National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) is basically an aptitude examination that tests the talent and skills of the prospective applicants. This aptitude test measures the aesthetic sensitivity, critical and analytical thinking of the candidates that they have obtained over the years and that are associated with the professional field of Architecture. National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) is essential for getting admissions to the B.Arch degree course at the major institutes or colleges of Architecture across the country. The names of the popular institutes of architecture include the NITs, IITs, Government-aided Institutions and Universities and several Private Universities providing bachelor degree courses in Architecture. NATA is organized by the National Institute of Advanced Studies in Architecture (NIASA), Pune. It is an Academic Unit or Branch of the Council of Architecture (CoA).

CoA is the final authority of country as far as organizing architectural education and profession is concerned. It is of special significance as the candidates, who do not get admissions as per the valid NATA marks, will not be considered for registration in future as a professional Architect. After receiving conduct of NATA, all the architectural institutions and colleges of the country are required to submit a list of the candidates admitted in their B. Arch degree course along with mentioning the total score obtained in the qualifying examination of NATA, to the Council. It is actually mandatory for each and every architectural institution in the country giving 5-year B. Arch degree programs to join the NATA and to admit the selected students on the basis of a valid NATA marks.

Application Forms
Interested candidates can apply either online or offline. They can download the pre-registration form and the information brochure through the NATA website. Information related with important dates and availability of application forms can be received from the leading newspapers of the country. Candidates can prepare a Demand Draft drawn in favour of "Council of Architecture" for Registration and for the collection of the appointment voucher. The candidates must submit the application form along with all the required documents and the Demand Draft before the last date of submission of application forms to admissions office. Detailed information regarding this can be obtained from the official website of NATA.

Eligibility Criteria for NATA
The interested applicants should have passed 12th standard with a minimum of 50% marks or any equivalent examination from any recognized Board or University. The candidates who have appeared for the final school leaving examination can also apply. Upto standard 12th level, the students must have studied mathematics as their main subject.

Courses Offered

• B. Arch

Pattern of Examination
The aptitude test paper of National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) has been divided into two sections and these are Drawing Test and Aesthetic Sensitivity Test. The paper based drawing test is of two hours duration comprising two questions with one of them containing two sub-questions. This test judges the capability of the candidates to sketch a given object proportionately as well as to portrait the same in an attractive visually appealing manner. It tests the sense of perspective drawing of the candidates. And whether they can combine and compose three dimensional elements and form a building or some similar structural form. The test also demands creating interesting two dimensional compositions using certain shapes and forms. It measures their understanding of scale and proportions of the candidates. On the other hand, computer based aesthetic sensitivity test is basically an adaptive test comprising 40 objective type questions with multiple options. This portion tests analytical reasoning, mental ability, aesthetic sensitivity, architectural awareness and critical thinking skill of the applicants. However, there is no system of negative marking.

Syllabus
The examination is organized in two major parts. So, the candidates appearing for the NATA examination must prepare themselves for a drawing test that will test their aptitude, sense of perspective and skills to make the whole concept visually appealing. It includes a pencil sketch about the various themes from the day to day experiences of life. The other test is an aesthetic sensitivity test that measures imagination, perception, creativity, communication and observation combined with architectural awareness of the students. So, students must prepare accordingly keeping these points in mind.

Selection Process
Selection of the candidates is entirely based on score of NATA. The primary emphasis is given on the marks obtained in the drawing test. It depends on the candidate`s drawing, imagination, thinking and observation skills. In the section of memory drawing, the applicant`s sense of proportion & perspective is measured. The candidates need to score a high single score for the performance on the drawing section. He/she will receive a No Score if the candidate doesn`t draw a response for any of the two tasks given in the drawing portion. Moreover, the candidate`s score will also depend on the performance on the questions given in the aesthetic sensitivity test on the allotted time limit. The questions are based on the requirements of the test design.

National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) is the aptitude test in the field of architecture at the national level. NATA is essential for attaining admission to the 5-year degree course of architecture that is Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.).