Basic Strategies while writing NATA 2025 exam

Overview: The CoA conducts the NATA exam annually for admission to top architecture colleges across India. Here are some basic strategies to remember while writing the NATA exam.

The National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA), the most popular entrance examination for admissions to Bachelor of Architecture (B Arch) programs, is held each April.

The exam is designed to assess a candidates aptitude in architecture and general awareness. With thousands of students appearing for the exam each year, it is important to have a solid preparation strategy to stand out.

Discover basic strategies to remember while writing the NATA exam, and tips and tricks to ace the exam.

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NATA Exam Preparation Strategy

The NATA entrance exam assesses an aspirant's creativity and critical thinking skills. When crafting a NATA study plan, it is crucial to understand the exam pattern, which is divided into multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and drawings.

The mathematics and general aptitude questions will be multiple-choice, and the drawing test will be pen-and-paper.

NATA Exam Pattern

According to the latest NATA exam pattern, the exam will have two sections. Part A of the NATA question paper will now include questions on 3D modelling. 

Part A now features a 90-minute segment where candidates tackle three tasks:

1. Composition and Colour Test (25 marks): Create and colour compositions for various scenarios.
2. Sketching & Composition in Black and White (25 marks): Visualize and sketch architectural settings, focusing on scale and textures.
3. 3D Composition (30 marks): Construct a 3D model using provided materials, testing spatial understanding and material manipulation.

Part B of the exam assesses your general aptitude and awareness and is conducted for 90 minutes.

Particulars	Details
Exam Mode	Computer-Based
	Offline Test
Duration	3 Hours
Medium	English Hindi
Section	Part A - Drawing and Composition Test
	Part B - MCQs
Total Number of Questions	48 Questions
Maximum Marks	200 marks
Qualifying Marks	75 out of 200

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NATA Exam Syllabus

CoA will publish the NATA syllabus for 2025 on the official website. The syllabus will allow candidates to view the courses, themes, and units that must be studied to pass the exam.

The NATA Syllabus for the Drawing Test is given below

Assessment	Description
Composition and Color	Creating suitable compositions for various situations and colouring them appropriately.
	Re-arranging various shapes in a visually appealing manner and colouring them suitably.
Sketching & Composition (Black and White)	Ability to draw, visualise, and depict a situation involving buildings / its components, people, environment, and products with an understanding of scale, proportions, textures, shades, shadows, etc.
3D composition	Creating interesting 3D compositions for the given situation using the provided kit.

The NATA Syllabus for General Aptitude -

Skill	Description
Visual Reasoning	Ability to understand and reconstruct 2D and 3D compositions, knowledge about their composition and technical concepts.
Logical Derivation	Ability to decode a situation, composition, context and generate meaning. Understanding the minute information hidden in a particular situation and drawing conclusions.
G.K	General awareness of architecture and design, current issues, recent episodes, etc. Knowledge about important buildings, historical progression, and innovation in materials and construction technology.
Language Interpretation	Ability to correctly & logically generate the meaning of words and sentences and understand English grammar.
Design Sensitivity	Ability to observe, record, and analyse people, space, products, and the environment. Critical thinking, reasoning, and ability to identify subtle communications.
Design Thinking	Ability to understand semantics, metaphors, problem identification and definition, and analysis of a given situation.
Numerical Ability	Basic Mathematics and its association with creative thinking. To unfold a space with the use of geometry.

Read more: NATA 6-month preparation strategy.

What the Evaluators Look for in the Drawing Exam

Candidates must plan their preparation according to what evaluators seek in the drawing section. We have compiled insights into our NATA basic preparation strategies to help them understand evaluators' viewpoints.

Drawing in Perspective

• The reviewer will first notice the correct proportions and scale. For example, the ratio of humans to a store, a tree, or any other object).
• How much detail can a candidate add to a specific object/element to demonstrate observation skills?
• Accuracy in determining eye level.
• Whether all of the lines in your drawing have the correct diverge and perspective to the vanishing point.

Logo/Composition/Signage in 2D

• Try to avoid using logotypes.
• The logo should be simple, memorable, and minimal.
• Colouration quality
• Colour combinations are essential. Use fewer number colours whenever possible. If not specified, use no more than three or four colours.
• Compositional innovation is based on simple designs or shapes.

