NATA 2026: Application Form, Exam Dates, Eligibility, Pattern, Syllabus, Preparation Tips

NATA 2026 Notification will be Released in the 4th week of February 2026. NATA 2026, overseen by the Council of Architecture (COA), is a national-level examination catering to aspiring architects. Scheduled multiple times a year to accommodate student demand, NATA evaluates applicants’ aptitude for the field of architecture. Candidates will have the chance to participate in up to three sessions of NATA 2026. The scores obtained in these sessions will be combined and published as the NATA 2026 result.

Among the multiple scores attained, the exam authorities will only consider the highest score for evaluating the NATA 2026 result. Successful completion of NATA 2026 is mandatory for admission to BArch degree programs offered by various colleges across India. It’s crucial to understand that there will be no centralized counselling process for candidates who qualify for NATA 2026. With NATA scores being pivotal, successful candidates gain admission to B.Arch courses for the academic year 2026-2027.

Comprehensive details regarding the NATA 2026 examination, including information about exam dates, registration procedures, exam pattern, syllabus, and more, are sought.

NATA 2026 Highlights

NATA 2026 is a significant examination for aspirants seeking admission to B.Arch courses. Administered by the Council of Architecture (COA), it is a national-level exam known for assessing candidates’ aptitude in architecture.

NATA 2026 Exam Dates

Here are the anticipated dates for NATA 2026 a national-level architecture entrance exam. These dates are subject to change and are provided for reference.

For Session 1 

For Session 2

For Session 3 

NATA 2026 Application Form

The NATA 2026 application process is entirely online, starting in March 2026 enabling aspiring architects to apply conveniently. The registration involves three key steps entering personal details, uploading necessary documents, and completing fee payment. Applicants must upload recent passport-sized photos and signatures accurately. Upon successful payment, a confirmation page is generated, eliminating the need for postal submission.

• Application for NATA 2026 will be exclusively online, with no offline option available.
• Registration for NATA 2026 will commence in March 2026, allowing candidates ample time to complete the process.
• The application process will involve three main steps: personal details, document upload, and fee payment, ensuring a streamlined procedure.
• Candidates must upload a recent passport-size photograph and signature during registration, adhering to specified formats and sizes.
• Upon successful fee payment, a confirmation page will be generated, assuring completion.
• There is no requirement to send the application by post, eliminating the need for physical submissions.
• Applicants should ensure all information provided is accurate and complete, avoiding any discrepancies.
• The online portal will guide candidates through each step of the application process, ensuring ease of use.
• Candidates must adhere to the specified deadlines for registration and fee payment, avoiding last-minute rush.
• Any discrepancies or issues during the application process should be promptly addressed through the provided contact channels, ensuring smooth proceedings.

NATA 2026 Application Fee

For the convenience of applicants, payment of the NATA application fee can be seamlessly facilitated through Electronic Payment Gateways (EPGs). Candidates can utilize various modes of payment, including debit cards, credit cards, and net banking, to complete the transaction securely. Below is the prescribed NATA application fee for candidates’ reference.

How to Fill NATA 2026 Application Form?

• Step-1: Visit the Official Website – Open your web browser and navigate to the official website of NATA. You can find the link provided above or search for it online.
• Step 2: Click on “NATA 2026 Registration” – Once on the NATA website, locate the section for “NATA 2026 Registration” and click on it. This will direct you to the registration page.
• Step 3: Enter the Required Details and Complete the Registration – On the registration page, you will be prompted to enter various details such as your name, email address, contact number, and other necessary information. Fill in all the required fields accurately and proceed to complete the registration process.
• Step-4: Fill Personal, Communication & Qualification Details – After completing the registration, you will need to fill in detailed personal information including your address for communication and educational qualifications.
• Step-5: Upload Scanned Signature & Photograph – Next, you will be required to upload scanned copies of your signature and a recent passport-size photograph.
• Step-6: Pay the Application Fee Through the Online Mode – Proceed to the payment section where you will be prompted to pay the application fee.
• Step-7: Take Printout of the Confirmation Page – Once the payment is successfully processed, a confirmation page will be generated. Make sure to take a printout of this page for your records and future reference.

NATA 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for NATA 2026 are essential requirements for candidates intending to apply. These criteria determine the qualifications and prerequisites required for participation in the examination.

• Qualification: Candidates who have qualified or passed the 10+1 or 10+2 exams are eligible to apply. Additionally, candidates holding a 3-year diploma are also eligible.
• Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics are necessary subjects for eligibility.
• Marks: Candidates must have secured a minimum of 50% marks in the qualifying exam.
• Appearing Candidates: Those appearing in the qualifying exam are also eligible to apply.

