NATA Syllabus 2026: Check Subject wise Syllabus, Preparation Tips

Quick Answer: The NATA 2026 syllabus includes topics from Mathematics (Class 11–12 level), Logical & Analytical Reasoning, Visual & Spatial Ability, Architectural Awareness, and Drawing skills. It tests numerical ability, 3D visualization, design sensitivity, and creative composition required for admission into B.Arch programs.

Download Free Study Material for NATA 2026 by Creative Edge

The Council of Architecture (CoA) releases the NATA 2026 syllabus for NATA 2026 exam in its official brochure. NATA exam has 2 sections - The Part A (Drawing & Composition Test) and Part B (MCQs & NCQs based on Maths, Aptitude & GK).

Part A will be conducted in offline mode and will consist 3 questions on drawing + composition for 80 marks. While, the Part B of the NATA exam syllabus 2026 will be conducted in CBT mode and is expected to have questions from basic mathematics, logical reasoning, visual reasoning, GK or architectural awareness (total 120 marks).

With the understanding of NATA Syllabus 2026, you can also save time by not studying topics that are unimportant for the exam. Read through the post that will give you a complete insight into the subject-wise NATA Syllabus 2026 and the best preparation books. 

Table of Contents

1. NATA 2026 Exam Structure
2. NATA Aptitude Syllabus - Core Topics & Sample Questions
3. NATA Mathematics Syllabus
4. NATA Drawing Test Syllabus 2026 - Core Topics & Sample Questions
5. Best Books for NATA 2026 Preparation

NATA 2026 Syllabus as per Council of Architecture (COA) – Official NATA Website

The NATA Information Brochure released by the Council of Architecture outlines:

• Section-wise NATA syllabus and topic coverage (Mathematics, Aptitude, Drawing)

• Skills evaluated in the examination

• Exam pattern, marking scheme and question structure

• Assessment criteria for drawing and aptitude sections

• Eligibility criteria and admission guidelines

Candidates can download the official NATA brochure and syllabus documents from the official NATA website to verify the most updated syllabus for the 2026 exam cycle.

NATA 2026 Exam Structure Explained - Part A vs Part B (Official COA Format)

As per the official Council of Architecture NATA syllabus, the exam is divided into two main components to evaluate both creative ability and analytical aptitude. Understanding the NATA exam pattern helps aspirants plan preparation more strategically instead of studying all topics together.

NATA 2026 Exam Sections Overview

Exam Part	Section Name	Mode of Test	Duration	Marks	What It Evaluates
Part A	Drawing and Composition Test	Offline drawing-based	90 Minutes	80 Marks	Creativity, visualization, composition skills
Part B	MCQ and NCQ Aptitude Test	Computer-based adaptive test	90 Minutes	120 Marks	Logical reasoning, visual reasoning, design sensitivity

Total Marks: 200

The drawing section focuses on creative thinking and architectural visualization, while the aptitude section measures analytical reasoning and observation skills.

NATA 2026 Syllabus Part A - Drawing and Composition Section (Creative Evaluation)

Part A evaluates a candidate’s artistic and spatial abilities through structured drawing tasks. The official syllabus mentions that candidates attempt questions such as composition, sketching, and 3D visualization exercises designed to test imagination and visual clarity.

Question Type	What Students May Be Asked To Do
Composition and Color	Create visually balanced compositions using given themes
Sketching Tasks	Draw environments or scenarios with proportion and detailing
3D Composition	Build and illustrate forms using spatial imagination

Preparation focus for Part A should be daily drawing practice, perspective understanding, and visualization exercises.

Check: NATA Preparation in one month

NATA Syllabus 2026 Part B – MCQ and NCQ Aptitude Section (Analytical Evaluation)

Part B is conducted in a computer-based adaptive format and evaluates logical reasoning, visual analysis, and architectural awareness. The official syllabus highlights areas such as visual reasoning, logical derivation, language interpretation, and design sensitivity.

Question Category	Description
Visual Reasoning	Understanding forms, patterns, and spatial relationships
Logical Derivation	Analytical reasoning and decision-making
Design Sensitivity	Observation of environment, product, and space
Numerical Ability	Geometry-based mathematics used in architecture

Preparation for Part B should include reasoning practice, visual analysis exercises, and basic geometry concepts rather than rote learning.

Check: NATA Basic Preparation Strategies

Download NATA Aptitude Question Paper PDF

Section Wise NATA Syllabus 2026 - General Aptitude

The aptitude test measures your knowledge in:

• Observational skills
• Visual perception
• Aesthetic sensitivity tests
• Logical reasoning
• Critical thinking ability

The NATA aptitude test will comprise 125 questions that could be of the following:

• Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQ)
• No Choice Questions (NCQ) 

You are advised to solve the previous year's question papers for NATA to know the difficulty level and the type of questions asked in the exam.

Let us look at the table below to know the important topics that must be prepared under the general aptitude section of the NATA syllabus.

