Skip to content

NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture)

NATA is the national aptitude test for admission to the first year of the 5-year B.Arch degree programme across recognized architectural institutions in India, conducted by the Council of Architecture (CoA) under the Ministry of Education. The 2026 cycle is conducted in two phases: Phase 1 on designated Fridays and Saturdays from 4 April to 13 June 2026 for Centralized Admission Process (CAP) counselling, and Phase 2 on 7 and 8 August 2026 for institutional vacant seats. A candidate may appear in only one phase.

At a glance
Conducted by Council of Architecture (CoA)
Total 200 marks, 3 hours (Part A: 90 minutes offline + Part B: 90 minutes online computer-based adaptive test)
Questions 53 questions (Part A: 3 questions, 80 marks; Part B: 50 questions, 120 marks)
Negative marking None
2026 schedule Phase 1: Fridays and Saturdays, 4 April–13 June 2026; Phase 2: 7–8 August 2026
Sessions & timings Friday: Afternoon session (1:30 pm–4:30 pm); Saturday: Morning session (10:00 am–1:00 pm) and Afternoon session (1:30 pm–4:30 pm)
Attempts Up to 2 attempts in Phase 1 (best raw score determines percentile); 1 attempt in Phase 2 (raw score only; candidates who took Phase 1 are ineligible)
Medium English and Hindi
Eligibility for B.Arch admission 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects plus at least one of Chemistry / Biology / Technical Vocational subject / Computer Science / IT / Informatics Practices / Engineering Graphics / Business Studies with at least 45% aggregate; or 10+3 Diploma with Mathematics with at least 45% aggregate
Fee per test In India: General / OBC (NCL): Rs 1,750; SC / ST / EWS / PwD: Rs 1,250; Transgender: Rs 1,000. Outside India: Rs 15,000 (all fees non-refundable)
Score validity Academic session 2026–2027

Official sources

Exam pattern

The test is divided into two 90-minute components taken consecutively:

Part A — Drawing and Composition Test (offline paper-based, 90 minutes, 80 marks, 3 questions):

  • A1: Composition and Color (1 question, 25 marks) — creating balanced 2D compositions for given situational themes and colouring them appropriately, or rearranging geometric and organic shapes in a visually harmonious manner.
  • A2: Sketching and Composition in Black and White (1 question, 25 marks) — visualizing and freehand sketching real-world situations, including buildings, architectural components, people, urban/natural environments, and everyday products with realistic scale, proportion, surface textures, shading, and cast shadows.
  • A3: 3D Composition (1 question, 30 marks) — constructing a tangible 3D compositional model for a specified situation using the standardized kit provided at the examination centre.

Part B — Online Adaptive Test (computer-based, 90 minutes, 120 marks, 50 questions):

  • B1: 42 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
  • B2: 8 No-Choice Questions (NCQ) (numerical/direct response)
  • Time allocation averages approximately 108 seconds per question. Questions adapt based on candidate performance.
  • There is no negative marking for incorrect answers.

Scoring, Normalisation, and Qualifying Criteria:

  • Phase 1 (CAP Admissions): Each attempt produces an individual raw score. After all Phase 1 sessions conclude, the candidate's best raw score is converted into a percentile score calculated relative to all examinees across the phase. Admission authorities use either the best raw score or the percentile score in their respective merit lists.
  • Phase 2 (Vacant Seats): Conducted in August for candidates who did not appear in Phase 1. Generates raw scores only (no percentile). Used exclusively for institutional spot admissions against unfilled seats.
  • Qualifying standard: The Council prescribes no fixed minimum passing mark. Any final scorecard with a non-zero percentile/score is valid for admission counselling, with admission cutoffs determined by individual participating state counselling boards and universities.

Syllabus

The official examination content covers:

Part A (Drawing and Visual Composition): - 2D Composition & Colour: Principles of composition (balance, symmetry, asymmetry, rhythm, contrast, unity), color wheels, warm and cool palettes, mood expression through color. - Freehand Sketching & Perspective: Linear and aerial perspective (one-point, two-point, and three-point perspectives), foreshortening, eye-level horizon line, light and shade contrast, cast shadows, human figure proportion in built spaces. - 3D Spatial Form: Understanding geometric solids, volumetric balance, structural stability, spatial interlocking, and tangible assembly from kit materials.

Part B (Cognitive and Architectural Aptitude): - Visual Reasoning: Analyzing and reconstructing 2D and 3D shapes, plan and elevation views, isometric views, surface unfolding of solids, spatial pattern completion. - Logical Derivation: Visual logic, situational problem analysis, pattern sequences, decoding hidden relationships and drawing evidence-based conclusions. - General Knowledge of Architecture & Design: Significant Indian and international landmarks, historical architectural styles (ancient, classical, Mughal, colonial, modern, contemporary), notable architects and Pritzker laureates, building materials (concrete, steel, brick, timber, glass, vernacular materials), construction techniques, sustainable architecture and green building fundamentals. - Language Interpretation: English grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, contextual meaning, logical sentence arrangement. - Design Sensitivity & Thinking: Environmental observation, spatial ergonomics, product and graphic semantics, visual metaphors, problem framing and creative solution evaluation. - Numerical Ability: School-level practical mathematics, plane and solid geometry, mensuration (perimeters, areas, surface areas, volumes), coordinate geometry, trigonometry, ratios, and spatial application of numbers.

How to prepare (free, in order)

  1. Daily freehand sketch drills (45–60 minutes daily): Practise pencil sketching from real life. Draw rooms, furniture, staircases, streetscapes, and people in natural poses. Master one-point and two-point perspectives, consistent light-source placement, and tonal gradient shading with 2B, 4B, and 6B pencils.
  2. 2D composition and color exercises: Practise creating harmonious 2D abstract and theme compositions using dry mediums (colored pencils, pastels, water-based pens). Focus on color harmony, focal points, and shape balance.
  3. Hands-on 3D mockup practice: Use simple scrap materials (cardboard, paper strips, clay, wire, toothpicks) to practise constructing stable, expressive 3D architectural forms within 30 minutes, simulating the centre kit task.
  4. NCERT Mathematics consolidation: Review NCERT Class 10 and Class 11–12 foundational chapters in geometry, coordinate geometry, mensuration, and trigonometry for numerical and spatial geometry questions.
  5. Architectural general awareness journal: Maintain a concise visual notebook of major Indian monuments (temple styles, Indo-Islamic architecture, colonial landmarks) and global icons, along with basic vernacular and sustainable building materials.
  6. Timed adaptive mock drills: Practise timed mixed sets of visual reasoning, non-verbal logic, and English comprehension questions to maintain an average pace of ~100 seconds per question.

Free resources