NATA 2026 Preparation: Tips, Strategy & Guide

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

Creating a timetable is very important for the preparation process of NATA. Students are advised to prepare a timetable that will allow them to complete the syllabus well before the examination. While creating the timetable, the 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.

Q: What are the NATA preparation tips?

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

Q: What are the revision tips for NATA?

Revision is one of the most important parts of the preparation process. Candidates will have to ensure that they revise regularly and include it in their daily study routine. By revising regularly, the candidates will be able to go through whatever they have studied earlier and have lesser chances of forgetting their previously studied units and topics. Candidates are advised to study important topics and units more so that they are well prepared for the examination.

Q: Is NATA syllabus important for the examination preparation?

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.

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

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: What is the syllabus for NATA exam?

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 exam pattern important for the preparation?

Yes. The candidates are advised to download and check the NATA exam pattern to understand how the entrance examination will be held. Using the exam pattern of NATA 2026, the candidates will be able to know how the authorities will conduct the entrance examination. Through the exam pattern, the candidates will understand the nature of the questions, sections, marking scheme and more. By having prior knowledge of the pattern, the candidates will be able to boost their preparation progress.

Q: What are some of the important last minute preparation tips for NATA?

The final days before the examination are always crucial since the candidate's progress during this time will determine the results. Candidates should ensure that they give their best during the final days before the examination so that they will perform well. Some of the best last minute preparation tips for NATA are given below. Candidates are advised to not start any new topics a few days before the entrance examination. Since this will increase the chances of creating confusion, the candidates are advised to revise what they had earlier studied and strengthen their concepts. Revision should be done daily so that the candidates do not forget what they had earlier studied for the entrance examination. Candidates should attempt mock tests regulary. This will allow the candidates to assess their preparation progress and commonly made mistakes. Through the mock tests, the candidates can also boost their time management skills. Before the examination, the candidates should ensure that they are well rested and are physically and mentally healthy for the examination.

Q: When should I start preparing for NATA?

Candidates are advised to commence their preparation process for NATA as early as possible. The authorities will assess the students on their aptitude and topics commonly studied in 11th and 12th standards. By preparing for NATA along with the board exams, the students will be able to concentrate equally on both exams and have ample time to cover the syllabus. Another advantage of starting the preparation process early is that the candidates will have more time for revision and be focused on securing good scores in the entrance examination.

Q: What are the NATA 2026 assessment factors?

Candidates will be assessed on various factors during NATA 2026. The authorities will prepare the 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 recognize patterns, relationships, sequences and more).

4.6K Students Q&A

Updated on Aug 21, 2025 11:51 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 their 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.

Q: When should I start preparing for NATA?

Q: What are the NATA 2026 assessment factors?

Q: Are mock tests important for NATA preparation?

Table of content

NATA 2026 Preparation Tips
Best Books for NATA 2026
NATA 2026 Preparation Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

Check NATA 2026 Syllabus

The authorities have released the NATA 2025 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 entrance examination will be formulated.

Practice Mock Tests

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

Create Notes Regularly

Candidates are advised to create notes regularly while preparing for NATA 2026. Creating notes will help the candidates to write down the concepts and formulas which they have a hard time memorising. Having small notes will help the candidates to revise these topics whenever and wherever they wish to.

Revision is Important

Candidates should ensure that they add revisions to the daily study schedule. It is important for the candidates to revise whatever they have studied since this will allow them to be well-prepared for the examination. Candidates should also revise the difficult and important topics more. A few hours of regular revision will bring much change in the preparation progress of the students.

Create a Healthy Schedule

Along with a well-planned exam preparation schedule, the candidates should also make sure that they take care of their health. Sleep should never be compromised, as it will ensure that the students have a fresh mind to absorb information. Candidates should also ensure that they have a healthy diet since they need to be in good condition to perform well in the examination.

Commonly asked questions

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

Q: What are the NATA preparation tips?

Q: What are the revision tips for NATA?

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

Commonly asked questions

Q: Is NATA syllabus important for the examination preparation?

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

Q: What is the syllabus for NATA exam?

View list of Books

NATA 2026 Preparation Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Read for NATA 2026 Preparation Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

Commonly asked questions

Q: Is NATA exam pattern important for the preparation?

