NATA is an aptitude test conducted by the Council of Architecture, India. It assesses visual perception, drawing ability, logical reasoning, critical thinking, and aesthetic sensitivity—key skills for architecture. It’s mandatory for B.Arch admissions in India.
Aspiring undergraduates aiming for a B.Arch (Bachelor of Architecture) degree.
Students strong in drawing, visual imagination, and design thinking.
Ideal for those with an interest in architecture, urban planning, interior design, or landscape architecture.
Academic: Passed or appearing in 10+2 with Mathematics, plus one subject (Physics/Chemistry/Biology/Vocational/CS/IT), with ≥45% aggregate, or a 10+3 diploma with Mathematics (≥45%)
Age: No upper or lower limit
Attempts: Up to 3 sessions per year; best score counts
Mode: Two-part exam—a computer-based MCQ section and an offline drawing/composition section; 3-hour duration
Total: ~48 questions, 200 marks, no negative marking
Syllabus:
Drawing & Sketching
Composition (2D/3D, color)
Visual and Logical Reasoning
Numerical Ability
Language Interpretation
Design Sensitivity & Critical Thinking
Total score: 200
Qualifying marks: Minimum overall score of 70/200; sometimes section-wise cuts apply
Score considered: Best of up to three attempts
All major Indian B.Arch colleges, including NITs, state architecture colleges, and private institutes, accept NATA. (Counselling is conducted per state/institute, not centrally by CoA.)
Balanced strategy: Focus equally on drawing and MCQ sections.
Practice drawing regularly under timed conditions.
Solve mock tests, full-length and sectional.
Consider coaching if needing structured guidance; otherwise, disciplined self-study works.
Books: Drawing and architecture aptitude guides (e.g., by Disha, Spectra Publication).
Online: Mock tests from coaching platforms; tutorials on YouTube for sketching and reasoning.
Coaching: Many design institutes offer structured prep.
No national-level fee waivers for NATA exam itself.
Some B.Arch colleges offer merit-based scholarships partly using NATA scores. Specific details depend on individual institute policies.
Overlooking drawing practice in favor of MCQs.
Ignoring time management during drawing.
Not taking full-length mock papers under realistic exam conditions.
Not reviewing previous drawings to improve technique.
Preparation time varies:
Strong drawing background: ~3–4 months.
Less experience: 6–9 months for drawing, reasoning, and test readiness.
Minimum passing: ≥70/200
For top-tier colleges, aim for 120+ out of 200 (≈60%) or above.
Valid for one academic year only (revised in 2025; previously two years)
Yes, up to 3 attempts per yearly cycle.
Conducted Fridays and Saturdays from March to June/August 2025
Best score from attempts considered; NATA 2024 scores are not counted toward 2025 sessions