NATA 2026 Syllabus - Aptitude Core Topics

NATA Syllabus Topics	Detailed Subtopics	Importance Level	Weightage in Part A	Skills Tested
Logical Reasoning	Series completion, analogies, classification, coding-decoding	High	10-12%	Analytical thinking, problem solving
Visual Reasoning	2D-3D transformation, mental rotation, pattern recognition	High	15-20%	Spatial visualization
Numerical & Analytical Ability	Data interpretation, logical deduction, situation analysis	Medium - High	15-17%	Decision-making and reasoning
Architectural Awareness	Famous architects, buildings, architectural terminology	Medium	17-20%	Design awareness
General Awareness	Environment, urban spaces, cultural landmarks	Medium	8-10%	Contextual understanding
Design Sensitivity & Thinking	Observing, recording and analyzing, people, space, product, environment + Visual comparisons & pattern spotting	High	7-10%	Attention to detail
Language Interpretation	Reading comprehension, vocabulary, synonyms, antonyms	Medium	20-22%	Ability to correctly generate meaning of words, sentences, understanding about English grammar.

The aptitude section often combines logic with visual interpretation, so balanced preparation across reasoning and observation is important.

Other Topics from NATA Exam Syllabus 2026 (Aptitude)

You can also expect questions from the following topics in the National Aptitude Test in Architecture 2026. Enhance your preparation levels by following expert preparation tips for NATA.

• Elements and principles of design
• Aesthetic sensitivity
• Colour theory
• Visual perception and cognition
• Graphics and imagery
• Building anatomy and architectural vocabulary
• Basic techniques of building construction and knowledge of material
• General knowledge and current affairs

Sample Questions from NATA 2026 Syllabus Aptitude Section

Q.1. Find the appropriate figure from the alternatives given below which best fits into the blank space of the symmetrical problem figure indicated by a (?)

(a) (A)

(b) (B)

(c) (C)

(d) (D)

Ans: b

Q.2. Universal time is based on:

(a) Rotation of the earth on its axis

(b) Earth's orbital motion around the earth

(c) Vibrations of caesium atom

(d) Oscillation of quartz crystal

Ans: (a) Rotation of the earth on its axis.

Q.3. In a row of 40 girls, when Komal was shifted to her left by 4 places her number from the left end of the row became 10. What was the number of Swati from the right end of the row if Swati was three places to the right of Komal's original position?

(a) 25 (b) 24 (c) 23 (d) 22

Ans: b, 24

Q.4. What is the antonym of 'augment'?

(a) Diminishes   

(b) Amplifies

(c) Increases      

(d) Boosts

Ans: c

Check: Logical Reasoning Questions for NATA

Download PYPs with Solutions for NATA 2026 by CreativeEdge

NATA 2026 Syllabus - Mathematics

You should focus more on topics like Coordinate Geometry, Algebra, Permutation and Combination, Statistics and Probability, Matrices, and logarithms from the NATA 2026 syllabus to score good marks in mathematics. 

NATA 2026 Syllabus - Maths Core Topics

Students can refer to the NATA maths syllabus in the table provided below. This helps aspirants identify exact maths topics to prepare.

Topic Area	Subtopics
Algebra	Linear equations, quadratic equations, AP & GP basics, nth term, sum of series, AM-GM relation, infinite GP concepts
Trigonometry	Trigonometric functions, identities, heights and distances, equations, properties of triangles, inverse trig basics
Logarithms	Log formulas, properties, change of base, simplification techniques
Matrices	Matrix operations, transpose, determinants, inverse, solving linear equations
Coordinate Geometry	Straight lines, circles, distance formula, section formula, slope, straight lines, locus, intersections
3D Coordinate Geometry	Direction ratios/cosines, distance between points, line & plane equations
Mensuration	Area, surface area, volume
Arithmetic	Percentages, ratios, averages
Calculus (Basics)	Limits and differentiation (elementary level), continuity, chain rule, implicit & parametric functions, basic integration
Application of Calculus	Tangents & normals, maxima/minima, motion concepts, area under curves
Permutation & Combination	Basic counting principles, arrangements (nPr, nCr concepts)
Statistics & Probability	Mean, variance, standard deviation, probability rules, Bayes theorem, binomial distribution

A well-structured study plan for NATA is essential to score good marks in the mathematics section.

NATA 2026 Syllabus - Sample Questions for Maths

Q.1. A hollow iron pipe is 20 cm long and its external diameter is 10 cm . If the thickness of the pipe is 1 cm and iron weighs 8 g/cm³, then what is the weight of the pipe? (Answer to be provided in kg to the third decimal).

