How to Prepare for NATA 2025: Check Best Books, Syllabus, Preparation Tips

National Aptitude Test in Architecture 2026 ( NATA )

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NATA 2026 Phase 1 Exam(Friday and Saturday)

4 Apr '26 - 13 Jun '26

Updated on Oct 8, 2025 14:46 IST
NATA 2025 is conducted annually to make the candidates eligible for BArch admissions into the participating institutes. Since it is a popular exam among BArch aspirants, the candidates are advised to prepare using the NATA 2025 preparation tips. Using the NATA preparation tips 2025 will allow the candidates to have higher chances of scoring well.

NATA 2025 is a popular entrance examination among the BArch aspirants. Since there are many aspirants for NATA, the candidates are advised to be well-prepared. By following the popular NATA 2025 preparation tips, the candidates will be able to strategize their studying process and have more chances of securing the marks required for higher chances of admission into the preferred college. Read to know more about NATA 2025 Preparation Tips.

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The Council of Architecture (CoA) conducts NATA 2025 to provide eligibility for BArch admissions. Since most Architecture colleges accept NATA scores for admissions, lakhs of students appear for the entrance examination every year. Therefore the competition level for the entrance examination is quite high and the candidates need to be well-prepared. NATA 2025 preparation tips will help the candidates bring out their best performance and score well. Read the full article to know more about How to Prepare for NATA 2025.

Table of contents
  • How to Prepare for NATA 2025
  • Best Books for NATA 2025
  • NATA 2024 Preparation Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to Prepare for NATA 2025

Check Official Syllabus

Before starting preparation for NATA 2025, candidates should ensure that they are well-versed with official syllabus. NATA 2025 syllabus has been released on official website and consists of the topics that the candidates should focus on for examination. By knowing syllabus beforehand, candidates will be able to plan out study strategy to secure high scores in entrance examination. NATA 2025 syllabus consists of two sections - Part A syllabus consists of Composition and Colour Test, Sketching and Composition (Black and White) and 3D Composition. Part B will consist of Visual Reasoning, Logical Derivation, G.K. Architecture and Design, Language Interpretation, Design Sensitivity, Design Thinking and Numerical Ability.

Know Exam Pattern

Along with the syllabus, the NATA 2025 exam pattern is also a very important factor in being well-prepared for the entrance examination. The exam pattern will allow the candidates to know how the entrance examination will be held along with important details such as the mode, duration, marking scheme and more. If the candidate is familiar with the pattern, they will be comfortable with the question paper and have a higher chance of scoring more in NATA 2025. The authorities have revised the exam pattern and the authorities will now conduct NATA 2025 as a computer-based and pen-and-paper-based test. 

NATA Exam Pattern 2025

Particulars Details
Exam Mode Computer-Based Test and Pen-and-Paper-Based Test
Duration 3 Hours
Medium  English and Hindi
Section

Part A - Drawing and Composition Test

Part B - MCQs 

Total Number of Questions 48 Questions
Division of Questions

Part A - Drawing and Composition Test

  • A1 - 1 Question - Composition and Colour
  • A2 - 1 Question - Sketching and Composition (Black and White)
  • A3 - 1 Question - 3D Composition

Part B - MCQs 

  • B1 - 30 Questions
  • B2 - 15 Questions
Total Marks 200
Marking Scheme

Part A - Drawing and Composition Test

  • A1 - 1 Question - Composition and Colour - 25 marks
  • A2 - 1 Question - Sketching and Composition (Black and White) - 25 marks
  • A3 - 1 Question - 3D Composition - 30 marks

Part B - MCQs 

  • B1 - 30 Questions x 2 marks - 60 marks
  • B2 - 15 Questions x 4 marks - 60 marks

Create a Personalised Timetable

The next step is to create a personalised timetable for NATA 2025 preparation. Candidates should make sure that timetable is well planned and that all of the subjects and topics are equally divided. Candidates can allot more time for those topics that they are facing difficulty with. In timetable, candidates should also be given separate time for revision and solving mock tests. It should be noted that the timetable should be created as per the candidate's aptitude.

Keep a Notebook Ready

While studying, candidates are advised to keep a notebook ready with them. The important concepts and formulas can be noted down so that candidates can regularly revise them. This will help  candidates to be aware of what has to be revised to perform well in exam

Solve Mock Tests and Sample Papers

One of the most popular methods of preparation is solving mock tests and sample papers. Candidates are advised to regularly attempt mock tests since it will help them to understand the types of questions that are likely to be present in the paper. Through mock tests and sample papers, the candidates will also be able to understand their commonly made mistakes and work towards them. This will ensure that the candidates do not make the same mistakes during the examination. Mock tests will also help the candidates improve their time management skills.  

