NATA 2026 Exam Date (OUT): The National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA), conducted by the Council of Architecture (COA), is a national-level entrance exam for admission to B.Arch programs in India. The NATA 2026 Exam will commence from April 4, 2026, and will be conducted in multiple sessions throughout the year. In this complete guide, check NATA 2026 exam dates, registration process, eligibility criteria, application fees & latest paper pattern to stay fully prepared for the exam.
NATA 2026 Exam Dates
| Event Dates | |
| Application starts | March 9, 2026 |
| NATA 2026 commencing from | April 4, 2026 – Onwards |
| Session 1: | FRIDAYS: No Morning Session Afternoon Session: 1.30 pm to 4.30 pm (180 mins / 3.0 hours) |
| Session 2: | SATURDAYS Morning Session: 10.00 a.m. to 1.00 pm (180 mins /3.0 hours) Afternoon Session: 1.30 pm to 4.30 pm (180 mins / 3.0 hours) |
NATA 2026 Registration Process
To apply for NATA 2026, candidates must visit the portal and create a username and password by providing the required information. Clicking the “ONLINE APPLICATION NATA–2026” link will direct them to the application form. This interactive form is divided into subsections, and fields marked with an asterisk (*) are mandatory. The application process involves three steps: providing personal details, uploading documents, and paying the fee. Candidates will first complete the personal details section, then upload the necessary documents, and finally pay the application fee. Upon successful payment, a confirmation page will be generated, which candidates should print and keep for their records. No documents need to be sent by post.
Document Upload Guidelines
All candidates are required to upload the following images:
IMAGE UPLOADING
Recent Passport-size Photograph in Color with both ears visible and front view only – jpg / jpeg
format. Candidate Signature- jpg / jpeg format.
The Photograph/ Signature should be as per below:
| Document | Storage size | Image dimension | ||
| Minimum | Maximum | Height | Width | |
| Photograph | 4 KB | 100 KB | 4.5 cm | 3.5 cm |
| Signature | 1 KB | 30 KB | 1.5 cm | 3.5 cm |
NATA 2026 Application Fees:
| Application Fees | General/ OBC (N-CL) | SC/ST/EWS/ PwD | Transgender | Outside India |
| Per Test | ₹1750 | ₹1250 | ₹1000 | ₹15000 |
NATA 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility Criteria for taking NATA Entrance exam 2026:
Passed or appearing in:
- 11th-grade exam with PCM subjects,
- 12th-grade exam with PCM subjects,
- 10+3 Diploma Examination with Mathematics as a subject.
Eligibility Criteria for Admission to First year of B.Arch. Program:
The student has passed 10+2 with or equivalent examination with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects along with either Chemistry or Biology or Technical Vocational subject or Computer Science or Information Technology or Informatics Practices or Engineering Graphics or 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.
NATA 2026 Paper Pattern
PartA – Drawing and Composition Test – Offline mode – Test Duration – 90 Minutes, 80 marks
A1 – 1 Question – Composition & Color – 25 marks
A2 – 1 Question – Sketching & Composition (Black & White) – 25 marks
A3 – 1 Question – 3D composition – 30 marks
Total 3 Question – 80 marks
Part B- MCQ and NCQ – Computer Based Adaptive Test 90 minutes (108 second for each question) 120 marks)
B1 – 42 Questions – MCQ
B2 – 08 Questions – NCQ
Total 50 questions – 120 marks
Grand Total Marks (Part A + Part B) = 200
Preparing for NATA 2026:
NATA preparation 2026 requires a focused approach. Here are some tips:
- Practice Drawing: Regularly practice sketching and rendering to improve your drawing skills.
- Develop Spatial Reasoning: Solve puzzles and practice visualizing objects in 3D.
- Enhance General Knowledge: Stay updated on current affairs, particularly related to architecture and design.
- Refer to Previous Years’ Papers: Solving NATA Previous year question papers can give you a good understanding of the exam pattern and difficulty level.
- Join Coaching Classes: Consider joining NATA coaching classes for structured guidance and practice.
Key Takeaways:
- Stay updated with the official NATA website for the latest information and announcements.
- Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria before applying.
- Prepare thoroughly for both the drawing and aptitude tests.
- Practice regularly and manage your time effectively during the exam.
NATA 2026 is a challenging but rewarding exam. With dedicated preparation and a passion for architecture, you can ace it and embark on your journey to becoming a successful architect.
NATA is a competitive yet rewarding entrance exam for Student Architects. With the right strategy, consistent practice, and clarity on the exam pattern, you can successfully secure admission into top Architecture colleges in India.
NATA 2026 FAQs
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When will the NATA 2026 exam start?
Ans: NATA 2026 exam will start from April 4, 2026 and will be conducted every Friday and Saturday in multiple sessions.
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Is NATA 2026 registration open?
Ans: Yes, NATA 2026 registration started from March 9, 2026 in online mode.
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What is the last date to apply for NATA 2026?
Ans: The last date depends on the exam session. Registration usually closes a few days before each test date (weekly basis).
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How many attempts are allowed in NATA 2026?
Ans: Candidates can appear for multiple sessions, and the best score will be considered for admission.
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What is the total marks for NATA 2026 exam?
Ans: NATA 2026 is conducted for a total of 200 marks, including drawing and aptitude sections.
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Is NATA easier than JEE Paper 2?
Ans: NATA is generally considered easier in aptitude, but the drawing section requires strong creativity and practice.
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What is a good score in NATA 2026?
Ans: A score of 130+ is considered good, while 150+ can help in getting top architecture colleges.
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How many times is NATA conducted in a year?
Ans: NATA 2026 is conducted in multiple sessions from April to June and an additional phase in August.
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Is NATA compulsory for B.Arch admission?
Ans: Yes, NATA is one of the main entrance exams for B.Arch, along with JEE Paper 2.