NATA Aptitude Test 2025
The National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) is a crucial examination for aspiring architects in India. It opens the door to architecture schools at the undergraduate level. NATA is run by the Council of Architecture (CoA). The NATA entrance exam for architecture evaluates a candidate’s aptitude in design, critical thinking, and visual-spatial understanding—skills essential for success in this creative and challenging field.

NATA Exam Schedule
- The NATA aptitude test is scheduled to take place on specific Fridays and Saturdays between March and June in 2025/2026.
- There will be one session on Fridays (afternoon) and two sessions on Saturdays, both of which will take place in the cities that have been notified at the centers that have been assigned.
- The session time on Fridays is from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. The morning session time on Saturdays is from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM The afternoon session time is from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
- Prospective students have the option of taking one, two, or up to three examinations during a single academic year. Participation in numerous examinations is considered voluntary and is left up to the discretion of the candidate.
- While registering on the NATA website, candidates can select the city or region where they would like to take the test & the date of the examination.
- Registration Deadline: Depending on the test, it usually closes on the previous Monday or Tuesday of each nata exam week.
- Admit Card Release: Published a few days before the exam.
Result Announcement: within seven days of each test date.
NATA Entrance Exam Syllabus and Topics Covered:
The NATA entrance exam will consist of two sections
Part A: Offline Drawing and Composition Test (90 Minutes, 80 Marks)
- A1: Composition and Colour (25 Marks): Making compositions and choosing colours for diverse settings.
- A2: Sketching and Composition (Black & White) (25 Marks): The task involves determining factors such as scale, proportion, texture, shading, and perspective.
- A3: 3D composition question (30 Marks): A kit is given & students are asked to make intriguing 3D composition with the given kit.
Part B: Computer-based adaptive test (90 minutes, 120 marks)
- B1: 42 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- B2: 8 No Choice Questions (NCQs)
Question in Part B includes topics & subjects from:
- Visual reasoning: Reconstructing 2D and 3D compositions.
- Logical deduction: Situation interpretation, conclusion drawing, and information decoding.
- General Knowledge in Architecture: : famous Architects, famous buildings, famous monuments, current happening in the architectural industry. Language Interpretation: English grammar, sentence structure, meaning of words & sentences
- Design sensitivity: ability to observe, record & analyze, people, spaces, products and environments along with critical thinking, reasoning, the ability to identify subtle communications.
- Design Thinking: ability to understand some problem identification, metaphors definitions or analysis of given situation.
- Quantitative Aptitude: basic mathematics & its association with creative thinking including the ability to unfold a space with the use of geometry.
A total of 200 marks is required (Part A: 80 marks, Part B: 120 marks).
NATA Exam Application Procedure: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Complete the Application Form:
- Register on the NATA website with your basic information.
- Fill out the application with personal, academic, and contact information.
- Upload papers, including a passport-sized photo and signature, in the relevant dimensions and formats.
- Verify all information before submitting the form.
- Pay the application cost online with debit/credit cards, net banking, or UPI.
2. Issuance of an Admit Card:
- Log into the NATA website, with your registration number and password to view your admit card.
- Check the NATA exam details on the admit card and download.
3. Test Centre Allocation:
- The preference of the test center can be opted for at the time of the application filling .
- The Council of Architecture assigns centers based on location and availability.
- Admission cards will confirm center placement.
4. Declaration of NATA Results:
- Test results are usually released seven days after the test.
- Log in to the official website to view your scorecard.
- Sectional scores, overall marks, and qualifying status are published.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for NATA Entrance Exam:
- Giving Wrong Information: Make sure that all of your personal and academic information is correct.
- Not Meeting Deadlines: Send in your forms and download your admit cards on time.
- Document Errors: When you upload photo or signature, make sure you follow the file format & file size mentioned in the nata broshure.
- Test Center Confusion: Check the information about your test centre again to avoid stress at the last minute.
NATA Exam 2025 Eligibility Criteria:
Academic Qualification:
- Candidates must pass or be taking 10+2 Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM).
- Alternatively, 10+3 diploma holders with mathematics as a required subject are qualified.
Minimum Marks Required:
- Minimum 45% aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Math.
- Candidates must also get at least 50% in their qualifying exam.
Age Limit:
- The Council of Architecture (CoA) has not imposed an age limit for NATA Exam 2025.
- However, hopefuls must meet the architectural college admission authorities' age requirements.
Reservations Under Different Categories:
Reservation regulations and relaxation in qualifying marks for reserved categories are set by the Admission/Counseling Authority, not NATA.
Number of Attempts:
Three NATA exams each year are allowed, with the best score used for admissions.
Additional Notes:
- NRI and international candidates must meet Indian eligibility requirements.
- NATA scores are valid for the current academic year.