Q.2. 40 men took a dip in a water tank 50 m long and 20 m broad on a religious day. If the average displacement of water by a man is 5 m³, what will the rise in the water level in the tank be. (Answer to be provided in cm)

Q.3. The product of two numbers is 120 and the sum of their squares is 289 . The sum of the number is:

(a) 23             

(b) 27

(c) 32             

(d) 64

NATA 2026 Syllabus - Miscellaneous Topics to Study for Part A

NATA 2026 Chemistry Topics

You are advised to solve NATA Mock Tests to know the type of questions asked from the chemistry section.

• Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry; Structure of Atom; Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties
• Organic Chemistry: Some Basic Principles and Techniques; Hydrocarbons; Environmental Chemistry

Sample Questions for Chemistry:

1. The speed of sound waves is maximum in .

(a) Liquids

(b) Gases

(c) Solids

(d) All of these

2. Which of the following is a physical change?

(a) Oxidation                               

(b) Decomposition

(c) Sublimation                         

(d) Reduction

Check: Last Minute Preparation Tips for NATA 2026

NATA Syllabus 2026 for Physics

Here are the important topics you must prepare for under the NATA Syllabus for Physics

• Electrostatics- Electric charges and Fields; Electrostatic Potential and Clearance
• Current Electricity; Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism; Moving Charges and magnetism; Magnetism and Matter Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating currents- Electromagnetic Induction; Alternating Current
• Optics- Ray optics and optical instruments, Wave Optics, Dual nature of radiation and Matter
• Atoms and Nuclei- Atoms, Nuclei
• Electronic devices- Semiconductor Electronics, Materials, Devices, and Simple circuits.

Sample Questions for Physics:

Which of the men from 𝑋, 𝑌, 𝑍 will fall faster to the ground when they are jumping from an airplane, ignoring the air resistance.

Check: Numerical reasoning questions for NATA

Attempt Full-length NATA Mock Tests - FREE!

NATA 2026 Syllabus - Drawing

As per last year NATA 2026 syllabus, the NATA exam did not had a drawing test. Though it is essential to understand the NATA drawing syllabus for NATA 2026, we have summarized the important aspects of the NATA Drawing Syllabus 2026.

• Conceptualization and Visualization through structuring objects in memory.
• Understanding of scale and proportion of objects, geometric composition, shape, building forms and elements, aesthetics, colour texture, harmony, and contrary. Drawing of patterns - both geometrical and abstract.
• Form transformations in 2D and 3D like union, subtraction, rotation, surfaces, and volumes.
• Generating plan, elevation, and 3D views of objects. Creating 2D and 3D compositions using given shapes and forms. Perspective drawing, Sketching of urbanscape and landscape, Common day-to-day life objects like furniture, equipment, etc., from memory.

NATA 2026 Drawing Syllabus - Core Topics

Skill Area	Focus Areas
Perspective Drawing	One-point and two-point perspective
Composition	Balance, proportion, spatial planning
Sketching	Freehand drawing, line quality
Visual Imagination	Creative scene generation
Memory Drawing	Observation-based drawing

This is critical for students preparing the drawing section.

NATA 2026 Syllabus - Sample Questions for Drawing

Q.1. Imagine you are riding a cruiser bike, the scene that you see.

Q.2. You are given five bricks, four circular wooden logs, and six balls. Make an interesting stable composition using these elements and show light and shadow in the design.

Q.3. You have been provided with a piece of coloured paper in the shape of red triangles, blue circles, and yellow squares. Make a composition in the given space using a maximum of five pieces.

Check: NATA Exam Analysis

NATA Drawing vs Aptitude – Syllabus Comparison

Parameter	Drawing Section	Aptitude + Maths Section
Nature of Questions	Subjective drawing tasks	Objective aptitude questions
Skills Required	Creativity, imagination	Logic, calculation
Preparation Style	Daily sketching practice	Problem-solving drills
Evaluation	Visual and conceptual	Accuracy-based

Check: List of NATA Government colleges in india

Download NATA Drawing Question Paper PDF

Best Books for NATA 2026 Preparation

According to the expert, referring to the right books and thoroughly studying the NATA syllabus will help you understand the concepts in-depth and perform well in the upcoming exam.

See the table below for the best preparation books for NATA 2026.

Book Name	Author Name
A Complete Self-Study Guide for B.Arch Entrance Examination 2024/25	PK Mishra
NATA (B.Arch) Guide to Bachelor of Architecture Entrance Examination B.Arch Entrance Examination Guide	Surendra Kavimandan
NATA & B.Arch Question Bank	AR. Shadan Usmani
NATA & B.Arch complete self-study material: entrance examination	AR. Shadan Usmani

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Conclusion

In conclusion, NATA 2026 syllabus preparation requires hard work and dedication. Knowing the NATA syllabus, its components, and the important topics and chapters are important. Setting a timeline and allocating enough time to each topic are also important.

Additionally, practising as much as possible and using the right resources is important. With proper preparation and dedication, one can easily ace the NATA exam.

Preparing for NATA 2026? We can help you with exact strategic roadmap, study material and crucial feedback required to ace this exam.

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