Drawing & Composition Books
Part A (Drawing Test) carries 80 marks. These books will help you develop strong sketching, composition, and perspective skills.
Architecture: Form, Space and Order
Rs. 800-1,200by Francis D.K. ChingThe definitive reference for understanding architectural form and spatial relationships. Excellent for developing visual vocabulary and composition skills needed in Part A.
Architectural Graphics
Rs. 600-900by Francis D.K. ChingCovers graphic communication techniques including lettering, line weights, rendering, and perspective drawing. Essential for improving drawing quality and presentation.
Design Drawing
Rs. 700-1,000by Francis D.K. ChingBridges the gap between design thinking and drawing skills. Teaches how to translate ideas into visual representations, a core NATA skill.
Perspective Made Easy
Rs. 200-400by Ernest NorlingA beginner-friendly guide to understanding perspective drawing. Helps with drawing buildings, interiors, and environments accurately in NATA sketching questions.
Keys to Drawing
Rs. 400-600by Bert DodsonPractical exercises for improving observational drawing skills. Great for developing the quick sketching ability needed in the 30-minute drawing questions.
Mathematics Books
The Numerical Ability section in Part B tests algebra, trigonometry, coordinate geometry, and basic calculus. These books cover all required topics.
RD Sharma Class 11 & 12 Mathematics
Rs. 500-700 (per volume)by R.D. SharmaComprehensive coverage of algebra, trigonometry, coordinate geometry, and calculus. The problem variety builds strong fundamentals for NATA numerical ability questions.
NCERT Mathematics (Class 11 & 12)
Rs. 100-200 (per volume)by NCERTThe foundation for all competitive exam math. NATA questions are often based on NCERT-level concepts. Start here before moving to advanced books.
Problems in General Physics
Rs. 300-500by I.E. IrodovFor advanced students who want to strengthen problem-solving skills. The physics-math overlap questions help with spatial and analytical thinking.
General Aptitude Books
Part B includes visual reasoning, design sensitivity, language interpretation, and general knowledge about architecture. These books cover all aptitude areas.
Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning
Rs. 400-600by R.S. AggarwalThe go-to book for visual reasoning, mirror images, paper folding, figure completion, and pattern recognition. All tested in NATA Part B.
A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning
Rs. 300-500by R.S. AggarwalCovers logical sequences, deductions, and analytical reasoning. Helps develop the critical thinking skills tested in NATA's design sensitivity section.
General Knowledge
Rs. 200-300by Lucent's PublicationsCovers architecture awareness, famous buildings, historical progressions, and current affairs. All tested in NATA's General Knowledge section.
Complete NATA Guides
These all-in-one guides cover drawing, mathematics, and aptitude in a single book. Best for students who want a structured, comprehensive resource.
A Complete Self Study Guide for B.Arch
Rs. 500-700by P.K. MishraThe most popular all-in-one NATA preparation book. Covers drawing, aptitude, mathematics, and includes practice papers. Best for self-study students.
NATA & B.Arch Complete Guide
Rs. 400-600by Arihant PublicationsComprehensive guide with topic-wise theory, solved examples, and practice questions. Includes previous year question analysis and mock tests.
FAQs: Best Books for NATA
If you can only buy one book, go with "A Complete Self Study Guide for B.Arch" by P.K. Mishra. It covers all three sections: drawing, mathematics, and general aptitude, with practice questions. However, for best results, supplement it with Francis Ching's books for drawing and RS Aggarwal for reasoning.
NCERT books cover the fundamental concepts well and many NATA questions are based on NCERT-level math. However, for thorough preparation, supplement with RD Sharma for more practice problems. Focus on algebra, trigonometry, coordinate geometry, and basic calculus.
No. Pick 1-2 books per section based on your weak areas. If you are strong in math, skip the advanced books. If drawing is your weakness, invest in Francis Ching's books. The complete guides by PK Mishra or Arihant are good starting points for most students.
Yes. Neram Classes provides free study materials including a question bank, topic-wise practice questions, and drawing references through the student app at app.neramclasses.com. NCERT textbooks are also available for free download from ncert.nic.in.
Start at least 3-4 months before the exam for a comfortable pace. Begin with NCERT math and general aptitude books, then move to drawing practice and specialized books. The last month should focus on mock tests and previous year papers rather than new theory.
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