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 national level to provide a single window system for appearing in aptitude test and to facilitate institutions, students and public at large for admission to First year of 5 year B.Arch. Degree Course at all recognized Institutions all over country. The purpose of conducting NATA is to provide a single scheme of examination for holding aptitude test 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 valid NATA score. The NATA also 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 measures the aptitude of the applicant for specific field of study, i.e. Architecture. The test makes an assessment of drawing and 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. With the objective of attracting a greater number of bright aspirants for studying Architecture and practicing the same as a profession in future, CoA like every year will be conducting NATA-2021 for admission to B.Arch. in the academic session 2021-2022. NATA-2021 shall be conducted twice a year, thus giving opportunity to those students who miss out 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 test will be conducted on a different date as a one-day online examination all over the country. The test shall consist of two parts: Part A is on Drawing, which is paper based and Part B comprises of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) on Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and general aptitude which is to be answered online. This has been devised as a step towards producing 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.

Subject and Marks of Examination

FIRST 135 minutes –Part A (PAPER BASED) TOTAL 125 Marks (10.00 am to 12.15 pm)

Drawings in A4 Size paper 3 Questions carrying 35 marks, 35 marks & 55 marks, respectively
Intermission Period of 15 minutes (12.15 pm to 12.30 pm)

LAST 45 minutes-Part B (ONLINE) TOTAL 75 Marks (12.30 am to 1.15 pm)

PCM (MCQ) 15 Questions X 1.5 mark each
General Aptitude & (MCQ) 35 Questions X 1.5 marks each Logical Reasoning

Test on PCM & General Aptitude

Candidate has to attempt two questions within 120 minutes. 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 colors in given composition;
• Understanding of scale and proportions;
• Drawing from memory through pencil sketch on themes from day to day experiences.

The Answer to each question in the ‘drawing’ paper will be examined by more than one examiner independently and the marks will be averaged. The primary emphasis in scoring the drawing section will be on the candidate’s drawing, imagination and observation skills. The candidate’s sense of proportion and perspective will also be evaluated together with sense for colour and composition.

Highlights of NATA 2021 Exam Pattern

Some of the major highlights of the NATA 2021 exam pattern are as follows –

NATA 2021 will be conducted in Online mode

The medium of question paper of NATA 2021 will be English.

This year, all questions in the exam will be from Aptitude

There will be a total number of 125 questions for 200 marks

The total time duration of NATA 2021 will be 3 hours

The question paper is a combination of MCQ, MSQ, PCQ (Preferential Choice Questions) and NAQ (Numerical Answer Questions)

The question paper is a combination of 1 mark, 2 mark and 3 mark questions.

There will be no negative marking in NATA 2021.

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, colour 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 Taking NATA-2021

Candidates who have completed their 10 + 2 examination with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics or 10+ 3
Diploma with Mathematics as subject of study can appear for NATA 2021. 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-2021.

Admission to First year of B.Arch Program

The eligibility for admission to 1st year of 5-year B.Arch. Degree program for the academic session 2021- 2022
shall be as per CoA (Minimum Standards of Architectural Education) Regulations, 2020 or as may be amended
by the Central Government. The present eligibility in terms of Regulations, 2020 is as under:
No candidate shall be admitted to architecture course unless he has passed an examination at the end of the
10+2 scheme of examination with at least 50 per cent. Aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics
and also at least 50 per cent. marks in aggregate of the 10+2 level examination or passed 10+3 Diploma
Examination with Mathematics as compulsory subject with at least 50 per cent. marks in aggregate.

Candidates may note that no direct lateral admission is allowed at any year/semester/stage of B.Arch.
course based on any qualification

The First NATA 2021 test is scheduled to be held on April 10, 2021 while the second NATA 2021 test shall be
held on June 12, 2021.

Appearing in second test is not mandatory and is purely at the discretion of the applicants. Candidates can
register themselves either for first test or second test OR for both by filling in the application form
appropriately.
The registration window for the second test will open for 14 days after the announcement of results of the
test held on the first date.
Candidates opting to appear in both the first and second test may note that they will be issued with the
separate score card for each test. The score card for Second test shall contain the marks secured in First &
Second Test. The best marks secured in either of the Tests shall be taken as the valid score for admission to
B.Arch. Course.
Application is to be filled up ONLINE at the NATA portal of www.nata.in.
Candidates need to visit the portal and CLICK the requisite link ONLINE APPLICATION NATA– 2021 and
thereafter will be directed to the actual application form.

Application Fee Details

Application fee payable by a candidate applying for NATA– 2021, for any one test is INR Rs.2,000/- (Rupees
Two thousand only) payable through ONLINE mode.
Application fee payable by a Candidate who wishes to apply for both first and second test, is Rs 4000/- (Rupees
Four thousand only).

Results will be available in the website www.nata.in which will be announced in various electronic/printing
media before declaration of results.

The result sheet will display the following:
1. Marks obtained in the exam out of 200
2. Qualified/ Not Qualified
Qualifying marks for NATA- 2021 is 75 marks out of 200 marks.

NATA- 2021 score shall be valid only for admission in the academic session 2021- 2022.

Procedures to be followed in the Examination at Test Centres
1. The candidates will have to follow the time schedule as follows:
(a) Report to the Examination Center by 9.00 am
(b) Opening gate to the examination hall at 9.15 am
(c) Registration of candidate to be completed by 9.45 am
(d) Closing gate to the examination hall at 10.00 am
(e) Commencement of examination at 10.00 am
(f) Duration of examination: 10.00 am to 1.00 pm

Late entry of candidates will not be permitted in the examination hall after 10.15 am pm and no extra
time shall be granted. Exit from the examination centre shall not be allowed before 1.00 pm.

Candidates must bring with them:
i. Downloaded Admit Card of NATA- 2021.
ii. Original Proof of Identity- Aadhar/ Passport/ Driving License/ Voter ID.
3. Candidates must show on demand the Admit Card (NATA- 2021) for entry to the Examination
Hall. A candidate not possessing print out of the downloaded admit card and valid photo identity
shall not be allowed to enter in the Examination Hall by the Center-in-Charge.
4. A photograph of the candidate will be taken at the Centre before the candidate is indicated his
seat for taking the examination. The seat will be randomly allotted to the candidate on
completing the procedure

For further Clarification visit: www.nata.in