Expertie
NATA · Entrance Exam

National Aptitude Test in Architecture

Conducting body
Council of Architecture (CoA)
Level
UG
Mode
Part A drawing/composition and Part B online MCQ/NCQ
Scope
National
Duration
180 min
Total marks
200

Overview

About NATA

The National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) is a national-level undergraduate entrance test run by the Council of Architecture (CoA), the statutory body that regulates the architecture profession and architectural education in India. It gauges a candidate's aptitude for architecture through drawing, visual perception, aesthetic sensitivity, logical reasoning, and mathematics.

A NATA score is used for admission to the five-year Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) programme at CoA-approved institutions across the country. To be eligible you must have passed, or be appearing in, the 10+2 examination (or a 10+3 diploma) with Mathematics as a compulsory subject, usually with a minimum aggregate of 50%.

The test runs in two parts. Part A is a drawing and composition test; Part B is a computer-based section of multiple-choice and no-choice questions covering general aptitude, mathematics, and architectural awareness. NATA is held in more than one session within a year, and you may attempt it across the sessions on offer.

Sources: Council of Architecture – NATA official site · Careers360 – NATA exam overview · Wikipedia – National Aptitude Test in Architecture

At a glance

NATA highlights

Every figure traces to an official source.

Full nameNational Aptitude Test in Architecture
Conducting bodyCouncil of Architecture (CoA)
LevelUG
Mode of examPart A drawing/composition and Part B online MCQ/NCQ
FrequencyMultiple sessions across phases; up to three sessions in a year per year
ScopeNational
SectionsPart A: Drawing and Composition; Part B: Aptitude including general aptitude, mathematics, logical reasoning, visual perception and aesthetic sensitivity (MCQ and NCQ)
Marking schemeSection-wise scoring across drawing and objective parts; refer to current-cycle brochure for negative marking and weightage

Deep dives

Everything you need to know

Eligibility

  • ·Passed or appearing in 10+2 (or 10+3 diploma) with Mathematics compulsory, typically requiring a minimum aggregate of 50%. NATA score used for admission to the 5-year B.Arch program.

Exam pattern

  • ·Sections: Part A: Drawing and Composition; Part B: Aptitude including general aptitude, mathematics, logical reasoning, visual perception and aesthetic sensitivity (MCQ and NCQ)
  • ·200 total marks
  • ·180 minutes
  • ·Marking: Section-wise scoring across drawing and objective parts; refer to current-cycle brochure for negative marking and weightage

Syllabus

  • ·Cognitive skills, visual perception and aesthetic sensitivity, logical reasoning and critical thinking; mathematics, general aptitude, elements and principles of design, drawing and composition, architectural awareness, and general knowledge.

Help

NATA FAQs

Written by

Expertie Editorial Team

Expertie editorial desk

Published 24 Jun 2026 Last updated 24 Jun 2026verified data

Sources & References

  1. 1.NATA — official website conducting-body· accessed 2026-06-24