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🏛️Multiple Sessions — 2026

NATA 2026

National Aptitude Test in Architecture

Architecture

NATA is India's national architecture aptitude test — mandatory for all B.Arch admissions at COA-approved colleges. It tests drawing skills, visual perception, and PCM knowledge. Conducted 3 times a year with scores valid for 2 years.

Exam Date

Session 1: Feb | Session 2: Apr | Session 3: Jun 2026

Result

3–4 weeks after each session

Total Seats

40,000+ B.Arch seats

App Fee

₹2,000 per attempt

Official Website

Important Dates — NATA 2026

Session 1 RegistrationJan 2026
Session 1 ExamFeb 2026
Session 2 ExamApr 2026
Session 3 RegistrationMay 2026
Session 3 ExamJun 2026

Eligibility Criteria

Class 12 passed or appearing with Mathematics
Minimum 50% aggregate in Class 12
No specific age limit
PCM not required — Maths in Class 12 alone is sufficient
3 attempts per year — best score valid for 2 years

Exam Pattern

SubjectQuestionsMarksDuration
Drawing Test (offline)28045 min
PCM & Aptitude (online)7015545 min
›Hybrid format: offline drawing + online aptitude on same day
›Score valid for 2 years — no need to re-appear if satisfied
›3 attempts per calendar year — multiple improvement chances
›Required for KCET Architecture counselling too
›Drawing is the biggest differentiator — practice freehand sketching

Syllabus — NATA 2026

Drawing

•Freehand sketching
•Geometrical drawing
•Perspective drawing
•3D memory-based drawing
•Colour composition
•Visualising objects from given views

PCM & Aptitude

•Physics: Optics, Electrostatics, Modern Physics
•Chemistry: Atomic Structure, Organic, Polymers
•Mathematics: Algebra, Calculus, 3D Geometry
•Visual Aptitude: Spatial reasoning, pattern recognition
•General Aptitude: Logical reasoning, aesthetics

Preparation Tips

01Spend 60% of NATA prep time on drawing — it carries 80 marks
02Practice sketching everyday objects from memory, not reference
03For PCM: NCERT Class 11–12 is sufficient — no advanced prep needed
04Attempt all 3 sessions to maximise score — no penalty for re-appearing
05Join a NATA drawing coaching class for 2–3 months if possible

Top Colleges Accepting NATA 2026

View All

Acharya Institute Group

Bangalore, Karnataka

NAAC A

Aditya Academy of Architecture & Design

Bangalore, Karnataka

BGS School of Architecture and Planning

Bangalore, Karnataka

BMS College of Architecture

Bangalore, Karnataka

NAAC A

BMS School of Architecture (BMSSA)

Bangalore, Karnataka

NAAC A

Brindavan College of Architecture

Bangalore, Karnataka

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