The National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) is a national-level entrance examination conducted by the Council of Architecture (CoA), New Delhi, for admission into B.Arch (Bachelor of Architecture) programs across India. Introduced in 2006, NATA evaluates drawing skills, observation abilities, aesthetic sensitivity, spatial intelligence, and critical thinking, which are essential for a successful career in architecture.
At DQ Labs, we provide comprehensive coaching for NATA aspirants, ensuring students master both the creative and analytical skills required to secure top score
All content, study material, feedback, and interactive learning happen on DQ Edge, the award-winning online platform by DQ Labs.
Why DQ Edge?
With DQ Edge, students combine the expertise of DQ Labs faculty with the convenience of a structured online learning system to prepare for creative entrance exams effectively.
| Package | Package Description | Program Duration | Mode of Teaching | Price |
| 2026 Full Prep | 2026 NATA & JEE Paper 2 Full Prep | Till NATA third attempt 2026 | Online or Classroom | Call us for details |
| Design Sketching | Design Sketching | 70 hrs | Online or Classroom | Call us for details |
| Access till NATA 2026 | Login |
| Package | Package Description | Program Duration | Mode of Teaching | Price |
| 2027 Full Prep | 2027 NATA & JEE Paper 2 Full Prep | Till NATA third attempt 2027 | Online or Classroom | Call us for details |
| Design Sketching | Design Sketching | 70 hrs | Online or Classroom | Call us for details |
| Access till NATA 2027 | Login |
Section | Topics Covered | Skills Tested |
Diagrammatic Reasoning | Visual patterns, sequences, analogies | Logical reasoning using diagrams |
Numerical Reasoning | Basic math, problem-solving, calculations | Mathematical ability |
Verbal Reasoning | Language-based logic, comprehension | Analytical thinking & interpretation |
Inductive Reasoning | Pattern recognition, series, relationships | Logical analysis & problem-solving |
Situational Judgment | Real-world scenarios, design-related situations | Decision making, critical thinking |
Abstract Reasoning | Shapes, visual concepts, 3D objects | Creativity, imagination, spatial visualization |
Drawing & Observation | Sketching, perspective, proportion, scale | Artistic skill, aesthetic sensitivity |
Elements & Principles of Design | Line, shape, form, balance, symmetry | Understanding design concepts |
Colour Theory | Colour combinations, harmony, contrast | Visual aesthetics & creativity |
Building Anatomy & Construction | Materials, techniques, architecture vocabulary | Technical knowledge & practical understanding |
General Knowledge & Current Affairs | Architecture trends, famous buildings | Awareness & contextual knowledge |
Part | Topics Covered | Details |
Mathematics (Part I) | Sets, Relations, Functions, Complex Numbers, Matrices, Determinants, Permutations & Combinations, Calculus, Co-ordinate Geometry, 3D Geometry, Vector Algebra, Probability, Statistics, Trigonometry, Mathematical Reasoning | Conceptual understanding & problem-solving |
Aptitude Test (Part II) | Awareness of buildings, materials, textures; 3D visualization; Analytical reasoning; Mental ability | Tests design awareness, visual perception & logical thinking |
Drawing Test (Part III) | Sketching urban & rural landscapes, geometric & abstract shapes, 2D & 3D compositions, design of objects & forms | Creativity, drawing skills, aesthetic sensitivity |
Exam Overview:
The National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA 2026) is conducted by the Council of Architecture (CoA) for admission to B.Arch programs in India. The exam evaluates drawing, observation, critical thinking, and aesthetic sensitivity.
NATA 2026 Exam Dates
Event | Tentative Date |
NATA 2026 Notification Release | February 2026 |
NATA 2026 Registration Starting | February 2026 |
Last Date to Apply | March 2026 |
Admit Card Release | April 2026 |
NATA 2026 Test 1 | April 2026 |
NATA 2026 Test 2 | June 2026 |
NATA 2026 Test 3 | July 2026 |
Result Declaration | 3–5 days after each test |
Application & Registration:
Exam Pattern
This part is conducted in offline mode and is designed to evaluate your drawing and compositional skills.
Section | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks | Focus Area |
Composition and Colour | 1 | 25 | 25 | Creating suitable compositions and coloring them |
Sketching & Composition (Black & White) | 1 | 25 | 25 | Drawing, visualizing, and |
3D Composition | 1 | 30 | 30 | Creating interesting 3D compositions for a given situation |
Total – Part A | 3 Questions | – | 80 Marks | – |
Marking Scheme Highlights
Preparation Tips:
Exam Centers:
Major cities across India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Patna, and more. Candidates can choose their preferred city during registration.
For more information on NATA & JEE Paper 2 2025 & 2026 Online Coaching, speak to us on the chat interface at the bottom right of the screen.
NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture) is a national-level architecture entrance exam conducted by the Council of Architecture (CoA) for admission into B.Arch (Bachelor of Architecture) programmes across architecture colleges in India.
NATA is the primary qualifying exam for admission into 400+ architecture colleges in India, including institutions such as CEPT Ahmedabad, JJ School of Architecture Mumbai, and RV College of Architecture Bengaluru.
It helps:
NATA is suitable for:
NATA evaluates a mix of creative and analytical skills, including:
These skills reflect real architectural thinking rather than rote learning.
Yes. Students from CBSE, ICSE, State Boards, and International Boards are eligible to appear for NATA, provided they meet the eligibility criteria prescribed by the Council of Architecture (CoA).
To appear for NATA, candidates must meet one of the following conditions:
There is no upper age limit to apply for NATA.
Students can appear for up to three NATA attempts in one academic year.
There is no age restriction, and the best score among all attempts can be used for admission.
For B.Arch admissions in India, colleges typically consider:
Admissions are conducted through state-level counselling based on merit ranks and reservation norms.
To secure admission into competitive architecture colleges, students should aim for:
Students at DQ Labs have consistently achieved scores above 150, with a highest recorded score of 182.5.
It is strongly recommended to attempt both exams. Appearing for NATA and JEE Paper 2 increases admission opportunities, as different colleges accept scores from different architecture entrance exams.
Effective NATA preparation includes:
NATA is conducted at designated examination centres across India.
Candidates can choose their preferred exam city while registering.
The NATA score is valid only for the academic year in which the exam is taken.
Students must reappear for NATA if they wish to improve their score or apply in a later year.
