• Updated on 22 Sept, 2025 by Ankita Banerjee
NATA 2026 Eligibility Criteria: To apply for NATA 2026, students need to fulfil both academic and general requirements. They must’ve either passed Class 12 or completed a 10+3 Diploma, and Maths has to be one of the main subjects. A minimum of 45% marks is required in total for all categories, and the exam board has to be officially recognised by state or central authorities.
The NATA 2026 Exam can only be taken by Indian citizens. While CoA doesn’t set any specific age limit for NATA, individual colleges may have their own criteria. Students in the reserved category are expected to bring relevant documents during admissions to avail of benefits under applicable quotas. Each institute follows its seat matrix, as per national or state-level policies.
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NATA 2026 General Eligibility Criteria
Students applying for NATA 2026 need to fulfil certain eligibility criteria related to nationality, academic qualification, and subject requirements. These rules ensure that only qualified candidates who meet the Council of Architecture’s standards can appear for the entrance exam. Meeting these conditions is essential for securing a valid application and proceeding with the admission process.
NATA 2026 Educational Qualification
To apply for NATA 2026, candidates must have completed certain subjects and passed their qualifying exams. This is a must for even appearing for the test. Below is a breakdown of the required educational background:
Check: NATA Exam Pattern 2026
NATA 2026 Number of Attempts Allowed
Candidates appearing for NATA 2026 have the option to take the exam up to three times within the same academic year. The Council of Architecture (CoA) conducts Test 1, Test 2, and Test 3 on different dates, and students can register for any one, two, or all three tests based on their preference. The highest score out of the three is taken as the final score while preparing the merit list for B.Arch admission. This allows candidates to improve their performance with each attempt and gives more flexibility to those who may not do well initially. There is no restriction on taking multiple attempts in terms of academic qualification or age, as long as the candidate fulfils the basic eligibility criteria.
NATA 2026 Eligibility for Reserved Categories
Admissions based on NATA 2026 scores are subject to the reservation policies of individual states or centrally governed institutions offering B.Arch programmes. While NATA itself doesn’t offer admission, the final seat allotment through counselling is carried out by respective authorities using both vertical (community-based) and horizontal (special category) reservations. To claim any category-based benefit, candidates must submit valid supporting documents at the time of admission or counselling.
Check: NATA 2026 Application Form
NATA 2026 Eligibility Criteria FAQs
Who is eligible to apply for NATA 2026?
Candidates who are Indian citizens and have passed or are appearing in Class 12 with PCM or 10+3 Diploma with Mathematics are eligible to apply for NATA 2026.
Is there any age limit for appearing in NATA 2026?
No, the Council of Architecture do not specify any age limit, so candidates of any age can apply as long as they meet the educational requirements.
Can students from any stream apply for NATA 2026?
Yes, students from any stream can apply if they have studied Mathematics either in their Class 12 or Diploma curriculum and meet the required marks criteria.
What is the minimum mark requirement for NATA 2026?
General category candidates must have secured at least 50% marks in PCM and also 50% in the overall aggregate. Reserved category candidates need a minimum of 45% in both.
Are students appearing in Class 12 in 2026 eligible for NATA?
Yes, candidates who are currently appearing for Class 12 with PCM or 10+3 Diploma with Mathematics are also eligible to apply for NATA 2026.
How many times can one appear for NATA 2026 in a year?
Candidates can appear up to three times in a single academic year. The highest score among the attempts will be considered for admission.
Which subjects must be studied in Class 12 to be eligible for NATA 2026?
Candidates must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) as part of their Class 12 curriculum.
Is Mathematics compulsory for NATA 2026 eligibility?
Yes, Mathematics is a mandatory subject, whether the candidate is applying through the Class 12 or the 10+3 Diploma route.
Are diploma students eligible to apply for NATA 2026?
Yes, students who have completed or are appearing for a 10+3 Diploma in any stream with Mathematics as a compulsory subject can apply.
Is there any relaxation in marks for reserved category candidates?
Yes, SC, ST, OBC-NCL, and PwD candidates need only 45% marks in PCM and 45% in the overall aggregate to be eligible.
What is the reservation policy followed for NATA 2026 admissions?
Reservation is based on state or institutional policies. Generally, SC gets 15%, ST 7.5%, OBC-NCL 27%, EWS 10%, and PwD candidates 5% reservation.
Does NATA 2026 provide direct admission to architecture colleges?
No, NATA only serves as an entrance test. Final admissions are handled by the respective counselling authorities based on NATA scores and reservation criteria.