How to prepare for NATA

NATA, the national aptitude test in Architecture was introduced by Council of Architecture in 2006. This year NATA2020 is going to be held in August. Many aspirants to admission to Bachelor of Architecture courses are preparing very hard for this test.

The syllabus for this examination can roughly be divided into three parts, physics chemistry and mathematics, general aptitude and drawing. How does one prepare for all these three components in the given period of about 30 days? There could be many ways of doing this but the easiest is to break these 30 days into six units of five days each and decide what activities to do in each of these periods of five days. Obviously, all the components of NATA syllabus will have to be studied simultaneously. This way one could get enough time to practice. After all, the key to success in NATA is based on practice and practice and practice!
Here is a plan that I suggest for NATA preparation.

First five-day period unit one:
You can study calculus integration and differentiation and do a lot of practice quizzes on these topics. You could also start working on freehand basics which include simple pencil linework, drawing blind contours, shading techniques, drawing basic shapes and forms. You may do many practice assignments to hone these skills. You may also start learning about two-dimensional compositions by using geometric forms, free forms, study of figure and ground relationship and using layers in your composition. In the aptitude section, you could start learning to solve quizzes based on general knowledge.

Second five-day period unit two:
You can study statistics and probability, coordinate geometry and permutations and combinations and do some more quizzes on these topics. the drawing section, you could start learning about colours, colour theory, various type of colour schemes and start colouring your two-dimensional compositions which you have done in the first unit. You can start learning about various architects, their buildings, historical monuments and try to solve many quizzes.

Third five-day period unit three:
You can now study Three-dimensional coordinate geometry, Algebra, Matrices and Trigonometry, and solve a lot of quizzes based on these topics. In the drawing section, you can start learning how to draw human figures. For this, you need to do basic line work and studies of humans in action. You can fill in details and use shading. You may start learning about one point perspectives of basic forms, objects and interiors of rooms et cetera. You could also do a lot of quizzes based on analytical reasoning and mathematical reasoning.

Fourth five-day period unit four:
In this period, you could study Logarithms, Electronics and Optics and also do a lot of quizzes based on these topics. You can start learning three-dimensional composition starting with using basic forms. Learn to make compositions using objects with shades and shadows and lots of practice assignments. For the aptitude part you could learn about 2-D to 3D and 3D to 2-D. You may also do lots of quizzes.

Fifth five-day period unit five:
You must study electricity, basic concepts of chemistry and chemical thermodynamics and organic chemistry and do some quizzes on these topics. You could also start learning to do memory drawings. Start by making thumbnail sketches and do lots of rough studies learn about foreground, subject and background. Also start putting human figures in perspective and shading and shadows with detailing. Start solving quizzes based on building construction materials and processes. Also study finishes of materials and textures.

Sixth five-day period unit six:
You should utilize these five days to do a complete revision of what you have learnt in every section including PCM, drawing and aptitude. You should also take a lot of mock tests. When you do the mock tests ensure that you use a stopwatch to time your efforts. Remember that only practice makes a man perfect.

This is just one way of preparing for NATA in 30 days. I am sure you can devise many more ways which can be comfortable with.
Best of luck for your NATA examinations.

– Ar. Vijay Sohoni.
(the author was President of Council of Architecture from 2004 to 2012. He is Director of IDEA and has over 30 years experience in teaching Architecture.)