NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture)

  1. What is NATA?

National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) is the entrance examination for bachelor course in Architecture conducted by council of Architecture (COA), New Delhi. The test measures drawing and observation skills, sense of proportion, aesthetic sensitivity and critical thinking ability. It is mandatory to appear in NATA to take admission in any recognized undergraduate Architecture course anywhere in India.

  1. Eligibility Criteria for NATA

  • 10+2 or equivalent passed/appearing with Mathematics as one of the subjects of examination;

  • 10+3 Diploma (any stream) passed/appearing recognized by Central/State Govts with Mathematics as one of the subjects of examination;

  • International Baccalaureate Diploma passed/appearing, after 10 years of Schooling with Mathematics as compulsory subject of examination.

  • NOTE: EVEN AFTER EXAMINATION OR ADMISSION, OR DURING ANY STAGE THEREOF, IF IT IS FOUND ON SCRUTINY THAT AN APPLICANT IS UNDER AGE, i.e. BELOW 17 YEARS AS ON 31.07.2017. OR OTHERWISE INELIGIBLE, HIS/HER NATA-2017 SCORE WILL BECOME VOID.

  1. Paper Style of NATA

The exam consists of 200 marks and divided into 2 parts.

PART 1:                                                                       

Drawing test - 2 questions of 80 marks (40 marks each). Time- 90 minutes  

Part 2:                                                           

General Aptitude Test- 60 multiple choice question of 120 marks (20 Questions of Mathematics + 40 Questions of General Aptitude). Time- 90 minutes

Science:          50% of NATA score + 50% of board marks (all four semester including PMC, English, Computer & Practical)


Diploma:        50% of NATA score + 50 % of all 6 Semesters

  • Drawing Test

This is a 90 minutes paper where candidate has to attempt two questions. The drawing aptitude is judged on the following aspects -

    • Ability to sketch a given object proportionately and rendering the same in visually appealing manner.

    • Visualising and drawing the effects of light on the object and shadows cast on surroundings.

    • Sense of perspective drawing.

    • Combining and composing given three dimensional elements to form a building or structural form.

    • Creating interesting two dimensional compositions using given shapes and forms.

    • Creating visual harmony using colours in given composition.

    • Understanding of scale and proportions.

    • Drawing from memory through pencil sketch on themes from day to day experiences.

  • Aesthetic Sensitivity Test

This is paper based test where candidate has to answer 60 multiple choice questions (40 General Aptitude Questions and 20 Mathematics based questions). Only one option is correct and correct response will yield 2 (two) marks. There is no negative marking, but wrong answering will be penalized in case of tie breaking, as elaborated below. The theory exam will be taken as an Online Exam in which students would be given 90 minutes to answer 60 questions. The aesthetic sensitivity test measures perception, imagination and observation, creativity and communication along with architectural awareness and comprises of -

  • Visualising three dimensional objects from two dimensional drawings.

  • Visualising different sides of three dimensional objects.

  • Identifying commonly used materials and objects based on their textural qualities.

  • Analytical reasoning.

  • Mental Ability.

  • Imaginative comprehension and expression.

  • Architectural awareness.

  • Mathematical ability

  1. What is the minimum score for passing NATA?

As per the Council of Architecture, a candidate applying at any school/college of architecture in India should have achieved 25% score in NATA, i.e. at least 50/200, for consideration of admission into first year B.Arch course, based on the following guidelines:

  • At least 25% must be secured in MCQ portion (30 out of 120)

  • At least 25% must be secured in Drawing portion (20 out of 80)

  • Overall qualifying marks (out of 200) would be based on post-exam statistics and at the discretion ofthe Council.

  1. NATA Preparation offered by PRECEPT

NATA Preparation at PRECEPT benefits the students with the following advantages:

  • PRECEPT offers 100% fee refund is guaranteed, if the student doesn’t qualify for NATA. (*terms and conditions applied)

  • The course, designed by a CEPT graduate (CEPT alumni), also includes , also includes preparation for entrance exams of NATA, CEPT-SID, CEPT-SBST, B.PLAN and JEE-B.Arch.

  • Outdoor sketching trips for sharpening student’s sketching ability and visualizing sense.

  • Unlimited practice sessions, at the convenience of the student, throughout the teaching process.

  • At least 15 mock test to be taken, to evaluate and enhance student’s creative and architecture ability.

  • Maximum 20 students per batch, which facilitates the advantage of personal attention to every student.

  • Study material prepared by the team of CEPT Architects and other Architecture Faculties.