Updated on Feb 19, 2026 18:29 IST
NATA 2026 is an exam conducted for architecture students. On this page, candidates can check the mistakes they make while preparing for the exam and the steps to avoid them. Read more to know about NATA 2026. NATA 2026 is an exam conducted for architecture students. On this page, candidates can check the mistakes they make while preparing for the e

Preparing for NATA can be challenging for aspirants. There are a few Common Mistakes Students Make While Preparing for NATA. In this page, candidates can check the tips to avoid the common mistakes while preparing for NATA 2026.

NATA 2026 Preparation Tips

NATA 2026 Preparation Tips

NATA is one of the most important entrance exams for architecture aspirants. For candidates appearing for first time or looking to improve their scores, it is important to understand the common mistakes students make while preparing for NATA and how to avoid them. Students can miss the chance of getting seat in a top architecture college if they make these mistakes while preparing for NATA. 

In this article, candidates can find the tips to avoid mistakes while preparing for NATA 2026. Understanding these mistakes early can help the candidates avoid them and get the best results for the NATA exam preparation 2026

Table of contents
  • Ignoring The Drawing Test Practice
  • Not Understanding The Exam Pattern and Syllabus
  • Lack of Consistency
  • Ignoring Time Management
  • Not Reviewing The Mistakes Made in Past Tests
  • Neglecting Aptitude and Basic Mathematics
  • Memorising Instead of Learning Concepts
  • Overlooking General Awareness and Observation Skills
  • Lack of a Revision Plan
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Ignoring The Drawing Test Practice

Many students ignore drawing practice and focus only on aptitude questions. However, as per the NATA 2026 exam pattern, the drawing section has the maximum marks. If the candidates do not focus on it, their marks will go down significantly. Therefore, students need to practice drawing every day.

Not Understanding The Exam Pattern and Syllabus

Some students start NATA preparation without checking exam pattern or the NATA 2026 syllabus. This leads to wasting time on less important areas while ignoring important sections like visual reasoning, mathematics and general aptitude. 

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Lack of Consistency

NATA preparation requires steady practice, not last-minute studying. If the candidates are not consistent, they will miss the drawing flow and observation skills. Prepare a study plan and follow it consistently. Do not miss studies on any of the days. 

Also Read

Is NATA Mandatory for B.Arch Admission in India? Is Architecture a Good Career?
What is the Average Starting Salary after B.Arch? Top Architecture Dissertation Topics for BArch
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Ignoring Time Management

Many students struggle with managing time during the NATA 2026 exam. The exam includes a drawing section and an aptitude section. Both sections must be approached differently. Only with regular practice will candidates know how much time should be allotted for each section. To learn to manage time during the NATA exam, candidates must practice using previous year question papers and regularly take mock tests. 

Candidates can start with one mock test in 2 weeks. Later, when the exam is nearing, candidates can take mock test every week. 

Not Reviewing The Mistakes Made in Past Tests

The candidates must review the mistakes they have made in the previous test so that they don't repeat the same mistake again. Many students don't analyse the mistakes they made in the test, which will lead to repeated errors. Therefore, after each mock tests take time to understand the mistakes and stop making the same mistakes in the next test. 

Neglecting Aptitude and Basic Mathematics

NATA 2026 will include questions from basic mathematics and aptitude. Most students do not focus on understanding the fundamentals, which can lead to making errors while answering the questions. Therefore, candidates must regularly practice math problems and aptitude questions using past year question papers. Candidates can also use online resources and books to solve mathematics questions. 

Memorising Instead of Learning Concepts

NATA is not a rote learning exam. Candidates must understand the concepts properly. Candidates are expected to use their creative skills in the exam. 

Overlooking General Awareness and Observation Skills

NATA will also assess the general awareness of the candidates related to architecture. If the candidates do not practice these topics, they will lose a lot of marks. Therefore, the candidates must stay updated about architectural concepts by reading articles and watching videos. Candidates must improve their observation skills by sketching objects, people and landscapes they see around them.

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Lack of a Revision Plan

Many students prepare well for the exam, but they miss revising for the exam. If the candidates miss the revision, they may forget important concepts and will struggle recalling them during the exam. Therefore, candidates must practice a revision schedule and strictly follow the schedule. 

About the Author

Dhanya writes content on Engineering and Architecture exams. She has completed MSc Physics. She has 8+ years of work experience in the education industry. She likes painting and travelling.

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Student Forum

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Answered 2 days ago

GITAM School of Architecture Hyderabad accepts NATA scores for admission to BArch course. Aspirants with NATA score also need to meet the eligibility criteria for admission. The school also accepts scores in JEE Main paper-2 or GITAM GAT.

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered a week ago

No, NATA application form cannot be filled offline. NATA application form can be filled only on official website, nata.in. Candidates must pay application fee and fill all the details on application form online and submit it. 

A

Akansha Karan

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a week ago

Knowing NATA exam pattern is important for exam preparation. Candidates will know exact sections included in the question paper and their weightage. If the candidates are familiar with topics in the syllabus, they need not waste time on irrelevant topics. 

A

Aishwarya Garg

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a week ago

The NATA 2026 application form will be available soon. As per the last year dates, the NATA application form will be available from February. Application form is released on the official website. 

M

Mohit Shukla

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 weeks ago

Indus University NATA cutoff 2024 was released for admission to the BArch course for various categories under both the All India and Home State quota. For the General HS quota, the last round cutoff was 11431. On the other hand, for the General AI quota, the cutoff was 21182 in the last round.

To kno

...Read more

N

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

VNSGU Surat accepts the NATA cutoff results for admission to the BArch course. The cutoff was released in the form of opening and closing ranks for various categories under both the All India and Home State quotas. 

According to the VNSGU Surat NATA cutoff 2024, the last round cutoff for the General

...Read more

N

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

Sasi Creative Colleges accepts NATA scores for admission to BArch programme. Candidates must also pass Class 12 with at least 50% aggregate to apply for BArch. The seats are allotted to candidates based on their NATA scores via TNEA Counselling. Candidates can also get admission in BArch programme b

...Read more

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered a month ago

If you want to get admission into M.Arch colleges in India than you can consider the following exams other than NATA:

  • MAH MArch CET
  • GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering),
  • CEED (Common Entrance Exam for Design)
  • Karnataka PGCET
  • CEETA
  • KCET
  • CUET-PG

Some colleges also require their own aptitude tests and

...Read more

S

Shruti Shukla

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a month ago

The HNGU NATA Cutoff 2024 was released for admission to the BArch course for both the AI and HS quota. As per the HNGU Cutoff 2024 for the General AI category, the cutoff in the last round was 31049.

On the other hand for the General HS category, the last round cutoff was 11429 for the same course. C

...Read more

N

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

No, you can't get admission in Dev Bhoomi School of Architecture, Planning and Design BArch course without NATA. The university accepts students for the other courses on a merit basis. But, if you want to enrol in the BArch course, NATA is mandatory.

S

Sanjana Srivastava

Contributor-Level 10