National Aptitude test in Architecture Exam Pattern 2026
National Aptitude test in Architecture Exam Pattern
NATA 2026 Exam Pattern: Overview
NATA 2026 (National Aptitude Test in Architecture) is a 3-hour (180-minute) hybrid exam for 200 marks. The Council of Architecture (CoA) conducts the exam.
The exam has two parts. Part A is an offline drawing test worth 80 marks. Part B is an online Computer-Based Test worth 120 marks.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Council of Architecture (CoA) |
| Exam Mode | Hybrid (Part A: Offline Pen-and-Paper; Part B: Computer-Based Test) |
| Total Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) — Part A: 90 min + Part B: 90 min |
| Total Marks | 200 (Part A: 80 marks; Part B: 120 marks) |
| Total Sections | 2 Parts (Part A: Drawing & Composition; Part B: Aptitude CBT) |
| Negative Marking | No negative marking |
| Medium | English and Hindi |
| Number of Phases | 2 (Phase 1: April–June 2026; Phase 2: August 7–8, 2026) |
Each part runs for 90 minutes. Both parts are held back-to-back on the same day.
NATA 2026 Important Dates
NATA 2026 has two phases. Phase 1 runs from April to June 2026.
Phase 2 is scheduled for August 7–8, 2026. The exam pattern and marking scheme are identical across both phases.
- Phase 1: April–June 2026
- Phase 2: August 7–8, 2026
NATA 2026 Detailed Exam Pattern
Part A is the Drawing & Composition test worth 80 marks. It has 3 drawing tasks.
- Composition & Color: 25 marks
- Sketching & Composition: 25 marks
- 3D Composition: 30 marks
Part B is the Aptitude CBT worth 120 marks. It has 45 aptitude questions delivered as a Computer Adaptive Test.
- 30 MCQs at 2 marks each
- 15 NCQs at 4 marks each
NATA Marking Scheme 2026
NATA 2026 has no negative marking for any question type. Candidates can attempt all Part B questions without penalty.
| Part | Question Type | Number of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | Drawing tasks | 3 | — | 80 |
| Part B | MCQs | 30 | 2 | 60 |
| Part B | NCQs | 15 | 4 | 60 |
NATA Subject-Wise Exam Pattern 2026
Part A covers drawing and composition skills. Part B covers aptitude topics including spatial visualization, logical reasoning, and architectural awareness.
The medium of the exam is English and Hindi. The test is a Computer Adaptive Test for Part B.
NATA Question Types 2026
Part A has 3 drawing and composition tasks. These are offline pen-and-paper tasks.
Part B has 45 questions. These include 30 MCQs and 15 NCQs.
NATA Exam Pattern: Changes in 2026 vs Previous Year
The source does not provide specific changes between NATA 2026 and the previous year. The exam pattern and marking scheme are identical across both phases of NATA 2026.
How to Prepare Based on NATA Exam Pattern
Since there is no negative marking, candidates should attempt every question in Part B. Focus on drawing practice for Part A and aptitude preparation for Part B.
NATA Exam Pattern FAQs
How many attempts are allowed per year?
NATA 2026 allows only one attempt per year. Candidates must choose either Phase 1 or Phase 2.
What is the official website for NATA 2026?
The direct link to the NATA official website is www.nata.in.
NATA 2026 Exam Pattern: Important Dates
NATA 2026 is held in two phases. Phase 1 ended in June 2026, and Phase 2 is scheduled for August 7–8, 2026. Phase 2 is the current active window for students who did not appear in Phase 1.
The exam pattern and marking scheme are identical in both phases. Admit cards for Phase 2 are typically released on the Tuesday (for Friday exams) or Wednesday (for Saturday exams) before each exam date.
