NATA 2025
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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Important Dates
NATA 2025 - Schedule of Dates | ||
|---|---|---|
NATA 2025 commencement |
March 7 onwards till June, 2025 | |
Dates of NATA 2025 Examination: |
Every Friday & Saturday From 07.03.2025 to 28.06.2025 (except on public holidays) | |
For Friday Test (afternoon session) |
For Saturday Test (morning & afternoon sessions) | |
Closing Date of online registration for the upcoming weekend examination |
Monday (11:59 pm) |
Tuesday (11:59 pm) |
Application Correction window closes |
Tuesday (11:59 pm) |
Wednesday (11:59 pm) |
Publication of Downloadable Admit Card |
Wednesday onwards |
Thursday onwards |
Declaration of Result |
Within 7 days from date of Test | |
Examination Schedule
The aptitude of the candidate will be assessed using some or all of the following techniques:
Problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical abilities.
Understanding of spatial relationships, form, and composition.
Appreciation for design principles and aesthetics.
Ability to deduce conclusions and solve problems logically.
General awareness of Architecture.
NATA Brochure
Download latest version of NATA 2025 Information Brochure here.
Syllabus
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 and NCQ – Computer based Adaptive Test |
90 Minutes |
B1 |
42 Questions (MCQ) |
60 Marks |
B2 |
8 Questions (NCQ) |
60 Marks |
PART B - Total 50 Questions |
120 Marks | |
TOTAL MARKS: PART A + PART B = 200. | ||
The NATA 2025 (National Aptitude Test in Architecture) will be a comprehensive assessment, including:
Part A: Drawing and Composition (Offline)
Part B: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) and No Choice Questions (NCQ) (Online, Adaptive)
Language: The test will be administered in English and Hindi.
Assessment: The aptitude of the candidate will be assessed using some or all of the following topics:
PART A: Drawing and Composition Test
Duration: 1.5 hours (90 minutes)
Marks: 80
Instructions: Candidates must attempt three questions.
Content:
A1: Composition and Color (25 Marks): Creating suitable compositions for various situations. Re-arranging various shapes in a visually appealing manner and coloring appropriately.
A2: Sketching & Composition (Black and White) (25 Marks): Ability to draw, visualize, and depict a situation involving buildings/ components, people, environment, products with an understanding of scale, proportions, textures, shades, and shadow etc.
A3: 3D Composition (30 Marks): Creating an interesting 3D composition for the given situation using the provided kit.
PART B
Duration: 1.5 hours (90 minutes)
Marks: 120
Instructions: Candidates must appear for an online test.
Question Types: B1 – 42 MCQs, B2 – 08 NCQs
Topics:
Visual Reasoning: Ability to understand and reconstruct 2D and 3D compositions, 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 developments.
Language Interpretation: Ability to correctly and logically generate the meaning of words, sentences, and an understanding of English grammar.
Design Sensitivity and Thinking: Ability to observe, record, and analyze people, space, products, and the environment. Critical thinking, reasoning, and the ability to identify subtle communications. Ability to understand semantics, metaphors, problem identification and definition, analysis of a given situation.
Numerical Ability: Basic mathematics and its association with creative thinking. To unfold a space with the use of geometry.
Eligibility Criteria
Taking NATA-2025
Candidates fulfilling the criteria prescribed by the Council can appear for NATA 2025. Eligible candidates must have:
Passed or be appearing in 10+1 Examination with specified subjects.
Passed or be appearing in 10+2 Examination with specified subjects.
Passed or be appearing in 10+3 Diploma Examination with Mathematics as a subject.
Admission to the B.Arch. course will be as per the eligibility criteria defined in the Council of Architecture (Minimum Standards of Architectural Education) Regulations, 2020.
NATA 2025 is a qualifier Aptitude Test for admission to B.Arch. programs offered by Universities/Institutions in the country, subject to fulfilling the eligibility criteria prescribed by the Council.
Qualifying in NATA 2025 does not guarantee admission to any Architecture course unless the candidate has fulfilled all the prescribed requirements as specified by the respective competent authorities in compliance with the eligibility criteria laid down by the Council.
