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NATA Syllabus and Exam Pattern

National Aptitude Test in Architecture

Sections
5
Topics
29
Sub-topics
445
Stages
5
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The NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture) syllabus is organised into 5 sections: Part A, Part A, Part A, Part A and Part B. Together they cover 29 topics and 445 sub-topics, tested in Part A — Mathematics, Part A — Aptitude, Part A — GK and 2 more. Below you will find every section's topics, the exam pattern and answers to common questions.

About the exam and pattern

NATA is the national-level aptitude test for admission to B.Arch programmes across India. Conducted by the Council of Architecture (CoA) twice a year. Pattern: Computer Based Test (CBT), 200 marks, 3 hours, two parts — Part A (125 marks, MCQ + MSQ) covering Mathematics, Aptitude, Drawing, Logical Reasoning, and Architecture Awareness; Part B (75 marks) for Drawing Test (offline, on A4 sheet, pen and pencil, to be sent by post). Score is used by all CoA-approved B.Arch institutions.

Exam pattern: CBT (Part A) + Offline Drawing (Part B) + JoSAA/State Counselling

Tap a sub-topic to start studying it.

  • Algebra

    Sets, Relations, Functions, Complex Numbers, Quadratic Equations, Sequences & Series, Permutations & Combinations, Binomial Theorem, Matrices & Determinants, Mathematical Induction, Inequalities, Mathematical Logic, Boolean Algebra, Partial Fractions

    ~8 marks

  • Trigonometry

    Identities, Compound/Multiple/Sub-multiple, Transformation, Equations, Inverse Trig, Properties of Triangles, Heights & Distances

    ~6 marks

  • Coordinate Geometry

    Straight Lines, Circles, Conics (Parabola, Ellipse, Hyperbola), 3D Geometry, Vectors, Locus, Transformation, Polar Coordinates

    ~8 marks

  • Calculus

    Limits, Continuity, Differentiation, Higher Order, Partial, Euler's Theorem, Implicit, Logarithmic, Parametric, Applications (Tangent, Normal, Maxima/Minima, Rolle's, Lagrange's, Mean Value, Asymptotes, Curve Sketching), Integration, Definite Integrals, Beta, Gamma, Walli's, Applications (Area, Volume, Arc Length, Surface, Work, Moment, Pressure, KE, PE, Probability), Differential Equations, Series (Taylor, Maclaurin, Binomial, Exponential, Logarithmic, Trigonometric, Convergence)

    ~10 marks

  • Probability & Statistics

    Classical, Empirical, Axiomatic, Conditional, Bayes, Random Variables, Binomial, Poisson, Normal, Mean, Variance, Moments, Central Tendency, Dispersion, Correlation, Regression, Sampling, Hypothesis Testing (t/z/Chi-square/F), ANOVA, Index Numbers, Time Series, LPP (Graphical, Simplex, Duality, Transportation, Assignment, Game Theory), Numerical Methods, Combinatorics, Graph Theory, Mathematical Reasoning, Asymptotic Notation, Recent Topics, Recent Advances, Recent Trends

    ~10 marks
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Exam pattern at a glance

CBT (Part A) + Offline Drawing (Part B) + JoSAA/State Counselling

High-weightage NATA topics

  1. 1Sketching & CompositionPart B~15 marks
  2. 2Creative & Imaginative DrawingPart B~14 marks
  3. 3Perspective DrawingPart B~12 marks
  4. 4Drawing from Memory & ImaginationPart B~12 marks
  5. 5Architectural DrawingPart B~12 marks
  6. 6CalculusPart A~10 marks
  7. 7Probability & StatisticsPart A~10 marks
  8. 8Figure Drawing & Human AnatomyPart B~10 marks

NATA section-wise syllabus

Part A

Part A — Mathematics · 5 topics · 77 sub-topics

  • Algebra
  • Trigonometry
  • Coordinate Geometry
  • Calculus
  • Probability & Statistics
Full Part A syllabus

Part A

Part A — Aptitude · 4 topics · 48 sub-topics

  • Logical Reasoning
  • Quantitative Aptitude
  • Mental Ability, Pattern Recognition, Number Sense, Estimation, Calculation Tricks, Squares, Cubes, Roots, Divisibility, Spatial Reasoning, 3D Thinking, Visualisation, Transformation, Rotation, Recent Topics
  • Architectural Aptitude
Full Part A syllabus

Part A

Part A — GK · 7 topics · 132 sub-topics

  • History of Indian & World Architecture
  • Architectural Awareness
  • Current Affairs
  • General Awareness
  • Art, Culture, Heritage
  • Environment, Climate, Sustainability
  • Indian Architecture, Heritage & Conservation
Full Part A syllabus

Part A

Part A — Design & Visual · 7 topics · 116 sub-topics

  • Visualization & Spatial Ability
  • Perspective Drawing
  • Color Theory
  • Principles of Design
  • Elements of Design
  • Creative Thinking, Lateral Thinking, Brain Teasers, Open-ended Problems, Out-of-the-box Solutions, Ideation Techniques (Brainstorming, SCAMPER, Mind Mapping, Synectics, Random Stimuli), User-centric Design, Empathy, Personas, Problem Framing, Reframing, Constraints, Sustainability, Scenario Thinking, Speculative Design, Recent Topics
  • Drawing & Sketching
Full Part A syllabus

Part B

Part B — Drawing (Offline) · 6 topics · 72 sub-topics

  • Sketching & Composition
  • Perspective Drawing
  • Drawing from Memory & Imagination
  • Figure Drawing & Human Anatomy
  • Architectural Drawing
  • Creative & Imaginative Drawing
Full Part B syllabus

Frequently asked questions

What is the NATA syllabus?

The NATA syllabus has 5 sections: Part A, Part A, Part A, Part A and Part B. Together they cover 29 topics and 445 sub-topics.

What is the NATA exam pattern?

CBT (Part A) + Offline Drawing (Part B) + JoSAA/State Counselling. Stages: Part A — Mathematics, Part A — Aptitude, Part A — GK, Part A — Design & Visual, Part B — Drawing (Offline).

How many questions come from each NATA section?

Part A: 50 questions (50 marks); Part A: 25 questions (25 marks); Part A: 25 questions (25 marks); Part A: 25 questions (25 marks). Numbers can change with each notification.

Which NATA topics carry the most marks?

By weightage in the syllabus data: Sketching & Composition (Part B, ~15 marks), Creative & Imaginative Drawing (Part B, ~14 marks), Perspective Drawing (Part B, ~12 marks), Drawing from Memory & Imagination (Part B, ~12 marks), Architectural Drawing (Part B, ~12 marks).

How can I prepare for NATA on Topicly?

Open any NATA topic on this page and choose how to study it: step-by-step chat, quizzes, mock tests, formula sheets or a voice call with Sia, your personal teacher. Your progress is saved topic by topic, and it's free to start.

Is this the official NATA syllabus?

It is compiled from the official NATA notification and exam pattern for study purposes. The conducting body can change the syllabus, so always confirm with the latest official notification.

Compiled from official notifications for study purposes. Always confirm with the conducting body's latest notification.