Exam Pattern

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NATA Exam Pattern 2026: Section-Wise Breakdown with Marks and Time

Neram Classes • 21 May 2026

NATA 2026 at a glance

The National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) is the gateway exam for B.Arch admissions in India, conducted by the Council of Architecture (CoA). For 2026, the exam continues in the multi-phase format that has been stable since 2022, with online MCQ-style questions and online drawing assessment.

| Aspect | Detail |

|---|---|

| Total marks | 200 |

| Total questions | 125 |

| Total duration | 3 hours |

| Mode | Online, computer-based |

| Phases | Up to 2 attempts in Phase 1, 1 attempt in Phase 2 |

| Best score | Best of all attempts considered for admission |

| Negative marking | No |

Section-wise breakdown

NATA 2026 covers three broad areas, each with its own weight. The Council has gradually shifted away from raw drawing skill towards multi-modal aptitude, so a 2026 candidate cannot afford to over-prepare any single section.

1. Diagrammatic Reasoning (around 50 marks)

Pattern recognition, mirror images, paper folding, embedded figures

Series completion, analogy, classification of 2D and 3D shapes

Tests spatial intelligence at the foundational level

2. Numerical and Verbal Reasoning (around 50 marks)

Mathematics covering algebra, trigonometry, coordinate geometry, calculus basics, statistics

Logical reasoning: syllogisms, coding-decoding, blood relations, direction sense

Verbal ability: synonyms, antonyms, sentence completion, reading comprehension

General knowledge focused on architecture, famous buildings, architects, materials

3. Inductive and Situational Reasoning (around 100 marks)

Drawing-based questions presented digitally (you draw and the answer is captured online)

Composition: combining given shapes into a meaningful 2D or 3D image

3D rendering and shading

Architectural awareness: identify a building or architect from a partial image

Aesthetic sensitivity: pick the most well-composed image from a set

Question type mix

NATA 2026 uses three question types blended across the paper:

1. **MCQ** (Multiple Choice Question): one correct answer from four options

2. **MSQ** (Multiple Select Question): one or more correct answers from four options

3. **NAQ** (Numerical Answer Question): enter a numerical value, no options

This mix punishes guessing on MSQ (you lose the mark if you miss any correct option) and rewards genuine calculation on NAQ.

Time strategy

3 hours for 125 questions works out to roughly 1 minute 26 seconds per question on average. In practice, you should allocate:

30 minutes for diagrammatic reasoning (about 35 questions)

50 minutes for numerical and verbal reasoning (about 40 questions)

90 minutes for inductive and situational reasoning, especially drawing-heavy ones (about 50 questions)

10 minutes for review and flagged questions

Common 2026 changes versus 2025

The Council moved fully to online drawing input (digital tablet or mouse-based composition tools)

Aesthetic sensitivity questions now use higher-resolution image stimuli

General aptitude weightage has stabilised around 50 marks (down from 80 in earlier years)

How Neram covers each section

Our [NATA online coaching](/nata-online-coaching) program runs section-specific modules:

Daily 2-hour drawing practice covering composition, 3D rendering, shading

Weekly mathematics and reasoning drills aligned with the latest NATA paper analysis

Monthly full-length mock tests on the exact NATA interface

One-on-one critique on every submitted drawing

Frequently asked questions

**Is there negative marking in NATA 2026?**

No. NATA 2026 has no negative marking, so attempt every question.

**How many drawing questions appear in NATA 2026?**

Approximately 15 to 20 questions in the inductive and situational reasoning section involve drawing input, with the remaining being MCQ-based on visual stimuli.

**Can I attempt NATA more than once in 2026?**

Yes. You can attempt up to 2 tests in Phase 1 (April to June) and 1 test in Phase 2 (August). Best score across attempts is considered.

[Read the full NATA 2026 guide →](/nata-2026)

[Use the free NATA cutoff calculator →](/tools/cutoff-calculator)

[Join NATA online coaching →](/nata-online-coaching)

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