NATA

The Ultimate Guide to NATA 2026: Everything You Need to Know

National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) is the test for those seeking admissions to Bachelors of Architecture (B.Arch.) programmes across the country.

NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture) is organized at national level by the Council of Architecture (CoA), India. It assesses a candidate’s architecture aptitude, drawing skills, design sensibilities and mathematical reasoning. There are many Colleges and Universities in India which offer B.Arch course also known as Bachelor of Architecture through NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture) With the help of Entrance Exam for B.Arch Admission.

Key Highlights of NATA:

Organising Body: Council of Architecture (CoA)

Pattern of Exam: Computer-Based Test+Drawing Test

Duration: 3 hours

Frequency: One or more sessions every year (provisional pattern for 2026)

Medium: English

NATA 2026 Notifications

A NATA notification is an official announcement by the Council of Architecture (CoA) that contains all the necessary information on the exam. It typically includes:

Registration start and end dates

Exam schedule (dates & sessions)

Application fee details

Eligibility criteria

Exam pattern & syllabus

Result declaration dates

Candidates should keep an eye on these notices very closely so that they don’t miss any deadline.

NATA Exam Eligibility

Before starting the registration, candidates should ensure they meet NATA 2026 eligibility criteria:

• Educational Qualification: 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM)

• Minimum Marks: 50% aggregate in qualifying exam

• Age Limit: No age restriction

• Documents Required: Passport-sized photograph, scanned signature, and relevant certificates

NATA Registration process

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

• Go to www.nata.in

• Click on “Apply Online” for NATA 2026

Step 2: New User Registration

• Click “New Registration”

• Fill in your personal details such as:

  • Full Name (as per 10th/12th certificate)

  • Date of Birth

  • Email ID & Mobile Number

  • Create a Password

• Submit to receive a unique NATA Application ID

Step 3: Fill Application Form

• Log in using your Application ID and password

• Enter the following:

  • Educational details (10th & 12th information)

  • Choice of exam cities

  • NATA session preferences (if multiple attempts are allowed)

Step 4: Upload Scanned Documents

• Upload the following in prescribed format:

  • Photograph: Passport size, 10–200 KB

  • Signature: 5–50 KB

  • Category / PwD Certificate (if applicable)

• Ensure the files meet the official specifications to avoid rejection

Step 5: Pay the Application Fee

• Payment Mode: Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI

• Fee (Tentative for 2026): ₹2000 – ₹2500

• After payment, take a printout of the payment receipt

Step 6: Review & Submit

• Check all entries carefully

• Make corrections (if allowed) before the final submission

• Submit the application form

• Download and save the confirmation page / acknowledgment slip

NATA 2026 Syllabus and Exam Pattern

NATA assesses candidates on drawing skills, architectural awareness, mathematics, and general aptitude. The exam is partially online (MCQs) and partially drawing-based.

Key Features of NATA 2026 Exam:

Section-Wise Exam Pattern

Important Notes:

• Drawing section tests creativity, imagination, and design sense.

• MCQs cover Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Architectural Awareness.

• No negative marking is usually applied in NATA.

• Candidates must complete drawing manually (offline) and submit digitally or scan/upload as per CoA guidelines.

📚 NATA 2026 Syllabus

The NATA syllabus is divided into four major areas:

1️⃣ Mathematics (Part B – MCQs)

Focus on numerical reasoning, geometry, and basic mathematics relevant to architecture:

• Algebra: Quadratic equations, progressions

• Trigonometry: Basic identities, heights and distances

• Coordinate Geometry: Lines, circles, distance, section formula

• Geometry & Mensuration: Areas, volumes, solids, surface area

• Matrices & Determinants: Basics for spatial calculations

• 3D Visualization: Solids, projections, and transformations

2️⃣ General Aptitude / Analytical Skills (Part B – MCQs)

Tests your observation, reasoning, and mental visualization:

• Visualizing 3D objects from 2D drawings

• Pattern recognition and analogies

• Mental ability and logical reasoning

• Puzzles, sequences, and analytical problems

• Architectural Awareness (basic concepts and famous buildings)

3️⃣ Drawing & Design Skills (Part A)

This section tests creativity, imagination, and freehand drawing:

• Freehand sketching of objects from memory

• Geometrical compositions

• 2D and 3D perspective drawing

• Building/landscape planning sketches

• Understanding of proportion, scale, and aesthetics

• Designing furniture, interiors, or simple architectural elements

Practice daily sketching, perspective drawing, and architectural visualization to excel in this section.

4️⃣ Architectural Awareness

This section evaluates basic knowledge of architecture, history, and environment:

• Famous architects and their works

• Sustainable architecture and green buildings

• Building materials and construction techniques

• Basic knowledge of urban planning and landscape design

• Trends in contemporary architecture