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

The minimum qualifying marks in NATA change slightly every year. The approximate marks required to clear NATA is provided below. 

Qualifying Marks:  Candidates must score a minimum of 70 out of 200 marks in the NATA exam to qualify, regardless of category. This is the standard passing mark for each attempt of the exam.

In addition, there will be a separate minimum score for each section.

After the 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. 

No. The candidates will not be allowed to reschedule the NATA exam date. Since the exam will be held for the candidate as per their selected slot, they will have to report to the exam centres on the examination date. Candidates will not be able to reschedule the examination as per their wish. However, in case of any issues, the authorities have the provision to reschedule the examination date.

Yes, NATA and JEE Main Paper 2 syllabi overlap. The candidates planning to appear for both exams can compare the syllabus and do the studies. The type of questions asked in the exam differs; therefore, the candidates can plan and study accordingly. 

No, after the release of the NATA admit card, the candidates will not be allowed to change the exam centre. The exam centres will be allotted as per the preferences submitted in the admit card by the candidates. Therefore, the candidates are advised to be careful while selecting their choice of exam centres in the NATA application form. After the preferences are submitted, the authorities will not entertain any requests for a change of centres. 

Yes, the authorities will conduct NATA in international centres. The entrance exam is expected to be held in Dubai, Doha, Muscat, Riyadh and Khaitan. In the previous year, NATA was conducted in 8 international centres. The application fee for international exam centres is higher. For one attempt, the NATA application fee is INR 10,000, while for two attempts, the fee is INR 20,000. If the candidates want to attempt all three sessions, then the application fee is INR 27,000. It must be noted that the international cities has to be first choice and cannot be selected as second or third choice of exam city.

Before filling out the NATA application form, the candidates are advised to keep certain documents and information ready. This will allow the candidates to fill out the application form smoothly and submit it without any trouble before the final date. Some of the details that should be kept ready are the candidate's valid email address, mobile number, credit card/debit card/net banking details, academic information and more. The candidates are also required to keep their passport size photograph and signature scanned for upload as per the specifications mentioned by the official authorities. 

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.

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.

NATA score is valid for two academic years. With their obtained scores, the candidates will only be able to apply for colleges in that admission year and the following year. The score will be invalid if the 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 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.

The official NATA 2026 syllabus will consist of the units and topics that need to be studied for the entrance examination. The candidates will have to study Composition and Colour, Sketching and Composition (Black and White), 3D Composition, Visual Reasoning, Logical Derivation, GK Architecture and Design, Language Interpretation, Design Sensitivity, Design Thinking and Numerical Ability. Candidates are advised to go over the syllabus of NATA carefully to understand what needs to be studied for the examination. This will allow the candidates to boost their preparation for the entrance examination. 

Candidates will be assessed on various factors during NATA 2026. The authorities will prepare the 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 recognize patterns, relationships, sequences and more).

Yes. Candidates are advised to study the entire NATA syllabus. By studying the entire NATA syllabus, the candidates will have a higher chance of performing well and securing good scores in the entrance examination. The candidates are advised to check the official syllabus to know which topics and units have to be studied to prepare for the upcoming entrance examination. Since the objective of the entrance examination is to assess the candidate's aptitude, they are advised to be well prepared accordingly for the examination. 

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.

NATA 2026 will consist of two sections. The first section will be held as an offline test and will consist of drawing and composition questions. The second section will have multiple choice questions. The questions will be prepared to assess the candidate's basic conceptual knowledge in the various subjects that are important in the architectural field. A total of 48 questions will be present in the NATA question paper.

No, there is no negative marking for incorrect answers in NATA. So, the candidates can answer the questions without the worry of losing marks. This allows the candidates to make smart guesses if they are unsure of the answer. 

Candidates are advised to refer to the best materials while preparing for NATA. By checking the best books for NATA, the candidates will have access to the knowledge required to perform well in the entrance examination. Some of the subject-wise best books for NATA are given below.

• Algebra - Higher Algebra by Hall and Knight
• Reasoning - A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Agarwal
• General - NATA & B.Arch Question Bank by Ar. Shadan Usmani
• Mathematical Problems - Problems in Mathematics by V Govorov, P.Dybov, N.Miroshin and S.Smirnova
• Quantitative Aptitude - Quantitative Aptitude by R.S Aggarwal

Creating a timetable is very important for the preparation process of NATA. Students are advised to prepare a timetable that will allow them to complete the syllabus well before the examination. While creating the timetable, the candidates should ensure that the entire syllabus is equally distributed. The subjects and topics should be divided well so that the candidates cover different units in a day and the studying process does not become monotonous. The daily study routine should also include revision and mock test. It is very important that the timetable is created considering the aptitude of the candidate.

