From Confusion to Clarity: Aditya’s Journey to Scoring 185.5 in NATA
Choosing the right career path is never easy—especially when you’re standing at the crossroads of multiple options. For Aditya, this journey was filled with confusion, experimentation, and ultimately, clarity. Today, as a proud scorer of 185.5 in NATA 2020, his story is not just inspiring but also a guiding light for aspiring architects.
A Chance Discovery That Changed Everything
Aditya recalls how his journey began during Class 12 when he came across Pahal Magazine. Curious and eager, he enrolled for a demo class at Pahal Design—a decision that would shape his future.
“It felt like destiny. I found the right guidance at the right time,” he shares.
This moment marked the beginning of a focused and strategic preparation journey under expert mentorship.
The Phase of Confusion: Finding the Right Path
Like many students, Aditya initially struggled with career choices. In Class 11, he aspired to become an Interior Designer but later shifted towards preparing for B.Tech entrance exams.
“Spending a year preparing for B.Tech was a mistake—but I realized it early,” he admits.
Torn between Civil Engineering and Architecture, he doubted whether architecture was the right fit. However, once he understood the unique blend of creativity, design, and technical knowledge in architecture, everything changed.
Why Architecture Stood Out
Aditya discovered that architecture wasn’t just another technical field—it was a perfect combination of:
Creativity and design
Engineering concepts
Mathematical application
Real-world problem-solving
With this clarity, he committed himself fully to NATA preparation and joined Pahal Design, Preet Vihar—a turning point in his journey.
Balancing Boards and NATA Preparation
Managing board exams along with competitive exam preparation can be overwhelming. However, Aditya approached it smartly.
Weekdays were dedicated to school and academics
Weekends were reserved for NATA preparation
Mathematics preparation overlapped and benefited both exams
“Smart preparation is the key. With the right strategy, everything becomes manageable,” he explains.
Mastering the NATA Exam Strategy
Aditya emphasizes that success in NATA is not about studying more, but studying smart.
1. Equal Focus on All Sections
He ensured balanced preparation across:
Drawing
Aptitude
Mathematics
2. Learning from Experience
He attempted NATA once to understand the pattern, which helped him perform exceptionally in the final attempt.
“Practice in the right direction makes all the difference.”
The Game-Changer: Creative Section (121/125)
One of Aditya’s most remarkable achievements was scoring 121 out of 125 in the creative section.
According to him, the secret lies in:
Strong observation skills
Understanding depth and detailing
Learning the right techniques
“Drawing is all about observation and guidance. With proper mentorship, you can excel.”
The Power of Smart Techniques
Aditya shares some highly effective strategies that helped him succeed:
Flashcards for Aptitude
He created flashcards with questions on one side and answers on the other, making revision quick and efficient.
Consistent Drawing Practice
Practice 2–3 drawings per week
Focus on improvement, not perfection
Seek regular feedback from mentors
“Your drawing today should always be better than yesterday.”
Focus Areas for PCM Preparation
Aditya advises students to prioritize:
Mathematics – especially calculus and coordinate geometry
NCERT for Physics & Chemistry – basics are sufficient
Avoid unnecessary pressure on PCM, as it carries limited weight in NATA
“Maths is the most important—it helps in both JEE and NATA.”
The Role of Mentorship at Pahal Design
Aditya credits his success to the constant support and guidance from his mentors at Pahal Design.
“The teachers were always available—even outside class hours. Their guidance made everything easier.”
From personalized teaching approaches to continuous motivation, Pahal played a crucial role in shaping his preparation journey.
Final Advice to Aspirants
Aditya leaves future aspirants with these key takeaways:
Don’t ignore the drawing section—it’s the most scoring
Focus on consistent practice, not shortcuts
Use smart study techniques like flashcards
Seek feedback and guidance from mentors
Stay patient—improvement takes time
Conclusion
Aditya’s journey is a perfect example of how the right guidance, smart preparation, and consistent effort can turn confusion into success. His story reinforces the idea that with determination and the right mentorship, achieving top scores in NATA is absolutely possible.
At Pahal Design, we take pride in nurturing such success stories and guiding students toward their dream careers in architecture and design.
Are you ready to start your journey? Join Pahal Design and take the first step toward your dream career!
Q: How can I score high in NATA?
Focus on drawing practice, time management, and consistent preparation in maths and aptitude.
Q: Is drawing important for NATA?
Yes, drawing is the most scoring section and can significantly boost your overall score.
Q: What is the best way to prepare for NATA?
Follow a smart strategy, practice regularly, and seek guidance from experienced mentors.
