NATA Exam 2026: Dates, Eligibility, Syllabus & Registration Details

NATA Exam 2026 (National Aptitude Test in Architecture) is a national-level entrance exam for students who want to pursue a Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) in India. Conducted by the Council of Architecture (CoA), the exam evaluates a student’s creativity, drawing skills, logical reasoning, and design aptitude.

As per the latest schedule, NATA 2026 will be conducted from April 4 to June 13, 2026 (Phase 1) on every Friday and Saturday, with an additional Phase 2 on August 7 and 8, 2026. This flexible exam pattern allows candidates to attempt the test more than once and improve their scores, making it an important opportunity for architecture aspirants.

What is the NATA Exam?

The NATA exam full form is the National Aptitude Test in Architecture. It is a national-level entrance test administered by the Council of Architecture (CoA). The test is designed to evaluate the "aptitude" of the applicant for the specific field of Architecture. In 2026, the exam will transition into a more frequent, session-based model to provide candidates with two opportunities in Phase 1 to improve their scores.

NATA 2026 Overview 

The NATA exam 2026 is conducted in multiple sessions, primarily on Fridays and Saturdays from April to June. Candidates are permitted a maximum of two attempts in Phase 1, with the best score considered for the final percentile. The exam follows a hybrid format to evaluate both creative sketching and analytical aptitude for the five-year B.Arch program.

Direct Link for NATA Exam 2026 Registration

To secure your preferred exam date and centre, candidates must complete the online application via the official Council of Architecture (CoA) portal. Early registration is recommended, as slots for the Friday and Saturday sessions in Phase 1 fill up quickly. Ensure you have your scanned photograph, signature, and Class 10/12 mark sheets ready before starting the process.

Direct Link to Register for NATA 2026

NATA Exam 2026 Important Dates

According to the official NATA Exam 2026 notification, the schedule is divided into two major phases. Phase 1 offers a maximum of two attempts per candidate. The best score of the two will be considered for the final percentile. Phase 2 is a single-attempt window reserved only for candidates who did not appear in any Phase 1 sessions

• Registration Start Date: March 9, 2026

• Phase 1 Exam Dates: Every Friday & Saturday from April 4, 2026, to June 13, 2026.

• Phase 2 Exam Dates: August 7 and August 8, 2026 (for vacant seats/ Supplementary Admission Window).

• Result Declaration: Typically, within 7–10 days of the attempted session.

NATA Exam Eligibility 2026

Candidates must strictly adhere to the NATA exam eligibility criteria to be considered for the admission process.

1. Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed or be appearing in the 10+2 (Class 12) examination.

• Compulsory Subjects: Physics and Mathematics are mandatory, along with one subject from Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, IT, or Business Studies.

• Diploma Holders: Candidates with a 10+3 Diploma in any stream with Mathematics as a compulsory subject are also eligible.

2. Minimum Marks: Candidates must secure at least 50% aggregate marks in 10+2 (or 10+3 Diploma) and specifically 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) combined.

3. Age Limit: There is no age limit for appearing in the NATA exam eligibility 2026.

NATA Exam Syllabus 2026

The NATA exam syllabus is divided into two distinct parts to test both creative and analytical skills.

Part A: Drawing and Composition (Offline - 80 Marks)

This section assesses the candidate's ability to visualize and document objects/scenarios.

• Composition and Colour: Creating layouts and using colour theory.

• Sketching & Composition (B&W): Visualizing buildings, people, and environments with correct scale and perspective.

• 3D Composition: Creating interesting 3D forms using given shapes.

Part B: MCQ & NCQ (Online - 120 Marks)

This part is a computer-based adaptive test.

• Visual Reasoning: 2D/3D visualization, mirror images, and pattern recognition.

• Logical Derivation: Critical thinking and problem-solving.

• Architectural Awareness: General knowledge about famous buildings, architects, and construction materials.

• Numerical Ability: Basic mathematics related to geometry and mensuration.

• 50 Questions total: (42 Multiple Choice Questions and 8 Numerical Answer Type questions).

NATA 2026 Registration Process

1. Sign Up: Visit the official website @nata.in and create a user ID.

2. Fill Application: Provide personal, academic, and contact details.

3. Upload Documents: Upload a passport-sized photograph and a scanned signature.

4. Fee Payment: Pay the registration fee online (varies based on the number of attempts and category).

5. Print Confirmation: Download and keep the confirmation page for the NATA Exam 2026 counselling.

Preparation Tips for NATA 2026

Since NATA is an aptitude-based test rather than a rote-learning exam, your preparation should focus on observation and creative application. Here are some expert-recommended strategies to help you score above 120+:

• Master the Dry Media: Practice sketching with various pencil grades (HB, 2B, 4B, 6B). Focus on light, shadows, and textures of common building materials like glass, wood, and concrete.

• Develop an "Architect’s Eye": Start noticing the proportions of buildings, the types of windows used in modern vs. heritage structures, and how human figures relate to the scale of a room.

• Solve Previous Year Papers: Although the pattern evolves, solving past papers helps you understand the "Visual Reasoning" logic used in the MCQ section.

• Time Management: In Part A (Drawing), you only have a limited window to visualize and execute a full composition. Practice finishing a complete 2D/3D sketch within 45 minutes.

• Stay Updated on General Knowledge: Familiarise yourself with famous Indian architects (like B.V. Doshi or Charles Correa) and iconic global landmarks, as architectural awareness is a high-scoring sub-section.

If architecture is your dream, don’t just prepare design your success! Join our expert-led NATA preparation courses to sharpen your creativity, master drawing skills, and build the aptitude needed to crack the exam and secure your seat in top B.Arch colleges.