Preparing for NATA: A Step-by-Step Guide


A Step By Step Guide To Preparing For NATA


Aspiring architects, listen up! Are you ready to put your creativity and technical skills to the test? If so, then the NATA exam is your chance to showcase your talents and prove your worth in the world of architecture.

Whether you're a learned pro or a fresh-faced newbie, the NATA exam is a rite of passage for any aspiring architect, and it's time to dive headfirst into the world of blueprints, drafting tools, and building designs. So grab your pencils, sharpen your minds, and let's look at the ins and outs of the NATA exam.

For those who are creative and imaginative, architecture is a dynamic and continuously changing field that offers several job prospects. Due to the expanding construction industry and government programs aimed at improving the nation's infrastructure, the need for architects in India has been rising quickly in recent years.

There is a significant need for qualified architects who can contribute their knowledge to the planning and design of various projects due to urbanisation and the growing emphasis on sustainable and energy-efficient structures. Architecture is also a very sought-after profession in India due to the field's diversity and the range of career options it offers, from urban planning to interior design.

Let’s understand the NATA exam in detail-

What Is It?
NATA happens to be an entrance examination conducted in India for admission to undergraduate courses in Architecture. The exam is conducted by the Council of Architecture (CoA), which is a statutory body of the Government of India responsible for the regulation and maintenance of the standards of education and practice of architecture in India.

NATA assesses the aptitude of applicants for a career in Architecture. It measures the applicant's drawing and observation skills, sense of proportion, aesthetic sensitivity, critical thinking ability, and ability to communicate through visuals.

NATA scores are accepted by various government, government-aided, and private architecture colleges across India. The exam is usually conducted twice a year, in April and July.

What Is The Eligibility Criteria For NATA?
Here are the eligibility requirements to apply for the NATA 2023:

Age: The Council of Architecture does not specify a minimum age requirement.

Qualification: The candidate's educational requirements include completing 10+2 with PCM from an accredited board.

Minimum Marks: Applicants must have received a minimum of 50% overall in PCM.

Appearing Candidates: Those who are currently enrolled in 10+2 exams are also eligible to apply for the NATA exam.

Applications for NATA are not permitted to use lateral entries.

How To Register For NATA 2023?
Registration for NATA 2023 must be done online using the official website, https://www.nata.in/. This is a description of the NATA registration process in detail.
  • Visit NATA's website at https://www.nata.in/
  • An additional registration form will display after selecting the NATA 2023 registration link.
  • Enter your name, distinct email address, birth date, and security question.
  • Create a secure password on your end. You'll need an OTP for validation.
  • At the bottom, click the "sign-up" button.
  • There will be generation of the special application number. Maintain a record of it for future reference.

NATA Exam Pattern 2023
Due to the enormous number of applicants who apply each year, NATA 2023 will be held at various times around the nation. Hence, various sets of papers are made available in accordance with the following NATA test pattern.

The examination is conducted in online mode and has a total duration of 180 minutes (3 hours). The kinds of questions asked in the exam include Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Numerical questions, Multiple Select Questions (MSQ), and Preferential Choice Questions (PCQ).

The exam consists of 125 questions in total, with 80% of the questions being MCQs and calculative sums, while the remaining 20% are Preferential Choice Questions. The sectional duration of the exam is 60 minutes, and it comprises three sections: General Aptitude, Mathematics, and Drawing. The total marks for NATA are 200, with two marks awarded for each correct answer. No negative marking is done for incorrect answers. The exam is conducted in the English language.

What Is The Syllabus Of NATA 2023?
The syllabus consists of five sections, each of which tests candidates on different aspects of their aptitude and knowledge.

In the General Aptitude section, candidates can expect to face questions on topics such as Statement Problems, Tautology, Sets and Relations, De Morgan’s Laws, and General Arithmetic such as Profit and Loss, Mixture and Allegations, Time and Work, etc.

The Mathematics section may include questions on topics such as Matrices, Logarithms, Algebra, Coordinate Geometry, Trignometry, Calculus, Permutation and Combination, Probability, and Statistics.

The Physics section of the exam may test candidates on their knowledge of topics such as Current Electricity, Electrostatics, Optics, Atoms and Nuclei, Alternating Currents, Electromagnetic Induction, the Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter, Electronic Devices, and Magnetism and Matter.

In the Chemistry section, candidates may face questions on topics such as Basic Concepts of Chemistry, Atomic Structure, State of Matter, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Thermodynamics, Environmental Chemistry, Chemical Bonding, and Equilibrium.

Finally, the Drawing section of the NATA exam may test candidates on their ability to create 2D and 3D compositions using Shape, Form, and Volume, as well as their knowledge of topics such as Scale and Proportions of Objects, Building Forms and Elements, Pattern Drawing, Surfaces and Volumes, Urban Landscape, Aesthetics, Generating Plan, Geometric Composition, Day to Day Object Drawing, Color Harmony, Creating Shapes and Forms, Perspective Drawing, Conceptualization, and Visualization.

What are some tips to prepare for NATA 2023?
Every year, more than 3 lakh individuals apply to take the NATA exam, and competition to achieve a high exam percentile is fierce. So, students should adhere to the advice provided below as they study for the NATA exam:
  • Choose the NATA exam's most frequently asked questions and study them thoroughly.
  • To be certain of your fundamentals, go over all of the NCERT's essential principles.
  • Answer as many practice problems and test papers from prior years.
  • Regularly practise your weak areas.
  • Try to use the online study resources offered by websites like Unacademy.

In conclusion, preparing for the NATA exam can seem challenging, but with the right preparation, it can be a manageable and rewarding experience. While preparing for NATA, it is also crucial to shortlist the best colleges you are aiming for.

One of the best colleges for studying architecture happens to be Nitte Institute of Architecture. It offers comprehensive and innovative programs, nurturing creative and skilled architects who can contribute to shaping a sustainable built environment.

Good luck to all the aspiring architects out there!