NATA
Mandatory aptitude test for admission to the five-year B.Arch programme at Council of Architecture (CoA)-approved colleges (except where JEE Main Paper 2 is used, such as NITs and SPAs).
Eligibility
Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics and at least 45% aggregate in PCM and overall, or a 10+3 diploma with Mathematics. Candidates may appear while in Class 12. Multiple attempts within a cycle are allowed and the best score counts; the score is valid for two years.
Age limit: No age limit
Exam pattern
200 marks in 3 hours. Part A (80 marks, 90 minutes) is an offline drawing and composition test: colour composition, black-and-white sketching and a 3D composition task. Part B (120 marks, 90 minutes) is computer-based with multiple-choice and numerical-answer questions on diagrammatic reasoning, numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, inductive reasoning, situational judgement and logical reasoning. Qualifying requires minimum marks in both parts and about 70/200 overall.
Syllabus at a glance
Drawing tests perspective, proportion, light and shade, colour theory, composition and 3D visualisation. Aptitude covers spatial and diagrammatic reasoning, basic mathematics, general awareness of architecture and buildings, verbal reasoning and logical reasoning.
Upcoming dates
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| NATA 2027 brochure and registration opens | Feb - Mar 2027 | expected |
| Phase 1 tests (Fridays and Saturdays) | Apr - Jun 2027 | expected |
| Phase 2 test | Jul - Aug 2027 | expected |
| Results (released after each test) | Within about a week of each test | expected |
Expected dates follow the usual calendar; confirm on the official notification before planning.
Free prep material
Standard books
- A Complete Self Guide for B.Arch Entrance Examination - P.K. Mishra (Arihant)
- Perspective Made Easy - Ernest R. Norling
- Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain - Betty Edwards
- A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning - R.S. Aggarwal
- NCERT Mathematics Class 11 and 12 - NCERT
How toppers play it
- Part A is 40% of the score: do at least one timed composition daily, alternating colour, monochrome sketching and 3D tasks.
- Master one-point and two-point perspective and memory drawing of everyday scenes; these underpin most drawing prompts.
- Part B is adaptive and computer-based, so practise diagrammatic and spatial puzzles (folding, rotations, hidden figures) under time pressure.
- Take an early test in Phase 1; if the score disappoints, you can reattempt later in the cycle and the best score is kept.
- Check whether target colleges use NATA or JEE Main Paper 2A and prepare for both if needed.