Is NATA Compulsory for Architecture 2025?
Explore why NATA stands out as the premier choice for aspiring architects, offering a comprehensive analysis of the exam. Discover how it compares to other entrance exams and why it might be the ideal path for aspiring architects.
Swati Kumar13 Sept, 2024
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The National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) is an entrance exam, conducted by the Council of Architecture (CoA) for admission to the 5-year B.Arch degree course at all approved universities in India. It is one of the primary examination choices for aspiring architects. It assesses a candidate's aptitude in areas such as drawing, visual representation, aesthetics, logical reasoning, and general knowledge, critical for success in the architecture field. To appear for the NATA 2025 exam, candidates must have mathematics as a compulsory subject in their class 12th.
NATA Eligibility and Admission Process
Candidates must adhere to the NATA eligibility criteria, which include minimum aggregate marks obtained in class 12th examination or equivalent exams in physics, chemistry, and mathematics. For admission to architecture colleges, the NATA scorecard is a significant factor. Candidates have to obtain valid results in the NATA entrance exam for admission to architecture programs in various universities across India. Some prestigious institutes such as the Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) and NITs do not accept NATA scorecards for admission, rather they conduct their separate entrance exam or consider marks from exams like JEE Main Paper II for admissions. Read More: Career Options in Design & Architecture , Salary, Roles, GrowthWho Should Consider NATA?
NATA is ideal for students who aspire to a career in architecture and wish to gain admission to undergraduate architecture programs in India. Those with a strong interest in design creativity, spatial planning, and proficiency in mathematics should consider taking NATA, as it evaluates essential skills and aptitude needed in the field. To get admission to prestigious universities and colleges like BITS, SRM Institute, Lovely Professional University, etc., students must take the NATA exam and do well in it.Is NATA Compulsory For Architecture 2025?
There are other alternative architecture entrance exams like JEE Main Paper II for admission to architecture courses. Though the exam is highly competitive, and you will have to compete with the other engineering aspirants, if you are aiming to take admission to architecture courses in prestigious IITs and NITs, this is the best option. You must note that all IITs do not provide Architecture courses, some of them have it as the country's top IITs. Moreover, students can also enroll in SPA (School of Planning and Architecture) institutions with JEE paper scores besides IITs and NITs. Read More: Architecture course FeeWhy is NATA better or more beneficial than other Exams?
Barring IITs, NITs, and SPAs, NATA scores are accepted by most institutes in India for admission to architecture programs. Considering the potential architecture colleges in India, the chances of getting admission to any of them is higher even if your scores are low. NATA is the best option for getting admission to an architecture college without any solid preference. The other viable option is JEE Paper II, for which you have to qualify for the JEE mains paper II, advance, and appear for the Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT). The exam is highly competitive compared to NATA. While securing admission to IITs and NITs is an aspiration for many, but the chances of success are comparatively lower to NATA. There are numerous non-IIT institutions that provide commendable Architecture courses. With higher entry probabilities and a comparatively simpler exam, NATA emerges as the preferred route for Architecture aspirants. Read More: Architecture courses after 12thNATA Exam Highlights
To be eligible for the NATA exam, students need to have a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in their class 12th in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics or score 50% aggregate marks in their 10+3 Diploma.NATA Exam Pattern
| Particulars | Details |
| Total Number of Questions | 125 |
| Number of Sections | The exam consists of only one part - Aptitude Test |
| Mode of Examination | Online |
| Medium of Examination | English |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours |
| Total Marks | 200 |
| Marking Pattern | The questions will be of either 1 mark, 2 marks, or 3 marks |
| Qualifying Marks | 75 out of 200 |
| Question Type | Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs), Multi-Select Questions (MSQ), Preferential Choice Type (PCT), and Numerical Answer Type |
NATA Syllabus 2025
The following is a list of some of the important topics for the NATA Exam mentioned in the official NATA syllabus. Candidates can include these topics in their preparation for the NATA exam.- General knowledge and current affairs
- Mathematics
- Basic building construction and knowledge of material
- Building Anatomy and Architectural Vocabulary
- Graphics and imagery
- Lateral thinking and logical reasoning
- Visual Perception and cognition
- Physics and geometry
- Language and interpretation
- Elements and Principles of Design
- Aesthetic sensitivity
- Colour theory
NATA Marking Scheme
The NATA marking scheme includes the following aspects.- The questions in the NATA paper will carry 1, 2, or 3 marks for each right answer, based on the questions.
- For incorrect answers, there is no negative marking. Candidates can attempt every question in the paper without the fear of negative marking.
- There are no marks for unanswered questions in the NATA exam.
Is NATA Compulsory for Architecture 2025? FAQs
How many questions are there in NATA?
The NATA 2025 exam will consist of 125 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs), Multi-Select Questions (MSQ), Preferential Choice Type (PCT), and Numerical Answer Type questions worth 200 marks.
What is the marking scheme for the NATA?
The questions in the NATA paper will carry 1, 2, or 3 marks for each right answer, based on the questions. For incorrect answers, there is no penalty for negative markings. Candidates can attempt every question in the paper without the fear of negative marking.
What is the other option apart from NATA to get admission to architecture programs?
There are other alternative architecture entrance exams like JEE Main Paper II for admission to architecture courses. Though the exam is highly competitive, if you are aiming to take admission to architecture courses in prestigious IITs and NITs, this is the best option. Moreover, students can also enroll in SPA (School of Planning and Architecture) institutions with JEE paper scores besides IITs and NITs.
What percentage is required in 12th for NATA?
To be eligible for the NATA exam, students need to have a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in their class 12th in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics or score 50% aggregate marks in their 10+3 Diploma.
Is there a negative marking in the NATA Entrance Exam?
No, there is no negative marking in the NATA entrance exam.
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