NATA 2027 not announced yet; 2026 brochure was released on 8 Mar 2026
NATA 2027
National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA)
NATA is the Council of Architecture's aptitude test for B.Arch admission. The 2026 test carried 200 marks: an 80-mark drawing paper and a 120-mark online adaptive test. This page also explains the JEE Main Paper 2A route to B.Arch.
- Conducted by
- Council of Architecture (CoA), New Delhi
- Mode
- Hybrid: Part A drawing test on paper at the centre, Part B computer-based adaptive test
- Frequency
- Once a year, with a main Phase 1 and a smaller Phase 2 for vacant seats
- Duration
- 3 hours (Part A 90 minutes, Part B 90 minutes)
NATA 2027 Preparation
Updated on 18 October 2026 · Compiled from official Council of Architecture notices
Preparation for NATA needs regular drawing practice along with reasoning and architecture awareness.
Part A: drawing
- Practise three timed tasks in 90 minutes: a coloured composition, a black and white sketch and a 3D model.
- Carry only the allowed tools: pencils, erasers, dry colours and a scale up to 15 cm.
- Sketch buildings, people, products and street scenes to improve scale, proportion, texture and shadow.
- Practise building 3D forms from simple materials, since the kit is provided at the centre.
Part B: aptitude
- Practise visual and spatial reasoning with 2D and 3D puzzles.
- Read about famous buildings, architects, materials and current design news.
- Brush up English grammar and meaning-based questions.
- Revise basic geometry and numerical reasoning.
- Practise on a computer so the adaptive format is familiar, at about 108 seconds per question.
Planning your attempts
In 2026 a candidate could take two attempts in Phase 1 and use the better raw score. A second attempt gives a second chance but also cancels a valid NATA 2025 score, so decide with that in mind. Use the official brochure and sample material on nata.in.