What is the syllabus and exam pattern of NATA?
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Hello,
The Council of Architecture (COA) conducts NATA exam every year for admission into undergraduate architecture and planning courses in India. The syllabus of NATA includes the topics that are covered in mathematics, general aptitude and the drawing section. The exam pattern of NATA is as follows:
1.Mathematics:
No. Of questions - 20
Marks - 40
2. General Aptitude:
No. Of questions - 40
Marks - 80
3.Drawing:
No. Of questions - 2
Marks - 80
Total Marks - 200
Detailed syllabus:
1)Mathematics:
Algebra, logarithms, matrices, trigonometry, coordinate geometry, the theory of calculus, application of calculus, statistics and probability.
2)G...more -
EXAM PATTERN
The Council of Architecture determines the NATA exam pattern. NATA is conducted in an offline mode and it is a three-hour exam in which multiple choice questions are asked from maths and general aptitude. Candidates will have to undertake a drawing test which will be of 90 minutes.
2 marks are awarded for every correct answer and there is no negative marking.
Candidates have to select the correct answer by coloring the bubble in the OMR sheet by using a black and blue pen.
SYLLABUS
#) Drawing Test:
Creating 2D and 3D compositions using given shape and forms. Understanding scale and proportion of objects, geometric composition...more -
Answered by
Sharath H Aithal B.Arch,M.Arch,AIIA,AIIID,AIIV,MIIE,MISTE,MISTD | Scholar-Level 17
7 years agoMost important topics to focus on while preparing for B.Arch exams. It has 2 parts.
Part 1 being Mathematics & General Aptitude
Part 2 being Drawing test
Part 1 Consists of - MATHEMATICS
Algebra: Definitions of A. P. and G.P.; General term; Summation of first n-terms of series. Arithmetic/Geometric series, A.M., G.M. and their relation; Infinite G.P. series and its sum.
Logarithms: Definition; General properties; Change of base.
Matrices: Concepts of m x n (m 3, n 3) real matrices, operations of addition, scalar multiplication and
multiplication of matrices. Transpose of a matrix. Determinant of a square matrix. Properties of determinants (st...more -
National Aptitude Test in Architecture is conducted by the council of architecture COA for admission in 5-years B.Arch programme in 423 colleges affiliated to the council. NATA score card is a base for admission by private & governments aided colleges or institutions for B.Arch. A candidate who has completed his/her class 12th with maths as a subject or Diploma with atleast 50% marks can apply for this exam. There is no age limit for appearing in this exam.
This is an offline exam of 3 hours. NATA exam question paper contains 62 question which comprises total marks of 200. There is no negative marking in the exam. The questions will be...more
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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 sc
Yes, candidates have to qualify AAT after qualifying JEE Advanced to be eligible for IIT BArch admissions.
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, fu
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 concep
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, perspecti
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