NATA 2024
NATA - National Aptitude Test in Architecture
What is NATA?
NATA, or the National Aptitude Test in Architecture, is an assessment used to measure the aptitude of those seeking to study architecture. It checks and evaluates a variety of cognitive skills such as visual perception and aesthetic sensitivity tests, logical reasoning and critical thinking ability, as well as what knowledge the candidate has acquired over several years related to their chosen field.
NATA or the JEE Mains Paper 2 exam are prescribed by the Council of Architecture as a compulsory criterion for taking admission to any Architectural College or course in India.
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Exam Outline
Understanding NATA: The Gateway to Architecture Programs
NATA Explained: The acronym NATA stands for the National Aptitude Test in Architecture. It serves as the pivotal entrance examination overseen by the Council of Architecture (COA) in India. Primarily, NATA paves the way for prospective students to gain admission into B.Arch (Bachelor of Architecture) degree programs. By assessing candidates’ aptitude and comprehensive understanding of architectural principles, NATA acts as a benchmark for architecture aspirants seeking to secure their place in both government and private institutions offering B.Arch courses throughout the nation.
Exam Structure: NATA is meticulously structured into two distinct segments:
- Part A: This segment is a Drawing and Composition Test, conducted offline, where candidates are evaluated on their drawing skills and artistic composition.
- Part B: This is a series of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) administered online. It is designed to test aesthetic sensitivity, logical reasoning, and architecture-specific general awareness.
Schedule for NATA 2024: Set to take place during every weekend, both Saturday and Sunday, throughout this year, NATA 2024 offers multiple opportunities for aspirants to step towards their architectural ambitions.
Schedule of Examination
In 2024, aspirants of the National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) are permitted up to three attempts within the academic year, with the highest score among these being considered for the results. The validity of the NATA score extends to two academic years. The exam will be held on weekends from April to July, across two sessions depending on the number of registered candidates. While registering on the official NATA website (www.nata.in), candidates can select their preferred examination city and session. The Council of Architecture will allocate the test center and session, taking into account the candidate’s preferences as much as possible, but retains the final say in these allocations. The test schedule is detailed below (the schedule part is not included as it was not provided in the text).
Date & Time of Examination | |
|---|---|
NATA 2024 Examination commencing from: |
06-04-2024 onwards |
Session 1 : 10.00 a.m. to 1.00 pm (180 mins/3.0 hours) |
Session 2 : 1.30 pm to 4.30 pm (180 mins/ 3.0 hours) |
The aptitude of the candidate will be assessed using some or all of the following techniques:
Tests the ability of logical reasoning, using diagrams and scenarios.
Tests mathematical ability through simple problems.
Assesses the ability to assess verbal logic.
Tests the ability to see patterns and analyse given data.
Tests problem-solving ability.
Tests ability to recognise patterns, sequences or relationships between shapes and imagery.
Will assess general knowledge, and ability to utilise knowledge in new situations.
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Exam Pattern
Questions & Marks of Examination | ||
|---|---|---|
Part A |
Drawing and Composition Test (Offline Test) |
90 Minutes |
A1 |
1 Question – Composition and Color |
25 Marks |
A2 |
Question – Sketching & Composition (Black and White) |
25 Marks |
A3 |
1 Question - 3D Composition |
30 Marks |
PART A - Total 3 Questions |
80 Marks | |
PART B |
MCQ - Computer based online Test |
90 Minutes |
B1 |
30 questions x 2 Marks |
60 Marks |
B2 |
15 questions x 4 Marks |
60 Marks |
PART B - Total 45 Questions |
120 Marks | |
TOTAL MARKS: PART – A & PART – B = 200. | ||
The NATA aptitude test is conducted in English and Hindi and evaluates candidates through two parts:
PART-A: Drawing and Composition Test
- Duration: 90 minutes, 80 Marks
- Consists of three questions:
- A1: Composition and Color (25 Marks) – Candidates create and color compositions for assorted scenarios.
- A2: Sketching & Composition (Black and White) (25 Marks) – Skills in drawing, visualization, and depiction of buildings, components, and environments are tested.
- A3: 3D Composition (30 Marks) – Candidates generate 3D compositions using the provided materials.
PART-B: Online Test
- Duration: 90 minutes, 120 Marks
- Two types of questions:
- B1: 30 questions for 2 marks each
- B2: 15 questions for 4 marks each
- Topics include:
- Visual Reasoning: Understanding and reconstruction of 2D and 3D compositions.
- Logical Derivation: Decoding contexts and drawing logical conclusions.
- General Knowledge in Architecture & Design: Awareness of historical and contemporary architectural issues.
- Language Interpretation: English language comprehension and grammar.
- Design Sensitivity: Analytical skills in observing and understanding people, space, products, and environments.
- Design Thinking: Problem identification and creative solution development.