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 2 Registration | Ongoing (closes Monday/Tuesday at 11:59 PM before exam) | Open |
| Phase 2 Exam – Day 1 (Friday) | August 7, 2026 (1:30 PM – 4:30 PM) | Upcoming |
| Phase 2 Exam – Day 2 (Saturday) | August 8, 2026 (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM) | Upcoming |
| Phase 2 Result | Within 7 days of exam (Expected mid-August 2026) | Upcoming |
| Phase 1 Registration Opens | March 9, 2026 | Over |
| Phase 1 Exam | April 4 – June 13, 2026 (every Friday and Saturday) | Over |
| Phase 1 Result | Within 7 days of each test date | Over |
Source: Council of Architecture – NATA Official Website
NATA 2026: Detailed Exam Pattern
NATA 2026 is divided into Part A (Drawing & Composition Test) and Part B (Aptitude Test). Part A is held offline, while Part B is held as an online Computer Adaptive Test. Both parts are on the same exam day.
Part A runs first, followed by a short break and then Part B. The total is 48 questions across both parts, worth 200 marks in 180 minutes.
Part A – Drawing & Composition Test (Offline, 80 Marks, 90 Minutes)
| Task | Description | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | Composition and Color | 1 | 25 | 90 minutes (shared) |
| A2 | Sketching & Composition (Black & White) | 1 | 25 | |
| A3 | 3D Composition | 1 | 30 | |
| Total (Part A) | — | 3 | 80 marks | 90 minutes |
Part B – Aptitude Test (Computer-Based Adaptive Test, 120 Marks, 90 Minutes)
| Section | Question Type | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B1 | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) | 30 | 2 | 60 | 90 minutes (shared) |
| B2 | No-Choice Questions (NCQ) | 15 | 4 | 60 | |
| Total (Part B) | — | 45 | — | 120 marks | 90 minutes |
Combined Pattern Summary
| Part | Mode | No. of Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A – Drawing & Composition | Offline (Pen-and-Paper) | 3 | 80 | 90 minutes |
| Part B – Aptitude Test | Online (Computer Adaptive CBT) | 45 | 120 | 90 minutes |
| Grand Total | — | 48 | 200 marks | 180 minutes |
Note: Part A drawing tasks are not auto-graded. Expert evaluators score each drawing against structured rubrics covering composition, aesthetic quality, spatial accuracy, and color or tonal use. The adaptive nature of Part B means you cannot return to previous questions once you proceed — plan each answer before submitting.
NATA Marking Scheme 2026
NATA 2026 applies a no negative marking policy across all sections. Wrong answers and unattempted questions in Part B both score zero — there is no deduction.
MCQs in Part B carry 2 marks each, and the higher-value NCQs carry 4 marks each. Part A (Drawing) is assessed by expert examiners using defined scoring criteria, not automatically graded.
NATA 2026 Marking Scheme
NATA 2026 has no negative marking. Candidates should attempt every question in Part B.
Part A drawing tasks are scored by examiners. Part B questions are scored by the computer system.
| Question Type / Section | Marks for Correct Answer | Marks for Wrong Answer | Marks for Unattempted |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 – Composition & Color (Drawing) | Up to 25 (examiner-evaluated) | N/A | 0 |
| A2 – Sketching & Composition B&W (Drawing) | Up to 25 (examiner-evaluated) | N/A | 0 |
| A3 – 3D Composition (Drawing) | Up to 30 (examiner-evaluated) | N/A | 0 |
| B1 – MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions) | +2 | 0 | 0 |
| B2 – NCQ (No-Choice Questions) | +4 | 0 | 0 |
Part A is scored holistically. Examiners assess each drawing on composition and spatial balance, quality of line and form, color or tonal accuracy, and originality of interpretation.
Scores from multiple evaluators are moderated before the final Part A mark is assigned. Candidates cannot predict or calculate a Part A score mid-exam; all three tasks must be completed within 90 minutes.
NATA Subject-Wise Exam Pattern 2026
NATA 2026 does not use traditional subject divisions like Physics, Chemistry, or Biology. The exam tests architecture-specific aptitude areas across Part A and Part B.
The breakdown below shows each competency area, what it tests, and how much it contributes to the total score.
