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NATA Marking Scheme 2026: Section-Wise Marks, Exam Pattern and Total Marks
September 12, 2025
Overview: Any competitive exam needs proper preparation and planning. Understanding the NATA Marking Scheme helps you to decide the priorities of the questions. In this article, let's look at the NATA Total Marks and Marking Scheme system.
The National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) is the entrance exam the Council of Architects (CoA) conducts annually. It helps candidates get admission into top architecture colleges across India.
With thousands of students applying for NATA every year, it is important to understand all the aspects of the exam. Let us look at the NATA Marking Scheme and the NATA Total Marks distribution to understand which questions should be prioritized and how to manage your time during the exam.
What is NATA Marking Scheme 2026?
The NATA marking scheme outlines how candidates are evaluated in the National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA). It comprises two parts: Part A (Drawing and Composition Test) and Part B (Multiple Choice Questions). Part A includes three drawing-based questions, while Part B assesses general aptitude through 45 MCQs. Each question carries either 2, 4, or 30 marks, depending on the section. Importantly, there is no negative marking for incorrect answers.
Check: Complete list of NATA colleges in india
The scheme also details tie-breaking rules and specifies that scores are valid for one year. Understanding the NATA Marking Scheme and the NATA Total Marks distribution helps aspirants plan their preparation and time management effectively, ensuring they aim for maximum marks.
NATA Marking Scheme 2026 - Overview
The NATA 2026 marking scheme is simple. There will be no negative marking in case the question is wrong. This is significant because even if you do not know the answer, you can try attempting the question.
Before diving deep into the NATA Total Marks distribution, let us look at the overall exam structure:
| Part | Area | No of Questions | Marks |
| Part A - Drawing and Composition Test | Composition and Colour | 1 | 25 marks |
| Sketching and Composition | 1 | 25 marks | |
| 3D Composition | 1 | 30 marks | |
| Part B - MCQs | General Aptitude | 30 Questions (2 marks) | 60 marks |
| 15 Questions (4 marks) | 60 marks |
Read more: Government colleges accepting NATA score
Use CreativEdge Free Resources 2026 Strategically
| NATA Mock Test | |
| NATA Preparation Video 2026 | |
| NATA Syllaus 2026 | |
| NATA PYQs |
NATA Marking Scheme 2026: Tie-breaking Procedure
If you and other students have scored the same NATA Total Marks in the NATA Entrance Exam 2026, the board will decide on whom to consider for admission based on the below-mentioned criteria:
- According to the NATA 2026 marking scheme, 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 the fewest wrong answers in the aptitude test will be considered.
- Those who have an earlier date of birth will be given first preference.
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NATA Marking Scheme 2026: Scores Validity
You will be allotted marks based on the NATA 2026 Total Marks scheme. As per the NATA Marking Scheme of NATA 2026, your score will be valid only for one year from the examination date.
NATA Aptitude Assessment 2026
According to the NATA marking scheme, candidates will be evaluated based on the following criteria, and the authorities will set the questions considering these factors -
| Aptitude Test Parameters | Testing Ability |
| Diagrammatic Reasoning | Uses diagrams and situations to assess the candidate's logical thinking abilities. |
| Logical Reasoning | Tests the ability of the candidate to perceive patterns, sequences, or correlations between forms and visuals is tested. |
| Verbal Reasoning | Assesses the candidate’s ability to evaluate verbal logic |
| Situational Judgment | Assesses the problem-solving ability of the candidate |
| Inductive Reasoning | This test assesses the candidate's ability to recognize patterns and analyze presented data. |
| Numerical Reasoning | Simple problems are used to assess the candidate's arithmetic competence. |
| Abstract Reasoning | This test evaluates the candidate's general knowledge and ability to apply information in new settings. |
Check: NATA Eligibility Criteria
Check: Enhance your preparation with the best online coaching for NATA
Negative Marking in NATA 2026
One of the most common queries among students is whether there is negative marking in the NATA marking scheme. The good news is that NATA has no negative marking. This feature encourages students to attempt all questions without the fear of losing marks. However, time management is still vital to attempt the maximum number of questions accurately.
NATA Exam 2026 Highlights
Applicants who wish to pursue B.Arch/B.Planning courses at various prestigious institutes can appear for the NATA 2026 Entrance Exam. The question paper will contain three sets: Drawing, PCM, and General Aptitude. According to the NATA marking scheme, drawing carries 80 marks, while PCM and General Aptitude each carry 60 marks.
Let's check the NATA 2026 Exam Pattern
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based |
| Offline Test | |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Medium | English Hindi |
| Section | Part A - Drawing and Composition Test |
| Part B - MCQs | |
| Total Number of Questions | 48 Questions |
| Maximum Marks | 200 marks |
| Qualifying Marks | 75 out of 200 |
NATA Syllabus 2026: Important Topics
CoA will publish the NATA syllabus for 2026 on the official website. The syllabus will allow candidates to view the courses, themes, and units that must be studied to pass the exam. The NATA marking scheme will also be made available, detailing how the exam is scored, including the weightage for different sections like Drawing, Mathematics, and General Knowledge. Understanding the marking scheme is essential for candidates to effectively manage their time and strategy during the exam
The candidates can comprehend the crucial concepts and prepare for the upcoming exam by knowing the syllabus in advance.
The following is the list of other topics mentioned by NATA officially as the NATA 2026 Syllabus
Prepare for your NATA 2026 focusing on the topics below:
| NATA Important Topics | |
| Mathematics | Colour theory |
| Physics and geometry | Visual perception and cognition |
| Language and interpretation | Graphics and imagery |
| Elements and principles of design | Building anatomy and architectural vocabulary |
| Aesthetic sensitivity | Basic building construction and knowledge of material |
| Lateral thinking and logical reasoning | General knowledge and current affairs |
Check: Short tricks to crack the NATA entrance exam on the first attempt
Conclusion
Understanding the NATA marking scheme is essential for the preparation.
- Understand the weightage of each section of the NATA exam (Drawing, Mathematics, General Aptitude).
- Allocate more time to sections you excel in, but don't neglect weaker areas. Practice effective time management during the exam to maximize your score.
- Consistent practice with mock tests and previous year's papers can improve speed and accuracy. Thoroughly understand the NATA syllabus to cover all the required topics.
Read more: How to prepare for NATA in 15 Days
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Vineeta Agrawal
Communications Executive
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