Nata

About NATA 2020 National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) is being conducted by COA since 2006, in terms of the provisions of CoA (Minimum Standards of Architectural Education) Regulations, 1983, published in the Gazette of India. It is implied that a separate aptitude test in Architecture should be conducted and such test should not be combined with the tests for admissions to Engineering, Pharmacy, Medicine, and other disciplines. Being the competent authority for fixing the norms and standards for architectural institutions, COA has the necessary expertise to hold a Common Aptitude Test in Architecture, at the national level to provide a single-window system for appearing in aptitude test and to facilitate institutions, students, and the public at large for admission to the First year of 5 years B.Arch. Degree Course at all recognized Institutions all over the country. The purpose of conducting NATA is to provide a single scheme of examination for holding aptitude tests and to facilitate prospective students all over the country to apply for admissions in architecture seats in institutions spread across the country and to avoid appearing in multiple aptitude tests. However, the actual admissions shall be carried out only by the concerned competent authorities of the respective states/institutions based on a valid NATA score. The NATA also ensures that the eligibility criteria for admission to a five-year Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) degree course, as prescribed by CoA and duly approved by the Central Government, are strictly adhered to and followed all over the country in Architectural Institutions.

NATA measures the aptitude of the applicant for a specific field of study, i.e. Architecture. The test makes an assessment of cognitive skills required for drawing and composition observation skills, sense of proportion, aesthetic sensitivity, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics at 10+2 level and critical thinking ability that have been acquired by the candidate over the past few years and are related to the specific field of study. NATA plays an important role in selecting candidates having the necessary aptitude to become competent architects to serve the society and to build the nation in coming decades, especially in view of the Govt. of India mission of Smart Cities, Housing for All, and Green and Energy-efficient Buildings. With the objective of attracting a greater number of bright aspirants for studying Architecture and practicing the same as a profession in the future, Council like every year will be conducting NATA for admission to B.Arch. NATA- shall be conducted twice a year, thus giving an opportunity to those students who miss out on the first test due to some reason or other or wish to improve upon their NATA score in the first test by re-appearing the second test. Both the first and second tests will be conducted on different dates as totally computer-based examinations all over the country.

The test shall consist of two parts, both to be answered on a PC/Laptop –
Part-A tests Cognitive skills required for drawing and visual composition
Part-B (Scientific ability and General Aptitude) comprises Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) on Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and general aptitude.

This total computer-based examination has been devised for this year alone in view of the current COVID situation and to enable candidates to take the test preferably at their place of residence/ stay or by their choice at a Test center allotted by the Council.