NATA — National Aptitude Test in Architecture

Status checked: 15 Oct 2026. Official site: nata.in

Quick Facts

2027 Status (expected)

Eligibility (B.Arch admission rules)

• Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, at least 50% in PCM aggregate and 50% overall in Class 12, or
• A 3-year Diploma with Mathematics, at least 50%.
• No upper age limit. Students appearing in Class 12 can apply provisionally.
• Qualifying marks: the 2025 rule was at least 20 in each part and 60/200 overall. One 2026 analysis says the minimum qualifying marks were removed in 2026. Check the 2027 brochure.

Exam Pattern (2025–26, expected for 2027)

• Part A comes first, then a 10-minute break (you can't leave the centre), then Part B.
• No negative marking. Part B is offered in English and Hindi.

Syllabus — Topics

Part A — Drawing & Composition

• Composition and colour (2D design, colour harmony)
• Sketching and composition (black & white): memory drawing, perspective, light and shadow, scenes from daily life
• 3D composition: creating forms using provided materials or models

Part B — Aptitude (MCQ/NCQ)

• Diagrammatic reasoning, numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, inductive reasoning, situational judgement, logical reasoning, abstract reasoning
• Basic maths and general aptitude, architecture GK (famous buildings, architects, materials), visual perception, sense of scale, proportion and colour

Preparation Timeline

• Start drawing practice at least 6–12 months ahead. Class 11 is ideal. Drawing skill takes time to build.
• Every day: 1–2 sketches (perspective, objects, people, scenes) and a colour composition.
• Class 12 (Dec–Mar): aptitude practice plus architecture GK.
• Use multiple attempts: take the first test early, then try to improve in later attempts.

Tips: Learn 1-point and 2-point perspective, shading and proportion. Keep a sketchbook. Study famous Indian and world architects (Le Corbusier, B.V. Doshi, Charles Correa, Zaha Hadid, and others). Time management in the drawing section is key.

Books

• A Complete Self Guide for B.Arch (P.K. Mishra, Arihant)
• NATA & JEE Main Paper 2 Drawing Test (Arihant / Ar. Shadab Anwar)
• Past NATA question papers