You have worked hard all year to prepare for NATA. But do you know where you will sit for the exam? Picking the right exam centre can make a big difference on your exam day. A wrong choice can mean long travel, extra stress and a poor start to your test. The Council of Architecture (CoA) has released the NATA Exam Centres 2026 list on nata.ac.in.
The exam will be held in 101 cities across India, plus one international centre in Dubai. That is a lot of options and knowing how to pick the right one matters a lot.
This blog covers everything you need to know about NATA Exam Centres 2026. From the full city list to how centres are allotted, we have it all here. Let us get started.
NATA 2026 Exam Centres: Key Highlights
Here is a quick look at the key facts about NATA Exam Centres 2026:
- Total Cities in India: 101 cities across all major states and union territories
- International Centre: Dubai (UAE) is the only international exam centre
- Conducting Body: Council of Architecture (CoA)
- Exam Mode: Computer-based test held at TCS iON centres
- Centre Selection: Pick three preferred cities during the application process
- Phase 1 Dates: April 4 to June 13, 2026, every Friday and Saturday (already done)
- Phase 2 Dates: August 7 and 8, 2026 (upcoming)
- Admit Card: Released two to three days before your exam slot
- Centre Change: Not allowed once your centre is allotted to you
Complete NATA Exam Center List 2026
The NATA exam center list 2026 is based on probable test cities listed in the official NATA brochure. These cities are tentative exam locations. The final allotted centre may differ based on seat availability.
Two new cities from Kerala have been added this year, taking the total to 101 Indian cities. The exam runs through TCS iON centres across India. Each centre has computers, digital drawing tablets and proper exam facilities.
Note that these are city-level preferences only. The exact address of your allotted centre will appear only on your NATA admit card.
City-wise NATA Exam Centre List
The city-wise NATA exam centre list covers all major regions of India. Here is a state-wise look at key cities:
| State/Region | Key Cities |
| Delhi NCR | New Delhi, Noida, Faridabad, Gurgaon |
| Uttar Pradesh | Lucknow, Agra, Kanpur, Varanasi, Prayagraj |
| Maharashtra | Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Aurangabad |
| Karnataka | Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubballi |
| Tamil Nadu | Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli |
| Andhra Pradesh | Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam |
| West Bengal | Kolkata, Siliguri, Durgapur |
| Gujarat | Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot |
| Rajasthan | Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ajmer |
| Madhya Pradesh | Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur |
| Bihar | Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur |
| Haryana | Faridabad, Gurugram, Ambala, Hisar |
| Kerala | Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode |
| Punjab | Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Amritsar |
| Assam | Guwahati |
| International | Dubai (UAE) |
States like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh have the most centres, with 8 to 12 each. Northeastern states may have just 1 to 2 centres each.
How to Choose NATA Exam Centre
Picking the right centre early is a smart move. Here is how to choose well:
- Pick the Nearest City First: Choose a city that is easy to reach from your home. Less travel means less stress and more energy on your exam day.
- Apply Early: CoA gives centres based on first-come availability. The sooner you apply, the better your chance of getting your first-choice city.
- Check Transport Links: Make sure your city has good bus, train, or metro links. Easy travel on exam day helps you stay calm and focused all through the test.
- Visit the Centre Beforehand: Go to the centre a day before to learn the route, parking and entry points. This saves you from last-minute confusion on exam day.
- Avoid International Centres as a Backup: International cities cannot be your second or third choice. If you pick Dubai, it must be your first and only choice.
- Plan Your Stay: If the centre is far from home, book a place to stay the night before. Being well-rested on exam day makes a big difference to your performance.
NATA Exam Centre Allotment Process
Here is how the NATA exam centre allotment works step by step:
- Register Online: Create your account on nata.ac.in and fill in all your details carefully before you move ahead.
- Select Three City Preferences: While filling the form, pick three exam cities in order of preference. Always put your nearest city first on the list.
- Pay the Application Fee: Complete your fee payment to confirm your registration. The fee for international centres is INR 10,000 for one test, INR 20,000 for two tests and INR 27,000 for all three tests.
- Wait for Centre Allotment: Your centre is allotted based on your choices and seat availability. You cannot ask for a change after the centre is given to you.