Part A – Drawing & Composition (80 Marks)
| Task | Area | Key Skills Tested | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | Composition and Color | Color theory, 2D spatial arrangement, aesthetic balance, use of color media | 25 |
| A2 | Sketching & Composition (B&W) | Freehand sketching, form and proportion, shading and tonal gradation, line quality | 25 |
| A3 | 3D Composition | Spatial visualization, 3D form construction, shadow and depth, volume and mass | 30 |
Part B – Aptitude Test (120 Marks)
| Subject Area | Key Topics | Approximate Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | Algebra, Trigonometry, Coordinate Geometry, Calculus (basics), Permutation & Combination, Sets and Relations | High |
| Logical Reasoning | 2D–3D spatial reasoning, pattern recognition, series completion, figure analogies, mental rotation | High |
| Visual Reasoning | Visual perception, color and tone discrimination, figure-ground analysis, aesthetic sensitivity | Medium |
| Architectural Awareness | Landmark buildings, famous architects (Indian and global), architectural styles and movements, built-environment basics | Medium |
| Cognitive Skills | Critical thinking, verbal reasoning, memory-based questions, problem-solving | Low–Medium |
NATA 2026 Part B is a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT format). The difficulty of questions adjusts dynamically based on previous answers.
Strong early performance routes a candidate to harder, higher-discrimination questions. The system measures ability level rather than just raw score.
NATA Question Types 2026
NATA 2026 Part B has two primary question formats — Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) and No-Choice Questions (NCQ). Part A uses a non-objective drawing format evaluated by human examiners.
Each question type in Part B has a specific marks structure and demands a different answering approach.
| Question Type | Part | Description | Marks | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drawing / Composition Task | Part A | Freehand drawing on sheets provided at the center — color composition, B&W sketching, and 3D assembly tasks | 25 / 25 / 30 | No (examiner-scored) |
| Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) | Part B – B1 | Four options provided; one correct answer; auto-evaluated by the system | +2 per question | No |
| No-Choice Questions (NCQ) | Part B – B2 | No options provided; the exact numerical, text, or short-form answer is typed directly | +4 per question | No |
CoA may also incorporate Preferential Choice Questions (PCQ) and Multiple Select Questions (MSQ) within the adaptive CBT framework in some sessions. Candidates should verify the final question-type breakdown in the official NATA brochure at nata.in before the exam date.
NCQ questions carry 4 marks each — double the MCQ value. The B2 section is the highest per-question opportunity in the entire test.
NATA 2026 Exam Pattern: Key Changes
NATA 2026 brings major structural changes to the exam. The most significant is the reduction in allowed attempts, from 3 attempts in 2025 to a single attempt per year in 2026.
Part B will now use Computer Adaptive Testing. This changes both preparation strategy and in-exam behaviour compared to previous years.
| Parameter | NATA 2025 | NATA 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Allowed Attempts | Up to 3 attempts (multiple phases) | 1 attempt (one phase only per year) |
| Part B Test Format | Standard Computer-Based Test | Computer Adaptive Test (difficulty adjusts in real time) |
| Phase 2 Score Reporting | Raw score + Percentile | Raw score only (no percentile for Phase 2) |
| Minimum Score Requirement | Minimum qualifying score required | Not required — any non-zero score is valid |
| Score Validity | 2025–26 academic session | 2026–27 academic session only |
| Total Marks | 200 | 200 (unchanged) |
| Total Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) | 3 hours (180 minutes) (unchanged) |
| Part A Marks | 80 | 80 (unchanged) |
| Part B Marks | 120 | 120 (unchanged) |
| Negative Marking | No | No (unchanged) |
In the Computer Adaptive Test for Part B, question difficulty adjusts in real time. You cannot revisit or change previous answers in the adaptive section.
The removal of the minimum score requirement helps students who perform well in Part A (Drawing) but find Part B harder. Any non-zero score now qualifies, allowing more students to be considered for architecture college admissions based on combined performance.
How to Prepare for NATA 2026
Preparation strategy must reflect the exam's two distinct 90-minute halves. Each half tests completely different skills.
Balancing Part A (drawing and aesthetic ability) with Part B (logical and mathematical reasoning) is the central challenge. The tips below come directly from the 2026 exam pattern.
