The Council of Architecture has officially released the complete schedule and activity timeline for the National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) 2026, bringing clarity for thousands of architecture aspirants across India. As per the announcement, the online application process began on March 9, 2026, while the examination will commence from April 4, 2026 onwards. The exam will be conducted in two phases, allowing candidates flexibility in selecting their preferred test dates.
Phase 1 of NATA 2026 will be held from April 4 to June 13, 2026, with exams scheduled every Friday and Saturday, except on public holidays. Friday examinations will be conducted in the afternoon session only, while Saturday exams will have both morning (10:00 AM to 1:00 PM) and afternoon (1:30 PM to 4:30 PM) sessions. Key exam dates in April include April 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, and 25, followed by multiple test dates throughout May and June. Phase 2 is scheduled for August 7 and 8, 2026, with similar session formats. Notably, candidates who appear in Phase 1 will not be eligible to take the Phase 2 examination, making it crucial for applicants to plan their attempts carefully.
The Council has also outlined a structured weekly timeline for registrations and exam-related processes. For candidates appearing in the Friday test, the registration deadline is Monday at 11:59 PM, while for Saturday tests, it is Tuesday at 11:59 PM. The application correction window closes on Tuesday (for Friday exams) and Wednesday (for Saturday exams). Admit cards will be released accordingly—Tuesday for Friday exams and Wednesday for Saturday exams. Results are expected to be declared within seven days from the date of the test, ensuring a quick evaluation cycle.
NATA continues to serve as the primary entrance examination for admission into Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) programs across India. The multi-date, multi-session format introduced by the Council of Architecture aims to reduce exam pressure and offer greater flexibility to students. With the detailed schedule now available, aspirants are advised to align their preparation strategies with the exam calendar and adhere strictly to the weekly deadlines to avoid missing their preferred test slots.