NATA 2026 Exam Pattern

The NATA 2026 exam pattern outlines the structure and format of the National Aptitude Test in Architecture. It serves as a blueprint for candidates preparing for the examination, detailing key aspects such as the duration, mode, sections, and marking scheme. 

• Exam Duration: Three hours will be allotted for the entire examination.
• Mode: Part A will be administered in offline mode, while Part B will be conducted online.
• Total Marks: The examination will be worth a total of 200 marks.
• Medium: The examination will be conducted in English and Hindi.
• Marking Scheme: Each correct answer will carry 4 marks, and there will be no negative marking for incorrect answers.
• Sections: Part A will include the Drawing & Composition Test, whereas Part B will consist of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).

NATA 2026 Syllabus

The NATA 2026 syllabus outlines the topics and subjects that candidates need to prepare for the exam. It encompasses various aspects of architecture and related fields to assess candidates’ aptitude and skills.

NATA 2026 Preparation Tips

Preparing for NATA 2026 requires strategic planning and diligent effort to excel in the exam. Here are some tips to help you ace the test:

1. Understand the Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern, including the types of questions, marking scheme, and duration of the test.
2. Learn the Syllabus: Thoroughly go through the NATA 2026 syllabus to identify the topics you need to focus on. Pay special attention to areas like drawing, visual perception, and aesthetic sensitivity.
3. Practice Regularly: Regular practice is key to improving your drawing and sketching skills. Dedicate time daily to sketching objects, landscapes, and architectural elements to enhance your creativity and visualization abilities.
4. Solve Previous Years’ Papers: Solve previous years’ NATA question papers to get acquainted with the exam format and types of questions asked. This will also help you manage time effectively during the actual exam.
5. Time Management: Practice time management techniques while solving sample papers to ensure you can complete the exam within the stipulated time frame.
6. Strengthen Fundamentals: Focus on strengthening your fundamentals in mathematics, physics, and chemistry, as these subjects are also part of the NATA syllabus.
7. Seek Guidance: Consider enrolling in coaching classes or seeking guidance from experienced mentors to get expert tips and strategies for NATA preparation.
8. Use Online Resources: Utilize online resources such as video tutorials, practice tests, and study materials available on reputable websites to supplement your preparation.

NATA 2026 Books

Preparing for NATA 2026 requires utilizing quality study materials. Below are some recommended books to aid in your preparation.

NATA 2026 Exam Centers

NATA 2026 will be conducted across various exam centres to accommodate candidates from different regions. Candidates can choose their preferred exam centre while filling out the application form.

NATA 2026 Admit Card

The NATA admit card for the 2026 exam will be accessible for download on the official website starting in April 2026. Candidates are required to bring their downloaded admit card along with essential items like photo ID proof, pencils, erasers, and other stationery items on the day of the exam. 

The admit card will contain important information such as the allocated test centre, session details, and appointment number. Candidates need to safeguard their admit cards as it will be necessary for future admission processes.

NATA 2026 Answer Key

NATA 2026 answer key will be accessible online, requiring candidates to log in to view it. Typically released within a week after the exam, the answer key aids candidates in assessing their performance and predicting their scores. 

Presented in PDF format, it enables candidates to cross-reference their responses with the correct ones provided in the key. Additionally, several coaching institutions may also release their versions of the answer key, offering candidates further resources for evaluation and comparison.

NATA 2026 Score Card

The NATA 2026 result will be released online in May 2026. The scorecard will remain valid for admission for two academic sessions starting from the year of the exam. 

It will include candidates’ marks, ranks, personal details, and further admission instructions. Candidates need to retain their scorecard until the completion of the admission process.

NATA 2026 Cut-off

The cut-off marks represent the minimum scores that candidates need to achieve to qualify for the exam. In case candidates appear in multiple sessions, only their best score will be taken into consideration. The qualifying cut-off criteria are as follows:

• Minimum 20 marks are required in Part A.
• A minimum of 30 marks are needed in Part B.
• Overall qualifying marks will be 7o marks out of 200 marks.

NATA 2026 Counselling

CoA will not organize centralized counselling for NATA aspirants. Instead, candidates must participate in NATA Counseling conducted by various participating institutions or colleges, which will be conducted online. 

During counselling, candidates must verify their documents for admission. After seat allocation, candidates must pay the admission fee and complete admission formalities. It is mandatory to present the NATA admit card and scorecard during the admission process.

NATA 2026 Participating Colleges

Here is a list of colleges participating in NATA 2026 for admission to architecture programs.

NATA 2026 FAQ’s

Sunil Kushwaha

As a dedicated Biology Science graduate, I’m passionate about sharing the latest updates in national and state entrance exams through my blog. I aim to keep aspiring students informed about exam trends, important dates, and changes in syllabi. With a keen interest in education, I strive to offer valuable insights for students navigating the competitive landscape of entrance examinations and admission tests. Stay updated with me.