*Dates are tentative and subject to official notification from Council of Architecture.
Eligibility Criteria
🎓
Academic Qualification
10+2 with Mathematics from any recognised board (CHSE Odisha accepted).
✔ Minimum 50% in PCM (GEN/OBC)
✔ 45% for SC/ST candidates
✔ Mathematics mandatory in Class 12
📅
Age Limit
No upper age limit for NATA as per the latest COA guidelines.
✔ Minimum age: 17 years
✔ No upper age limit
✔ Appearing candidates eligible
🔁
Attempts
NATA is held twice a year — candidates can appear in both phases.
✔ Phase 1 (April) & Phase 2 (July)
✔ Best score of two is considered
✔ Score valid for 2 years
⚠ Odisha students: CHSE Odisha results accepted. Maths must be in Class 12 — students from Commerce/Arts must have taken Maths as additional subject.
Exam Pattern
Sections
3 Parts
Total Questions
125 Questions
Total Marks
200 Marks
Drawing Test (Part A)
2 Questions80 MarksPen & Paper
Mathematics (Part B1)
15 Questions30 MarksMCQ / MSQ / NAT
General Aptitude (Part B2)
35 Questions90 MarksMCQ / MSQ / NAT
✔ Duration: 3 Hours 15 Minutes ✔ Drawing: Pen & Paper (offline) | MCQ: Online (computer) ✔ No negative marking for Drawing section
Syllabus
✏️
Drawing Test
⌄
✔ Sketching from Memory
✔ Understanding of Scale & Proportion
✔ Drawing of Geometrical Shapes
✔ Perspective Drawing
✔ Colour Composition
✔ 3D Forms from Given Views
📐
Mathematics
⌄
✔ Algebra & Matrices
✔ Logarithms & Sets
✔ Coordinate Geometry
✔ Trigonometry
✔ Calculus
✔ Permutation & Combination
🧠
General Aptitude
⌄
✔ Visual & Spatial Reasoning
✔ Architectural Awareness
✔ Objects & Textures
✔ Analytical Reasoning
✔ Colour Theory
✔ Mental Ability & Pattern Recognition
🔬
Physics & Chemistry (Basic)
⌄
✔ Basic Laws of Physics
✔ Properties of Materials
✔ Light & Sound Basics
✔ Elementary Chemistry
✔ Environmental Science
✔ Building Materials Basics
Marks vs Score Band (NATA 2026)
Marks (out of 200)
Score %
Score Band
175 – 200
87.5%+
Excellent
150 – 174
75 – 87.5%
Very Good
130 – 149
65 – 75%
Good
110 – 129
55 – 65%
Average
90 – 109
45 – 55%
Below Average
70 – 89
35 – 45%
Qualifying Range
50 – 69
25 – 35%
Borderline
Below 50
< 25%
Not Qualifying
*NATA does not publish a rank list — colleges use your NATA score directly for shortlisting.
Top Architecture Colleges in Odisha
NIT (Top Govt)
NIT Rourkela – B.Arch
📍 Rourkela, Odisha
Premier NIT offering B.Arch with excellent faculty & infrastructure
NAAC A+
School of Architecture – SOA
📍 Bhubaneswar, Odisha
NAAC A+ rated university with strong architecture program & studio culture
Deemed Univ
KIIT – Dept. of Architecture
📍 Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Modern campus with state-of-the-art design studios & global exposure
Govt College
College of Engg. Bhubaneswar
📍 Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Established government college with affordable architecture program
Private Univ
Centurion University – Arch.
📍 Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Growing university with focus on sustainable & modern architecture
State Univ
VSSUT Burla – Architecture
📍 Sambalpur, Odisha
State university with B.Arch program catering to western Odisha
NATA Admission Process
How Does NATA Admission Work?
Unlike JEE or CLAT, NATA does not have centralised counseling. Each architecture college conducts its own admission process based on your NATA score. Odisha students must apply to each college separately.
1
✏️
Appear for NATA
Score well in NATA Phase 1 or Phase 2
→
2
📊
Download Scorecard
Download official NATA scorecard from nata.in
→
3
📋
Apply to Colleges
Apply separately to each architecture college
→
4
🎯
Merit List & Interview
Colleges shortlist based on NATA score + marks
→
5
🏫
Confirm Admission
Pay fees & confirm seat at chosen college
⚠ OJEE Architecture is an additional state exam for Odisha govt colleges. Attempt both NATA and OJEE Arch for maximum options.
NATA Cut-Offs – Odisha Colleges (Category-wise)
Category
NIT Rourkela Cutoff
SOA / KIIT Cutoff
Govt Colleges
General (UR)
150 – 160+
120 – 140
100 – 120
⚠ Each college sets its own cutoff. Odisha SC/ST candidates get reservation benefits in state govt architecture colleges.
