidates are advised to check all of the provided details before downloading the admit card. Since NATA admit card is an important document, candidates are advised to download and print it for future use.
NATA 2026 admit card is now available online at nata.in. Candidates will be able to access their NATA admit card 2026 using the required credentials 2-3 days before their selected exam slot. The authorities will not use any other mode to release the admit card of NATA 2026. While reporting at the exam centres, the candidates are required to bring their NATA admit card and identity proof.
While reporting at NATA exam centres, candidate are expected to bring certain documents. Along with NATA admit card, the candidates will have to present their government photo identity proof. If the candidates fail to bring the documents, then they will not be allowed to enter the examination centre. Some of the identity proofs that are approved by the authorities are: Passport Aadhaar Card Voter ID PAN Card School ID
NATA 2026 Exam Pattern, Syllabus & Preparation
NATA 2026 Eligibility & Application Form
NATA 2026 Frequently Asked Questions
Commonly asked questions
After NATA results are announced by the authorities of CoA, the candidates will have two options. First, if the candidate is not satisfied with their obtained scores, then they can apply to attempt the remaining examination sessions of NATA. If the candidate is satisfied with their obtained score or there is no more attempts left, then they can apply for admissions into their preferred institute. Since there is no common counselling conducted by CoA, the candidates will have to apply individually to their preferred colleges/institutes.
The NATA 2026 application form will be available soon. As per the last year dates, the NATA application form will be available from February. Application form is released on the official website.
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 and watch videos to learn about architecture.
- For the drawing test, candidates must practice drawing at least 5 to 7 sketches every day. Candidates must make sure they cover 3D, 2D and perspectives in the sketches.
No. The candidates have to note that not all details will be open for editing through the NATA application correction facility. Some of the basic details such as name, date of birth, email address and more will not be open for editing/correction. Therefore, the candidates are advised to be careful while filling out the NATA application form. Candidates will be able to edit their categories and the number of papers opted for, however, they will be required to pay the fee difference.
NATA Exam
Student Forum
Answered 3 weeks ago
NATA is one of the accepting exams for admission in BArch at Sister Nivedita University. However, it is not compulsory. Aspirants can also get admission in BArch based on their JEE Main paper-2 scores. Aspirants must also meet eligibility i.e. Class 12 with PCM with at least 50% aggregate for admiss
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Guide-Level 15
Answered a month ago
Candidates can appear for maximum of 2 attempts in NATA in one academic year. The best score out of all the attempts is considered for final result. Score in NATA Test is valid for 2 academic years.
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The format of NATA test is given below:
Part 1:Drawing and Composition Test (Duration: 90 minutes, Maximum marks: 80)
A1: Composition and Colour
A2: Sketching and Composition
A3: 3D composition
Part 2: Computer based Adaptive Test (Duration: 90 Minutes, Maximum marks: 120 marks)
B1:42 MCQs
B2: 8 NCQ
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Applicants have to pay a fee for submitting NATA application form. Fee for NATA application form is INR 1750 for General/OBC category, INR 1250 for SC.ST/PwD category students, and INR 1000 for transgender students.
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
It is compulsory to get a valid NATA score to get admission in B.Arch in BMS School of Architecture. The test has two parts as follows:
Section | Components |
Part 1:Drawing and Composition Test (offline) Duration: 90 minutes Maximum marks: 80 | A1: Composition and Colour A2: Sketching and Composition A3: 3D composition |
Part 2: Computer based Adaptive Test Duration: 90 Minutes Maximum marks: 120 marks | B1:42 MCQs B2: 8 NCQ |
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Aspirants need to have NATA score for admission in BArch programme of MET's School of Architecture and Interior Design. The seats are allotted to aspirants based on their NATA scores via DTE CAP, Maharashtra.
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Guide-Level 15
526 Institutes accepting NATA
- ₹ 10.00 Lakh
- 5 years
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- Full Time
- ₹ 10.00 Lakh
- 5 years
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- Full Time
Is NATA compulsory for admission in BArch at Sister Nivedita University?