Posted By - Aditi GargNATA (National Aptitude Test for Architecture) is an exam conducted by the Council of Architecture (COA) annually. The NATA score is mandatory to get into a good architecture college. A candidate must focus on NATA exam preparation tips and NATA time management strategies to achieve a good score and reserve a seat in the best architecture colleges. For any aspiring architect, this exam is one of the most important steps in fulfilling one’s dreams. Like any exam, take preparations one step at a time. To boost your confidence on your path to becoming an architect, here are 10 expert tips for NATA-:
1. A Thorough Syllabus and Exam Pattern- Master NATA Syllabus & Strategy
The first and foremost step to crack any exam is to review the NATA syllabus and study plan thoroughly. A thorough go-through of the syllabus helps you decide the preparation plan for yourself. You might join any coaching or tutoring classes for the exam, but I suggest going through the minute details yourself to be amply prepared. Knowing the NATA exam pattern helps one identify one's personal strengths and weaknesses, leading to better preparation management. The NATA syllabus and exam strategy keep changing every few years; therefore, to not lag or be surprised on the exam day, make sure to be up to date with the latest pattern.
2. Strategize- Effective NATA Exam Strategy
Strategizing or planning your preparation is an important part of the preparation phase. According to the NATA Study Guide 2024, one should weigh one's strengths and weaknesses and make the study plan accordingly. Planning a way ahead of the exam is one of the keys to how to crack NATA exam. The strategy should also incorporate the best books for NATA preparation and NATA time management strategies, including solving mock papers way in advance.
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3. Practice Makes Perfect- Sketch, Solve, Succeed!
“Practice makes a man perfect!” is a phrase we have all grown up listening to. But believe me, practice across various verticals is a key to success in the NATA exam. Practice will help you gain confidence to face the exams by building up the aptitude and skill set required for this exam. NATA drawing test tips:
- Drawing and Sketching (2D, 3D, memory drawings, perspectives, scale drawings, light and shadow, etc.)
- Past papers and mock tests (to understand the pattern and typology of questions in each section)
Not only will practice help in polishing the required skills and aptitude, but it will also aid in NATA time management strategies, speed, and accuracy during the exam.
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4. Prepare Personal Notes- Summarize & Revise Fast
This is a universal tip that is valid for practically any exam in the world. NATA exam preparation tips include preparing personal notes as an effective way to retain information. The notes help in last-minute revisions or topic-based revisions. Every individual has their style of making personal notes, thus making the NATA preparation journey easier. The way one makes notes helps in going through the notes anytime without any hassle. Moreover, making notes for yourself by using mnemonics, anagrams, colour codes, etc. aids in recalling the value of the topic or a point.
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5. Enhance General Aptitude- Boost Your NATA General Awareness
General aptitude is an important aspect not only for cracking a competitive exam but also for excelling in a field. The best books for NATA preparation often emphasize improving general knowledge and awareness. The general know-how and current affairs help one gain confidence to approach various situations and discussions in life. While enhancing your general aptitude is important, knowing that mugging up a few facts and topics won’t help you in the long run is pertinent. General awareness is a great tool for excelling in exams and group discussions and making a lasting impression. One can enhance their general aptitude for NATA by reading newspapers, magazines, blogs, whitepapers, etc. Keep your mind and eyes open to any new information regarding the field of construction, architects, new materials, books in architecture, etc.
6. Developing Your Skillset- Master the Skills Required for NATA
Architecture is a skill-based profession and therefore NATA exam strategy must focus on a candidate’s skill set across various areas – drawing, sketching, creativity, scale and proportions, observation, perception, visualisation, logical ability, etc. Consequently, it becomes imperative to hone and develop one’s skill set to crack NATA. These skills do not develop in a single day and require constant push and practice. Dedicate some time every day to practice and polish these skills.
Architecture is a roundup of the aforementioned skills in addition to practical aptitude. Skills are a humongous umbrella, that one needs to keep nurturing to keep going in the field.
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7. Read and contemplate- Think Before You Draw
Reading and contemplating a question before taking a plunge into answering it is of utmost importance. This is especially true for questions about understanding your drawing skills and out-of-the-box thinking. Do not be in a hurry to answer the question without giving it a proper thought.
Read – Think – contemplate – Answer!
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8. Speed Up!- Time Management for NATA Success
Exams are all about knowing and doing. Knowing is a part that is covered in your NATA exam preparation tips; however, time management or speed is important when it comes to competitive exams. Right from the GO, plan and manage your time, try and speed up in the sections you can. One can work on NATA time management strategies by practicing mock papers in a timed manner.. Work in steps for drawing-based questions so that even if you are not able to complete a question, the rough draft is still there for evaluation. Time management and speed are vital for cracking NATA.
9. Attempt all Questions- Maximize Your NATA Score
Attempt all the questions! Try to attempt and complete 100% of the paper in the given time. To achieve the maximum possible marks, it is imperative to attempt all the questions. That is one reason one needs to manage their time throughout the paper.
10. Go Stress-free!- Stay Calm & Confident in NATA Exam
To be able to crack NATA, be calm and stress-free at the examination hall. While preparation is the key, going to an exam with a calm mind is essential to succeed. Stress might lead to a lack of confidence and muddling up things during the paper. Complete your preparations well in advance, and keep your exam kit (admit card and stationary) ready to help you be a tad bit confident for the exam.
Be positive, be confident and keep the stress at bay!
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Cracking NATA is the first step to fulfilling an aspirant’s dream of becoming an architect. While there are ample tips to go through, the above 10 tips summarize the journey to cracking NATA. While the best books for NATA preparation and NATA Study Guide 2024 help, the right strategy, practice, and time management make all the difference. It is of utmost importance that one starts to develop and polish one's aptitude for the field of architecture. The skills and creativity required can not be achieved in a single day but can be worked upon with patience and motivation over a period of time. To give you a further boost, here are a few bonus tips. For the drawing section, work in layers. Do a light sketch of your overall composition, and once satisfied, finalize the outline. Try to use the eraser to a minimum.
In your free time, practice making straight lines freehand to make a neat sketch without using a ruler.
Practice with colour pencils and different grades of pencil, to be able to comfortably use them during the exam.
Carry an adequate amount of stationery with you in the exam.
Follow these NATA success tips from architects, stay motivated, and crack NATA with flying colours!
In case of any suggestions, feel free to post them in the comments below!