Preparation Strategy
⏳
Time Management
✔ Drawing: 1 hour daily practice minimum
✔ Maths: 45 mins — focus on weak topics
✔ Aptitude: 30 mins — solve sample questions
✔ Give full-length mock tests every week
🎯
Exam Day Strategy
✔ Attempt Drawing first — gives most marks (80)
✔ Keep 1.5 hours for Drawing section
✔ Attempt Maths carefully — no negative marking in most types
✔ Leave no Aptitude question unattempted
💡 Drawing is the highest-scoring section — consistent daily practice is the only strategy that works.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
⚠️
Ignoring Drawing Practice
❌ Many Odisha students focus only on Maths & skip daily drawing practice.
✔ Drawing carries 80 marks — practice sketching daily, no exceptions.
🚫
Not Studying Architecture
❌ Students ignore General Aptitude's architectural awareness component entirely.
✔ Read about famous buildings, visit Odisha architectural sites, learn building styles.
⏳
Attempting Only One Phase
❌ Many students appear only in Phase 1 and don't improve in Phase 2.
✔ Always appear in both phases — your best score is used for admission.
🚨 These Mistakes Cost Odisha Students Good Architecture Seats
Start early, practice drawing daily, and study architectural awareness to maximise your NATA score.
Exam Day Guidelines
🎒
What to Carry
✔ Admit Card (Printed copy)
✔ Valid Photo ID (Aadhar / PAN / Passport)
✔ Drawing materials (pencils, eraser, sharpener)
✔ Colour pencils / pastels if allowed
❌ No electronic gadgets or unauthorized materials allowed
⏰
Reporting Time
✔ Reach centre at least 45 mins early
✔ Biometric verification takes time — be early
✔ Late candidates are not allowed entry
💡 Plan travel — Bhubaneswar & Cuttack are Odisha's main NATA centres
🖊️
Drawing Section Tips
✔ Read drawing prompt carefully before starting
✔ Sketch lightly first, refine later
✔ Add shading, texture, and depth for full marks
✔ Manage time — 45 min per drawing question
💡 Neatness & creativity both matter in NATA Drawing
⚠ Follow All Instructions Carefully
Violation of exam rules can lead to cancellation. Always read the instructions on your admit card before exam day.
NATA vs JEE Paper 2 (B.Arch)
Criteria
NATA
JEE Paper 2 (B.Arch)
Conducting Body
Council of Architecture (COA)
NTA (National Testing Agency)
Colleges Covered
All private & some govt B.Arch
NITs, IITs, GFTIs
Difficulty Level
Moderate
High
Total Marks
200
400
Attempts Per Year
2 (Phase 1 & 2)
2 (Session 1 & 2)
Mode
Online + Drawing (Offline)
Online + Drawing (Offline)
Odisha Centre
Yes (Bbsr, Cuttack)
Yes (Bbsr, Rourkela)
Path to Architecture College in Odisha
1
Appear for NATA
Score well in Phase 1 or Phase 2
→
2
Download Scorecard
Get official NATA scorecard
→
3
Apply to Colleges
Apply to NIT Rourkela, SOA, KIIT etc.
→
4
Merit Shortlist
Colleges shortlist by NATA + 12th marks
→
5
Confirm Admission
Pay fees & get your architecture seat
🎯 Appear in both NATA and JEE Paper 2 — gives you access to all architecture colleges across India including NIT Rourkela.
Backup Options
If NATA score isn't enough, Odisha has good backup paths for architecture aspirants 👇
🎓
OJEE Architecture (State Entrance)
Odisha Joint Entrance Exam for Architecture offers state-level admission to B.Arch programmes in BPUT-affiliated colleges.
✔ Lower competition than national level
✔ Admits to govt & private Odisha colleges
✔ Affordable fees & local opportunities
🏫
B.Sc in Interior / Urban Design
If architecture admission isn't secured, allied programs like Interior Design, Urban Planning, or Architectural Drafting are strong alternatives.
✔ SOA, KIIT offer Interior Design B.Sc
✔ Strong career in design & construction sector
✔ Can pursue M.Arch later after graduation
💡 Don't Give Up on Your Architecture Dream
NATA can be attempted again. Use a gap year productively — practice drawing, build a portfolio, and score better in Phase 1 next year.
Download Resources
Access important study materials to boost your NATA preparation
📄
Previous Year Papers
Solve real NATA questions from past years
✏️
Drawing Practice Sheets
Printable sheets for daily drawing practice
⏱️
Mock Tests
Full-length online mock tests with timer
📚
Syllabus PDF
Download complete NATA 2026 syllabus
📥 Free Study Materials Available
Download all resources and start practicing regularly to improve your NATA score.
Official Links
Access official websites and important portals for NATA 2026
🌐
NATA Official Website
Official NATA portal for registration, admit card & results
