NATA Exam Day Instructions 2026: Check Do's & Don'ts

The Council of Architecture (COA), which is conducting NATA 2026, has categorically advised you to meticulously follow NATA exam day instructions and make sure that you appear in the exam without getting subjected to a different type of problem before or during the exam. 

NATA exam day instructions include essential guidelines that every candidate must follow on the day of the exam to avoid disqualification or last-minute issues.

Download Free Study Material for NATA 2026 by Creative Edge

This post takes you through the detailed information about NATA Exam Day Guidelines 2026, including what to carry for the NATA exam, the NATA dress code, and other essential instructions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free test experience

NATA 2026 Exam Dates & Timing

Students appearing are advised to keep checking the NATA official website for getting updates related to NATA Exam Dates.

NATA 2026 Commencement	April 4, 2026 – Onwards
- Start of Online Form Fill-up	March 9, 2026 – Onwards
Dates Of NATA 2026 Examination:	Every Friday & Saturday From 04.04.2026 to 13.06.2026 (Phase 1) (except on public holidays) On August 7 & 8, 2026 (Phase 2)
	For Friday Test (Afternoon Session)	For Saturday Test (Morning & Afternoon Sessions)
Closing Date Of Online Registration For The Upcoming Weekend Examination	Monday (11:59 pm)	Tuesday (11:59 pm)
Application Correction Window Closes	Tuesday (11:59 pm)	Wednesday (11:59 pm)
Publication Of Downloadable Admit Card	Available from Tuesday for that week’s Friday exam	Available from Wednesday for that week’s Saturday exam
Declaration Of Result		Within 7 days from date of Test

Exam Day Guidelines for NATA 2026 

Make sure to carry the NATA 2026 Admit Card and any government ID proof (PAN card, Driver's License, Voter ID, Passport, Aadhaar Card) on the day of the exam for verification at the exam centre. Otherwise, you are not allowed inside the examination hall.

• One passport-size photograph (identical to the one uploaded on the Online Application Form) should be taken and pasted on the specific space in the attendance sheet at the examination hall.
• You must reach the exam centre at least one hour before the exam.
• You will not be allowed inside the exam hall after 15 minutes of the commencement of the examination.
• Check the computer system that has been assigned to you to see is in working order.
• Do follow the signals given by the invigilator and show your admit card whenever demanded by the invigilator.
• Make sure to carry a copy of the PwD certificate (if applicable)
• Mark your attendance in the Form with your signature when asked for in the NATA exam hall after biometrics
• Ensure that all of the information on the attendance sheet is correct and that signatures are completed in all the appropriate places/columns.
• It will be better to make prior necessary arrangements for travel, food, accommodation, and any other expenses. Determine your mode of transportation and commute time at least one day before the Exam Day to ensure that you arrive at the Test Centre on time.

Boost Your NATA Preparation With Best NATA Online Coaching by Creative Edge

NATA Exam Dress Code 2026

The Council of Architecture (COA) has issued exam-day dress code for NATA exam that you should strictly follow on NATA exam day.

• Applicants are advised not to wear any clothing with metallic elements.
• It is completely prohibited to wear a cap/muffler or any other garment over one's head.
• Do not wear anything with too many pockets.
• Students should dress comfortably to avoid discomfort throughout the exam.
• On the day of the examination, candidates should not wear any jewellery or ornaments.
• Goggles, rings, bracelets, and other similar things are also prohibited.
• Wear simple clothes without accessories.
• Preferably wear a T-shirt and jeans, or a top/Kurti with leggings.

Read more: How to prepare for NATA in six months

Things Allowed Inside the NATA Exam Hall 2026

You are allowed to carry only the following things inside the NATA examination centre.

• Mask (preferably 3 ply mask that covers mouth and nose completely)
• Gloves
• Face Shield (if any)
• Transparent Water Bottle
• Personal hand sanitiser (50 ml)
• Pen
• Pencils
• Erasers
• Admit Card
• Valid ID Proof

Read More: Best Books for NATA Preparation

Download PYPs with Solutions for NATA by Creative Edge

Things Not Allowed Inside the NATA Exam Hall 2026

• As per NATA Exam Day Instructions 2026, you are not allowed to carry mobile phones, bags, or wallets to the NATA Entrance Exam. If you carry any of these things, you must deposit them at the test centre entrance gate.
• You are not permitted to take any textual material, calculators, slide rules, log tables, electronic watches with a calculator, printed or written material, bits of paper, mobile phone, pager, or any other device.
• It is also mentioned in the NATA 2026 exam day instructions that no friends or parents accompanying you will be allowed to enter beyond the Test Centre unless you belong to a PwD category and have requested a scribe. 

Check: List of NATA Exam Centres

NATA 2026 Guidelines for PwD Category

• If claiming the relaxation under the PwD category, a PwD certificate issued by an authorized medical officer is required.
• If claiming the PwD category relaxation for using your own scribe, a letter of undertaking is required.

Check: NATA Question Papers with Solutions

NATA Guidelines on the Day of the Exam

You will be assigned a seat with a roll number. You should sit in the seat that has been assigned to you. If you are found to have changed rooms/halls or seats on your own, your exam will be cancelled, and no appeal will be accepted.

Attempt Free NATA Moack Test 2026 By Creative Edge

Without special permission from the Centre Superintendent or the Invigilator in charge, no one will leave his or her seat or the Examination Room/Hall until the entire paper has been completed.

You must follow the NATA 2026 exam day instructions of the Centre Superintendent/Invigilators strictly.

• Don't engage with security personnel or test centre workers in debates over the forceful entry.
• After the gates have been closed, do not request any entry into the Test Centre. Make every effort to arrive on time.
• On the day of the examination, do not request a different test centre, exam lab, or console.
• Do not solve any question in a hurry.
• Do not disturb other students nor attempt to do cheating or copy answers from others during the Examination.
• Don't leave the examination hall even if the exam is finished. Wait till the examination is over.

Check: List of NATA Colleges Accepting NATA Score

Do’s and Don’ts for NATA Exam Day

✅ Do’s (What You Should Do)	❌ Don’ts (What to Avoid)
Carry NATA admit card (printed) and valid photo ID proof	Do not carry mobile phones, smartwatches, or electronic devices
Reach the exam centre at least 1 hour before reporting time	Do not arrive late; entry is not allowed after exam starts
Bring required stationery like pencils, erasers, colours, scale	Do not carry study material, notes, or paper
Follow all invigilator instructions and exam hall rules	Do not argue with staff or request entry after gate closure
Check your assigned system/seat before starting the exam	Do not change your seat or exam hall on your own
Carry passport-size photograph (as per application)	Do not forget required documents (entry will be denied)
Complete biometric verification and attendance properly	Do not leave the exam hall without permission
Dress in simple, comfortable clothing (as per guidelines)	Avoid jewellery, accessories, or items with metallic parts
Plan travel and reach the centre on time without stress	Do not depend on last-minute travel arrangements
Follow exam discipline and maintain silence during test	Do not indulge in cheating or disturbing others

Also read: NATA Study Plan