The NATA 2027 syllabus has two parts. Part A is a drawing and composition test with three tasks for 80 marks. Part B is an online aptitude test of 50 questions for 120 marks on visual reasoning, logic, architecture awareness, language, design sensitivity and numerical ability. The Council of Architecture sets it in the NATA brochure.
NATA Syllabus 2027
Topic-wise NATA syllabus for both parts, the marks split, the syllabus PDF and how to prepare.
Free PDF on AglaSem Docs
What is in NATA Part A (Drawing and Composition)?
Part A tests how well you draw, compose and visualise. It has three questions in 90 minutes, done on paper at the test centre.
| Task | What you do | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| A1: Composition and Colour | Create compositions for given situations and colour them; rearrange shapes in a visually appealing way | 25 |
| A2: Sketching and Composition (black and white) | Draw a situation with buildings or their parts, people, environment or products, showing scale, proportion, texture, shade and shadow | 25 |
| A3: 3D Composition | Build an interesting 3D composition for a given situation using the kit provided | 30 |
What is in NATA Part B (Aptitude)?
Part B is a 90-minute computer-based adaptive test with 42 MCQs and 8 NCQs for 120 marks. Questions come from these areas:
- Visual reasoning: understanding and rebuilding 2D and 3D compositions.
- Logical derivation: decoding a situation or context and drawing conclusions from small details.
- General knowledge, architecture and design: important buildings, architectural history, current issues, and new materials and construction technology.
- Language interpretation: meaning of words and sentences, and English grammar.
- Design sensitivity and thinking: observing and analysing people, spaces, products and environments; semantics, metaphors and problem identification.
- Numerical ability: basic mathematics and its link with creative thinking, such as using geometry to unfold a space.
How are marks split in NATA 2027?
The 2026 pattern gives 200 marks in 3 hours, and the 2027 pattern is expected to stay the same unless the new brochure changes it.
| Part | What it tests | Mode | Time | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A: Drawing and Composition | A1 Composition and Colour (25), A2 Sketching and Composition in black and white (25), A3 3D Composition (30) | Offline, on paper | 90 minutes | 80 |
| Part B: Aptitude | 42 MCQs and 8 NCQs (no-choice questions) | Online, computer-based adaptive test | 90 minutes | 120 |
| Total | 3 drawing questions and 50 aptitude questions | 3 hours | 200 |
Where can I download the NATA syllabus PDF?
The latest official syllabus is in section 4 of the NATA 2026 brochure. You can also read the NATA 2026 syllabus PDF on AglaSem Docs.
How should you prepare for the NATA 2027 syllabus?
- Sketch every day: perspective, light and shade, people and buildings in black and white.
- Practise colour compositions and quick 3D models with paper, card or clay, since A3 uses a kit.
- Read about famous buildings, architects and building materials for the general knowledge section.
- Solve visual and logical reasoning puzzles to get used to timed questions.
- Solve NATA previous year question papers under a 3-hour timer.
Free full-length NATA mock tests with timers and answers.