Regular Revision is Important

It is very important for the candidates to regularly revise whatever they have studied. This will allow the candidates to have fewer chances of forgetting important concepts and topics. Candidates should spend a few hours every day revising what they have studied earlier. The revision will also help the candidates gain confidence in the entrance examination.  

Keep Track of Health

To perform well in the entrance exam, the candidates should be in good health. During the preparation period, the candidates should ensure that they have a healthy diet and a good sleep schedule. If the candidate is unwell, they will not be able to give their 100 per cent to the examination. Regular breaks should also be taken in between studies. Candidates should also indulge in outdoor extracurricular activities to remain healthy.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Which are the best books for preparation of NATA exam?
A: 

Candidates are advised to refer to the best materials while preparing for NATA. By checking the best books for NATA, the candidates will have access to the knowledge required to perform well in the entrance examination. Some of the subject-wise best books for NATA are given below.

  • Algebra - Higher Algebra by Hall and Knight
  • Reasoning - A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Agarwal
  • General - NATA & B.Arch Question Bank by Ar. Shadan Usmani
  • Mathematical Problems - Problems in Mathematics by V Govorov, P.Dybov, N.Miroshin and S.Smirnova
  • Quantitative Aptitude - Quantitative Aptitude by R.S Aggarwal

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Best Books for NATA 2025

To perform well in the examination, the candidates are advised to use the best materials. Candidates can check the list of best books for NATA 2025 from the table given below.

Topics

Books

Algebra

Higher Algebra by Hall and Knight

Reasoning

A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Agarwal

General

NATA & B.Arch Question Bank by Ar. Shadan Usmani

Mathematical Problems

Problems in Mathematics by V Govorov, P.Dybov, N.Miroshin and S.Smirnova

Quantitative Aptitude

Quantitative Aptitude by R.S Aggarwal

NATA 2024 Preparation Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Where can I check the official NATA 2025 syllabus?

A. NATA 2025 syllabus will be released on the official website at nata.in.

Q. Will NATA 2025 be held online?

A.  NATA 2025 will be held as a computer-based test and pen-and-paper-based test.

Q. How many sections will be there in NATA 2025 question paper?

A. NATA 2025 question paper will have two sections - Part A (Drawing and Composition) and Part B (Multiple-Choice Questions). 

Q. Do I have to study the entire NATA 2025 syllabus?

A. Candidates are advised to study the entire NATA 2025 syllabus to have higher chances of scoring well in the exam.

Q. Which is the best books for reasoning while preparing for NATA?

A. While preparing for NATA, the best book for reasoning is A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Agarwal.

About the Author

Dhanya writes content on Engineering and Architecture exams. She has completed MSc Physics. She has 8+ years of work experience in the education industry. She likes painting and travelling.

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Answered a week ago

Candidates can appear for maximum of 2 attempts in NATA in one academic year. The best score out of all the attempts is considered for final result. Score in NATA Test is valid for 2 academic years.

S

Saumya Gairola

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

The format of  NATA test is given below:

Part 1:Drawing and Composition Test  (Duration: 90 minutes,  Maximum marks: 80)

A1: Composition and Colour

A2: Sketching and Composition

A3: 3D composition

Part 2: Computer based Adaptive Test (Duration: 90 Minutes,  Maximum marks: 120 marks)

B1:42 MCQs

B2: 8 NCQ

S

Saumya Gairola

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Applicants have to pay a fee for submitting NATA application form. Fee for NATA application form is INR 1750 for General/OBC category, INR 1250 for SC.ST/PwD category students, and INR 1000 for transgender students.

S

Saumya Gairola

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

It is compulsory to get a valid NATA score to get admission in B.Arch in BMS School of Architecture. The test has two parts as follows:

Section

Components

Part 1:Drawing and Composition Test  (offline)

Duration: 90 minutes

Maximum marks: 80

A1: Composition and Colour

A2: Sketching and Composition

A3: 3D composition

Part 2: Computer based Adaptive Test

Duration: 90 Minutes

Maximum marks: 120 marks

B1:42 MCQs

B2: 8 NCQ

S

Saumya Gairola

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Aspirants need to have NATA score for admission in BArch programme of MET's School of Architecture and Interior Design. The seats are allotted to aspirants based on their NATA scores via DTE CAP, Maharashtra. 

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15