Master the NATA Exam, shape your future
Your definitive resource for NATA 2027 — exam process, schedule (2027 dates awaited, 2026 cycle shown as reference), NIRF rankings, career comparison, and a personalised interest test to find the path that fits you.
NATA 2027 — not yet announced
As of 14 October 2026 the Council of Architecture has not published the NATA 2027 brochure or dates. The 2026 cycle is the best guide: registration opened 9 March 2026, Phase 1 ran every Friday and Saturday from 4 April to 13 June 2026, and Phase 2 was held on 7–8 August 2026. Expect a similar pattern in 2027 (registration around March, Phase 1 April–June, Phase 2 in August) — but confirm on nata.in before planning.
Use the months before registration to prepare your drawing portfolio and aptitude practice. Fees, eligibility and the number of attempts below are the 2026 rules and may change in the 2027 brochure.
NATA — At a Glance (2026 pattern)
The essentials every architecture aspirant should know before registering.
- Conducted by: Council of Architecture (CoA)
- Format: Hybrid — Drawing (offline) + MCQ (online)
- Total Marks: 200 (Part A: 80 + Part B: 120)
- Duration: 3 hours (90 min each part)
- Negative Marking: None
- Score Validity: Best of all attempts considered
NATA Exam Process (2026 rules — 2027 brochure awaited)
Conducted by the Council of Architecture (CoA) for B.Arch admission at 450+ recognised institutions across India.
Online Registration
Register at nata.in. Upload photo (4–100 KB) & signature (1–30 KB) in JPG. Fee: General/OBC ₹1,750 | SC/ST/EWS/PwD ₹1,250 | Transgender ₹1,000. Print confirmation page.
Eligibility Check
10+2 with Physics & Mathematics (compulsory) + Chemistry/Biology/CS/IT. Or 10+3 Diploma with Maths. Min 45% aggregate (40% SC/ST/OBC). Age: 17+ by 31 July 2026.
Exam Pattern
200 marks, 3 hrs. Part A: Drawing & Composition (offline, 3 Qs, 80 marks, 90 min). Part B: MCQ & NCQ (computer-based, 50 Qs, 120 marks, 90 min). No negative marking.
Multiple Attempts
Max 3 attempts (2 in Phase 1, 1 in Phase 2). Best of 2 scores considered. For 3 attempts, valid score = average of best two. Not mandatory to take all attempts.
Admit Card & Results
Download from nata.in. Available Tue (for Fri exam) / Wed (for Sat exam). Carry printed copy + photo ID. Results within 7–10 days. Save scorecard for admissions.
Counselling & Admission
CoA does not conduct centralised counselling. Apply directly to colleges or state counselling. Each college sets own cutoff marks. Top colleges typically need 120–145+ marks.
NATA 2026 Exam Schedule — what 2027 is likely to follow
The 2026 schedule published by the Council of Architecture. The 2027 schedule has not been announced; use this only as a planning guide.
| Event | Phase | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registration Opens | Phase 1 | 9 March 2026 | Online at nata.in |
| Phase 1 Exams | Phase 1 | 4 Apr – 13 Jun 2026 | Every Fri & Sat |
| Friday Timing | Phase 1 | 1:30 – 4:30 PM | Afternoon only |
| Saturday Timing | Phase 1 | 10 AM – 1 PM & 1:30 – 4:30 PM | Morning + Afternoon |
| Apply Deadline | Phase 1 | Mon 11:59 PM (Fri) / Tue 11:59 PM (Sat) | Weekly rolling |
| Correction Window | Phase 1 | Tue 11:59 PM (Fri) / Wed 11:59 PM (Sat) | One-time only |
| Results | Phase 1 | Within 7–10 days | Best score considered |
| Phase 2 Exam | Phase 2 | 7 & 8 August 2026 | AM + PM shifts |
| Phase 2 Note | Phase 2 | Non-Phase 1 candidates only | Single attempt |
Top Architecture Colleges in India
Based on NIRF 2025 rankings. Considers teaching quality, research, graduation outcomes, and inclusivity.