Q: What are some of the important last minute preparation tips for NATA?

NATA Exam

Student Forum

Anything you would want to ask experts?

Write here...

Do I need NATA or JEE Paper for admission to Chandigarh University Architecture course?

Answered 2 weeks ago

Absolutely, either NATA or JEE Paper 2 (B.Arch Aptitude Test) is compulsory for admission into Chandigarh University's architecture program. Even if a student has scored well in 12th or diploma, the aptitude test cannot be skipped because it is mandated by the Council of Architecture. These tests me

RUHI KHAN

Beginner-Level 4

Is it compulsory to appear for AAT for BArch admission at IIT if I have NATA score?

Answered 3 weeks ago

Yes, candidates have to qualify AAT after qualifying JEE Advanced to be eligible for IIT BArch admissions.

Akansha Bhandari

Contributor-Level 6

What type of questions are asked in the NATA Drawing section?

Answered a month ago

In the NATA Drawing section, questions are designed to test your creativity, imagination, visualisation, and sketching ability. You won't be judged on artistic perfection, but on clarity, proportion, perspective, and originality.

Here are the common types of questions asked:

Sketching from Memory – Dr

Aishwarya Garg

Beginner-Level 5

Is NCERT Mathematics enough for NATA preparation?

Answered a month ago

Yes, NCERT Mathematics (Class 11 & 12) is generally enough for NATA preparation because most of the topics in the syllabus are covered in NCERT.

The NATA Mathematics section usually tests:

Algebra

Trigonometry

Coordinate Geometry

Matrices & Determinants

Probability & Statistics

Vectors

Differential & Integr

Mohit Shukla

Beginner-Level 5

Do I need to study Architecture topics before NATA?

Answered a month ago

For NATA, you don't need to study architecture as a full subject before the exam. However, having a basic awareness is very helpful because the General Aptitude section includes questions on:

Famous architects (like Le Corbusier, B.V. Doshi, Zaha Hadid, etc.)
Well-known monuments and buildings in Indi

Shikha Hazarika

Beginner-Level 5

What is covered under the NATA General Aptitude section?

Answered a month ago

The General Aptitude section of NATA checks your reasoning, visualization, and awareness related to design and architecture. It generally covers:

Analytical Reasoning & Mental Ability – puzzles, patterns, coding-decoding, sequences, etc.
Logical Reasoning – problem-solving, relationships, analogies, a

Manisha Sahni

Beginner-Level 5

Does the NATA syllabus include Physics and Chemistry?

Answered a month ago

No, the NATA syllabus does not include Physics and Chemistry.
The exam mainly focuses on Mathematics, General Aptitude, and Drawing skills. While Physics and Chemistry are not part of the test, having a basic understanding of these subjects may indirectly help in architectural concepts, but they are

Parul Pandey

Beginner-Level 5

What is the fees at the government top NATA accepting Architecture colleges in India?

Answered a month ago

Students can refer to the table below for some details about the top government Architecture colleges in India accepting NATA:

Public/Government Colleges	Total Tuition Fee	NIRF '24
IIT Roorkee Admission	INR 10 Lakh	1
IIT Kharagpur Admission	INR 10 Lakh	2
NIT Calicut Admission	INR 6.25 Lakh	3
SPA Delhi Admission	INR 4 Lakh	5
NIT Trichy Admission	INR 6.25 Lakh	8

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

Muskan Chugh

Contributor-Level 10

What is the fees at the private top NATA accepting Architecture colleges in India?

Answered a month ago

The table below provides some details about the private top Architecture colleges in India that accept NATA:

Private Colleges	Total Tuition Fee	NIRF '24
CEPT University Admission	INR 22.75 Lakh	6
SRM IST Admission	INR 13.75 Lakh	11
Nirma University Admission	INR 11.1 Lakh	13
Nirma University Admission	INR 11.5 Lakh	19

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

Muskan Chugh

Contributor-Level 10

What is the last date to register for NATA?

Answered a month ago

The Council of Architecture has not yet announced the official last date to register for NATA 2026. However, based on previous years' trends and information from exam sources, the registration process is expected to begin in February 2026 and continue until the third week of March 2026. Additionally

Dhanya B

Contributor-Level 10

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