NATA 2026 Exam Pattern and Syllabus
The NATA 2026 application form will open soon at the last week of February or First week of March 2026. This is a universal test in India for B.Arch admission for UG courses. Most of the central and state institutes uses NATA score for B.Arch Admission.
What is Nata 2026 Entrance Test?
Let us understand the entrance test, which is a hybrid format (part offline + part computer-based). This structure has remained consistent since its major revision a few years ago and is expected to continue for 2026 unless officially changed.
Nata 2026 Test is conducted on Friday and Saturday and application form remains open for longer time to give candidate enough time to appear or imporve their score.
Official website → https://www.nata.in/ (Check here for the final 2026 brochure when released, usually in February/March).
Check all details about NATA 2026 click here
NATA 2026 Exam Pattern
| Particulars | Details |
| Total Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
| Mode | Hybrid: • Part A – Offline (pen & paper / A4 sheet) • Part B – Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Total Marks | 200 marks |
| Parts | Part A: Drawing & Composition Test (80 marks) Part B: Aptitude Test (120 marks) |
| Time Division | Part A → 90 minutes Part B → 90 minutes |
| Question Types | Part A: Drawing / composition-based tasks (usually 2–3 questions) Part B: MCQs, MSQs (Multiple Select), Numerical Answer Type (NAT), visual-based questions |
| Negative Marking | No negative marking |
| Medium | English (some centres may offer Hindi) |
| Qualifying Criteria | Typically ~70/200 overall (with sectional minimums like 20–25 in Part A and 30 in Part B) – exact cut-offs vary yearly |
| Attempts Allowed | Usually up to 3 attempts in the year (best score considered) |
Exam Pattern
Part A – Drawing & Composition Test (Offline – 90 minutes – 80 marks)
This section tests your creative visualization, drawing ability, aesthetic sensitivity, and composition skills. You will draw on A4 sheets provided at the centre.
Typical question breakup (based on recent years):
- A1 → Composition and Colour (25 marks)
- A2 → Sketching & Composition (Black & White) (25 marks)
- A3 → 3D Composition / Modelling / Object drawing (30 marks)
Total 3 Questions-80 Marks
Language of the Test-Hindi and English
Common tasks include:
- Creating a 2D/3D composition from given shapes/forms
- Colouring a composition
- Sketching everyday objects/scenes from memory
- Perspective drawing, human figures, light & shadow, proportions
Part B – Aptitude Test (Online – 90 minutes – 120 marks) (108 second for each question
This is a computer-based adaptive test that assesses logical reasoning, observation, architectural awareness, and basic science/math.
Question types:
- B1-42 Qyestuib MCQs
B2-08 Question NCQ
Total 50 Quesitions-120 Marks
Grand Total Marks it includes Part A and Part B 80+120= 200
Number of questions — Around 45–50 (varies slightly each year).
NATA Syllabus 2026
NATA 2026 Syllabus – Section-wise Important Topics
- Drawing & Composition
This is one and half hour(90)-80 Marks Test and candidates have to attempt three questions
A1-Composition and color-25 Marks- They will create suitable composition for various situation and coloring them appropriately-Reengaging various shapes in visually appealing manner and coloring it suitably
A2-Sketching and composition(B/W)-25 Marks
Ability to draw,visualize,depict a situation, involving building/its components,people.environment,products with an understanding of scale,proportions,texture,shades and shadows etc.
A 3- 3 D composition-30 Marks
Create an interesting 3 D composition for the given situation using the provided kit
Part B
This is also one and half hour(90) hour test of 120 Marks. They will appear for online test the test will have two types of Questions such as B1 42 MCQ and B2 08 NCQs. The topics will be as follow
Visual Reasoning-Ability to understand and reconstruct 2 D and 3 D composition,knowledge about its composition and technical concepts
Logical Derivation-Ability to decode a situation,composition,context and generate meaning, understanding the minute information hidden in a particular situation and drawing conclusions
GK., Architecture and Design-General Awerness of architecture and design,current issues.recent
Language Interpretation
You will generate correct and logical meaning of word,sentences and understanding about English Grammar
Design Sensitivity and Thinking
You will observe record and analyze,people,spaces,product,environment,critical thinking,reasoning and ability to identify the subtle communications, ability to understand semantics,metaphors,problem, identification and definition,analysis of a given situation
Numerical Ability Basic Mathematics and its association with creative thinking. To unfold a space use of geometry
FAQs
The application form opens in the month at the end of February or First week of March 2026
You can appear as many as you wish
You have to first check the exam pattern and syllabus then go ahead for preparation
Nata has more universal acceptance in all the major colleges in India
