Is NATA entrance exam compulsory to join B.Arch? Which are the top colleges?

Absolutely, either NATA or JEE Paper 2 (B.Arch Aptitude Test) is compulsory for admission into Chandigarh University's architecture program. Even if a student has scored well in 12th or diploma, the aptitude test cannot be skipped because it is mandated by the Council of Architecture. These tests measure skills beyond academics, such as visualization, design sense, and problem-solving, which are vital in the architectural profession. Students are advised to register for at least one of these exams in the admission year. CU does allow provisional admission to students awaiting results, but for final admission, the NATA or JEE Paper 2 scorecard must be submitted to the registrar. Without this, admission cannot be confirmed. This requirement ensures that only students with a demonstrated flair for design and creativity, alongside academic ability, pursue architecture at CU, maintaining the professional quality of the course.

In the NATA Drawing section, questions are designed to test your creativity, imagination, visualisation, and sketching ability. You won't be judged on artistic perfection, but on clarity, proportion, perspective, and originality.

Here are the common types of questions asked:

Sketching from Memory – Draw objects, scenes, or daily life situations (e.g., a park, a market scene, a classroom).

Perspective Drawing – Create 2D/3D views of buildings, interiors, or street views using correct perspective.

Composition & Design – Create an interesting composition using given shapes, forms, or objects.

Proportion & Scale – Draw human figures, furniture, or structures in correct proportion.

Imaginative & Creative Drawing – Illustrate concepts or ideas (e.g., “Future Classroom” or “Dream House”).

Transformation Drawings – Convert 2D shapes into 3D objects or vice versa.

Shading & Rendering – Show light, shadow, texture, and depth in sketches.

Yes, NCERT Mathematics (Class 11 & 12) is generally enough for NATA preparation because most of the topics in the syllabus are covered in NCERT.

The NATA Mathematics section usually tests:

Algebra

Trigonometry

Coordinate Geometry

Matrices & Determinants

Probability & Statistics

Vectors

Differential & Integral Calculus

NCERT will give you a strong base, but since NATA questions are often application-based, you may also want to:

Practice MCQs and previous year NATA/JEE Paper 2 Maths questions

Strengthen speed and accuracy in problem-solving

Use reference books (like R.D. Sharma or Arihant) if you want extra practice

So, NCERT is sufficient for concepts, but for scoring well, practice from additional question banks is recommended.

For NATA, you don't need to study architecture as a full subject before the exam. However, having a basic awareness is very helpful because the General Aptitude section includes questions on:

• Famous architects (like Le Corbusier, B.V. Doshi, Zaha Hadid, etc.)
• Well-known monuments and buildings in India and abroad
• Basic architectural terms (e.g., façade, elevation, plan, symmetry)
• Environmental and design awareness (sustainable design, urban planning, materials)
• So instead of studying architectural theory in depth, focus on:
• Reading about important structures and landmarks
• Learning about basic design principles (proportion, balance, perspective)