The National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) is organized by the Council of Architecture, which serves as the authoritative body for establishing norms and standards for architectural institutions and possesses the expertise necessary to conduct a nationwide Common Aptitude Test in Architecture. This initiative aims to create a single platform for students to take the aptitude test, benefiting institutions, students, and the general public in the admission process for the first year of the 5-year B.Arch Degree Course across all recognized institutions in the country.
NATA was introduced by the Council in 2006 in response to requests from various architecture schools in the country for a unified Architecture Entrance Test for entry into the first year of the 5-year B.Arch degree program. The Council’s primary goal was to alleviate the difficulties and significant costs faced by students seeking admission to architecture programs, as they had to apply to multiple schools’ individual aptitude tests and travel extensively across India to take these examinations, often limiting their chances of applying to their preferred schools. Additionally, this initiative eliminated the unnecessary effort of different schools and authorities conducting their own aptitude tests while also seeking the Council’s assistance in managing their assessments.
NATA 2026 Regulations:
Since its inception in 2006, NATA has been administered annually by the Council in accordance with the Council of Architecture (Minimum Standards of Architectural Education) Regulations, 1983, as published in the Gazette of India.
These Regulations state that candidates must pass an Aptitude Test in Architecture, which can be administered either by NTA (namely, JEE) or by NATA, conducted by the Council, for admission into the Architecture degree course.
NATA evaluates the applicant’s aptitude for the field of Architecture through assessments of cognitive abilities, visual perception, aesthetic sensitivity, logical reasoning, and critical thinking skills, in addition to the knowledge that candidates have gained over the years.
NATA 2026 Registration:
The registration link for NATA 2026 will be available online at nata.in. The application form for NATA 2026 is expected to be released in February 2026. Completing and submitting the NATA application form is necessary to take part in the examination. The official notification for NATA 2026 will be published on the website. The NATA examination will take place on a Friday and Saturday. Candidates can access their NATA 2026 admit card online 2-3 days before their chosen examination slot. When attending the NATA exam, candidates must bring their NATA admit card 2026 along with a valid form of identification.
The format of the NATA exam has been updated, and the question paper will consist of two parts: Drawing and Composition (online format) and Multiple Choice Questions (offline format). Candidates can check their scores and ranks after the NATA 2026 results are announced. Participants are allowed to take NATA 2026 in up to three sessions, with the best score out of those three being used for result evaluation. Achieving a passing score in NATA 2026 is required for admission into the BArch programs at various colleges throughout India. There will be no centralized counseling for candidates who have qualified for NATA 2026.
This is general information. NATA Rules and Regulations may vary. DCSAAD is not accountable for any such modifications made. For more details, visit the official website – NATA
