The National Aptitude Test in Architecture 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. Further, the Council has prescribed the Council of Architecture (Minimum Standards of Architectural Education) Regulations, 2020, with the approval of the Central Government in terms of Sections 21 & 45 of the Architects Act, 1972. The Regulations were published in the Gazette of India on 11.08.2020 and came into force w.e.f. 01.11.2020.

These Regulations prescribe that the candidate needs to qualify an Aptitude Test in Architecture conducted by the Council for admission to the Architecture degree course. The actual admissions shall be carried out only by the concerned competent authorities of the respective states/institutions based on valid NATA score. The NATA ensures that the eligibility criteria for admission to 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 2023 will be conducted as a comprehensive computer-based aptitude test at the Council allotted centers in identified cities in the country. Unlike any other entrance examination, NATA is an Aptitude test that assesses a candidate’s innate ability through a variety of testing formats and cannot be taught, learnt or induced. NATA measures the aptitude of the applicant for specific field of study, i.e. Architecture, through assessment of cognitive skills, visual perception and aesthetic sensitivity tests, logical reasoning and critical thinking ability, etc., besides the learning that the candidate has acquired over the past few years and is related to the specific field of study. With the objective of giving opportunities to a greater number of bright aspirants to join Architecture, Council will be conducting NATA-2023 for admission to B.Arch. in the academic session 2023- 2024 thrice this year. The Tests shall be conducted on different dates as computer-based examinations. Candidates are allowed to appear for up to 3 NATA tests.

In case a candidate appears for 2 Tests, best of the 2 scores shall be the valid score and

in the case of 3 attempts, valid score shall be average of the 2 best scores.

OUTLINE OF APTITUDE TEST:

The aptitude test of NATA may comprise questions of Multiple-Choice type (MCQ), Multiple Select type (MSQ), Preferential Choice type (PCQ) and Numerical Answer type (NAQ) and Match the following type (MFQ)

The questions will carry 1 mark, 2 marks or 3 marks and 125 questions have to be answered in 180 minutes. The medium of Aptitude test will be essentially English language. Some questions may be in regional languages also. The aptitude of the candidate will be assessed using some or all of the following techniques:

Diagrammatic Reasoning – Tests the ability of logical reasoning, using diagrams and scenarios.
Numerical Reasoning – Tests mathematical ability through simple problems.
Verbal Reasoning – Assesses the ability to assess verbal logic.
Inductive Reasoning – Tests the ability to see patterns and analyse given data.
Situational Judgment – Tests problem-solving ability.
Logical Reasoning – Tests ability to recognise patterns, sequences or relationships between shapes and imagery.
Abstract Reasoning – Will assess general knowledge, and ability to utilise knowledge in new situations.
Questions could be asked in various topics that assess candidates on basic concepts in mathematics, physics and geometry, language and interpretation, elements and principles of design, aesthetic sensitivity, color theory, lateral thinking and logical reasoning, visual perception and cognition, graphics and imagery, building anatomy and architectural vocabulary, basic techniques of building construction and knowledge of material, general knowledge and current affairs, etc. and are may not be limited to those outlined.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR CANDIDATES:

Candidates who have completed their 10 + 2 examination with Physics, Chemistryand Mathematics or 10+ 3 Diploma with Mathematics as subject of study can appear for NATA 2023. 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-2023.

Candidates may note that NATA 2023 is the qualifier for admission to B.Arch.program offered by Universities/ Institutions in the country, subject to the fulfillment of eligibility criteria as prescribed by the Council. The eligibility criteria are outlined in Clause 5.2 of this brochure.

Qualifying in NATA 2023 does not constitute a right/ guarantee in favour of the candidate for admission to any architecture course unless the candidate has fulfilled all the prescribed requirements as specified by respective competent authorities in compliance with the eligibiliy criteria laid down by the council