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Updated By Soham Mitra on 08 Oct, 2025 16:23
As per the NATA 2026 exam pattern, the exam will be conducted in computer-based mode and offline mode as well, for 200 marks for 3 hours, and there will be a total of 48 questions in the exam. The drawing and composition exam is conducted in offline mode, and the MCQ and NCQ exam is conducted in computer-based adaptive mode.
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As per latest NATA exam pattern 2026, there will be two parts to the NATA 2026 exam: Part A includes a Drawing and Composition Test, and Part B consists of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ). The drawing section, which was introduced last year, will be held in offline mode and the MCQ section will be held in online mode. The total duration of the paper will be 3 hours. The NATA 2026 exam will be administered in the English and Hindi languages. You will be able to appear in a maximum of 3 attempts of NATA in one academic year. NATA exam total marks are 200, out of which students will be required to score the minimum qualifying marks. The Council of Architecture has also introduced a list of new changes in NATA 2026 mentioned in detail in its information brochure.
According to the exam pattern for NATA 2026, the questions will be aimed at examining your knowledge of fundamental ideas in mathematics, physics, geometry, language and interpretation, elements and principles of design, aesthetic sensibility, color theory, and other related topics.
The NATA 2026 exam pattern allows you to know the small details that are important from the exam point of view. Refer to the table below to have a comprehensive idea of the exam pattern of NATA 2026 and start exam preparation well in advance to be successful.
Features | NATA 2026 Exam Pattern |
|---|---|
Mode of Exam | Drawing and Composition Test: Offline Mode MCQ and NCQ Test: Computer-Based Adaptive Mode |
Medium of Exam | English and Hindi |
Maximum Marks | 200 Part A: 80 Marks Part B: 120 Marks |
Question Type |
|
Exam Duration | 3 hours |
Number of Questions | 48 Questions Part A: 3 Questions |
CoA has introduced a separate new section of drawing in the NATA exam pattern. Take a glance at the table given below for a detailed understanding of the NATA 2026 exam pattern.
PART A of the NATA 2026 exam will include 3 sections that you have to attempt. The duration of the Drawing and Composition Test section is 90 minutes.
Section No. | Number of Questions | Name of Section | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
A1 | 1 Question | Composition and Color | 25 Marks |
A2 | 1 Question | Sketching & Composition (Black and White) | 25 Marks |
A3 | 1 Question | 3D Composition | 30 Marks |
Total | 3 Questions | - | 80 Marks |
Part B of the NATA exam 2026 will be held online and include MCQ questions related to design thinking, visual reasoning, language interpretation, design sensitivity, etc. The total duration of NATA Part B is 90 minutes.
Section No. | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
B1 | 30 questions x 2 Marks | 60 Marks |
B2 | 15 questions x 4 Marks | 60 Marks |
Total | 45 Questions | 120 Marks |
Quick Link: NATA 2026Rank Predictor
The NATA exam 2026 will be held for a total of 200 marks. Part A will be held for 80 marks and Part B will be held for 120 marks. Check the NATA marking scheme 2026 below.
Part | Paper Name | Number of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
Part A - Drawing and Composition Test | Composition and Colour | 1 | 25 marks |
Sketching and Composition | 1 | 25 marks | |
3D Composition | 1 | 30 marks | |
Part B - MCQs | General Aptitude | 30 Questions x 2 marks | 60 marks |
15 Questions x 4 marks | 60 marks |
NATA exam is not like any other exam that assesses only the textbook knowledge, it rather analyzes the cognitive skills, visual perception, critical thinking ability, etc. Therefore, the questions asked in the NATA exam are different from those of other entrance exams. According to the NATA exam pattern 2026, the aptitude and drawing skills of the participants will be accessed as per certain techniques which are stated below.
Go through the NATA 2026 syllabus mentioned below.
| Section Number | Section Name | Questions Type |
|---|---|---|
| A 1 | Composition and Color | Creating suitable compositions for various situations and coloring them appropriately. Re-arranging various shapes in a visually appealing manner and coloring them suitably. |
| A 2 | Sketching & Composition (Black and White)- | Ability to draw, visualize, depict a situation, involving buildings / its components, people, environment, products with an understanding of scale, proportions, textures, shades, and shadow, etc. |
| A 3 | 3D Composition-30 Marks | Using the offered kit, the participants will be asked to create an intriguing 3D composition for the specified circumstances. |
Section Name | Type of Question |
|---|---|
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 concluding. |
Language Interpretation | Ability to correctly & logically generate meaning of words, and sentences, and understanding English grammar. |
Design Sensitivity | Ability to observe record and analyze, people, space, products, and environment. Critical thinking, reasoning, and ability to identify subtle communications. |
Design Thinking | Ability to understand semantics, metaphors, problem identification and definition, and analysis of a given situation. |
G.K., Architecture & Design | General awareness of architecture and design, current issues, recent episodes, etc., Knowledge about important buildings, historical progression, innovation in materials, and, construction technology. |
Numerical Ability | Basic Mathematics and its association with creative thinking. To unfold a space with use other off geometry. |
Want to know more about NATA
If you study the complete NATA syllabus well, solve mock tests, previous year papers, do revision, and work on your mistakes you can crack the NATA exam easily.
The paper pattern of NATA 2026 is divided into two parts. Part A is the -Drawing and Composition Test which will be held in offline mode for a total of 90 minutes. Part B includes MCQ questions from Visual Reasoning, Logical Derivation, G.K., Architecture & Design, G.K., Architecture & Design, etc.
Yes, you are required to check the NATA exam pattern to understand how the NATA entrance examination takes place. Through the exam pattern of NATA, you will know the nature of the questions, duration of the exam, medium of instruction, sections, marking scheme, etc.
NATA exam pattern is released by the conducting body on the official website nata.in.
The NATA 2025 examination will be conducted in English and Hindi language.
A total of 48 questions will be asked in the NATA 2026 exam.
The NATA 2026 exam will be conducted for the duration of 3 hours.
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