- Numerical Ability: Basic mathematics applied to creative and spatial reasoning.
Exam Syllabus
Subject |
Topic |
|---|---|
Mathematics |
Logarithms, Algebra, Matrices, Coordinate Geometry, Trigonometry, 3-Dimensional Co-ordinate geometry, Application of Calculus, Theory of Calculus, Statistics, Permutation, and Combination and Probability. |
Drawing Test |
Architectural drawing and design encompass the mastery of geometric compositions, scale, proportion, and the aesthetic integration of shapes, colors, and textures to create harmony and balance. This skillset includes the ability to draw both geometric and abstract patterns, conceptualize and visualize objects by structuring them from memory, and manipulate forms in both 2D and 3D through various transformations. Additionally, it involves creating detailed compositions, perspective drawings, and sketches of urban and natural environments, as well as generating plans, elevations, and 3D views of diverse objects, all while being able to accurately depict common everyday items from memory. |
General Aptitude |
This aptitude evaluation focuses on the ability to understand architectural concepts. It tests spatial visualization by requiring candidates to interpret 2D drawings as 3D objects, analyze pictorial compositions, and understand how objects and textures relate to the built environment. Additionally, it assesses analytical reasoning, general knowledge of famous architects and their works, and overall mental aptitude in visual, numerical, and verbal domains. |
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility for NATA 2024:
- Candidates who have either passed or are appearing in class 10+1 with PCM, class 10+2 with PCM, or a 10+3 Diploma with Mathematics are eligible.
- Admission to B.Arch programs will be contingent on meeting the COA’s eligibility criteria as per their 2020 regulations.
Qualifying in NATA 2024:
- Merely passing NATA 2024 does not guarantee admission into architecture courses. Candidates must also satisfy all other requirements set by the respective authorities in line with COA regulations.
Eligibility for B.Arch Admission:
- For the academic session 2024-2025, students must score at least 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, and 50% in aggregate at the 10+2 level, or pass a 10+3 Diploma with Mathematics.
- Note: A proposal for amendment in the eligibility criteria is pending approval by the Central Government. Any changes will be notified post-approval.
Reservation Policy:
- Reservation and relaxation in marks for reserved categories are determined by the relevant admission or counseling authorities, not by NATA.
Qualifying Criteria
Qualifying Marks for NATA 2024:
- Candidates must score a minimum of 20 marks in PART A and 30 marks in PART B.
- The overall qualifying marks are set at 70 out of 200, combining scores from both parts.
- Qualification requires meeting all three conditions above.
Score Validity:
- NATA 2024 scores are valid for two academic years from the year of the test. If multiple attempts are made, the best score from all attempts will be considered valid.
Application Fee for NATA
Transgender | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Payment Options based on number of tests opted for |
In India (in₹) | ||||
General/OBC (NCL) |
SC/ST/EWS/PwD |
Transgender | |||
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female | ||
Fee for any Single Test |
1750 |
1250 |
1250 |
1000 |
1000 |
Fee for Two Tests |
3250 |
2250 |
2250 |
1750 |
1500 |
Fee for Three Tests |
4500 |
3000 |
3000 |
2500 |
2000 |
NATA Important Dates
Event |
Date |
|---|---|
NATA 2024 registration start date |
March 1, 2024 |
NATA 2024 registration last date |
3rd week of March 2024 |
NATA 2024 registration last date to upload documents |
3rd week of March 2024 |
NATA 2024 registration fee payment last date |
3rd week of March 2024 |
NATA 2024 correction dates |
4th week of March 2024 |
NATA 2024 admit card dates |
1st week of April 2024 |
NATA 2024 exam dates |
April 6, 2024 onwards |
NATA 2024 answer key dates |
July 2024 |
NATA 2024 result date |
July 2024 |
Got questions ? We've gathered some answers
Candidates who have completed their 10+2 examination with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics or 10+ 3 Diploma with Mathematics as subject of study can appear for NATA 2021. Candidates appearing for 10+2 examination with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as subjects of study or 10+3 Diploma with Mathematics in the current year may also provisionally appear for NATA
Qualifying in NATA 2021 does not constitute a right/ guarantee in favour of the candidate for admission to a B. Arch. Program unless the candidate has fulfilled all the prescribed requirements as specified by respective competent admission authorities in compliance with the eligibility criteria laid down by the Council of Architecture.
There will be no negative markings in the NATA entrance tests.
Until this year NATA 2022 exam it was only 2 Phases of exam and The candidates were allowed to appear for Phase 1 & 2 of NATA. However, a separate application fee has to be paid by the candidates aspiring to appear for the multiple phases.
Likewise, For this year it can be same, The candidates can appear on three-phase and a separate application fee has to be paid by the candidates aspiring to appear for the multiple phases.
Yes.
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