NATA: Exam Pattern, Syllabus, Eligibility and Preparation

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NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture) is a national aptitude test conducted by the Council of Architecture (CoA). Its score is used for admission to five-year B.Arch programs at architecture colleges across India that follow CoA norms.

NATA is held several times in a season, and each test has a drawing part on paper and an aptitude part on a computer, for a total of 200 marks. This guide covers the NATA exam pattern, eligibility, syllabus, attempts and preparation.

NATA at a glance

Full name	National Aptitude Test in Architecture
Conducted by	Council of Architecture
Exam level	National
Held	Phase 1 on many weekend test days, usually from spring to June, plus a short Phase 2 later in summer
Mode	Part A pen and paper; Part B computer-based adaptive test
Duration	3 hours (90 minutes for each part)
Parts	Part A Drawing and Composition; Part B aptitude questions
Total marks	200 (Part A 80, Part B 120)
Negative marking	Not mentioned in the 2026 brochure
Languages	English and Hindi
Leads to	B.Arch at CoA-recognized architecture institutions
Official website	www.nata.in

NATA important dates

These dates update automatically from Kosuki’s exam calendar. “Announced” dates come from the official notice; “Expected” months are based on past years.

!Dates can change. Always confirm on the official website. Report a wrong date · How we check dates

What is NATA?

NATA checks the skills architecture needs: drawing, visual perception, spatial thinking and reasoning. CoA describes it as a test of aptitude rather than subject knowledge.

Most architecture colleges admit students on the NATA score combined with Class 12 marks, through state or institute counseling. B.Arch seats at IITs, NITs and some central institutes use JEE Main Paper 2 instead, so check which test your target colleges need.

NATA eligibility

Rules differ slightly between who can sit the test and who can be admitted to B.Arch. The points below reflect the 2026 brochure.

• To appear: passed or appearing in Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects, or passed or appearing in a three-year diploma with Mathematics.
• For B.Arch admission: Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects plus one of Chemistry, Biology, a technical vocational subject, Computer Science, Information Technology, Informatics Practices, Engineering Graphics or Business Studies, with at least 45 percent aggregate, or an equivalent qualification allowed by CoA.
• There is no upper age limit.
• The NATA score is valid only for the admission session of that year.

NATA exam pattern

Each NATA test has two parts back to back. Part A is done on paper in the exam hall. Part B is a computer-based adaptive test, so questions can differ from one candidate to the next.

Part	Content	Marks
A1	Composition and color	25
A2	Sketching and composition (black and white)	25
A3	3D composition	30
B	Computer-based adaptive aptitude test: 42 multiple choice and 8 numerical-type questions	120
Total		200

NATA marking scheme and attempts

Part A is marked by examiners on creativity, composition and execution. Part B is scored by the system. The 2026 brochure does not mention negative marking in Part B, but confirm this in the brochure before your test.

• Part B gives a fixed time per question (about 108 seconds in 2026), so you cannot spend extra time on one question and borrow it later.
• In 2026 a candidate could take up to two tests in Phase 1, or a single test in Phase 2. Candidates who took Phase 1 could not sit Phase 2.
• When you take two tests, the better raw score is the one that counts, as per the 2026 brochure.
• Results for each test day have been declared within about a week.

NATA syllabus

NATA does not test Class 12 subject chapters directly. The areas below come from the official description and recent papers.

• Drawing and composition: freehand sketching, perspective, proportion, light and shade, color use, and composing 2D and 3D arrangements.
• Visual reasoning: patterns, figures, 2D and 3D shapes, and spatial relationships.
• Logical derivation: drawing conclusions from given information.
• General aptitude: basic mathematics, general knowledge of architecture, buildings, materials and design, and language comprehension.
• Situational judgment and critical thinking questions.

NATA result and B.Arch admissions

Each test’s result appears on the NATA portal as a scorecard. You then use the score to apply for B.Arch through state counseling, central counseling where applicable, or individual college admissions.

Most admission bodies combine NATA marks with Class 12 marks to build their merit lists. The weight given to each varies by state and college, so read each counseling notice.

How to prepare for NATA

Part A is 40 percent of the total and is where regular practice pays off most. Part B needs quick visual reasoning under a strict per-question clock.

• Sketch daily for at least 45 minutes. Draw buildings, streets, objects and people in correct perspective.
• Practice the three Part A tasks separately: a colored composition, a black and white sketch, and a 3D composition, each within a fixed time.
• Build a small set of go-to techniques for shading and color so you are not experimenting on exam day.
• For Part B, practice visual puzzles, mirror and water images, figure counting and pattern completion with a timer.
• Read about well-known Indian and world buildings, architects and materials for the general aptitude questions.
• Use your first test as a benchmark, then plan a second attempt around your weak part. Kosuki can track your practice and mock scores in one place.

How to apply for NATA

1. Register on the NATA website when the brochure is released, usually in early spring.
2. Fill in personal and academic details and upload your photograph and signature.
3. Select your test date or dates and exam city, keeping within the attempt rules.
4. Pay the fee online for each test you book.
5. Download the admit card and carry the drawing materials the brochure allows.

NATA FAQs

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Sources

• www.nata.in
• www.nata.in/assets/pdf/Final-NATA-BROCHURE-2026.pdf
• www.collegepravesh.com/entrance-exams/nata

Last reviewed September 2026 against the official Council of Architecture notice and information brochure. Exam rules can change from year to year, so always confirm details on the official website before you apply. Kosuki is independent and is not connected with any exam body. Spotted something out of date? Write to contact@kosuki.com.