While students aspire to enroll for a specific field of their liking, there is much more to do other than just filling out and submitting the application form. Some fields suffice with your overall 12th score, but some require you to sit for aptitude exams that ensure that you have what it takes to excel in the field your looking to make your career in and are passionate about it.
One such field is Architecture. The Council of Architecture (COA) conducts NATA (National Aptitude Test for Architecture) twice every year. It assesses the fellow aspirant’s cognitive skills, logical reasoning, aesthetic sensitivity tests, and critical thinking ability to ensure that the aspirant has what it takes to excel in Architecture.
NATA entrance exam is scheduled by the Council of Architecture. The exam is specially designed for admitting students in 5-year Bachelor of Architecture programs in top-notch colleges and institutes in India.
General Questions:
- What is NATA?
NATA is a national-level aptitude test conducted by the Council of Architecture (CoA) for admission to undergraduate architecture programs (B.Arch) in India.
- Is NATA compulsory for B.Arch admissions?
Yes, NATA is mandatory for admission to most B.Arch programs in India, except for a few deemed universities that might have their own entrance exams.
- When is NATA conducted?
NATA is typically conducted multiple times a year, allowing candidates to improve their scores. Check the official NATA website for the exact schedule for 2025.
- Where can I find the official NATA information?
The official NATA website (nata.in) is the primary source for all information related to the exam, including registration, syllabus, exam pattern, and results.
- What is the difference between NATA and JEE exams?
JEE and NATA entrance exams are held for students who wish to pursue careers in either Engineering or Architecture. But the two exams are extremely different and are conducted for different institutes.
JEE exams are conducted for students to wish to get admission in B. ARCH and B. Planning in institutes like GFITs, NITs, CFITs, and IIITs.
Whereas, NATA is conducted for students who wish to get admission in B. Arch only.
Eligibility Criteria:
- What is the educational qualification required for NATA?
Candidates must have passed 10+2 or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects. Those appearing for the 10+2 examination in 2025 are also eligible to apply.
- Is there an age limit for NATA?
There is no age limit for appearing in NATA.
- Can Diploma holders apply for NATA?
Yes, candidates who have passed a 10+3 Diploma (any stream) recognized by the Central/State Governments are also eligible.
Exam Pattern and Syllabus:
- What is the NATA exam pattern?
NATA primarily assesses drawing and observation skills, sense of proportion and aesthetics, and critical thinking abilities related to architecture. The exam consists of two parts:
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- Part A (Cognitive Skills): This section assesses logical reasoning, numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, general awareness, and data interpretation. It is conducted online.
- Part B (Drawing Test): This section evaluates drawing and observation skills through questions related to composition, perspective, sketching, and visual memory. It is conducted offline (pen and paper).
- What is the NATA syllabus?
The NATA syllabus covers topics related to:
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- Drawing and Composition: Understanding of visual principles, composition, perspective, and sketching.
- Sense of Proportion and Scale: Ability to judge proportions and scale in objects and spaces.
- Visual Memory: Ability to recall and reproduce visual information.
- Logical Reasoning: Ability to analyze and solve problems logically.
- General Aptitude: Basic knowledge of mathematics, science, and general knowledge.
- What type of drawing questions are asked in NATA?
Questions can include sketching from memory, creating compositions based on given themes, perspective drawing, and drawing objects from different angles.
- Is there negative marking in NATA?
Check the official NATA brochure for the specific year as policies can change.
Registration and Application:
- How to apply for NATA 2025 ?
No, candidates can only register for the examination via online mode. The registration process is as follows:
Step 1: Visit the official website of NATA
Step 2: Click on the NATA 2025 registration link.
Step 3: Sign up to fill out the form.
Step 4: Enter your basic details including name, address, mobile number, email id, birth date and security question.
Step 5: Create your own password and enter the OTP sent to your mobile number.
Step 6: A unique application number will be allotted to you. Keep it for further usage.
Step 7: Fill in the basic information including your name, address, Pan card or Aadhar card number, nationality, date of birth and parent’s name.
Step 8: Fill up your choice of exam – One or two attempts – depending on your convenience.
Step 9: Choose the centre as per your location and choice.
Step 10: Fill up your educational details for the 10th and 12th and you are good to go.
Step 11: Upload the documents including a passport-sized photograph, signature copy, and category or disability certificate, if applicable.
Step 12: Pay the fees as per the number of attempts you have opted for
- What are the application fees for NATA?
The application fees are announced on the official website each year.
- Can I edit my application form after submission?
The NATA website usually allows a short window for corrections after the initial application. Check the official schedule for these dates.
Admit Card and Exam Day:
- When will I receive my NATA admit card?
Admit cards are usually released a few weeks before the exam on the official website.
- What should I carry to the exam center?
You must carry your admit card, a valid photo ID proof, and necessary stationery (pencils, erasers, etc.) for the drawing test. Check the admit card for specific instructions.
- What if there is a discrepancy in my admit card?
Contact the NATA helpdesk immediately if you find any errors in your admit card.
Results and Counseling:
- When are the NATA results declared?
The results are usually declared a few weeks after the exam on the official website.
- How are NATA scores used for admission?
NATA scores are used by various architecture colleges for admission to their B.Arch programs. Each college has its own admission criteria and cutoff scores.
- Is there any counseling process after NATA?
The CoA does not conduct central counseling. Individual colleges conduct their own admission processes based on NATA scores and other criteria.
Other Important Questions:
- What is the validity of the NATA score?
The NATA score is valid for one academic year.
- Can I appear for NATA multiple times?
Yes, you can appear for NATA multiple times to improve your score.
- Where can I find sample papers or mock tests for NATA?
Check the official NATA website and reputable coaching institutes for sample papers and mock tests.
How to prepare for NATA 2025?
The basic NATA preparation that can aid you in clearing the entrance exam are mentioned below:-
- Give equal preparation time to all the three sections namely, Aptitude, Mathematics, and Drawing.
- Collect data on the architectural creation of famous national and international architects.
- Try and solve as many NATA sample papers as you can but surely focus on the previous year’s NATA question paper.
- Practice all topics without giving a break between the sections to ensure you have a constant rhythm.
- Focus on the Nata mock tests or sample questions to practice the hardest of questions.
Where to find more information?
The official NATA website (nata.in) is the most reliable source of information. Always refer to the official brochure and notifications released by the CoA for the latest updates.
This expanded FAQ aims to provide a more comprehensive overview. Always refer to the official NATA website for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding NATA 2025.