• Updated on 22 Sept, 2025 by Ankita Banerjee
NATA 2026 Exam Pattern is now available online at nata.in, and candidates must go through it carefully to understand how the entrance exam will be conducted. According to the latest pattern, the exam will be held in a combination of online and offline modes, with the Drawing and Composition section conducted online, while the MCQ section will be offline. The total duration of the NATA 2026 Exam will be 3 hours, during which candidates will need to attempt both sections. Understanding the structure and format of the exam in advance is important for effective preparation, so it’s highly recommended that candidates familiarise themselves with the NATA 2026 exam pattern to take the test with confidence and score well.
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NATA 2026 Exam Pattern Highlights
NATA 2026 is held by the Council of Architecture (CoA) for students who want to join undergraduate architecture courses in India. The exam assesses a student’s skills in drawing, logical thinking, visual understanding, and overall architectural ability. It includes both objective and creative-type questions. Students can take the test up to three times, and the highest score will be used for admission.
Also Check: NATA 2026 Application Process
NATA 2026 Exam Pattern: Question Paper Structure
NATA 2026 will be held in two parts: Part A for the Drawing Test and Part B for the Cognitive and Aptitude section. The exam is designed to check both the creative and logical skills needed for architecture. Instead of testing subjects like Maths or Physics, NATA looks at how well a student can draw, think logically, and understand visual details through different types of questions.
NATA 2026 Marking Scheme
The NATA 2026 exam will not include negative marking. Candidates are awarded marks based on accuracy and quality of responses. The test is divided into two parts: Part A (Drawing and Composition Test) and Part B (Multiple and Preferential Choice Questions).
NATA 2026 Qualifying Marks
In NATA 2026, students have to score the minimum marks in both Part A and Part B, as well as an overall qualifying score. These marks are set by the Council of Architecture (CoA) and apply to everyone. Just meeting these scores makes a student eligible for B.Arch admission, but it doesn’t promise a seat. Final admission depends on the student's rank and how many seats are available.
Note: Candidates failing to meet any one of the above criteria will be considered ineligible, even if the total score exceeds 70.
Read: NATA 2026 Cutoff
NATA 2026 Syllabus Overview
The NATA 2026 syllabus checks a student’s skills in areas like drawing, observation, creative thinking, and basic maths. It doesn’t follow any one board’s syllabus, but most maths questions are based on what’s taught in Classes 11 and 12 in CBSE and other state boards. The exam also has sections on logical thinking and visual awareness to test how well students understand architecture-related ideas.
Check: NATA 2026 Syllabus
NATA 2026 Preparation Tips
Understanding the NATA 2026 syllabus can make preparation much easier. Since the exam checks both thinking and creative skills, students should follow the official syllabus and look at past papers for better planning. The test includes questions from Mathematics, General Aptitude, and Drawing or Architecture Awareness, so it's important to prepare for both logic-based and creative sections.
- Stick to the official NATA syllabus to stay focused and avoid unnecessary topics.
- Study Class 11 & 12 Mathematics from NCERT or state board textbooks for strong conceptual grounding.
- Practice mental math, basic geometry, and 2D/3D visualization regularly to build spatial awareness.
- Develop sketching speed and accuracy by solving past NATA drawing questions and taking drawing mocks.
- Enhance your General Aptitude by exploring architecture basics, famous buildings, materials, and current trends.
- Solve NATA Question Papers of previous years to understand recurring themes and difficulty level.
- Attempt full-length mock tests to simulate actual exam conditions and improve time management.
- Create separate notes for architectural terms, key mathematical formulas, and visual memory references.
- Focus on time-bound drawing exercises to build confidence and composition skills under pressure.
- Regularly revise weak topics and review mistakes made during mocks or practice sessions.
- Stay updated with the official NATA portal for changes in pattern, syllabus, or test guidelines.
- Maintain a healthy study routine with breaks, creative refreshers, and mental relaxation to avoid burnout.
NATA 2026 Exam Pattern FAQs
What will be the mode of the NATA 2026 exam?
The NATA 2026 exam will be conducted in two parts. Part A is offline (pen and paper), while Part B is online (computer-based). Students must complete both to get a valid score.
How many questions will be asked in NATA 2026?
A total of 48 questions will appear in the test, 3 in Part A (Drawing) and 45 in Part B (Aptitude and Reasoning). Each section assesses different skills.
How will the NATA 2026 paper be structured?
The paper will be divided into two parts: Part A tests drawing skills, and Part B checks reasoning, aptitude, and perception. Both have separate timings and weightage.
How much time will be given for each part of the NATA exam?
Students will get 90 minutes for Part A and another 90 minutes for Part B. The total duration of the exam is 3 hours.
What types of questions appear in NATA 2026?
The paper includes multiple-choice, numerical, preferential choice, and drawing-based questions. These test both logical and creative abilities.
Will there be any negative marking in NATA 2026?
No, there will be no negative marking in NATA 2026. Students are not penalised for wrong answers.
What will be the marking scheme in NATA 2026?
In Part A, there will be two questions of 25 marks and one of 30 marks. In Part B, MCQs will carry either 2 or 4 marks depending on the type.
What will the total score in NATA 2026?
The exam will carry 200 marks in total, 80 from Part A and 120 from Part B. This score will be used for ranking.
What are the qualifying marks for NATA 2026?
Students must score at least 20 in Part A, 30 in Part B, and a total of 70 out of 200 to qualify. Missing any of these makes the score invalid.
How many times can a student appear for NATA 2026?
Candidates can appear up to three times. The highest score among the three is considered for admission.
What subjects are covered in NATA 2026?
The test covers Drawing, Logical Reasoning, General Aptitude, and Visual Perception. It also includes maths, basic architecture, and spatial understanding.
Does the NATA 2026 exam follow any board syllabus?
No, it does not follow any specific board. However, the maths questions are based on Class 11 and 12 syllabi of CBSE and state boards.