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

What is NATA Exam Pattern 2026?

Quick Answer: The NATA 2026 exam pattern consists of two parts - a Drawing and Composition Test and a computer-based aptitude test. The exam carries a total of 200 marks and is conducted in a hybrid format with offline drawing tasks and online MCQ and NCQ adaptive questions designed to assess creativity, spatial visualization, and architectural aptitude.

The Council of Architecture will publish the NATA 2026 exam pattern for NATA 2026 in the official notification on the official website by around 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.

Download Free Study Material for NATA 2026 by CreativeEdge

NATA 2026 Exam Pattern Overview

According to the latest official exam structure, the NATA 2026 exam carries a total of 200 marks and is conducted in a hybrid format that includes both offline drawing tasks and a computer-based aptitude test.

The NATA exam pattern is officially designed and regulated by the Council of Architecture (COA), which is the governing authority responsible for architecture education and entrance testing in India.

The NATA 2026 exam pattern described on this page follows the latest structure outlined in the official NATA brochure published on the official portal, nata.in. Candidates are always advised to refer to the official notification and brochure released by COA for the most accurate and updated exam pattern details.

Feature	Details
Exam Name	National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA)
Total Marks	200 Marks
Total Duration	180 Minutes (3 Hours)
Exam Mode	Hybrid – Offline Drawing + Computer-Based Test
Sections	Drawing and Composition Test, Aptitude Test (MCQ+NCQ)
Conducting Body	Council of Architecture (COA)
Negative Marking	No negative marking expected

How many questions are in NATA?

The NATA exam includes a combination of drawing tasks and aptitude-based objective questions. Part A contains drawing and composition tasks, while Part B includes multiple-choice and adaptive NCQ questions covering logical reasoning, visual analysis, language interpretation, and numerical ability. The exact number of objective questions may vary due to the adaptive test format.

Is NATA online or offline?

NATA follows a hybrid exam pattern. The drawing and composition section is conducted offline using pen-and-paper format, while the aptitude section is conducted as a computer-based test with MCQ and NCQ questions.

What is the Marking Scheme in NATA 2026 Exam Pattern?

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

Which Means:

"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."

• 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.

Download PYPs with Solution for NATA 2026 by CreativeEdge

NATA 2026 Section Wise Weightage Distribution

Section	Question Format	Weightage in Total Marks	Evaluation Method
Drawing and Composition	Sketching, composition, spatial visualization	40%	Subjective evaluation
Aptitude MCQ	Logical reasoning, visual reasoning, architecture awareness	Part of 60%	Objective scoring
Adaptive NCQ	Cognitive skills, visual analysis	Part of 60%	Computer-based evaluation

Types of Questions Asked in NATA Exam Pattern

Question Type	What It Tests	Preparation Focus
Drawing and Composition Tasks	Creativity, visualization, design sensitivity	Practice perspective, composition, shading
MCQ Questions	Analytical reasoning and observation	Improve accuracy and speed
NCQ Adaptive Questions	Cognitive ability and spatial logic	Practice visual analysis and problem-solving

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

NATA 2026 Exam Pattern - Final Score Validity

Those candidates who have already appeared for NATA 2025, gave one, two, or three attempts and obtained a valid NATA scorecard, may also apply for NATA 2026. However, if they wish to avail their scores in the three attempts of NATA 2025, their 2026 scores will be frozen.

Their NATA 2026 score shall be calculated/determined as under, depending upon number of attempts:

Appeared in NATA 2025	Attempts in NATA 2026	Final Score
Obtained a valid 2025 score	1st Attempt	Better of both scores of NATA 2025 & 2026
	1st & 2nd Attempt	Best of three scores of NATA 2025 & 2026
	1st, 2nd & 3rd Attempt	Best of three scores of NATA 2026 (NATA 2025 score shall be rendered invalid)

NATA 2026 Exam Pattern 2026 - Complete Syllabus Breakdown

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.

Check: Expected NATA 2026 Cut Off

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.

Check: NATA Previous Year Question Papers

Attempt Free Mock Tests for 100%-ile NATA

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.

NATA 2026 Exam Pattern vs Previous Years - Official Pattern Comparison

The NATA 2026 exam pattern is expected to follow the structure introduced in recent years, where the exam is divided into two major parts - Drawing and Composition Test and the Computer-Based Adaptive Aptitude Test. According to the official NATA website, the exam consists of a 200-mark structure with clear section-wise weightage and hybrid testing format.

One of the most important updates introduced in the recent structure is the inclusion of a 3D modelling and composition component within the Part A drawing section, which evaluates spatial visualization and practical creativity.

Comparing the NATA 2026 exam pattern with the official 2025 and 2024 structures helps aspirants understand how drawing weightage, question types, and evaluation methods have evolved.

NATA Exam Pattern Comparison (2026 vs 2025 vs 2024)

Feature	NATA 2026 Exam Pattern (Expected)	NATA 2025 Exam Pattern	NATA 2024 Exam Pattern
Total Marks	200 Marks	200 Marks	200 Marks
Total Duration	180 Minutes (3 Hours)	180 Minutes	180 Minutes
Part A - Drawing Section	Drawing, composition, 3D modelling and visualization tasks	NATA Drawing and Composition Test with 3D modelling component introduced	Drawing-focused evaluation with composition and visualization
Part A Weightage	80 Marks	80 Marks	80 Marks
Part B - Aptitude Section	MCQ + NCQ adaptive aptitude test	MCQ + NCQ adaptive test	MCQ + NCQ aptitude format
Part B Weightage	120 Marks	120 Marks	120 Marks
Exam Mode	Hybrid (Offline Drawing + CBT Aptitude)	Hybrid Mode	Hybrid Mode
Evaluation Style	Subjective drawing + adaptive objective scoring	Same evaluation method continued	Same evaluation method

Evolution of Part A Drawing Section (Key Change)

Year	Major Drawing Component Focus	Preparation Impact
NATA 2024	Composition, perspective, visualization	Focus on sketching clarity and spatial imagination
NATA 2025	Addition of 3D modelling and practical design evaluation	Increased emphasis on spatial construction and real-world architectural thinking
NATA 2026 (Expected)	Continuation of 3D modelling with composition tasks	Candidates should practice object construction, depth, and structural visualization

The addition of the 3D modelling component reflects a shift toward assessing practical architectural skills instead of only observational drawing.

Read more: Best Architecture Colleges in India

Question Format Evolution in NATA

Change Area	What Has Changed	Preparation Implication
Adaptive NCQ Questions	Introduced to test cognitive ability	Focus on analytical thinking
Hybrid Exam Mode	Offline drawing + CBT aptitude	Practice both digital and manual skills
Balanced Evaluation	Creativity + reasoning combined	Maintain equal preparation for both sections

Key Pattern Trends Leading into NATA 2026

• The exam continues to maintain a balanced evaluation between creative drawing and aptitude reasoning.
• Adaptive NCQ questions remain a major shift, testing analytical thinking rather than rote memorisation.
• Drawing weightage is stable at 80 marks, confirming its continued importance for architecture aspirants.
• The hybrid mode reinforces the need for both manual sketching practice and digital aptitude preparation.

Check: Best study timetable for the NATA exam

Download NATA Drawing Question Paper PDF

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.

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Check: Best books for NATA Preparation

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.

Preparing for NATA 2026? We can help you with exact strategic roadmap, study material and crucial feedback required to ace this exam.

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