National Aptitude Test in Architecture or NATA is the national level exam that tests candidates aptitude and gives them the opportunity to get admission into 5 years of Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.). Council of India (CoA), constituted by the Government of India facilitates the NATA Examination every year to maintain and regulate the architecture education and architecture professionals throughout India. A person who wants to carry his/her profession as “Architect” must have registration in Council of Architecture.
What is new in NATA Examination?
- The exam will be conducted twice a year to give a chance to those students who missed the first exam due to some reasons.
- The time duration of NATA Examination is 180 minutes, 60 minutes for aptitude section and 120 minutes for drawing section.
- Art stream students have eligibility to apply for the exam if they qualified chemistry, physics, and mathematics of CBSE Board as additional exams.
Exam Pattern NATA
The NATA examination is designed to assess various competencies essential for architects. It typically includes sections on drawing skills, architectural awareness, and critical thinking, allowing candidates to showcase their potential beyond mere academic qualifications. The examination format has evolved to incorporate both subjective and objective types of questions, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of a candidate’s design sensibility and problem-solving capabilities.
One of the unique features of NATA is its emphasis on drawing skills, which is vital in the field of architecture. This section tests an applicant’s ability to translate ideas into visuals, and it also examines their understanding of spatial relationships and form. The architectural awareness component is equally significant, as it gauges a student’s knowledge about historical and contemporary architecture, contributing to a well-rounded understanding essential for any architect.
- Mode – Online Exam.
- Sections – Part A Multiple Choice Questions online and Part B drawing base test on paper.
- Maximum Marks – 120 marks of Part A and 80 marks of Part B thus total marks 200.
- Language – English Only.
- Negative Marking – No negative marking.
- Marking Scheme – 2 marks for each correct answer.
- Number of Questions – General Aptitude (40 questions), Mathematics (20 questions), Drawing (2 questions).
Hacks to Score better in NATA Examination
To succeed in the NATA examination, candidates must adopt effective preparation strategies. Familiarizing oneself with previous exam papers, understanding the syllabus, and incorporating rigorous practice in drawing and design can significantly enhance performance. Joining preparatory classes or study groups can also provide valuable insights and facilitate a collaborative learning environment. Online resources, including video tutorials and webinars, have become increasingly popular, offering flexibility to candidates who might be balancing other commitments. Moreover, hands-on experience through workshops can boost creativity and help refine practical skills related to architecture.
1. Know syllabus and marking scheme of Exam
NATA Examination is conducted in two parts online MCQ and Drawing on paper. For preparation, you should understand the topics of syllabus and practice according to the syllabus. General Aptitude, Mathematics and Drawing are three main topics included in NATA exam. Understand the distribution of marks for each question.
2. Prepare Time Table and Follow
William Shakespeare said “Make use of time, let not advantage slip.” Proper time management according to syllabus and your skill will help you a lot. You can prioritize your subjects and practice. You can manage it well by following tips of Stephen Covey to prioritize your practice.
- Important and Urgent
- Urgent but not Important
- Important but not Urgent
- Not important and not Urgent
You can schedule your preparation accordingly important and urgent work.
3. NATA Offline Coaching
You can join NATA coaching for guidance and better preparation. Trainer will give you better practice of sketching, visualization of 2D and 3D objects, understanding concepts of architecture. NATA coaching classes will provide you books and study materials based on NATA Examination.
4. Sketching and visualization
Everyday practice sketches of different objects including house hold objects like furniture. Read books of different types of architecture and by seeing pictures of architecture, try to make 3D model of the same.
5. Practice previous years Papers
There is no negative marking for online MCQ test. So, you can score high in MCQs by practicing previous years’ papers. Practice of previous papers gives you idea of question pattern and time taken to solve the papers.
Remember that on admission time if your scorecard ties with others than NATA counselling will consider the number of incorrect answers. So, don’t take it lightly.
6. Self-Study
You should develop your knowledge of materials and textural qualities. You should up date your knowledge of architectural structure by reading newspaper, architecture-based magazines and journals. Better knowledge of architecture will help candidate to score well in Aesthetic Sensitivity Section.
Students who are preparing for NATA 2020 & all designing related exams can visit Design aspirants for NATA coaching in Bhopal & Indore. They offer classroom study & online exam preparation tests . Every year 300+ students got selected in India’s best designing collages.
For individuals intent on becoming registered architects in India, passing the NATA examination is a crucial step. The registration with the Council of Architecture is mandatory for anyone wishing to practice as a professional architect. This registration not only grants the right to work but also serves to uphold professional standards and ethics within the architecture community.
The examination opens doors to various esteemed institutions across India for pursuing B.Arch. programs. Several architecture colleges consider NATA scores for admission, alongside other criteria such as board examination results. This creates a competitive landscape that challenges candidates to prepare diligently and excel in their examination efforts.
Conclusion
A career in architecture is both rewarding and challenging. The NATA examination serves as a gateway for candidates with a passion for design and a vision for the built environment. By thoroughly preparing for this examination, aspiring architects can set the stage for a successful career in architecture, contributing their unique perspectives to the future of our cities and communities. As the architectural landscape continues to evolve, professionals equipped with the right skills and knowledge will be at the forefront of innovation and design excellence.