- Make A3 (3D Composition, 30 marks) the highest priority in Part A: It is the single highest-scoring component in the entire exam. Practice drawing 3D objects, shadow projection, isometric views, and spatial assembly for at least 30 minutes every day.
- Time yourself to 25–30 minutes per Part A drawing task: Part A gives 90 minutes for 3 tasks. Over-spending on one drawing risks leaving another incomplete. Practice full mock tests with a timer to build consistent pacing.
- Attempt every question in Part B — zero penalty for wrong answers: With no negative marking, leaving any MCQ or NCQ blank is a guaranteed loss of marks. Use remaining time to make your best educated guess on uncertain questions.
- Focus NCQ preparation on mathematical and spatial problem-solving: NCQs carry 4 marks each — double the MCQ value. Strong performance in the B2 section can decisively lift your total score. Practice numerical accuracy under timed conditions.
- Build color media speed for the A1 Composition and Color task: At 25 marks, A1 rewards confident use of color. Practice regularly with pencil colors and poster colors to develop both technique and speed. Slow color application costs you composition time.
- Study architectural awareness regularly for Part B: Landmark buildings, famous architects (Indian and global), architectural movements, and built-environment concepts appear consistently in Part B aptitude questions. Fifteen minutes of reading daily builds this knowledge progressively.
- Practice on an adaptive mock test platform for Part B: NATA 2026 Part B is a Computer Adaptive Test — question difficulty changes based on your answers. Practice on platforms that simulate adaptive difficulty to build composure when harder questions appear after a strong early run.
NATA 2026 Exam Pattern FAQs
What is the exam mode for NATA 2026?
NATA 2026 is a hybrid exam. Part A (Drawing & Composition) is an offline pen-and-paper test held at the exam center.
Part B (Aptitude) is an online Computer-Based Adaptive Test. Both parts are conducted on the same exam day, each lasting 90 minutes.
Is there negative marking in NATA 2026?
No, NATA 2026 has no negative marking for any section or question type. A wrong answer in Part B scores zero — not minus marks.
You should attempt every question in Part B, including NCQs where you are uncertain, to avoid missing free mark opportunities.
How many questions are there in NATA 2026?
The source does not specify the total number of questions for NATA 2026.
NATA 2026 Exam Pattern
NATA 2026 has 48 questions in total. Part A has 3 drawing and composition tasks worth 80 marks. Part B has 45 aptitude questions worth 120 marks.
The grand total is 200 marks. The exam is conducted over 180 minutes.
NATA 2026 Total Duration
NATA 2026 is a 3-hour (180-minute) exam. Part A (offline Drawing) runs for 90 minutes. Part B (online Aptitude CBT) runs for another 90 minutes.
Both parts are held on the same exam day. A short break is given in between.
Part A (Drawing) Scoring
Part A drawings are evaluated by expert examiners using structured rubrics. Examiners assess composition, spatial balance, aesthetic sensitivity, proportion, use of color (A1), tonal rendering (A2), and 3D accuracy (A3).
Scores from multiple evaluators are moderated before the final Part A mark is finalized. It is not auto-graded.
NATA 2026 Phases
NATA 2026 has two phases. Phase 1 ran from April 4 to June 13, 2026, across multiple Friday and Saturday exam dates. Phase 2 is scheduled for August 7–8, 2026.
The exam pattern, duration, and marking scheme are identical in both phases.
Attempt Limit
No. NATA 2026 allows only one attempt per year. If you appeared in Phase 1, you are not eligible for Phase 2.
You must choose one phase when you register. Your score from that phase is your final NATA 2026 result.
NATA 2026 Phase 2 Exam Dates
NATA 2026 Phase 2 is scheduled for August 7–8, 2026. The Friday (August 7) slot runs from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM.
Saturday (August 8) has two slots: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM. Results are typically declared within 7 days of the exam date.
Part B Question Types
Part B has two primary question types. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) are worth 2 marks each, with 30 questions. No-Choice Questions (NCQ) are worth 4 marks each, with 15 questions.
