Article NATA 2026 Topper Tips – How to Score 150+ Marks in NATA | ADA Classes

Overview: What Makes NATA Toppers Different

The National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) is not just an exam — it’s a unique blend of creativity, analytical thinking and observation. Thousands of students attempt NATA each year, but only a select few cross the 150+ mark and secure seats in India’s top architecture colleges.

What truly sets toppers apart is their approach, mindset and consistency. Toppers treat NATA as a marathon — they prioritise understanding over rote learning, practise daily with purpose, and continuously evaluate progress. They balance drawing, reasoning and mathematics, knowing every section contributes to the final score.

If you want to score 150+ in NATA 2026, start thinking like a designer, not just a student. For official eligibility, dates and registration details always check the Council of Architecture and the NATA website.

Tip 1: Master the Basics Before You Compete

Every strong building needs a solid foundation — and so does your NATA preparation. Before diving into advanced exercises, build your fundamentals first.

• Practice one-point and two-point perspective daily. (See our drawing guide: NATA Drawing Section Preparation.)
• Work on proportions, symmetry and basic composition.
• Sketch simple household objects (cups, chairs, doors) with correct scale and balance.
• Revise elementary mathematics: lines, angles and coordinate geometry. (Refer: NATA syllabus and our study material.)

Topper Insight:

Goal for month 1: confidently sketch any simple object from memory — neat, proportional and quick.

Tip 2: Focus on Drawing Speed and Precision

NATA evaluates how clearly and efficiently you can express an idea visually. The drawing section often makes the difference between 120 and 150+ scores.

Toppers build speed and precision via timed practice that mirrors exam conditions.

• Practice 2–3 full compositions per week under a 40–45 minute limit. (Try our online test series for timed drills.)
• Use pencils (2B–6B), colour pencils and fine-liners for clean output.
• Prioritise composition, perspective, clarity and storytelling over excessive detailing.
• Add small human figures, appropriate shadows and minimal backgrounds to give context and scale.

Pro tip: Clarity beats decoration. A well-composed, balanced drawing wins over an overworked one.

Tip 3: Sharpen Your Visualization and Observation Skills

Architects observe with intent — noticing how light behaves, how spaces relate, and how perspective changes with viewpoint. NATA rewards strong 3D visualisation and memory recall.

Daily exercises to improve visualization:

• Sketch the same scene from multiple angles (desk, street corner, room corner).
• Recreate a familiar scene purely from memory.
• Solve visual reasoning puzzles (3D cube rotations, pattern folding, mirror images). See our visual reasoning questions.
• Maintain a visual diary of structures, textures, light-studies and compositional ideas.

Tip 4: Take Mock Tests Like Real Exams

Time management and exam temperament are built through realistic practice. Toppers treat mocks as final exams.

• Take 1–2 full-length mock tests per week under strict exam conditions (no interruptions). (We run weekly mocks via ADA online test series.)
• Replicate the online format and time of the actual test.
• After each mock, analyse mistakes: time leaks, perspective errors, calculation slips.
• Use mock feedback to create a targeted weekly improvement plan. See our article on NATA preparation strategy.

Pro tip: Treat every mock as the real exam to reduce nervousness on test day.

Tip 5: Balance Creativity with Logic

Scoring 150+ requires a balanced performance across Drawing, Aptitude and Mathematics. Don’t over-prioritise one area at the cost of others.

Suggested time allocation (flexible):

• 40% — Drawing & Visualization
• 30% — Aptitude & Reasoning
• 30% — Mathematics

Work on numerical reasoning, pattern recognition and architectural awareness alongside creative practice. Read about architects, monuments and sustainable-design ideas — these often inspire aptitude/awareness questions (see Emerging Trends in Architecture).

Tip 6: Learn from Your Mistakes Early

Top performers track mistakes and convert them into focused improvement tasks.

• After each test or practice session, spend 15–20 minutes analysing errors.
• Maintain a “mistake tracker” notebook with recurring issues and solutions.
• Weekly focus: pick one weak area (e.g., geometry) and allocate extra practice time.
• Consistency + review = exponential improvement over months.

ADA Classes Topper Insights: How We Train High Scorers

At ADA Classes, teaching is combined with mentoring — the goal is to make students think, draw and analyse like architects. Our top-scorer methodology focuses on practice, feedback and personalised guidance.

• Live Drawing & Visualization Classes: daily practice with demo-led sessions from experienced mentors. (See our live online coaching and classroom coaching pages.)
• Aptitude & Reasoning Workshops: logic, puzzles and design-based reasoning practice.
• Math Concept Reinforcement: architecture-specific math with visual strategies.
• Weekly Mock Tests & Feedback: real exam simulation with detailed analysis. (We run these via online test series.)
• One-on-One Mentorship: personalised strategy and performance tracking.
• Portfolio Guidance: optional portfolio prep for college admissions.

ADA Classes operate centres across Preet Vihar, Lucknow, Jaipur and Kolkata, plus nationwide online programs. Our 2025 batch saw a large proportion of students scoring above 140, with many crossing 150+.

FAQs on Scoring High in NATA 2026

1. How can I score above 150 in NATA 2026?

   Follow a structured plan: start early, practise daily across drawing, aptitude and maths, and take weekly mocks with detailed reviews. See our How to Score High in NATA guide.

2. How much time is enough to prepare for NATA?

   A disciplined 6–8 month plan with daily practice and regular feedback is ideal. Beginners can reach high scores with focused effort. (Check our 6-month plan.)

3. Which section carries the most marks in NATA?

   Drawing and visualization carry significant weight (often 35–40%), and a strong drawing can heavily influence the final score. Read more in NATA Exam Pattern 2026.

4. Is coaching necessary for NATA 2026?

   Coaching is not mandatory but helps. Structured guidance, mocks and mentor feedback accelerate improvement for many students. See Do you really need coaching for NATA?

5. What’s ADA Classes’ success rate in NATA?

   ADA Classes has consistently produced top NATA scorers with a high percentage of students scoring above 140 and many crossing 150+ in recent batches.

Conclusion

Scoring 150+ in NATA 2026 is achievable with a balanced, consistent plan: master basics, develop speed with precision, sharpen visualisation, practice mocks seriously, balance creativity with logic, and learn from mistakes early. Think like an architect, practise like a competitor, and iterate.