NATA- National Aptitude Test in Architecture
Let's get set for 'Nata'.
The NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture) is a nationwide aptitude assessment for admission to the Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) program. It is widely accepted by most institutions across the country for architecture admissions, excluding the IITs and NITs. The examination is overseen by the Council of Architects. In Kerala, admission to the B.Arch. program is determined by a combination of NATA scores and performance in the plus two examination, each carrying equal weight.
NATA with changes:
The latest NATA notification introduces several notable changes. Unlike the previous year, the exam will now be conducted multiple times, with sessions held every Saturday and Sunday from April to July. Candidates have the option to take the exam up to three times, based on their preference, with the highest score being considered for admission. Additionally, NATA scores remain valid for two years, allowing even students in the plus one level to participate. Furthermore, adjustments have been made to the exam format.
Eligibility:
Candidates must have completed either plus one or plus two with subjects including physics, chemistry, and mathematics, or hold a three-year diploma in mathematics to qualify for the NATA exam. Those currently enrolled in the qualifying examination this year are also eligible to apply. However, adherence to the marking criteria set by the Architects Council is mandatory for admission to the B.Arch program.
Exam pattern:
The exam is available in both English and Hindi and is divided into two parts: Part A and Part B, with a combined total of 200 marks. Part A involves a drawing and composition test comprising three questions, conducted online for 90 minutes and accounting for 80 marks. Part B is a computer-based multiple-choice examination consisting of 45 questions to be completed within 90 minutes, with a total of 120 marks. To qualify for NATA, candidates must achieve a minimum of 20 marks in Part A, 30 marks in Part B, and an overall score of 70 out of 200.
Application:
NATA registration opens on March 1st. Interested candidates can register for multiple sessions simultaneously. Detailed application instructions are provided in the information brochure. The examination fee for boys is Rs 1750 for one exam, Rs 3250 for two exams, and Rs 4500 for three exams. For girls, the fees are Rs 1250, Rs 2250, and Rs 3000 respectively. There are fee waivers available for Scheduled Castes, Differently Abled, and Economically Weaker Sections. For candidates taking the exam abroad, the fees are Rs 10,000, Rs 18,000, and Rs 25,000 respectively.
Exam Centers:
Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Coimbatore are among the designated centers. International exam centers are also available. For further information, please visit www.nata.in.
Admission to B.Arch programs at IITs and NITs isn't through NATA:
Admission to B.Arch programs in NITs and School of Planning & Architectures (SPAs) is determined by the scores obtained in Paper 2A of the JEE Main exam. Applications for the JEE Main second session can be submitted from February 2nd to March 2nd, with the exam scheduled between April 1st and 15th. To secure admission to various IITs, candidates must also qualify the Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT). Only students who have achieved a place on the JEE Advanced rank list are eligible to take the AAT. The JEE Advanced exam will take place on May 26th, followed by the AAT on June 12th.
An Article By Anver Muttancheri
CIGI Career Team