NATA Eligibility Criteria 2026 – Check Age Limit, Qualification, Aggregate Marks

NATA scores are used for admissions to different Governments/Colleges of Architecture. Throughout this article, we will discuss the NATA Eligibility Criteria 2026. Get updated information on Age, Nationality, Reservation and Educational Qualification before filling out the form for NATA 2026.

The NATA Eligibility Criteria, released by the Council of Architecture (COA), ensures that candidates meet the necessary academic and professional qualifications for admission to architecture programs. Candidates must have passed or be taking their Class 12 exams from a recognized board. They need to have Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as required subjects. They must also secure at least 50% overall and 50% in Mathematics.

NATA Notification

NATA Admit Card

NATA Eligibility Criteria 2026 Overview

Specific Criteria	NATA Exam Eligibility 2026
Age Limit	No Age criteria are specified by COA to appear for NATA
Qualifying Examination	Candidates Passed/ Appearing in 10+2 exam or 10+3 Diploma Exam
Qualifying Subjects Required	10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as compulsory subjects or 10+3 Diploma with maths as a compulsory subject
Marks Required	50% marks in Physics, Chemistry Mathematics and at least 50% aggregate marks in 10+2 50% aggregate marks in 10+3 Diploma

NATA Exam Pattern

NATA Syllabus

NATA Eligibility Criteria 2026

To be eligible for the NATA exam, candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements established by the Council of Architecture (COA). These criteria are designed to ensure candidates possess the necessary academic foundation for architecture studies. Below are the predefined conditions:

• Candidates must secure a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, along with an overall aggregate of 50% at the 10+2 level, to be eligible for NATA.
• Candidates who have completed a 10+3 diploma with Mathematics as a compulsory subject and achieved a minimum of 50% aggregate marks are also eligible to apply for the NATA exam..
• Students currently appearing for their Class 12 exams with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as mandatory subjects are eligible to take the NATA exam. However, their results will only be deemed valid after meeting the specified eligibility criteria upon completion of their exams. 
• Marks in the qualifying examination cannot be rounded off for NATA eligibility. For instance, if a candidate secures 49.9% in their qualifying exam, the marks will strictly be considered as 49.9% and not rounded to 50%, as per the eligibility norms.
• The lower age limit for NATA eligibility has been removed, making candidates of any age eligible to appear for the exam. However, applicants must adhere to any age-related requirements specified by the respective counseling or admission authorities for their chosen institutions.
• NATA scores are valid for a period of 12 months (1 year) from the date of the candidate’s exam. This means that the results can be used for admission during the academic year immediately following the exam.
• For international and NRI candidates, the NATA 2026 eligibility criteria are the same as for Indian nationals. There are no separate requirements for foreign students wishing to appear for the exam. The eligibility conditions, including educational qualifications and subject requirements, apply uniformly to all candidates, regardless of their nationality.

NATA 2026 Eligibility for Admission to B.Arch. Course

Qualifying in NATA 2026 does not guarantee admission to any Architecture course. Candidates must meet all the additional requirements set by the respective counseling and admission authorities to be considered for admission.

• Candidates who have successfully qualified for a recognized aptitude test in Architecture, such as NATA or its equivalent, in 2025 are eligible for admission to the B.Arch course, provided they meet all other specified criteria.
• Candidates must secure an aggregate of 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, as well as an overall 50% in their 10+2 level exams, to meet the eligibility criteria for NATA 2026. OR
• Candidates must have passed the 10+3 diploma exam with Mathematics as a subject and secured at least 50% marks to meet the eligibility criteria for NATA 2026.  
• There is no expected change in the NATA 2026 eligibility criteria for SC/ST/OBC or other special category candidates. However, candidates from these categories can apply for reservation schemes during the admissions process as specified by various admission authorities. 
• Also, the criterion mentioned in the General Criteria is applicable for this as well. 

NATA Exam Eligibility 2026 for Students of International/ NRI Status

For International and NRI candidates, the NATA 2026 eligibility criteria remain the same as for Indian nationals. There are no separate eligibility requirements for these candidates wishing to appear for the exam.

Other Important Eligibility Criteria for NATA

• Candidates belonging to the SC, ST, OBC-NCL, or PWD (Person with Disability) categories will be granted a 5% relaxation in the total aggregate marks in the 10+2 level as well as in the Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) subjects.
• Candidates who have completed or are appearing for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma after 10 years of schooling, with at least 50% marks in aggregate and Mathematics as a compulsory subject, are also eligible to appear for the NATA exam.
• For candidates belonging to SC/ ST/ OBC or any other special category, there will be no change in NATA entrance exam eligibility.
• Applicants can ask for reservation schemes while applying for admission under various admission authorities.

NATA Cut-Off

NATA Counseling

NATA Eligibility Criteria 2026 for Admission

Candidates must note that qualifying for the NATA will not guarantee admission to any Architecture course unless the candidate has fulfilled all the NATA 2026 eligibility criteria prescribed by the respective authorities. Candidates should meet the following eligibility criteria for Architecture admission 2026.

• Candidates should have passed 10+2 with PCM
• Candidates should have passed a 10+3 diploma with Mathematics as a compulsory subject.

NATA Eligibility Criteria 2026 – State Level Admission

Candidates who will qualify for the entrance exam will be eligible for admission into the following state-level B.Arch courses. However, students must note that they are required to meet the NATA 2026 eligibility criteria laid down by the concerned authorities.

Exam	Eligibility Criteria
KCET	He/She should be a citizen of India.A candidate who has passed the 2nd PUC / 12th standard exam with Mathematics as one of the subjects and secured a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate in all subject.45% of marks in the case of SC, ST, Category‐I, OBC (2A, 2B, 3A and 3B) candidates, and the person with a disability of mental disability or mental illness (including dyslexia).
KEAM	The candidate should be an Indian National.Persons of Indian Origin (PIO)/ Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) are also eligible for admission.Candidates should have passed 10+2 or an equivalent exam, securing a minimum 50% aggregate marks.ORCandidates should hold a 3-year diploma with a minimum 50% aggregate marksORCandidates should have completed the International Baccalaureate Diploma after 10 years of schooling, securing at least 50% marks.Candidates should have studied Mathematics as one of the subjects in the qualifying exam.
GUJCET	Candidates should be Indian nationals.Candidates should have passed class 12th from a recognised board with at least 45% aggregate score.Candidates should have passed a diploma from any recognised institution with a minimum 50% Score.
Himachal B.Arch Admission	Candidates should have passed the 12th class with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in all subjects (45% for the Reserved category) and Mathematics as one of the subjects.ORCandidates should have passed 10+3 (diploma) in the subject of Maths from a recognized Centre/State Government with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks, (45% in the case of the Reserved category).