NATA is an aptitude test that assesses a candidate’s innate ability through a variety of testing formats and cannot be taught, learnt or induced. NATA measures the aptitude of the applicant for specific field of study i.e. Architecture, through assessment of cognitive skills, visual perception and aesthetic sensitivity tests, logical reasoning and critical thinking ability, etc., besides the learning that the candidate has acquired over the past few years and is related to the specific field of study.
NATA 2026 – Exam Pattern
Conducting Body: Council of Architecture (CoA) ITM
Total Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes)
• Part A – Drawing & Composition Test: 90 minutes
• Part B – MCQ/Objective Test: 90 minutes
Total Questions: Around 48 questions
• Part A – 3 drawing/composition tasks
• Part B – 45 objective questions (MCQs)
Break-Up of Sections & Questions
Part A – Drawing & Composition (Offline)
| Section | No. of Questions | Focus Area | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | 1 | Composition & Colour | 25 |
| A2 | 1 | Sketching & B/W Composition | 25 |
| A3 | 1 | 3D Composition | 30 |
| ➡ Total 3 Questions / 80 |
These tasks evaluate your visualisation, composition, scale, proportion, perspective, shading, and creative thinking.
Part B – Objective Test (Computer Based)
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| B1 – MCQ | 30 | 60 (2 marks each) |
| B2 – Higher Weight MCQ / Select | 15 | 60 (4 marks each) |
| ➡ Total 45 questions / 120 marks |
Overall Total Marks: 200 (80 + 120)
NATA 2026 – Syllabus / Topics Covered
NATA tests aptitude for architecture — focusing on creative, visual, analytical, and quantitative skills rather than memorisation. ITM
Part A – Drawing & Composition
Students may be tested on:
- 2D & 3D visual composition
- Freehand sketching
- Perspective drawing
- Texture, shade & shadowing
- Spatial understanding & proportions
Part B – Objective Aptitude Test
Typical topics include:
General Aptitude / Reasoning
- Visual reasoning
- Pattern recognition
- Analytical reasoning
- Logical thinking Manabadi
Mathematics
Key areas often include:
- Algebra
- Trigonometry
- Coordinate Geometry
- Statistics & Probability
- Calculus basics
- 3D geometry
Architectural Awareness & Creative Thinking
- Design sensitivity & thinking
- Observation & visual memory
- Basic architecture terminology
- Shape & form understanding
STUDY PLAN FOR NATA 2026
Option 1: 6-Month Smart Study Plan
Daily Time Commitment: 2.5–3 hours
Months 1–2: Foundation
- Drawing basics (1 hour daily)
- Mathematics basics (45 min)
- Visual reasoning practice (30 min)
- Architecture awareness (15 min)
Months 3–4: Skill Building
- Advanced drawing & compositions
- Full math syllabus coverage
- Architectural GK notes
- Weekly mock tests (section-wise)
Months 5–6: Exam Mode
- Daily drawing practice (timed)
- Full-length mock tests (2/week)
- Error analysis
- Speed improvement
- Previous year questions
Option 2: 3-Month Crash Plan
Daily: 3–4 Hours
- 90 min drawing
- 60 min math
- 45 min aptitude
- 30 min architecture GK
Weekly
- 2 full mock tests
- 1 drawing evaluation
Drawing Practice Schedule (Recommended)
| Day | Task |
|---|---|
| Mon | Still life |
| Tue | 2D colour composition |
| Wed | 3D composition |
| Thu | Perspective drawing |
| Fri | Theme-based scene |
| Sat | Mock drawing test |
| Sun | Review & improvement |
Important Tips for High Score
✔ Draw daily (even 30 min helps)
✔ Focus on clarity over detailing
✔ Don’t skip math basics
✔ Observe buildings, spaces, objects
✔ Solve previous NATA papers
✔ Time management is key