The test is delivered as a Computer Adaptive Test. Question difficulty adjusts dynamically based on your previous answers.
Changes in NATA 2026 vs NATA 2025
Key changes in NATA 2026 include:
- Reduction in attempts from 3 to 1 per year
- Introduction of Computer Adaptive Testing in Part B
- Removal of the minimum qualifying score requirement
- Phase 2 scores now reported as raw scores only (no percentile)
The total marks (200), duration (180 minutes), and no negative marking policy remain unchanged.
Score Validity
The NATA 2026 score is valid only for the 2026–27 academic session. You cannot use a 2026 score for admissions in 2025–26 or carry it forward to 2027–28.
Each year’s score applies exclusively to that year’s admission cycle. Students planning admission for 2027–28 must appear in NATA 2027.
NCQ Marking Scheme
NCQ (No-Choice Questions) in Part B carry +4 marks for a correct answer. Wrong or unattempted answers get 0 marks — there is no negative marking.
With 15 NCQs at 4 marks each, this section contributes 60 marks to your total Part B score. It is the single highest-value section per question in the entire exam.
What is NATA 2026?
NATA 2026 is the National Aptitude Test in Architecture. It is a hybrid exam with two parts.
Part A (Drawing & Composition) is an offline pen-and-paper test. Part B (Aptitude) is an online Computer-Based Adaptive Test.
Exam Pattern
NATA 2026 has 48 questions in total. The grand total is 200 marks across 180 minutes.
- Part A: 3 drawing and composition tasks (80 marks)
- Part B: 45 aptitude questions (120 marks)
Part B has two question types:
- 30 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) worth 2 marks each
- 15 No-Choice Questions (NCQ) worth 4 marks each
Exam Duration and Mode
NATA 2026 is a 3-hour (180-minute) exam. Both parts are held on the same exam day with a short break in between.
| Part | Mode | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Part A (Drawing) | Offline pen-and-paper | 90 minutes |
| Part B (Aptitude) | Online Computer-Based Adaptive Test | 90 minutes |
Marking Scheme
NATA 2026 has no negative marking for any section or question type. A wrong answer in Part B scores zero, not minus marks.
| Question Type | Correct Answer | Wrong/Unattempted |
|---|---|---|
| MCQ (30 questions) | +2 marks | 0 marks |
| NCQ (15 questions) | +4 marks | 0 marks |
NCQs contribute 60 marks to the total Part B score. This makes them the highest-value questions per item in the exam.
How Part A is Scored
Part A drawings are evaluated by expert examiners using structured rubrics. It is not auto-graded.
Examiners assess composition, spatial balance, aesthetic sensitivity, proportion, use of color (A1), tonal rendering (A2), and 3D accuracy (A3). Scores from multiple evaluators are moderated before the final Part A mark is finalized.
Exam Phases and Dates
NATA 2026 has two phases. The exam pattern, duration, and marking scheme are identical in both phases.
| Phase | Dates |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 | April 4 to June 13, 2026 (multiple Friday and Saturday dates) |
| Phase 2 | August 7-8, 2026 |
Phase 2 Friday (August 7) slot runs from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM. Saturday (August 8) has two slots: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM and 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM.
Results are typically declared within 7 days of the exam date.
Attempt Limit
NATA 2026 allows only one attempt per year. If you appeared in Phase 1, you are not eligible for Phase 2.
You must choose one phase when you register. Your score from that phase is your final NATA 2026 result.
Score Validity
The NATA 2026 score is valid only for the 2026-27 academic session. You cannot use a 2026 score for admissions in 2025-26 or carry it forward to 2027-28.
Each year's score applies exclusively to that year's admission cycle. Students planning admission for 2027-28 must appear in NATA 2027.
Changes from NATA 2025
Key changes in NATA 2026 include:
- Reduction in attempts from 3 to 1 per year
- Introduction of Computer Adaptive Testing in Part B
- Removal of the minimum qualifying score requirement
- Phase 2 scores now reported as raw scores only (no percentile)
The total marks (200), duration (180 minutes), and no negative marking policy remain unchanged.