3D or Object Design

• Organizing and innovating various objects
• The scale and proportions of objects concern one another.
• Organizing and innovating various objects
• The material's texture/finish (If specified)
• An object's correct shade and shadow is the light source's angle, type, and direction.

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Read more: NATA preparation tips.

Basic Strategies to Remember While Writing the NATA Exam

Now, let us look at some basic strategies to remember while writing the NATA exam.

• Read Instructions Carefully: Before starting the exam, ensure you thoroughly read all the instructions on the question paper and answer sheet.
• Manage Your Time: Allocate specific time slots for each exam section to ensure you complete all parts within the given timeframe.
• Prioritize Questions: Begin with the questions you are most confident about. This will help build confidence and ensure you secure those marks early on.
• Stay Calm and Focused: Keep your composure throughout the exam. If you encounter a difficult question, move on to the next one and return to it later if time permits.
• Double-Check Your Answers: Review your answers to avoid careless mistakes and ensure you haven’t missed any questions.
• Keep Your Drawings Neat: For the drawing section, keep your sketches clean and clear. Use proper shading, perspective, and proportions.
• Follow Answer Sheet Guidelines: Fill in the answer sheet correctly, ensuring you mark answers as instructed. Incorrect marking can lead to disqualification.
• Use Allotted Tools Wisely: Utilize the tools provided, such as rulers and pencils, effectively to enhance the quality of your drawings and sketches.
• Don’t Rush: Avoid rushing through questions. Take your time to understand each question and provide thoughtful and accurate answers.
• Stay Hydrated and Relaxed: If you feel anxious, drink water and take deep breaths. Staying hydrated and calm can improve your concentration and performance.

Basic Strategies to Remember while Writing the NATA Exam - Drawing Test

This section's most crucial aspect is cultivating a vision for observing everyday objects and chores in all their minute details (shape, different views from different heights, scale and size of each concerning the human body, etc.).

This will help sharpen your observation skills and, in the long run, help you with perspective sketches and 3D drawings. Continue to practice!

• Begin with the question about perspective/memory drawing.
• Take 5 minutes to determine your point of view and eye level. Don't start sketching right away.
• Try to finish your drawing in 35 minutes or less; if you cannot, disregard it and proceed to the next question.
• When sketching in 2D, start with a small piece of paper and then move on to your main drawing sheet. This should take no more than 10 minutes.
• Colour it in 15 minutes before moving on to the next question.
• Per the NATA basic preparation strategies developed by domain experts, candidates should wrap up the 3D pencil sketch in 10 minutes and the remaining 15-20 minutes for texture/shadow, etc., according to the question's requirements.
• So, you now have 15 minutes for any final touches or anything you missed in the questions.

Read more: NATA Drawing Preparation

General Tips on How to prepare for the NATA exam

• Aspirants should begin their preparation by creating a timetable. They should also review the syllabus, plan their study strategy, and stay focused.
• Understand the NATA Exam Pattern, including the distribution of marks, question pattern, and several questions asked in the exam.
• Continue to practice Mock Tests and NATA previous year's question papers/sample papers. It is said to be a powerful success mantra.
• Identify your areas of weakness and work around them through getting NATA mock tests. Prepare according to your strengths and make the most of them.
• Take small notes while studying any topic. These small notes help with revision because they save time. Candidates can review these brief notes at any time and from any location.
• Try learning sound sketching methodologies for scale and proportion, light and shadow effects, a sense of technical drawing, memory sketching, creating three-dimensional elements, etc.
• Practice sketching landscapes and everyday objects from memory.
• Avoid stress at all costs. Adding unnecessary stress to the exam will only lead to a lack of confidence. Aspirants are advised to maintain a positive attitude and eat healthily.
• Another critical aspect is preparing appropriate study materials. Studying from proper test prep will improve your knowledge and save time.

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Read more: How To Prepare For NATA In One Month

Conclusion

Preparing for a challenging exam like the NATA can feel impossible. However, remembering the right strategies while writing the NATA exam will give you an edge over the other candidates.

• Familiarize yourself with the complete NATA syllabus and the exam pattern, including the types of questions and the marking scheme.
• Practice sketching regularly to improve your drawing and observation skills, focusing on perspective, shading, and proportion.
• Invest in good study materials, including books, online resources, and previous years' question papers, to aid your preparation.
• Take mock tests regularly to simulate the exam environment, assess your preparation level, and identify areas for improvement.
• Consistently revise essential topics and practice frequently to reinforce your knowledge and skills.