The final days before the examination are always crucial since the candidate's progress during this time will determine the results. Candidates should ensure that they give their best during the final days before the examination so that they will perform well. Some of the best last minute preparation tips for NATA are given below.

• Candidates are advised to not start any new topics a few days before the entrance examination. Since this will increase the chances of creating confusion, the candidates are advised to revise what they had earlier studied and strengthen their concepts.
• Revision should be done daily so that the candidates do not forget what they had earlier studied for the entrance examination. 
• Candidates should attempt mock tests regulary. This will allow the candidates to assess their preparation progress and commonly made mistakes. Through the mock tests, the candidates can also boost their time management skills.
• Before the examination, the candidates should ensure that they are well rested and are physically and mentally healthy for the examination.

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.

NATA 2026 admit card will be available online at nata.in. No other mode will be used to declare the NATA admit card 2026. To access the admit card, the candidates will have to visit the official website and click on the admit card link. The registered email ID and password has to be provided and submitted. Next, the NATA 2026 admit card will be displayed on the screen. Candidates are advised to check all of the provided details before downloading the admit card. Since the NATA admit card is an important document, the candidates are advised to download and print it out for future use.

While reporting at the NATA exam centres, the candidate are expected to bring certain documents. Along with the 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 

The candidates will be able to use the NATA answer key to calculate their probable obtained scores before the official results are declared. First, the 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. 

NATA answer key will be available online at nata.in. Candidates will be able to access the answer key of NATA by logging in using the required credentials. No other mode will be used to release the NATA answer key. The given steps can be followed to download the NATA answer key.

• Go to nata.in
• Click on the answer key link.
• Candidates will have to provide their 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.

No. The authorities will not accept any objections against the NATA answer key. The candidates will not be able to access any facility through which they will be able to send their objections or requests for review. The answer key will be prepared carefully by the 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.

Candidates will be required to verify their documents while applying for BArch admissions at various institutes through NATA scores. The list of documents to be verified may vary as per the instiute that the candidate has applied for, however, the basic documents that has 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, the candidates will also have to be present their category and domicile certificates. 

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.

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. 

As per the NATA exam pattern, the medium of the question paper will be English and Hindi. The candidates will be able to know the detailed information regarding the medium of languages through the NATA 2025 question paper. In case the candidates face any problems during the examination, they can request help from the invigilators. 

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.

Candidates will be assessed on various factors during NATA 2026. The authorities will prepare the 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 recognize patterns, relationships, sequences and more).

After the 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 will be conducted from March 2026, to June 2026. The candidates will be able to attempt a maximum of three tests of NATA 2026 and the best score will be considered for admission. The exam will be conducted on designated Fridays and Saturdays, with one session on Friday and two sessions on Saturday. This test is conducted offline and is a computer-based test (CBT). The duration of the test is 180 minutes or 3 hours.

According to the eligibility criteria of NATA, it is essential for all candidates to have studied and passed Mathematics as a compulsory subject in the 12th standard or equivalent qualifying examination. If the candidates have not studied Mathematics as a compulsory subject, then they will not be considered eligible for NATA. Therefore, the candidates are advised to carefully check the official NATA eligibility criteria before applying for NATA. Ineligible candidates will not be allowed to participate in the examination process.

NATA 2025 registration will start in February 2026. Candidates can fill out the NATA application form 2026 online at nata.in. The authorities do not accept offline applications for NATA 2026. All of the details submitted in the application form have to be valid and as per the documents possessed by the candidates. The required fee has to be paid online.

The syllabus of the logical reasoning section of NATA will have the following topics included.

• Understanding the pattern
• Logical Sequences
• Critical Reasoning

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.

Candidates should be careful during their final few days of preparation before the examination. Since the final days of preparation are crucial, the candidates should ensure that they give their best so that they perform well in the examination. Candidates can check and follow some of the last minute preparation tips to have a higher chance of performing well.

• Firstly, the candidates are advised to not start any new topics a few days before the examination. This will increase the chances of confusion so the candidates should stick to what they have earlier studied and strengthen their concepts.
• Candidates should also focus on revision and ensure that they go over what they have been studying so that they do not forget.
• Mock tests are important and should be attempted regularly. This will help the candidates to know their current progress and commonly made mistakes. Candidates can rectify their mistakes so that the same is not made during the exam.
• Candidates should ensure that they take enough rest and are healthy both physically and mentally. If the candidates are unwell, then there are more chances of them not doing well in the examination.