NATA 2026 Preparation: Tips, Strategy & Guide

National Aptitude Test in Architecture 2026 ( NATA )

Dhanya B
Updated on Feb 20, 2026 19:10 IST

By Dhanya B

NATA 2026 Preparation: NATA 2026 is a BArch entrance exam conducted by CoA. The competition level is very high, since the NATA score is accepted by most undergraduate Architecture colleges. Candidates can check here for the NATA 2026 preparation tips. The preparation tips will allow the candidates to know which tips and guidelines will help them secure the scores that they want. Candidates should first understand the NATA exam pattern and syllabus before they start with exam preparation.

NATA preparation should focus on a balanced approach covering aptitude, mathematics and drawing skills. Candidates can check the various compiled NATA preparation tips 2026 listed in the article to boost their studies and preparation for the NATA 2026.

Table of contents
  • NATA Preparation Tips: Check Exam Pattern
  • NATA 2026 : Practice Mock Tests
  • Check NATA 2026 Syllabus
  • NATA 2026: Importance of Revision
  • Best Books for NATA 2026
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NATA Preparation Tips: Check Exam Pattern

Some of the important preparation tips of NATA 2026 are listed below.

Understand the NATA 2026 Exam Pattern

Candidates are advised to check official NATA 2026 exam pattern before starting preparation process. Through exam pattern, candidates will be able to know how authorities will conduct the entrance examination. Details regarding duration, mode, type of questions and more will be made available through exam pattern. This will help the candidates to prepare for the examination.

NATA 2026 Exam Pattern

Particulars Details
Mode Computer-Based Test (Online)
Duration

3 Hours

Part A - Drawing and Composition Test - 90 Minutes

Part B - MCQs - 90 Minutes

Medium English and Hindi
Sections

Part A - Drawing and Composition Test

Part B - MCQs 

Number of Questions 48
Division of Questions

Part A - Drawing and Composition Test

  • A1 - 1 Question - Composition and Colour
  • A2 - 1 Question - Sketching and Composition (Black and White)
  • A3 - 1 Question - 3D Composition

Part B - MCQs 

  • B1 - 30 Questions
  • B2 - 15 Questions
Marking Scheme

Part A - Drawing and Composition Test

  • A1 - 1 Question - Composition and Colour - 25 marks
  • A2 - 1 Question - Sketching and Composition (Black and White) - 25 marks
  • A3 - 1 Question - 3D Composition - 30 marks

Part B - MCQs 

  • B1 - 30 Questions x 2 marks - 60 marks
  • B2 - 15 Questions x 4 marks - 60 marks

 

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What are the NATA preparation tips?
A: 

To have a higher chance of securing good marks, candidates are advised to follow NATA preparation tips. The candidates should have a proper strategy to know how they can prepare for examination and secure the scores they need for admissions into preferred institutes. Firstly, candidates should check official NATA exam pattern and syllabus to understand how the examination will be held and the topics that need to studied. Candidates should create a personalised timetable so they can efficiently divide their study time and cover syllabus. Mock tests should be attempted regularly, and candidates should make a habit of creating notes on important topics. Revision should be done regularly. 

Q:   How can I create a good timetable for NATA preparation?
A: 

Creating a timetable is very important for preparation process of NATA. Students are advised to prepare a timetable that will allow them to complete syllabus well before the examination. While creating timetable, candidates should ensure that the entire syllabus is equally distributed. The subjects and topics should be divided well so that the candidates cover different units in a day and the studying process does not become monotonous. The daily study routine should also include revision and mock test. It is very important that the timetable is created considering the aptitude of the candidate.

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NATA 2026 : Practice Mock Tests

NATA Mock tests are an important part of preparation process. By solving mock tests, candidates will be able to know how NATA entrance examination will be conducted. Mock tests will also help the candidates understand their current preparation stance and learn from their commonly made mistakes. This will ensure that candidates do not repeat same mistakes and give a higher chance of scoring good marks.

Solving NATA previous year question papers helps the students to get familiar with question trends, difficulty level and time management. 

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What are the NATA 2026 assessment factors?
A: 

Candidates will be checked on various factors during NATA 2026. Authorities will prepare NATA 2026 question paper after considering various assessement factors - Inductive Reasoning (ability to analyze data and patterns), Diagrammatic Reasoning (ability to analyze drawings and use logical reasoning), Numerical Reasoning (ability to solve simple numerical problems), Verbal Reasoning (verbal logic), Situational Judgment (problem-solving abilities), Abstract Reasoning (general knowledge and their ability to apply it in situations) and Logical Reasoning (ability to recognise patterns, relationships, sequences and more).

Q:   Are mock tests important for NATA preparation?
A: 

Yes. Mock tests are essential and very important for NATA preparation. Candidates are advised to attempt the mock tests regularly so that they are updated with the examination pattern and the type of questions that they can expect in NATA. By attempting the mock tests, the candidates will be able to understand how the examination will be conducted, the important topics, subject-wise weightage of marks and more. Mock tests will also allow the candidates to know their commonly made mistakes so that they can correct it before the examination. Time management skills can also be boosted using the mock tests.

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Check NATA 2026 Syllabus

The authorities will release the NATA 2026 syllabus on the official website. Candidates can now check the topics and units which have to be studied for the entrance examination. Through the syllabus, the candidates will be able to familiarise themselves with the topics from which the questions for the NATA entrance exam will be formulated.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the syllabus for NATA exam?
A: 

NATA syllabus will be released online at nata.in. The candidates are advised to check the official NATA syllabus to understand what needs to be studied for the entrance examination. The topics to be studied are - Composition and Colour, Sketching and Composition (Black and White), 3D Composition, Visual Reasoning, Logical Derivation, GK Architecture and Design, Language Interpretation, Design Sensitivity, Design Thinking and Numerical Ability.

