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NATA 2025 Exam Pattern: Section-Wise Format, Marking Scheme & Qualifying Score

Riya Khandelwal's profile picture

Updated on Jul 30, 2025

Riya Khandelwal

NATA 2025 Exam Pattern: The exam is conducted in a computer-based mode across designated centres in India. NATA 2025 follows a revised two-part structure that was introduced in earlier sessions. Candidates attempt a total of 48 questions, including 3 drawing-based questions in Part A and 45 aptitude and PCM-based questions in Part B. The total duration of the exam is 3 hours, and the paper assesses architectural aptitude, drawing ability, and reasoning skills. Part B consists of multiple-choice, multiple-select, and numerical-type questions, with each question carrying 1 to 3 marks. There is no negative marking. The medium of the exam is English, and candidates can navigate between questions freely without section-wise restrictions.

 

Table of Contents
  1. NATA 2025 Exam Pattern Highlights
  2. NATA 2025 Exam Pattern: Question Paper Structure
  3. NATA 2025 Marking Scheme
  4. NATA 2025 Qualifying Marks
  5. NATA 2025 Syllabus Overview
  6. NATA 2025 Preparation Tips
  7. NATA 2025 Exam Pattern FAQs

 

NATA 2025 Exam Pattern Highlights

NATA 2025 is held by the Council of Architecture (CoA) for students who want to join undergraduate architecture courses in India. The exam checks a student’s skills in drawing, logical thinking, visual understanding, and overall architectural ability. It includes both objective and creative-type questions. Students can take the test up to three times, and the highest score will be used for admission.

Particulars

Details

Exam Name

National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA)

Conducting Body

Council of Architecture (CoA)

Mode of Exam

  • Part A in Pen & Paper
  • Part B in Computer-based Test

Duration

  • 1.5 Hours for Part A
  • 1.5 Hours for Part B

Type of Questions

Multiple-choice, Multiple-select, Preferential Choice, Numerical, and Drawing-based

Total Questions

  • 3 in Part A
  • 45 in Part B

Total Marks

  • Part A: 80 Marks
  • Part B: 120 Marks

Sections

  • Part A: Drawing & Visual Composition
  • Part B: Logical Reasoning, Visual Perception, General Aptitude

Marking Scheme

  • Part A: fixed marks per question (25, 25, 30)
  • Part B: 2‑mark and 4‑mark MCQs; no negative marking

Medium

English

 

NATA 2025 Exam Pattern: Question Paper Structure

NATA 2025 is being held in two parts, Part A for the Drawing Test and Part B for the Cognitive and Aptitude section. The exam is designed to check both the creative and logical skills needed for architecture. Instead of testing subjects like Maths or Physics, NATA looks at how well a student can draw, think logically, and understand visual details through different types of questions.

Part

Sections Covered

Number of Questions

Total Marks

Duration

Part A

Drawing & Visual Composition

3

80 marks

1.5 Hours (90 Minutes)

Part B

Logical Reasoning, Visual Perception, General Aptitude

45

120 marks

1.5 Hours (90 Minutes)

 

NATA 2025 Marking Scheme

The NATA 2025 exam does not include negative marking. Candidates are awarded marks based on accuracy and quality of responses. The test is divided into two parts: Part A (Drawing and Composition Test) and Part B (Multiple and Preferential Choice Questions).

Response

Marks Awarded

Correct Answer for Part A (Drawing and Composition Test)

  • A1 & A2 have 25 marks each
  • A3 has 30 marks

Correct Answer for Part B (Logical Reasoning, Visual Perception, General Aptitude)

  • 2 marks for each MCQ (30 questions)
  • 4 marks for PCQ/NAQ (15 questions)

Incorrect Answer

0

Unanswered

0

 

NATA 2025 Qualifying Marks

In NATA 2025, students have to score the minimum marks in both Part A and Part B, as well as an overall qualifying score. These marks are set by the Council of Architecture (CoA) and apply to everyone. Just meeting these scores makes a student eligible for B.Arch admission, but it doesn’t promise a seat. Final admission depends on the student's rank and how many seats are available.

Particulars

Details

Minimum Marks in Part A

At least 20 marks out of 80

Minimum Marks in Part B

At least 30 marks out of 120

Overall Qualifying Marks

Minimum 70 marks out of 200 (combined score of both parts)

Note: Candidates failing to meet any one of the above criteria will be considered ineligible, even if the total score exceeds 70.

 

Read: NATA 2025 Eligibility Criteria

 

NATA 2025 Syllabus Overview

The NATA 2025 syllabus checks a student’s skills in areas like drawing, observation, creative thinking, and basic maths. It doesn’t follow any one board’s syllabus, but most maths questions are based on what’s taught in Classes 11 and 12 in CBSE and other state boards. The exam also has sections on logical thinking and visual awareness to test how well students understand architecture-related ideas.

