The National Aptitude Test in Architecture, or NATA, is a national-level assessment exam for aspiring architects across the country. The NATA exam serves as an entrance test for admission in a 5-year Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) programme in India. The esteemed Council of Architecture conducts it every year to measure the technical competence, creative outlook, innovation, cultural sensitivity and more.
The NATA exam is considered a milestone for students aspiring to pursue architecture as a profession. The test also fits with the long-term vision of India’s Viksit Bharat 2047, focusing on robust infrastructure with sustainable and inclusive urbanisation and growth. All important exam details are extensively discussed in this blog. Take a look!
Quick Glance At the Blog
We have created a tabular overview to summarise the blog detailing the NATA exam, including exam schedule, eligibility, syllabus, pattern, registration and more. This structured and comprehensible format provides a quick look at all the information available in the write-up.
| NATA Exam Timeline | NATA 2026 Commencement, Online Form Availability, NATA Exam Dates, Last Online Registration Date, Application Correction Window Closing, Availability of Downloadable Admit Card, NATA Result Date |
| NATA Exam Eligibility Criteria | Academic Criteria, Age Limitation, and Total Attempts |
| NATA Exam Syllabus | Part A: Drawing and Composition Test & Part B: General Aptitude |
| NATA Exam Pattern | Part A: Drawing & Composition & Part B: MCQ and NCQ |
| NATA Registration Process | 6 pointers to registration |
| Why Choose K.R. Mangalam University Post-NATA? | State-of-the-art Infrastructure, Industry-aligned Curriculum, Experienced Faculty, Dedicated Placement Assistance |
NATA Exam Complete Timeline
It’s always recommended to track the NATA entrance exam schedule to avoid last-minute stress and confusion. We have given the complete timeline of the NATA exam so students can create a study plan, give mock tests, practise drawing and more.
| NATA 2026 Commencement | April 4 2026 | |
| Online Form Availability | March 9 2026 | |
| NATA Exam Dates | Every Friday & Saturday
Phase 1: From April 4 2026, to June 13 2026 (except on public holidays) Phase 2: On August 7 & 8, 2026 |
|
| Friday Test
(Afternoon Session) |
Saturday Test
(Morning & Afternoon Sessions) |
|
| Last Online Registration Date | Monday
(11:59 pm) |
Tuesday
(11:59 pm) |
| Application Correction Window Closing | Tuesday
(11:59 pm) |
Wednesday
(11:59 pm) |
| Availability of Downloadable Admit Card | From Tuesday for that week’s Friday exam | From Wednesday for that week’s Friday exam |
| NATA Result Date | Within 7 days from the date of the exam | |
Also Read: Architecture Degree – Course Details & Career Scope
NATA Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for NATA 2026 are explained in detail below.
Academic Criteria
The academic requirements include passing or appearing in the 10+2 examination with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects, along with either Chemistry/Biology/Technical Vocational subject/Computer Science/Information Technology/Informatics Practices/Engineering Graphics/Business Studies, with at least 45% marks in aggregate or passed 10+3 Diploma Examination with Mathematics as compulsory subject with at least 45% marks in aggregate.
Age Limitation
The council has not prescribed any upper or lower age limit. Any academically qualified individual can attempt the test.
Total Attempts
A candidate has the option to either appear up to two attempts in phase 1, aimed at securing admission through the Centralized Admission Process (CAP) Counselling or one attempt in phase 2 to be considered for admission on the remaining vacant seats after the Centralized Admission Process Counselling rounds are completed.
NATA Exam Syllabus
The syllabus for the NATA exam 2026 is divided into two papers. Take a look at the breakdown below.
- Part A: Drawing and Composition Test includes Composition and Colour, Sketching and Composition (Black & White) and 3D Composition.
- Part B: General Aptitude includes Visual Reasoning, Logical Derivation, G.K., Architecture & Design, Language Interpretation, Design Sensitivity and Thinking and Numerical Ability.
NATA Exam Pattern
The National Aptitude Test in Architecture is a 200-mark exam with a duration of 3 hours.
| Part | Description | Questions | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A: Drawing & Composition (Offline) | A1 – Composition and Colour | 1 | 90 Minutes | 25 |
| A2 – Sketching and Composition (Black and White) | 1 | 25 | ||
| A3 – 3D Composition | 1 | 30 | ||
| Part B: MCQ and NCQ (Online) | B1 – MCQs | 42 | 90 Minutes (108 sec/question) | 60 |
| B2 – NCQs | 42 | 60 | ||
| Total | 200 | |||
NATA Registration Process
Candidates looking to register for the NATA exam should definitely check out the steps mentioned below.
- Visit the official NATA website and start the registration process.
- Click on the NATA 2026 Registration button.
- Log in or create your account by clicking on the Sign Up option.
- Fill in the details and upload your documents.
- Pay the application fees through the available modes and submit.
- Lastly, download the confirmation page.
Why Choose K.R. Mangalam University Post-NATA?
Candidates would be delighted to note that many universities and colleges accept the NATA scores across the country. While many government and private-aided institutions embrace potential B.Arch. students, K.R. Mangalam University is quickly becoming the top choice among architecture students. KRMU is considered a top-notch private institution in Gurugram.
The university offers a 5-year degree programme with a COA-approved curriculum, 100% placement assistance, renowned faculty, global exposure through the summer school programme and more.
Conclusion
To sum up, the NATA exam serves as a crucial gateway for aspiring architects, assessing creativity, aptitude, and technical skills. With proper planning, understanding of the syllabus, and timely preparation, candidates can excel. Choosing the right institution, like KRMU, afterwards further shapes a successful career in architecture, contributing to India’s vision of sustainable and innovative development.
So what’s holding you back? Join K.R. Mangalam University and brighten your future today!
FAQs
What is the full form of the NATA exam?
National Aptitude Test in Architecture is the full form of NATA.
Who can give NATA?
The NATA exam can be given by candidates interested in pursuing a professional degree in architecture, also known as B.Arch.
How many times can I give NATA?
Since NATA is conducted in multiple sessions, a candidate can appear up to two times in Phase 1 or one time in Phase 2 to be considered for admission to vacant seats after Centralized Admission Counselling.
How long are NATA scores valid?
The NATA exam 2026 scores are valid for the academic session 2026-2027.
Is NATA mandatory for doing B.Arch. in India?
Yes, NATA scores are mandatory for B.Arch. students. The Council of Architecture (CoA) requires either NATA or JEE Main Paper 2 scores.