Q:   Is NATA syllabus important for the examination preparation?
A: 

Yes. NATA syllabus is very important for the examination preparation as it will allow the candidates to have a first-hand experience to know which topics and units have to studied. By knowing the syllabus beforehand, the candidates will be able to take the necessary measures that are required to complete it well before the entrance examination. Ideally, the candidates are expected to finish studying and revising the NATA syllabus before the examination. 

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NATA 2026: Importance of Revision

Candidates must revise daily to get an excellent score in the  NATA 2026 entrance exam. Candidates must revise whatever they have studied since this will help them to be well-prepared for the examination. Candidates must revise difficult and important topics more. A few hours of regular revision will bring much change in the preparation of the students. 

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Which documents will be required for BArch admissions through NATA?
A: 

Candidates will be required to verify documents while applying for BArch admissions at various institutes through NATA scores. The list of documents to be verified may vary as per the institute that candidate has applied for; however, the basic documents that have to be prepared and may be required for verification are - NATA admit card and score card, 10th and 12th standard mark sheets and pass certificates, ID proof and passport photograph. If applicable, candidates will also have to present category and domicile certificates. 

Q:   Where can I get information about counselling on the basis of NATA scores?
A: 

CoA does not conduct any common counselling process for NATA qualified candidates. Therefore, the candidates will have to check the official website of their preferred institute for the admission process based on NATA scores. Candidates with a valid NATA score will be eligible for state-level and private institute admissions. The details regarding the admission process will vary as per the institute that the candidate is applying for. 

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Best Books for NATA 2026

Candidates can check some of the popular books for NATA 2026 from the tables given below.

Topics

Books

Algebra

Higher Algebra by Hall and Knight

Reasoning

A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Agarwal

General

NATA & B.Arch Question Bank by Ar. Shadan Usmani

Mathematical Problems

Problems in Mathematics by V Govorov, P.Dybov, N.Miroshin and S.Smirnova

Quantitative Aptitude

Quantitative Aptitude by R.S Aggarwal

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Which documents will be required for BArch admissions through NATA?
A: 

Candidates will be required to verify documents while applying for BArch admissions at various institutes through NATA scores. The list of documents to be verified may vary as per the institute that candidate has applied for; however, the basic documents that have to be prepared and may be required for verification are - NATA admit card and score card, 10th and 12th standard mark sheets and pass certificates, ID proof and passport photograph. If applicable, candidates will also have to present category and domicile certificates. 

Q:   Which are the best books for preparation of NATA exam?
A: 

Candidates are advised to refer to the best materials while preparing for NATA. By checking the best books for NATA, the candidates will have access to the knowledge required to perform well in the entrance examination. Some of the subject-wise best books for NATA are given below.

  • Algebra - Higher Algebra by Hall and Knight
  • Reasoning - A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Agarwal
  • General - NATA & B.Arch Question Bank by Ar. Shadan Usmani
  • Mathematical Problems - Problems in Mathematics by V Govorov, P.Dybov, N.Miroshin and S.Smirnova
  • Quantitative Aptitude - Quantitative Aptitude by R.S Aggarwal
View list of Books

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NATA Exam

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 3 days ago

All the candidates who have registered and booked the slot will receive the admit card. NATA 2026 admit card will be available online at nata.in. Registered candidates will be able to download the admit card by logging into their account 2-3 days before the selected exam slot. 

I

Ishita Patra

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 3 days ago

The last date to apply for NATA 2026 will be in August 2026. The registration for NATA 2026 will begin anytime soon. The expected date is in the first week of March 2026. 

M

Mohit Gaurav

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 3 days ago

The last date to apply for NATA 2026 will be in August. The NATA application form will be released soon. The expected date of release is in the first week of March 2026.

D

Dhanya B

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 days ago

No common counselling will be conducted for NATA 2026 qualified candidates. Counselling will be conducted by the individual colleges based on the NATA score. Therefore, candidates can apply to any architecture college with NATA result. 

P

Pallavi Sinha

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 3 days ago

NATA 2026 exam will be conducted multiple times in a year. The tentative date of the NATA exam is from March to August 2026. The exam will be conducted on Friday and Saturday throughout the month. 

A

Akansha Karan

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 3 days ago

The NATA exam includes the Drawing section and the MCQ section. The drawing section is considered more difficult than the MCQs. Candidates must practice 5 to 7 drawings every day to score well in the exam.

A

Aishwarya Garg

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 3 days ago

The NATA 2026 exam will be conducted for 200 Marks. The candidates must score above 80 marks to get admission in the top colleges. 

M

Mohit Shukla

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 3 days ago

No, NATA is not a tough exam. The difficulty level of NATA is easy to moderate. Candidates must be well prepared with the drawings and architecture aptitude. 

S

Shikha Hazarika

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 3 days ago

Candidates can crack NATA through proper planning and strategies. Candidates must check the exam pattern before they start the preparation. 

  • For the Aptitude Test, candidates can expect questions based on Indian and world architectural structures, designs, colour, and pattern. Therefore, read books a

...Read more

P

Parul Pandey

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a week 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

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Jamia Millia Islamia

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