Features

Details

Exam Name

National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA)

Conducted By

Council of Architecture (CoA)

Purpose

The NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture) is conducted for admission to undergraduate architecture programs (B.Arch) in various colleges across India.

Exam Sessions

NATA is conducted multiple times a year, usually in three sessions

Application Mode

Online

Steps of Application

1. Registration: Visit the official website nata.in and create an account.
2. Fill Application Form: Enter personal details, academic qualifications, and exam preferences.
3. Upload Documents: Upload a recent photograph, signature, and required documents.
4. Fee Payment: Pay the application fee through credit/debit card, net banking, or UPI.
5. Print Confirmation: Download and print the confirmation page for future reference.

Application Fees

For Single Attempt:

• General/OBC (India): ₹1,750
• SC/ST/PwD (India): ₹1,500
• International Candidates: ₹10,000

For Two Attempts:

• General/OBC (India): ₹3,250
• SC/ST/PwD (India): ₹2,750
• International Candidates: ₹18,000

For Three Attempts:

• General/OBC (India): ₹4,500
• SC/ST/PwD (India): ₹4,000
• International Candidates: ₹25,000

Payment Mode

Online through debit card, credit card, or net banking

Eligibility Criteria

To appear for the National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA), candidates must fulfill the following eligibility requirements:

1. Educational Qualification:

• Candidates must have passed or be appearing in Class 12th or equivalent examination with Mathematics as a compulsory subject.
• Diploma holders (10+3) with Mathematics as a subject are also eligible.

2. Minimum Marks Required:

• General Category: Minimum 50% aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) and overall in 12th grade.
• SC/ST/OBC/PwD: Relaxation in minimum marks as per government norms.

3. Age Limit:

• No specific age limit, but candidates must meet the age criteria for admission to B.Arch courses as set by the respective institutes.

4. Number of Attempts:

• Candidates can attempt NATA multiple times in a year, with the best score considered for admission.

Mode of Exam

Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test)

Drawing Test: Conducted in offline mode (paper-based)

Type of Exam: Aptitude-based test for architecture admissions

Medium of Exam

English only

Duration of Exam

3 hours (180 minutes)

Types of Questions

• Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) – Candidates select the correct answer from given options.
• Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) – More than one correct option can be chosen.
• Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions – Requires candidates to enter a numerical value as an answer.
• Match the Following – Candidates match corresponding items from two lists.
• Drawing Questions – Assesses creativity, visualization, and sketching skills (conducted in offline mode).
• Cognitive & Logical Reasoning Questions – Includes pattern recognition, visual reasoning, and analytical skills.

Papers

The NATA exam consists of a single paper that evaluates candidates on two key aspects:

1. Cognitive Skills & Drawing Ability (Part A)
2. Scientific & General Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, and PCM (Part B)

Exam Pattern

• Total Marks: 200

Part A: Cognitive & Drawing Skills

• 3 Questions
• Marks per question: 17, 18, 19
• Total Marks: 53

Part B: PCM, General Aptitude, Logical Reasoning (MCQs)

• 47 Questions
• Marks per question: 1.5
• Total Marks: 70

Overall Structure

• Total Questions: 50
• Total Marks: 200

Syllabus

Part A: Drawing & Visual Composition

• Drawing & Sketching: Geometrical shapes, perspective drawing, 3D composition
• Composition & Aesthetics: Color theory, visual harmony, contrast
• Creativity & Imagination: Conceptual sketches, graphical representations
• Architectural Awareness: Famous buildings, architects, basic architectural terminology

Part B: PCM, General Aptitude & Logical Reasoning

• Mathematics (Class 10 & 12 Level)
• Algebra, Logarithms, Matrices
• Trigonometry, Coordinate Geometry
• Statistics, Probability, Calculus
• Physics
• Laws of Motion, Work, Energy, Power
• Electrostatics, Current Electricity
• Kinematics, Thermodynamics
• Chemistry
• States of Matter, Structure of Atom
• Equilibrium, Thermodynamics
• Organic & Inorganic Chemistry Basics
• General Aptitude
• Logical & Analytical Reasoning
• Interpretation of Graphs & Diagrams
• Mental Ability, Data Sufficiency
• Logical Reasoning
• Series, Coding-Decoding
• Syllogism, Blood Relations
• Direction Sense, Analogies
•  

Marking Scheme

Part A: Drawing & Composition (Paper-Based Test)

• Total Marks: 125
• Number of Questions: 3
• Marking Scheme:
• Question 1: 25 Marks
• Question 2: 25 Marks
• Question 3: 75 Marks
• Negative Marking: No

Part B: PCM, General Aptitude & Logical Reasoning (Online Test)

• Total Marks: 75
• Number of Questions: 50
• Marking Scheme:
• Mathematics (15 Questions) – 22.5 Marks (1.5 Marks per Question)
• Physics & Chemistry (15 Questions) – 22.5 Marks (1.5 Marks per Question)
• General Aptitude & Logical Reasoning (20 Questions) – 30 Marks (1.5 Marks per Question)
• Negative Marking: No

Total Marks for NATA Exam: 200 Marks

Preparation Tips

1. Understand the Syllabus & Exam Pattern

• Go through the official syllabus for Drawing, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, General Aptitude, and Logical Reasoning.
• Familiarize yourself with the marking scheme and types of questions asked.

2. Focus on Drawing Skills

• Practice freehand sketching, perspective drawing, shading techniques, and 3D compositions.
• Work on visualization skills and improve creativity & imagination.
• Maintain a sketchbook and practice different types of structures, landscapes, and human figures.

3. Strengthen General Aptitude & Reasoning

• Solve puzzles, riddles, and pattern-based questions.
• Improve your spatial reasoning and architectural awareness by studying famous buildings and monuments.
• Practice mathematical calculations for quick problem-solving.

4. Master Mathematics, Physics & Chemistry

• Focus on basic concepts in Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, and Calculus.
• Revise important formulas in Physics and Chemistry.

5. Solve Mock Tests & Previous Year Papers

• Attempt past question papers to understand the difficulty level.
• Take online mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
• Analyse mistakes and work on weak areas.

6. Manage Time Effectively

• Allocate specific time slots for drawing practice, theory subjects, and mock tests.
• Develop a time strategy to complete questions within the exam duration.

7. Improve Observation Skills

• Study perspective, proportions, color schemes, and aesthetics in daily surroundings.
• Analyse architectural structures, building plans, and natural elements for better visualization.

8. Stay Updated with Current Trends

• Read about modern architecture, famous architects, and new design trends.
• Follow design magazines, architecture blogs, and online resources for inspiration.

9. Stay Consistent & Confident

• Maintain a daily study schedule and practice regularly.
• Stay calm and focused during the exam.
• Get proper rest and avoid last-minute cramming.

10. Take Guidance from Experts

• Join coaching classes or online courses for structured preparation.
• Take feedback from mentors or professional architects to improve your sketches.

Helpline numbers

• +91 9560707764
• +91 9319275557
• +91 11-49412100

Official Website

nata.in