The National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) measures the aptitude of the applicant for specific field of study, i.e. Architecture. The test measures drawing and observation skills, sense of proportion, aesthetic sensitivity and critical thinking ability, that have been acquired over a long period of time, and that are related to specific field of study, i.e. Architecture.

Prospective applicants desirous of taking admission to First year of undergraduate course in Architecture (Bachelor of Architecture) in India take NATA. NATA scores are used by admissions authorities of different Government, Govt. Aided & unaided schools / colleges of Architecture, to provide common measure for comparing the qualifications of applicants for admission in addition to their scholastic performance in 10+2 or equivalent examination.

NATA is offered over major part of admission season at designated Test Centers located at colleges / schools of architecture in India. Updated list of Test centers is available at the website http://www.nata.in

NATA Fees are Rs.800, and are to be paid at the time of Registration and before collection of the appointment voucher from the Test Center. The test fees are to be paid by Demand draft drawn in favour of 'Council of Architecture', payable at New Delhi. The demand draft along with Pre-registration form and other supporting documents is to be submitted at the Test center at the time of Registration.

The test is in two parts. A paper based drawing test for two hours and computer based online aesthetic sensitivity test for one hour.

The test measures aptitude of the candidate through two sections – a paper based section for drawing and computer based section for aesthetic sensitivity.

Drawing Test

This is a two hour paper where candidate has to attempt two questions. One of the questions has two sub 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 composition 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 computer based test of one hour where candidate has to answer 40 multiple choice 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.

Indentifying commonly used materials and objects based on their textural qualities.Analytical reasoning.Mental Ability.

Imaginative comprehension and expression.Architectural awareness.

*Any student aspiring to do Architecture as an Undergraduate degree programme in India, should have the subjects Mathematics & English compulsively as Majors in their Plus Two / Diploma curriculum of their respective board syllabus.

*As per the Indian Parliament's Architects' Act of 1972, each aspirant should necessarily undertake the CoA (Council of Architecture) designated / approved Aptitude Test in Architecture & graduate in the same within the prescribed age limits, in order to apply for Architecture Admissions irrespective of whether it is a merit or a management seat in the country.