As India continues to develop and urbanize, the demand for skilled architects has increased. This is reflected in the growing interest of Indian students in choosing architecture as a career choice.

However, with this increase in interest comes tough competition for limited seats at top architecture institutions in the country. Currently, there are only two national-level entrance exams that offer admission into top architecture institutes - JEE Main Paper 2 and NATA. These exams not only test the candidate’s knowledge of mathematics and physics but also their aptitude for design and creativity.

In this article, we will look at the important aspects of NATA 2024, and help aspiring architecture students prepare for the upcoming exam. If you want a career in architecture in India, keep on reading!

What is NATA Exam?

The NATA, or the National Aptitude Test in Architecture, is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the New Delhi-based Council of Architecture for admission to undergraduate architecture courses in premier institutions across India. The test measures a candidate's aptitude and skills in various aspects of architecture, such as drawing, observation, sense of proportion, aesthetic sensitivity and critical thinking, alongside mathematics and general aptitude.

NATA is considered one of the most important exams for students who want to pursue a career in architecture. It opens up opportunities for them to study at some of the top institutes in the country, including the IITs and NITs.

NATA 2024 Exam Date (OUT) Information

The Council of Architecture recently released the provisional exam date for the upcoming NATA 2024. According to the official brochure published on the official website - https://nata.in/ - NATA 2024 will be conducted from April 6, 2024 onwards. The dates for registration, admit card, result, etc., however, is yet to be published by the Council.

The potential dates are listed below:

  • NATA 2024 registration start date - March 1, 2024 (yet to be confirmed)
  • NATA 2024 registration last date - 3rd week of March 2024 (yet to be confirmed)
  • NATA 2024 registration last date to upload documents - 3rd week of March 2024 (yet to be confirmed)
  • NATA 2024 registration last date for fee payment - 3rd week of March 2024 (yet to be confirmed)
  • NATA 2024 correction dates - 4th week of March 2024 (yet to be confirmed)
  • NATA 2024 admit card release - 1st week of April 2024 ((yet to be confirmed)
  • NATA 2024 exam dates - April 6, 2024 onwards
  • NATA 2024 answer key release - July 2024 (yet to be confirmed)
  • NATA 2024 results out - July 2024 (yet to be confirmed)

Aspiring candidates can visit https://nata.in/ for more information.

NATA 2024 Eligibility Criteria

Before proceeding to the application process, it is essential to have a look at the eligibility criteria of NATA 2024 and make sure you are fulfilling them. The NATA 2024 eligibility criteria for undergraduate architecture courses (B. Arch) are discussed below:

  • Candidates must have passed the 10+2 or equivalent examination from a recognized board or university with Mathematics as a compulsory subject.
  • Candidates must have obtained a minimum aggregate of 50% marks in their 10+2 or equivalent examination, as well as a minimum of 50% marks in Mathematics individually. A 5% relaxation in marks will be noted for candidates belonging to SC. ST, OBC-NCL, and PwD categories as per government rules.
  • Candidates who are currently in their 10+2 or 10+3 level of education are also eligible to apply for the NATA exam.

NATA Exam Pattern 2024

NATA assesses the candidates in 2 distinct sections, one conducted offline and the other online. NATA 2024 will be no different. The details of the NATA 2024 exam pattern are given below:

Part A - Drawing and Composition Test

  • Mode: Offline
  • Duration: 90 Minutes
  • Total No. of Questions: 3
  • Total Marks: 80
  • Breakdown:

A1 – 1 Question – Composition and Colour – 25 Marks

A2 – 1 Question – Sketching & Composition (Black and White) – 25 Marks

A3 – 1 Question – 3D Composition – 30 Marks

Part B – Multiple Choice Questions

  • Mode: Online (Computed Based Test or CBT)
  • Duration: 90 Minutes
  • Total No. of Questions: 45
  • Total Marks: 120
  • Breakdown:

B1 – 30 questions x 2 Marks – 60 Marks

B2 – 15 questions x 4 Marks – 60 Marks

  • Total Marks for PART A & PART B = 200.

NATA 2024 At A Glance

  • The National Aptitude Test in Architecture, abbreviated as NATA, is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the Council of Architecture for admission to the 5-year undergraduate B. Arch Degree Course at top architecture institutions in India.
  • Government, Government-Aided, and Private Institutions offering the B. Arch degree consider NATA scores for admission to their architecture courses.
  • Besides mathematics and general aptitude, NATA also assesses the candidates’ drawing and observation skills, sense of proportion, aesthetic sensitivity, and critical thinking abilities.
  • NATA test is conducted in two distinct parts – one offline and the other online (Computer-Based Test). Part 1 is a paper-based offline Drawing & Composition Test and Part B is an online MCQ Test comprising of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and General Aptitude. The total marks for the exam in 200.
  • The duration of the NATA exam is 3 hours (the duration for each Part is 90 minutes).
  • The NATA 2024 exams will be held from April 6, 2024 onwards.
  • The registration for NATA 2024 exam will potentially begin in the first week of March 2024 (yet to be confirmed).

Conclusion

The NATA 2024 exam is a crucial milestone for students aspiring to have a successful career in architecture. This exam serves as the stepping stone towards honing one's architectural skills and acquiring knowledge that will shape their future endeavours. Acing this exam not only opens doors to the best education institutions in the country but also paves the way for an illustrious career as a distinguished architect.