- Download Your Admit Card: The admit card comes out two to three days before your exam slot. Your centre address, date and timing will all be on it clearly.
NATA Counselling and Exam Centre Preferences
Here are some key points about NATA counselling and how it links to your centre choice:
- CoA does not run a common NATA counselling. After results, you apply to colleges on your own for B.Arch admission.
- Your NATA score is valid for the current admission cycle. Use it to apply to colleges across India that accept NATA scores directly.
- Plan your college applications along with your centre choice. Knowing which colleges are in which cities help you make smarter decisions early.
- Some state governments run their own B.Arch counselling. Check your state’s education website for dates and details specific to your state.
- Keep all your documents ready after the exam. You will need your scorecard, admit card, Class 12 marksheet and ID proof for all college applications.
Architecture Colleges Accepting NATA Scores
Over 365 architecture colleges across India accept NATA scores for B.Arch admissions. Some well-known ones include:
- Sir J.J. College of Architecture, Mumbai
- Faculty of Architecture and Ekistics, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
- R.V. School of Architecture, Bengaluru
- School of Architecture and Planning, VMRF, Chennai
- World University of Design, Sonipat
Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth in Faridabad, Delhi NCR, also accepts NATA scores for its B.Arch program. It is a well-known deemed university with modern design studios, expert faculty and a strong placement record. If you want a top B.Arch college close in Delhi NCR, Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth is a great choice. Admissions for 2026–27 are open now!
Conclusion
Picking the right exam centre is just as important as your exam prep. Knowing the full NATA Exam Centres 2026 list and how the allotment works gives you a strong head start. Apply early, pick your nearest city and get your admit card on time. Once you clear NATA, apply to the right B.Arch colleges without delay. Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth accepts NATA scores and offers a great B.Arch program right in Delhi NCR. Take your first step toward a great architecture career today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the NATA Exam Centres 2026?
Cities where CoA holds the NATA exam. The exam runs across 101 cities in India and one centre in Dubai.
Where are the NATA Exam Centres located in 2026?
Across all major states and union territories. Key cities include Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Hyderabad.
How can I choose my preferred NATA Exam Centre?
Pick three exam cities in order of preference while filling the form. Always choose the nearest city first.
How many NATA Exam Centres are available in 2026?
102 in total; 101 cities in India and one centre in Dubai.
Which cities have NATA Exam Centres in 2026?
All major cities are covered; Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Lucknow among many more.
How are NATA Exam Centres allotted to candidates?
Based on your city choices and seat availability at the time of application.
Can I change my NATA Exam Centre after submitting the form?
No. Once allotted, no changes are allowed. Choose carefully before submitting.
Is the NATA Exam Centre allotted on a first-come, first-served basis?
Yes. Apply early to improve your chances of getting your preferred city.
When will the allotted NATA Exam Centre be announced?
On your admit card, released two to three days before your exam slot.
Where can I check my allotted NATA Exam Centre?
Log in to nata.ac.in and download your admit card.
Can I select a NATA Exam Centre outside my home state?
Yes. You can pick any city from the official list.
Are international NATA Exam Centres available in 2026?
Yes. Dubai is the only international centre available in 2026.
What should I do if my preferred NATA Exam Centre is unavailable?
CoA will allot you the next available city from your preference list.
Can the Council of Architecture change my selected NATA Exam Centre?
Yes. CoA can change a centre for administrative reasons. Always check your admit card for final details.
Will the exact address be mentioned on the admit card?
Yes. The full address, date and timing will all appear on your admit card.
What is the reporting time at the NATA Exam Centre?
Reach at least 60 minutes before the session. Late arrivals may not be allowed inside.
What documents should I carry?
Your printed NATA admit card and a valid original photo ID such as Aadhaar, Passport, Driving Licence, or Voter ID.
What items are prohibited inside?
Mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, calculators, log tables, slide rules and electronic watches are all strictly banned.
What happens if I arrive late?
Late entry is not allowed. You may lose your exam attempt for that slot entirely.
Is there a separate exam centre list for each session?
No. The same city list applies to all sessions; one on Fridays and two on Saturdays.
Also Read
Mechanical Engineering Specializations
Top 10 Reasons to Study Mechanical Engineering
Exciting Fields in Computer Science
50 Common BBA Placement Interview Questions with Sample Answers