NATA Preparation Guide 2026
Your complete roadmap to cracking NATA with a top rank
6-12 Months
Recommended Prep Time
4-6 Hours
Daily Study Hours
50+ Tests
Mock Tests
2+ Hours/Day
Drawing Practice
6-Month Preparation Timeline
Phase 1: Foundation (Month 1-2)
Focus: Build strong basics
✓
Complete NCERT Mathematics (Class 11-12)✓
Start daily sketching practice (1-2 hours)✓
Learn basic architectural terminology✓
Practice mental math and calculations✓
Understand exam pattern and marking scheme
Phase 2: Core Preparation (Month 3-4)
Focus: Deep dive into subjects
✓
Complete entire NATA syllabus✓
Practice previous year papers✓
Focus on 3D visualization and perspective✓
Solve aptitude questions daily✓
Study famous architects and buildings
Phase 3: Practice & Testing (Month 5-6)
Focus: Intensive practice
✓
Take weekly mock tests✓
Analyze mistakes and weak areas✓
Time-bound practice sessions✓
Focus on speed and accuracy✓
Revision of important topics
Phase 4: Final Sprint (Last Month)
Focus: Polish and perfect
✓
Daily full-length mock tests✓
Quick revision of formulas✓
Practice drawing under exam conditions✓
Stress management and relaxation✓
Final revision of weak areas
Subject-wise Strategy
📐
Mathematics (40 Marks)
•
Focus on Coordinate Geometry - highest weightage
•
Master Trigonometry formulas and identities
•
Practice Calculus problems daily
•
Learn shortcuts for quick calculations
•
Solve at least 50 questions from each topic
🧠
General Aptitude (80 Marks)
•
Practice spatial reasoning with cube problems
•
Solve logical puzzles and riddles daily
•
Study architectural awareness thoroughly
•
Improve pattern recognition skills
•
Take timed aptitude tests regularly
✏️
Drawing Test (80 Marks)
•
Practice sketching objects from memory
•
Master perspective drawing techniques
•
Learn shading and texture rendering
•
Practice 2D to 3D conversions
•
Develop your unique artistic style
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Ignoring Drawing Practice
✅ Drawing carries 80 marks. Practice daily without fail.
❌ Last-minute Preparation
✅ Start at least 6 months before the exam.
❌ Skipping Mock Tests
✅ Take 2-3 mock tests every week.
❌ Neglecting Time Management
✅ Practice with timer from day one.
❌ Ignoring Aptitude Section
✅ Aptitude has 80 marks - focus equally.
❌ Not Revising Regularly
✅ Schedule weekly revision sessions.