NATA Exam Pattern 2026: Marking scheme, Topic-Wise Weightage, Marks, Number of Questions

Summary: This Year, the Council of Architecture changed the exam pattern of the NATA. Let's understand the changes made to the NATA Exam Pattern 2026 and how to prepare and crack the exam with excellent scores effectively. 

The Council of Architecture will publish the NATA 2026 exam pattern for NATA 2026 in the official notification on the official website by around January to February 2026. The NATA exam paper pattern depicts the structure of the question paper, number of questions, total marks, marking scheme, etc.

In 2025, the NATA paper pattern was revised, and the NATA entrance exam was conducted in both computer-based and offline mode. Let's dive into the post to know the detailed NATA Exam pattern for the NATA Entrance Exam 2026.

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NATA Exam Pattern 2026 Highlights

The NATA 2026 Exam Pattern is designed to evaluate a candidate’s aptitude for architecture through a computer-based test. The exam will consist of multiple-choice questions (MCQs), multiple-select questions (MSQs), preferential choice questions (PCQs), and numerical answer type (NAQ) questions. It will assess logical reasoning, visual perception, design sensitivity, analytical ability, general knowledge, and mathematics.

The test duration is expected to be three hours, carrying a total of 200 marks. Questions will vary in marks depending on their complexity. This structure ensures a holistic assessment of creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills essential for pursuing architecture.

Check the table explaining the National Aptitude Test in Architecture 2026.

Section	Type of Questions	Number of Questions	Marks	Mode	Duration
Part-A	A1 – Composition & Color	1	25	Offline	90 Minutes
	A2 – Sketching & Composition (Black & White)	1	25
	A3 – 3D Composition	1	30
Total Part-A		3 Questions	80 Marks
Part-B	B1 – MCQ	42	120	Computer-based Adaptive Test	90 Minutes (108 Seconds for each question)
	B2 – NCQ	08
Total Part-B		50 Questions	120 marks

Grand Total Marks (Part-A + Part-B) = 200 marks

Medium of language: English & Hindi

The key highlights of the NATA Exam Pattern for NATA Exam 2026 are as follows:

• As per the new NATA paper pattern from 2025, there will be two sections in the exam, meaning the questions are only asked from both aptitude and drawing.
• Although 2026 NATA exam official notification will be released around January to February in 2026, the 2025 NATA exam pattern will most probably be adopted in 2026 as well.
• The question paper will have multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and numerical answer type questions (NAQs).
• There will be a total of 53 questions for 200 marks.
• There will be no negative marking in NATA 2026.
• The exam is conducted in both Hindi & English language.

"The question paper will have a total of 53 questions for 200 marks. As per the NATA Exam Pattern, no marks will be deducted for wrongly answered questions."

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NATA 2026 Exam pattern - Assessment factors

In the NATA aptitude test, you will be assessed on your general knowledge, mathematics, and drawing.

As per the 2025 NATA exam pattern and syllabus, you will be tested on the following topics. As per the previous year NATA question paper, Syllabus for NATA 2026 is provided below:

Part- A Syllabus: Drawing and Composition Test

Part-A sections	Content
A1 - Composition and Color	Creating suitable compositions for various situations and coloring them. Re-arranging various shapes in a visually appealing manner and coloring it suitably.
A2 - Sketching and Composition (Black & White)	Ability to draw, visualize, depict a situation, involving buildings/its components, people, environment, products with an understanding of scale, properties, textures, shades, shadows, etc.
A3 - 3D Composition	Creating interesting 3D compositions for the given situation using the provided kit.

PART B Syllabus: General Aptitude

Part-B sections	Content
Visual Reasoning	Ability to understand and reconstruct 2D and 3D  composition, knowledge about its composition and technical concepts
Logical Derivation	Ability to decode a situation, composition, context, and generate meaning. Understanding the minute information hidden in a particular situation and drawing conclusions.
G.K., Architecture & Design	General awareness of architecture and design, current trends, and recent issues. Knowledge about important buildings, historical progressions, and innovation in materials and construction technology.
Language Interpretation	Ability to correctly and logically generate the meaning of words and sentences, understanding of English grammar.
Design Sensitivity and Thinking	Ability to observe, record, and analyze people, space, products, and the environment. Critical thinking, reasoning, and the ability to identify the subtle communications. Ability to understand semantics, metaphors, problem identification and definition, and analysis of a given situation.
Numerical Ability	Basic Mathematics and its association with creative thinking. To unfold a space with use of geometry.

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NATA Exam Pattern 2026 - Tie-breaking Procedure

If you and other students have scored the same marks in NATA Entrance Exam 2026, then the board will decide on whom to consider for admission based on the below-mentioned criteria:

• Authorities will consider the highest marks in mathematics.
• The exam conducting body will consider the one with fewer wrong answers in the mathematics section.
• If the tie still exists, the highest marks in the Aptitude Test will be considered.
• The one with fewer wrong answers in the Aptitude Test will be considered.
• Those who have an earlier date of birth will be given first preference.

Check: Short tricks to crack the NATA exam on the first attempt

NATA Exam Pattern 2026: Scores Validity

In the aptitude test, you will be allotted marks based on the number of correct answers.

As per the NATA 2026 Exam Pattern, the score will be valid only for admission in session 2026.

Check: Best books for NATA Preparation

NATA Marking Scheme 2026

To understand the marking scheme, you must know the questions' type and weightage.

The NATA Question Paper consists of 1-mark, 2, and 3 marks questions. However, the Council of Architecture did not specify the number of questions under each section.

The question paper will have a total of 125 questions for 200 marks. As per the NATA Exam Pattern 2026, no marks for wrongly answered questions will be deducted.

Is NATA Exam Easy to Crack on the First Attempt?

Since NATA is considered one of India's toughest architecture entrance exams, most of you might wonder how to crack the exam on the first attempt. If you are proficient in free-hand sketching and aptitude testing, you can easily get accepted into one of the best institutions. 

Understanding the NATA exam pattern, which includes sections on mathematics, general aptitude, and drawing, will further help you focus your preparation and excel in the exam.

As per experts, the NATA exam question paper pattern can be tricky so students should try to solve as many NATA aptitude questions as possible to enhance their aptitude skills.

According to the NATA 2026 exam pattern, there will be questions only based on general aptitude, and the NATA entrance exam will have no negative marking.

Hence, it is a good opportunity for all of you to attempt the maximum number of questions, as there is no negative marking.

Check: Best study timetable for the NATA exam

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Conclusion

In conclusion, the NATA 2026 exam pattern is one of architecture students' most comprehensive entrance exams.

It provides a fair and equal opportunity for students to showcase their skills and aptitude for architecture.

The NATA exam pattern pdf is designed to test the student’s overall knowledge, which includes knowledge in mathematics, drawing, and general aptitude.

With the right preparation and dedication, the NATA exam pattern for 2026 can be a great stepping stone for aspiring architects.

Check: Logical Reasoning Questions for NATA