Admission to First year of B.Arch. Program
The Council of Architecture, with approval from the Central Government, has prescribed eligibility for admission to the 1st year of the 5-year B.Arch. Degree Course under Regulation 4(1) of the Council of Architecture (Minimum Standards of Architectural Education) Regulations 2020, which is stated as:
No candidate shall be admitted to an Architecture course unless they have passed 10+2 or an equivalent examination with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects, along with either Chemistry, Biology, a Technical Vocational subject, Computer Science, Information Technology, Informatics Practices, Engineering Graphics, or Business Studies with at least 45% aggregate marks. An alternative qualification is a 10+3 Diploma Examination with Mathematics as a compulsory subject, requiring at least 45% aggregate marks.
Reservations under different categories
Reservation and relaxation in qualifying marks for reserved categories for admission are prerogatives of the Admission/Counselling Authority and are outside the scope of this examination.
Help Desk
NATA Help desk details:
Email ID: stusupport@nata-app.online
Help Desk Number: 7385395400
Qualifying Criteria
NATA 2025 Qualifying Criteria
To qualify for NATA 2025, candidates must meet the following requirements:
Part A: A minimum score of 20 marks is required.
Part B: A minimum score of 20 marks is required.
Overall: An aggregate score of 60 marks out of 200 (combined Part A and Part B) is required.
Important: Candidates must satisfy all three conditions to qualify for NATA 2025. If a candidate attempts the test multiple times, all previous scores will be displayed on the score card. However, the highest score achieved across all attempts will be considered the valid score for NATA 2025.
If a candidate holds a valid score from NATA 2024 and appears for NATA 2025, their NATA 2025 score will be calculated as detailed in the “3.0 Schedule of Examination” section of the brochure.
Application Fee
Application Fees (Per Test)
| Category | In India (₹) |
| General/OBC (N-CL) | 1750 |
| SC/ST/EWS/PwD | 1250 |
| Transgender | 1000 |
| Outside India (in ₹) | 15000 |
Notes:
- The Application Fee is non-refundable in all cases.
- Candidates initially opting for single/two tests may further opt for an additional test at a later stage, not exceeding three attempts in total.
- Multiple Application Forms submitted by the same candidate by changing the credentials will be rejected without any refund. The Council reserves the right to take appropriate legal action against such candidates.
Got questions ? We've gathered some answers
NATA stands for the National Aptitude Test in Architecture. It is conducted by the Council of Architecture (CoA) to assess a candidate’s aptitude for the field of Architecture. Qualifying NATA (or JEE Paper 2) is generally required for admission into the 5-year Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) degree program at architectural institutions across India.
You need to have passed (or be appearing for) 10+2 with Physics & Mathematics (compulsory) plus another specified science/technical/commerce subject with at least 45% aggregate marks, OR a 10+3 Diploma with Mathematics with at least 45% aggregate marks. Qualifying NATA alone doesn’t guarantee admission; you must meet CoA and institutional criteria.
The tests will run from March 1, 2025, through June 2025, on designated Fridays (afternoon) and Saturdays (morning & afternoon sessions).
It’s a 200-mark test with two parts:
- Part A: Drawing & Composition (Offline, 90 mins, 80 marks, 3 questions).
- Part B: MCQs & NCQs on aptitude topics (Online Adaptive, 90 mins, 120 marks, 50 questions).
You can attempt the test a maximum of three times during the March-June 2025 testing window.
- If you only take tests within the NATA 2025 cycle, your best score among all your attempts (up to three) will be considered your final valid score.
- If you have a valid NATA 2024 score and also attempt NATA 2025:
- Taking one NATA 2025 test: The better score between your NATA 2024 score and your single NATA 2025 score is used.
- Taking two NATA 2025 tests: The best score out of your NATA 2024 score and your two NATA 2025 scores is used.
- Taking three NATA 2025 tests: Only the best score among your three NATA 2025 attempts will be considered valid; your NATA 2024 score will no longer be considered in this case.
You must score a minimum of 20 marks in Part A, a minimum of 20 marks in Part B, AND achieve an overall aggregate score of at least 60 out of 200.
- Part A: Drawing, composition, color, sketching, 3D composition, understanding scale, proportion, perspective.
- Part B: Visual & Logical Reasoning, GK/Architecture/Design Awareness, Language Interpretation, Design Sensitivity, Numerical Ability.
Apply online only via the official NATA portal (www.nata.in), starting from February 3, 2025. The process involves registration, filling details, uploading photo/signature, and fee payment.
- Your printed NATA 2025 Appointment Card (original download).
- Original valid Photo ID (as used in the application).
- Basic drawing materials: Pencils, erasers, dry colors (like color pencils), and a scale (up to 15 cm). Electronic devices are strictly prohibited.
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