Exam Part

Topics

Part A: Drawing & Composition Test

  • Composition and Colour Harmony
  • Understanding of Scale and Proportion
  • Sense of Perspective Drawing
  • Visualising and Drawing 3D Objects from 2D Drawings
  • Creating 2D and 3D Compositions Using Shapes and Forms
  • Sketching Urban Sceneries, Everyday Objects, or Geometric Compositions
  • Creating Visual Balance Using Colour and Form
  • Conceptual Drawing and Imagination-Based Illustration

Part B: Aptitude Test

  • Visual and Diagrammatic Reasoning: Interpretation of visual data, spatial patterns, and object relationships
  • Logical and Inductive Reasoning: Series, analogies, classification, and pattern recognition
  • Verbal Reasoning: Vocabulary, analogies, sentence completion
  • Situational Judgment: Decision-making based on real-life scenarios
  • Abstract Reasoning: Symbolic thinking, pattern analysis, mental rotation
  • Numerical Ability: Basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data interpretation
  • General Knowledge of Architecture and Design: Famous buildings, architects, architectural styles, sustainable design, current trends
  • Design Thinking and Problem Solving: Lateral thinking, creativity in design challenges

Check: NATA 2025 Syllabus

 

NATA 2025 Preparation Tips

Understanding the NATA 2025 syllabus can make preparation much easier. Since the exam checks both thinking and creative skills, students should follow the official syllabus and look at past papers for better planning. The test includes questions from Mathematics, General Aptitude, and Drawing or Architecture Awareness, so it's important to prepare for both logic-based and creative sections.

  • Stick to the official NATA syllabus to stay focused and avoid unnecessary topics.
  • Study Class 11 & 12 Mathematics from NCERT or state board textbooks for strong conceptual grounding.
  • Practice mental math, basic geometry, and 2D/3D visualization regularly to build spatial awareness.
  • Develop sketching speed and accuracy by solving past NATA drawing questions and taking drawing mocks.
  • Enhance your General Aptitude by exploring architecture basics, famous buildings, materials, and current trends.
  • Solve NATA previous year question papers to understand recurring themes and difficulty level.
  • Attempt full-length mock tests to simulate actual exam conditions and improve time management.
  • Create separate notes for architectural terms, key mathematical formulas, and visual memory references.
  • Focus on time-bound drawing exercises to build confidence and composition skills under pressure.
  • Regularly revise weak topics and review mistakes made during mocks or practice sessions.
  • Stay updated with the official NATA portal for changes in pattern, syllabus, or test guidelines.
  • Maintain a healthy study routine with breaks, creative refreshers, and mental relaxation to avoid burnout.

 

NATA 2025 Exam Pattern FAQs

What is the mode of the NATA 2025 exam?

The exam is conducted in two parts. Part A is offline (pen and paper), while Part B is online (computer-based). Students must complete both to get a valid score.

How many questions are asked in NATA 2025?

A total of 48 questions appear in the test, 3 in Part A (Drawing) and 45 in Part B (Aptitude and Reasoning). Each section assesses different skills.

How is the NATA 2025 paper structured?

The paper is divided into two parts: Part A tests drawing skills, and Part B checks reasoning, aptitude, and perception. Both have separate timings and weightage.

How much time is given for each part of the NATA exam?

Students get 90 minutes for Part A and another 90 minutes for Part B. The total duration of the exam is 3 hours.

What types of questions appear in NATA 2025?

The paper includes multiple-choice, numerical, preferential choice, and drawing-based questions. These test both logical and creative abilities.

Is there negative marking in NATA 2025?

No, there is no negative marking. Students are not penalised for wrong answers.

What is the marking scheme in NATA 2025?

In Part A, there are two questions of 25 marks and one of 30 marks. In Part B, MCQs carry either 2 or 4 marks depending on the type.

What is the total score in NATA 2025?

The exam carries 200 marks in total, 80 from Part A and 120 from Part B. This score is used for ranking.

What are the qualifying marks for NATA 2025?

Students must score at least 20 in Part A, 30 in Part B, and a total of 70 out of 200 to qualify. Missing any of these makes the score invalid.

How many times can a student appear for NATA 2025?

Candidates can appear up to three times. The highest score among the three is considered for admission.

What subjects are covered in NATA 2025?

The test covers Drawing, Logical Reasoning, General Aptitude, and Visual Perception. It also includes maths, basic architecture, and spatial understanding.

Does the NATA 2025 exam follow any board syllabus?

No, it does not follow any specific board. However, the maths questions are based on Class 11 and 12 syllabi of CBSE and state boards.

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