The National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) measures the aptitude of the applicant for specific field of study, i.e. Architecture. The test measures drawing and observation skills, sense of proportion, aesthetic sensitivity and critical thinking ability that have been acquired over a long period of time, and that are related to specific field of study, i.e. Architecture. The Council of Architecture (COA) is responsible for conducting the National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) for admission into B.Arch. degree course. The NATA is a single day computer-based test.
About NATA
The purpose of conducting NATA is to provide a single scheme of examination for holding aptitude test and to facilitate prospective students all over the country to apply for admissions in architecture seats in institutions spread across the country and to avoid appearing in multiple aptitude tests.
| NATA | 1st Exam Date | 2nd Exam Date |
| NATA 2021 | Apr 2021 (Expected) | To be announced |
| NATA 2020 | 29 Aug 2020 | 12 Sep 2020 |
| NATA 2019 | 14 Apr 2019 | 07 Jul 2019 |
Apart from NATA, another national level examination through which candidates can get admission in B.Arch / B.Planning courses is JEE Main Paper 2.
Contents
Test Centers for NATA
The COA allocates test centers to the students on the basis of choices given by them at the time of NATA Registration. The details about the test center will be given on the NATA Admit Card. The exam center as printed on the admit card will be final and any request in change in exam center will not be considered.
NATA Exam Pattern
Knowing the exam pattern is beneficial for the candidates, as they get to know the structure of the exam beforehand. The candidates can check the complete exam pattern of NATA below:
- Mode of Exam – Part A will be an online examination, whereas, Part B of the examination will be for drawing (pen and paper based).
- Language – The question paper will be in the English Language.
- Duration of the exam – 180 minutes. Part A will start in the first 90 minutes and Part B will start n the last 90 minutes.
- Negative Marking – There is no negative marking for an incorrect response.
The candidates can check question and marks distribution in NATA from the table below.
| Subject | Number of Questions | Marks Per Question | Total Marks |
| Part A | |||
| Mathematics | 20 MCQ | 2 | 40 |
| General Aptitude | 40 MCQ | 2 | 80 |
| Part B | |||
| Drawing | 2 (Draw on an A-4 Sheet) | 40 | 80 |
| Total | 62 | – | 200 |
In Part B, the candidates will be assessed on the basis of:
- Ability to sketch an object in visually appealing manner.
- Visualising and drawing the effects of light on the object and shadows cast on surroundings;
- Sense of perspective drawing
- Combining and composing given three-dimensional elements to form a building or structure for
- Creating interesting two dimensional composition using given shapes and forms
- Creating visual harmony using colours in given composition;
- Understanding of scale and proportions
- Drawing from memory through pencil sketch on themes from day to day experiences. In Part B, The candidates will be assessed on the basis of their sketching ability of a given object and rendering it in the similar visual appealing manner.
Is there any change in the NATA exam pattern?
Considering previous year’s information brochure, it has been observed that the exam pattern for NATA 2018 is same as previous year. Except for mode of exam for Part A, there is not much big change in the exam pattern.
NATA Syllabus
The syllabus as per which the candidates should start their preparation for NATA is as follows:
For Mathematics
- Algebra
- Logarithms
- Matrices
- Trigonometry
- Coordinate geometry
- 3-Dimensional Co-ordinate geometry
- Theory of Calculus
- Application of Calculus
- Permutation and combination
- Statistics and Probability
For General Aptitude
- Mathematical reasoning
- Sets and Relations
Click Here to check the complete syllabus for NATA Syllabus pdf
Minimum Qualifying Marks
The Qualifying marks have been decided by the Council of Architecture.To get admission in B.Arch candidate must satisfy the mentioned criteria-
| MCQ | Minimum 25% (30 out of 120) |
| Drawing | Minimum 25% (20 out of 80) |
| Overall Qualifying marks | Overall qualifying marks will be based on post-exam statistics and at the discretion of the council. |
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