Exam Pattern
Full page
NATA 2027 status (checked 15 October 2026): The Council of Architecture has not yet released the NATA 2027 information brochure. Wherever this page refers to NATA 2026, the information is from the previous cycle and is given for reference only. It may change for 2027.
Key Takeaways
Part A: offline drawing test, 80 marks, 90 minutes.
Part B: computer-based adaptive test, 120 marks, 50 questions, 90 minutes.
About 108 seconds per Part B question (2026).
NATA 2027 Exam Pattern
NATA assesses drawing ability and design aptitude along with reasoning and numerical skills. The NATA 2027 exam pattern will be confirmed in the official brochure. The pattern below is from NATA 2026.
NATA Exam Pattern: Overview
Feature | NATA 2026 |
|---|---|
Total duration | 3 hours (Part A: 90 minutes; Part B: 90 minutes) |
Total marks | 200 (Part A: 80; Part B: 120) |
Part A mode | Offline drawing and composition test on paper/base supplied at the centre |
Part B mode | Computer-based adaptive test |
Part B questions | 50 questions: 42 MCQs and 8 NCQs |
Time per question (Part B) | 108 seconds |
Medium | English and Hindi |
Negative marking | Not mentioned in the 2026 brochure |
Part A: Drawing and Composition Test
Part A is an offline test of drawing, composition and visualisation. It has three questions and carries 80 marks.
Section | Task | Marks |
|---|---|---|
A1 | Composition and Colour | 25 |
A2 | Sketching and Composition (Black and White) | 25 |
A3 | 3D Composition (using the kit provided) | 30 |
Total | 80 | |
Candidates must use only the paper or base supplied at the test centre. They may bring pencils, erasers, dry colours and a scale of up to 15 cm.
Part B: Aptitude Test
Part B is a computer-based adaptive test carrying 120 marks. In 2026, it had 50 questions to be answered in 90 minutes, with a time limit of 108 seconds per question.
Section | Question type | Number of questions (2026) |
|---|---|---|
B1 | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | 42 |
B2 | Numerical / No-Choice Questions (NCQs) | 8 |
Total | 50 | |
Note: one section of the 2026 brochure (on compensatory time) refers to 40 MCQs and 10 NCQs, while the main exam-pattern table states 42 and 8. Candidates should confirm the 2027 pattern in the official brochure.
Areas Tested in Part B
Visual reasoning
Logical derivation
General knowledge, architecture and design
Language interpretation
Design sensitivity and thinking
Numerical ability
NATA Marking Scheme
NATA is scored out of 200. Part A is worth 80 marks and Part B 120 marks. The 2026 brochure does not mention negative marking. In 2026, results were reported as raw scores and percentiles (see Results and Scorecard).
Compensatory Time for Eligible Candidates
In 2026, eligible candidates with a valid disability certificate received 30 minutes of compensatory time for the drawing test. Scribe provisions for the online test were available under the conditions specified in the brochure.
How to Prepare for the NATA Exam Pattern
Practise timed drawing for each of A1, A2 and A3.
Work on speed for Part B, as each question has a fixed time limit.
Read about architecture, design and well-known buildings to build general awareness.
Take full-length practice tests to manage the 3-hour duration.
Next: read the NATA Syllabus.
Pro Tip: Practise Part B questions against a 108-second timer so the real test does not feel rushed.
Official Website
For the latest NATA information, refer to the official resources:
NATA website: https://www.nata.in
Council of Architecture: https://www.coa.gov.in
NATA 2026 information brochure (previous cycle): Download PDF
Candidates should verify every detail on the official website before registering or paying any fee.
Need Help with NATA Preparation?
Eduspray India can help students understand NATA requirements, shortlist architecture colleges and plan their admission applications. Use the College Predictor, compare colleges or explore top colleges in India.
