Last Verified: 2026-03-01 from official conducting body notifications.
Official Overview & Examination Scope
Purpose, Scope & Academic Impact
NATA is conducted by the statutory Council of Architecture (CoA). Under national regulations, qualifying NATA (or JEE Main Paper 2A) is compulsory for admission into any 5-year B.Arch degree program in India. Tests drawing skills, visual perception, color theory, aesthetic sensitivity, and architectural logic.
Eligibility Criteria & Academic Qualifications
Exam Pattern & Test Structure
Total: 200 Marks| Section / Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A: Drawing & Composition (Offline Paper) | 3 Drawing Questions (Perspective, visual scale, 2D/3D composition) | 80 Marks | 90 Minutes |
| Part B: Online Computer Based Test (CBT) | Aptitude, visual reasoning, architectural awareness (MCQ/MSQ) | 120 Marks | 90 Minutes |
Part A: Evaluated subjectively on drawing and aesthetic harmony. Part B: Objective scoring with zero negative marking. Qualifying cutoff is 70 marks out of 200.
Negative Marking Rule: No negative marking
Recommended Preparation Roadmap & Strategy
Cutoff Trends & Score Benchmark
Sir JJ College of Architecture Mumbai requires 145-155+ NATA score alongside 90%+ in 10+2 boards. CEPT University requires high composite merit index.
Participating Institutes / Career Pathways
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the qualifying pass mark in NATA?
Candidates must score a minimum of 20 marks in Part A, 30 marks in Part B, and an overall aggregate of at least 70 marks out of 200 to qualify NATA.
How many times can I attempt NATA in a year?
Candidates can attempt NATA up to 3 times in a single academic year. The best score among all valid attempts is considered for admission counseling.
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