| # | Institution | City | Type | Score | Entrance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | IIT Roorkee | Roorkee | IIT | 82.01 | JEE Advanced |
| 2 | NIT Calicut | Kozhikode | NIT | 73.65 | JEE Main / NATA |
| 3 | IIT Kharagpur | Kharagpur | IIT | 72.88 | JEE Advanced |
| 4 | Jamia Millia Islamia | New Delhi | Central Univ. | 68.54 | NATA / JEE Main |
| 5 | NIT Rourkela | Rourkela | NIT | 66.90 | JEE Main / NATA |
| 6 | CEPT University | Ahmedabad | Private | 65.73 | NATA / JEE Main |
| 7 | SPA New Delhi | New Delhi | Govt. | 65.11 | NATA |
| 8 | NIT Tiruchirappalli | Trichy | NIT | 64.30 | JEE Main / NATA |
| 9 | VNIT Nagpur | Nagpur | NIT | 61.22 | JEE Main / NATA |
Source: NIRF India Rankings 2025 • nirfindia.org
Architecture vs Engineering
Key differences for an informed career decision.
| Aspect | B.Arch (Architecture via NATA) | B.Tech / B.E. (Engineering) |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 5 years (10 semesters) | 4 years (8 semesters) |
| Exam | Aptitude + Drawing + Creativity | JEE Main / State CETs (MCQ) |
| Focus | Design thinking, spatial visualization | Math, physics, problem-solving |
| Subjects | Design, Arch History, Building Tech | CS, Mechanical, ECE, Civil, etc. |
| Careers | Architect, Urban Planner, Interior Designer | Software Eng, Data Scientist, Mech Eng |
| Salary | 4–8 LPA (top: 70+ LPA) | 4–12 LPA (top IITs much higher) |
| Best for | Creative thinkers who love design | Analytical minds who enjoy tech |
| Regulation | Council of Architecture (CoA) | AICTE |
Architecture or Engineering?
Answer 10 quick questions to find your ideal career path.
When you see a beautiful building, what is your first thought?
Stream Selection Guide
Based on your personality and interests.
Architecture & Design
NATA / JEE B.ARCH
Computer Science
JEE / STATE CETS
Medical Sciences
NEET
Commerce & Business
CA / MBA / BBA
Fine Arts
NID / NIFT / BFA
Core Engineering
JEE / GATE
Key Insights for Students & Parents
Critical factors before choosing your path.
Follow Aptitude, Not Trends
If drawing excites you but JEE math feels like a struggle, don’t force-fit into engineering just because it’s popular.
ROI & Salary
Engineering has wider starting salary range, but Architecture from top NIRF colleges offers strong and comparable ROI.
5 Years vs 4 Years
B.Arch’s extra year includes mandatory internship and thesis, giving real-world experience before graduation.
Global Opportunities
Architects can pursue RIBA (UK) and AIA (USA) certifications. Both paths offer strong international prospects.
Crossover Fields
Computational design, sustainable architecture, smart cities, and BIM blend both Architecture and Engineering skills.
Try Before You Decide
Sketch a room design vs solve a math puzzle. Whichever excites you more reveals your true calling.
A Plan for Every Aspirant
For Architecture Aspirants
Practise freehand sketching daily. Study colour theory. Attempt mock NATA tests early. Visit architectural sites. Build a drawing portfolio.
For Engineering Aspirants
Focus on JEE/CET preparation. Strengthen Physics and Maths. Explore branches via online courses. Attend hackathons. Check placement records.
For Undecided Students
Take the interest test above. Talk to professionals. Try a 1-week design challenge, then a 1-week coding challenge. Let your energy guide you.
Architecture or engineering? Let a mentor help you decide.
Same marks, very different colleges and careers. A mentor turns NATA cutoffs, rankings and aptitude into the right call for your student.