Is NATA compulsory for Architecture 2025? Who Should Consider NATA?

Summary: Is NATA compulsory for architecture? Explore a comprehensive guide to the NATA 2025 exam and explore options for aspiring architects. Learn about the advantages, preparation strategies, and why NATA could be your ticket to top B.Arch schools in India. Start thinking about your future in architecture now!

The Nationwide Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) is a national test administered by the Council of Architecture for admission to the 5-year B. Arch Degree Course at all approved universities in India.

To take the NATA test, an applicant must have mathematics as a necessary subject in 10+2.

The test includes significant numerical thinking, and simple problems are used to assess the candidate's arithmetic competence.

NATA is the go-to exam for many candidates applying for top B.Arch colleges in India.

But is NATA necessary for Architecture? Are there other exams? Who should consider NATA? We will talk about it so you can make the right decision.

The article answers to understand is NATA compulsory for architecture 2025? 

Download Free Prep Material for Architecture Entrance Exams

Who Should Consider NATA?

You are aware by now that the NATA is a test for admission to the best B. Arch. Programs in India.

The greatest approach to getting into prestigious universities and colleges like BITS, SRM Institute, Lovely Professional University, etc., is to take the NATA exam and do well in it.

Being good at maths and drawing is essential for Architecture, and the NATA examination heavily depends on those two subjects, among other subjects.

So, for preparation of NATA should be done keeping this in mind

But is there only one exam for getting into Architecture?

Learn more: How to prepare for NATA in 6 months?

Is NATA compulsory for Architecture 2025? 

There are ways other than NATA to get into Architecture, like JEE Main Paper 2.

This is another mainstream, viable option to get into Architecture other than the NATA. JEE Main Paper 2 is a highly competitive exam, and you will compete with other engineering aspirants.

But, if you aspire to get admission into the top IITs and NITs, JEE paper 2 is a good option for Architecture. You should be aware that not all IITs have Architecture, and some of them have it as the country's top IITs.

You can enrol in SPA (School of Planning and Architecture) institutions with JEE paper scores apart from IITs and NITs.

Some colleges and institutions have their own exam, but such chances are scarce, and they often ask for higher course fees.

Plus, you have to keep your eyes open for such opportunities.

Stay updated: NATA Exam Updates 2025

Why is NATA better or more beneficial than other exams?

Most institutes in India accept NATA as the standard way of introducing students into their Architecture programs, except IITs, NITs, and SPAs.

When you consider the number of colleges you can potentially get into, your chances of getting into a college are still high, even if your scores are low. If you want to get into an Architecture college without any solid preference for any college, NATA is apt.

The other viable alternative is the JEE paper 2. For this, you must clear JEE mains paper 2, advance, and appear for Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT). The hurdles to passing JEE are greater compared to NATA. Getting into an IIT for Architecture is great, but the chances of success are lower when compared to NATA. While the upside is that you will be in a top college with pretty much-guaranteed placements, getting into an Architecture course will be tough.

Some institutions in the country are not IITs that are also good and offer good Architecture courses. With higher chances of getting into an Architecture course and relatively easier examination, NATA is the better option for getting into Architecture.

Read more: Short tricks to crack the NATA entrance exam on the first attempt

NATA Exam Highlights

Eligibility for writing NATA is modest, and you need at least 50% aggregate in Maths, Physics, and Chemistry in your 10+2 or 50% aggregate in your 10+3 Diploma.

NATA 2025 Exam Pattern

Check out the NATA Exam Pattern for the academic year 2025: 

• Exam Mode: Online
• Language: English
• Maximum Marks: 200 marks
• Exam Duration: 3 hours
• Total number of questions: 125
• Question Formats: Multiple Select Questions (MSQ), Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQ), Preferential Choice Questions (PCQ), and Numerical Answer Type (NAQ)
• Qualifying Marks: 75 out of 200

Know more: Best Architecture Colleges in India Through NATA 2025

NATA 2025 Syllabus

The following is the list of other important NATA topics mentioned officially in the NATA syllabus. Let's check what to study from the NATA syllabus. 

• Mathematics
• Physics and geometry
• Language and interpretation
• Elements and Principles of Design
• Aesthetic sensitivity
• Colour theory
• Lateral thinking and logical reasoning
• Visual Perception and cognition
• Graphics and imagery
• Building Anatomy and architectural vocabulary
• Basic building construction and knowledge of material
• General knowledge and current affairs

NATA Marking Scheme

The NATA marking scheme is straightforward; each question will carry 1, 2, or 3 marks for each correct answer, depending on the question.

There will be no negative marking in case the question is wrong. This is significant because you can attempt every question in the paper. Even if you do not know the answer to any question, you can try attempting the question.

There is no penalty for getting an answer wrong, so that you won’t lose anything.

Enhance your NATA preparation with: Best Online Coaching for NATA 2025

Conclusion

Is NATA Compulsory for Architecture? Considering other exams and the benefits of NATA, you can comfortably assume that NATA is an easier option for getting into an Architecture course. NATA offers several benefits over exams like JEE and is relatively easier to get in.

Suppose you are preparing to get into B. Arch, NATA is the way to go. You might want to take the NATA Mock Test Series 2025 to ace your preparations.

Know more: Top B.arch colleges in India