NATA 2026 Eligibility Criteria, Syllabus & Preparation Tips
National Aptitude test in Architecture
NATA Eligibility Criteria 2026
NATA is a qualifying aptitude test for admission to the B.Arch. program. To be eligible, candidates must have passed or be appearing in 10+2 with PCM or a 10+3 Diploma in Mathematics. Additionally, candidates should secure a minimum of 45% marks in the qualifying exams.
National Aptitude test in Architecture
NATA Eligibility
The NATA Exam Eligibility Criteria highlights are given below in the table:
Specific Criteria | NATA 2026 Exam Eligibility |
Qualifying Exam | 10+2/10+3 Diploma passed/appearing |
Subjects Required | Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory Subjects |
Marks Required | 50% in Physics, Chemistry, Maths/50% in 10+2/10+3 Diploma |
Age Limit | No Age Limit specified to appear for NATA |
NATA Exam Eligibility 2026 for Students of International/ NRI Status
For the international students or NRI students, NATA exam eligibility marks remain the same as it is for Indian students. There is no different eligibility for NATA for International/ NRI candidates.
Other Important Details of the Eligibility Criteria for the NATA Exam
Important details of the eligibility criteria for the NATA exam are given below in the table:
Category / Criteria | Eligibility / Relaxation Details |
SC / ST / OBC-NCL / PwD Candidates | 5% relaxation in aggregate marks at the 10+2 level or 10+3 Diploma, including PCM subjects. |
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma | Eligible if completed/appearing after 10 years of schooling with at least 50% aggregate marks and Mathematics as a compulsory subject. |
NATA Entrance Exam Eligibility | No relaxation or change in eligibility criteria for SC, ST, OBC, or other special categories. |
Reservation at the Admission Stage | Candidates can apply for reservation schemes as per the rules of the respective admission authorities. |
National Aptitude test in Architecture
NATA Syllabus
NATA 2026 will be conducted as a comprehensive aptitude test consisting of part A in offline mode and part B in online mode. Here is the descriptive NATA 2026 syllabus.
Section | Subsection |
Part A – Drawing | A1 – Composition & Colour Test |
A2 – Sketching & Composition (B/W) | |
A3 – 3D Composition | |
Part B – MCQs | Visual Reasoning |
Logical Derivation | |
G.K. Architecture & Design | |
Language Interpretation | |
Design Sensitivity | |
Design Thinking | |
Numerical Ability |
Subjects and their topics are given in the table in detail:
Subject | Topics |
Mathematics | Logarithms, Algebra, Matrices, Coordinate Geometry, Trigonometry, 3-Dimensional Co-ordinate geometry, Application of Calculus, Theory of Calculus, Statistics, Permutation and combination, and Probability. |
Drawing Test | Geometric composition, understanding scale and proportion of objects, shape, building forms and elements, color texture, aesthetics, harmony, and control. Drawing of patterns – both geometrical and abstract. Conceptualization and visualization through structuring objects in memory. Form transformations in 2D and 3D, like union, subtraction, rotation, surfaces, and volumes. Creating 2D and 3D compositions using given shapes and forms. Perspective drawing, Sketching of urban scape and landscape. Generating plans, elevations, and 3D views of objects. Common day-to-day life objects like furniture, equipment, etc., are remembered from memory. |
General Aptitude | Visualizing three-dimensional objects from two-dimensional drawings, and the Interpretation of pictorial compositions. Objects, textures related to architecture & built environment. Analytical reasoning, general awareness of national/international architects and famous architectural creations, mental ability (visual, numerical, and verbal) etc. |
National Aptitude test in Architecture
NATA Preparation Tips
NATA 2025 is a popular exam among B. Arch aspirants, by following the NATA Preparation Tips 2025, you can make a well-strategised study plan which will surely help them to get more marks in the exam. Here are the following tips :
1. Understand the Exam Structure & Pattern
Exam structure & pattern are given in the table below:
Section | Mode | Content / Focus Areas | Format |
Part A – Drawing & Composition | Offline (pen & paper) | Colour composition Black & white sketch 3D composition | 3 Questions |
Part B – Aptitude, Maths & Reasoning | Online (computer-based) | General Aptitude Logical Reasoning Mathematics (Class 10–12) General Knowledge & Design Awareness | 50 MCQs/NCQs |
2. Make your personalized study plan
- Begin the preparation at least 6-7 months before the exam.
- Design your study plan with or without a coach, and be disciplined.
- Divide the subjects in a daily study schedule like the one suggested below.
Focus Area | Daily Hours |
Drawing & Visual Composition | 1.5 – 2 |
Maths & Logical Aptitude | 1.5 – 2 |
Cognitive Skills | 1 |
Architecture Awareness & GK | 0.5 – 1 |
Revision | 1 |
Mock Tests/Previous Papers | 1 – 2 |
Note - You may follow the given timetable as a reference.
3. Solve mock tests and sample papers
- Candidates are advised to give regular mocks and give them an idea to revise specific topics as per their requirement.
- Candidates should solve 15-20 sample papers to identify the challenging areas. It would also help to improve their management skills.
4. Regular revision
- Revise regularly and systematically, keep your focus on revising formulas, drawing strategies, and GK snippets.
- Do not follow multiple sources and new content before the exam. Stick to your notes, which you made during the preparation.
National Aptitude test in Architecture
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