NATA 2026 Preparation: Tips, Strategy & Guide

National Aptitude Test in Architecture 2026 ( NATA )

Dhanya B
Updated on Dec 22, 2025 15:27 IST

By Dhanya B

NATA 2026 is being conducted by CoA to provide eligibility to the candidates for BArch admissions offered by the various participating institutes. Since most undergraduate Architecture colleges accept students based on NATA scores, the competition level is quite high. Candidates should be well-prepared and secure good scores in NATA 2026 so that they can apply for admission into their preferred institutes. NATA 2026 preparation tips will allow the candidates to know which tips and guidelines will help them secure the scores that they want. Candidates can check the various compiled NATA preparation tips 2026 listed in the article to boost their studies and preparation for the upcoming examination. Read to know more about NATA 2026 Preparation Tips.

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

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 entrance examination. Details regarding duration, mode, type of questions and more will be made available through NATA 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.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
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.

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).

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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 has been 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 inthe  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 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
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. 

View list of Books
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Priya Kumari

Beginner-Level 2

Answered 5 days 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

Answered a week ago

Yes, NATA or JEE Main Paper 2 is compulsory for Architecture, and is generally mandatory for admission to most recognised B.Arch) programs in India, as per Council of Architecture (CoA) regulations, to assess aptitude for the course. While NATA covers a broad range of colleges, prestigious instituti

...Read more

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

The MSU Baroda NATA Cutoff was released for admission to the BArch course. The NATA Cutoff 2024 was 31005 for the General category candidates under the All India quota. For the Gender candidates in the Home State quota, the BArch cutoff 2024 was 11076

For the OBC AI candidates, students faced a las

...Read more

N

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The Anant National University accepts the NATA cutoff ranks for admission to the BArch courses. The Anant National University NATA cutoff 2024 for the General AI category ranged from 21013 in the first round closing ranks and remained unchanged in the last round closing ranks.  On the other hand, th

...Read more

N

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Nirma University NATA cutoff 2024 has been released for admissions to BArch programme. In the first round NATA Cutoff 2024 was 11086 for the General AI category, and the last round closing cutoff was also 11086. For the General HS quota, the closing cutoff was again 11086

On the other hand, for the

...Read more

N

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

537 Institutes accepting NATA

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Jamia Millia Islamia

Jamia Nagar, Delhi Public

Jamia Mill
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  • 5 years
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