NATA 2026
NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture) is India's gateway to 5-year B.Arch programmes at government and private architecture colleges. Conducted by the Council of Architecture (CoA), it tests drawing ability, spatial reasoning, and mathematical aptitude. It is the primary qualifying exam for most architecture college admissions in India and offers two attempts per year.
At a glance
| Conducting body | Council of Architecture (CoA) |
| Programme | B.Arch (5 years) |
| Eligibility | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics. Minimum 50% aggregate. |
| Exam sections | Part A: Drawing (125 marks) | Part B: Aptitude (50 marks) | Part C: Mathematics (25 marks) |
| Total marks | 200 marks | 3 hours |
| Attempts per year | 2 (best score considered for admission) |
| Attempt 1 (2026) | March/April 2026 (exact date at admissions.nata.in) |
| Attempt 2 (2026) | July 2026 (exact date at admissions.nata.in) |
| Application | admissions.nata.in |
Source: admissions.nata.in. Verify at the official portal before applying.
Exam pattern
Part A: Drawing
125 marks
Spatial ability, sketching, proportion, 2D and 3D visualisation. Highest-weighted section.
Part B: General Aptitude
50 marks
Logical reasoning, verbal ability, general knowledge of architecture and built environment.
Part C: Mathematics
25 marks
10+2-level Mathematics. Algebra, trigonometry, coordinate geometry, calculus basics.
Colleges accepting NATA scores
NATA scores are accepted by government and private architecture colleges across India. A selection of well-known institutions:
| College | City | Type |
|---|---|---|
| School of Planning and Architecture (SPA) | New Delhi | Government (Autonomous) |
| SPA Vijayawada | Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh | Government (Autonomous) |
| SPA Bhopal | Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh | Government (Autonomous) |
| CEPT University | Ahmedabad, Gujarat | Deemed University |
| Navrachana University | Vadodara, Gujarat | Private University |
| Sir J.J. College of Architecture | Mumbai, Maharashtra | Government (State) |
| Chandigarh College of Architecture | Chandigarh | Government (State) |
| Most State Govt. B.Arch Colleges | Pan-India | Government |
Note: NITs use JEE Main Paper 2 (B.Arch), not NATA, for architecture admissions.
Frequently asked questions about NATA
What is NATA?
National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) is the qualifying exam for 5-year B.Arch programmes at architecture colleges across India. It is conducted by the Council of Architecture (CoA), the statutory body that regulates architectural education in India.
What subjects are tested in NATA?
NATA tests three areas: Part A (Drawing, 125 marks) assesses spatial reasoning and sketch ability; Part B (General Aptitude, 50 marks) tests logical thinking and verbal reasoning; Part C (Mathematics, 25 marks) covers 10+2-level mathematics. Total: 200 marks in 3 hours.
What is the NATA eligibility?
You must have passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as subjects, with a minimum 50% aggregate. Students appearing in their 10+2 board exams may apply provisionally and submit marksheets later.
How many times can I take NATA in a year?
CoA typically offers two NATA attempts per year: Attempt 1 in March/April and Attempt 2 in July. Your best score is used for admission. Both attempts are valid within the same admission cycle.
Which colleges accept NATA scores?
NATA is accepted by architecture colleges across India including CEPT University (Ahmedabad), Navrachana University (Vadodara), School of Planning and Architecture Delhi, SPA Vijayawada, SPA Bhopal, Sir J.J. College of Architecture (Mumbai), and most state government B.Arch programmes. Note: NIT architecture departments use JEE Main Paper 2 instead of NATA.