National Aptitude Test in Architecture

What is NATA Exam?

 National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) is an entrance examination conducted by Council of Architecture (CoA) since 2006, in terms of the provisions of CoA (Minimum Standards of Architectural Education) Regulations, 1983, published in the Gazette of India. NATA is a national level entrance examination for admission to undergraduate courses in Architecture. It is believed that a separate aptitude test should be conducted for admission to Architecture which should not be combined with the tests for admissions to Engineering, Pharmacy, Medicine and other disciplines. The purpose of this entrance exam 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 also ensures that the eligibility criteria for admission to five years Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) degree course, as prescribed by CoA and duly approved by the Central Government, are strictly adhered to and followed all over the country in Architectural Institutions. The NATA scores are used by admission authorities of different Government, Govt. Aided & Unaided schools/colleges of Architecture. This test measures drawing and observation skills, sense of proportion, aesthetic sensitivity and critical thinking ability.

NATA 2024 Syllabus

Candidates can check the details regarding the NATA 2024 syllabus from the table given below.

Part A – Drawing and Composition Test

  • A1 – Composition and Colour Test – Creating suitable compositions for various situations and colouring them appropriately. Re-arranging various shapes in a visually appealing manner and colouring it suitably.
  • A2 – Sketching and Composition (Black and White) – Ability to draw, visualize, and depict a situation, involving buildings/its components, people, environment, products with an understanding of scale, proportions, textures, shades and shadow etc.
  • A3 – 3D Composition – Creating interesting 3D compositions for the given situation using the provided kit.

Part B – MCQs

  • Visual Reasoning – Ability to understand and reconstruct 2D and 3D composition, knowledge about its composition and technical concepts.
  • Logical Derivation – Ability to decode a situation, composition, context and generate meaning. Understanding the minute information hidden in a particular situation and drawing conclusions. 
  • G.K. Architecture & Design – General awareness of architecture and design, current issues, recent episodes etc., Knowledge about important buildings, historical progression, innovation in materials and construction technology.
  • Language Interpretation – Ability to correctly & logically generate meaning of words, sentences, and understanding about English grammar.
  • Design Sensitivity – Ability to observe record and analyze, people, space, product, and environment. Critical thinking, reasoning and ability to identify subtle communications.
  • Design Thinking – Ability to understand semantics, metaphors, problem identification and definition, and analysis of a given situation.
  • Numerical Ability – Basic Mathematics and its association with creative thinking. To unfold a space with use of geometry.

NATA 2024 Exam Pattern

Candidates can check the details regarding the NATA 2024 exam pattern from the table given below:

Particulars Details
Mode Computer Based and Offline Test
Duration

3 Hours

Part A – Drawing and Composition Test – 90 Minutes

Part B – MCQs – 90 Minutes

Medium English and Hindi
Sections

Part A – Drawing and Composition Test

Part B – MCQs 

Number of Questions 48
Division of Questions

Part A – Drawing and Composition Test

  • A1 – 1 Question – Composition and Colour
  • A2 – 1 Question – Sketching and Composition (Black and White)
  • A3 – 1 Question – 3D Composition

Part B – MCQs 

  • B1 – 30 Questions
  • B2 – 15 Questions
Marking Scheme

Part A – Drawing and Composition Test

  • A1 – 1 Question – Composition and Colour – 25 marks
  • A2 – 1 Question – Sketching and Composition (Black and White) – 25 marks
  • A3 – 1 Question – 3D Composition – 30 marks

Part B – MCQs 

  • B1 – 30 Questions x 2 marks – 60 marks
  • B2 – 15 Questions x 4 marks – 60 marks

Qualifying Criteria

The Qualiífying Marks for the NATA 2024 would be based on the following Rules:

  1. A minimum of 20 marks must be secured in PART A
  2. A minimum of 30 marks must be secured in PART B
  3. Overall qualifying marks for NATA 2024 shall be 70 marks out of 200 os aggregate of Part A
NATA 2024 Preparation Tips

The following are some of the best Preparation Tips for NATA to enhance your preparation levels.

  • General Aptitude and drawing are the most critical sections in the exam, which must be given more importance during your preparation.
  • Questions under the Maths section are mainly based on the 12th-grade syllabus. You must solve questions from the CBSE Textbooks for better preparation.
  • You should have strong knowledge of topics like Buildings in India and the World, speed, distance and time, Important Architects of India and the World, Logical and Reasoning Ability questions, General Maths questions like area, volume Mirror Images, Building Materials and Terminology, etc.
  • Make a small thumbnail to plan everything for the drawing section, like placing what and how to utilize the answer sheet.