NATA Application Fee Structure:
Fees for categories:
- General/OBC (Male): ₹1,750 for one test, ₹3,250 for two, and ₹4,500 for three.
- Female General/OBC: ₹1,250 for one test, ₹2,250 for two, and ₹3,000 for three.
- Male SC/ST/EWS/PwD: ₹1,250 for one test, ₹2,250 for two, ₹3,000 for three.
- Female SC/ST/EWS/PwD: ₹1,000 for one test, ₹1,750 for two, ₹2,500 for three.
- Transgender Candidates: ₹1,000 for one exam, ₹1,500 for two, and ₹2,000 for three.
- Candidates outside India: ₹10,000 for one test, ₹18,000 for two tests, ₹25,000 for three tests.

Qualifying NATA Score
Minimum Qualifying Marks:
For the NATA aptitude test, candidates must score 70 out of 200. This rating is the Council of Architecture (CoA) baseline score for admission consideration.
Section-Wise Cutoffs:
In Part A (Drawing), candidates must score 20 out of 80.
In Part B (MCQs), Candidates must score a minimum of 30 out of 120. Section-wise cutoffs ensure that candidates display innovative and analytical test skills.
Architecture College Admission After NATA Score:
Indian architecture schools use NATA scores to admit students to B.Arch programs. The Council of Architecture (CoA) requires NATA test scores for admission. NATA scores, academic performance, and other admission requirements are considered by colleges. Higher scores increase the likelihood of admission to top schools.
Step-by-Step Process:
- Step 1: Check your eligibility: To enroll in NATA courses, you must have completed 10+2 with Physics, Mathematics, and one of the following subjects — Chemistry, Biology, Technical Vocational Subject, Computer Science, Information Technology, Informatics Practices, Engineering Graphics, or Business Studies.
- Step 2: Minimum 50% aggregate marks in 10+2 (for reserved groups, government-approved relaxation).
- Step 3: Apply to architectural colleges/universities that accept NATA scores. State/University admission authorities or private institutes determine admission.
- Step 4: Attend B.Arch admission counseling. Some states/universities offer centralized counseling. Candidates must register, choose, and attend counseling (if needed). Seats are allocated by rank, preference, and availability.
- Step 5: Verification and fee payment is the next step. Candidates verify their documents and pay admission fees at their college.
- Step 6: Once you have received the admission confirmation, your course starts. Candidates receive an admission confirmation letter after fulfilling all formalities. Classes begin according to the university calendar.
List of NATA Exam Centers 2025
State | City |
---|---|
Andhra Pradesh | Vijayawada |
Visakhapatnam | |
Arunachal Pradesh | Itanagar |
Assam | Guwahati |
Bihar | Patna / Gaya |
Chandigarh | Chandigarh |
Chhattisgarh | Raipur |
Delhi | Delhi |
Goa | Panaji |
Gujarat | Ahmedabad / Surat |
Vadodara / Rajkot | |
Haryana | Faridabad / Sonipat |
Gurgaon/Rohtak | |
Himachal Pradesh | Shimla/Kangra |
Jammu and Kashmir | Jammu |
Srinagar | |
Jharkhand | Ranchi |
Karnataka | Bengaluru / Manipal / Tumkur |
Hubali/Kalburgi | |
Mysore / Bijapur | |
Kerala | Ernakulum/Kochi |
Kannur / Kollam | |
Kottayam / Thrissur | |
Kozhikode / Malapuram | |
Thiruvananthapuram / Palakkad | |
Madhya Pradesh | Bhopal / Gwalior / Jabalpur |
Indore / Sehore | |
Sagar | |
Maharashtra | Ahmednagar / Akola |
Amravati / Ratnagiri | |
Aurangabad / Thane | |
Kolhapur / Kalyan | |
Mumbai | |
Nagpur | |
Nashik | |
Navi Mumbai | |
Pune | |
Solapur | |
Manipur | Imphal |
Mizoram | Aizawl |
Meghalaya | Shillong |
Nagaland | Kohima |
Odisha | Bhubaneswar/Cuttack |
Puducherry | Puducherry |
Punjab | Amritsar |
Ludhiana/Mohali | |
Rajasthan | Jaipur/Udaipur |
Tamil Nadu | Chennai/Coimbatore |
Madurai / Thanjavur | |
Salem / Kanya Kumari | |
Tiruchirappalli / Vellore | |
Telangana | Hyderabad |
Tripura | Agartala |
Uttar Pradesh | Agra |
Bareilly | |
Greater Noida / Jhansi | |
Lucknow | |
Varanasi | |
Uttarakhand | Dehradun |
West Bengal | Kolkata |
Siliguri |
How Does afdindia Help You Get Admission to Architecture Colleges?
afdindia's NATA architecture exam coaching classes are designed to help students prepare for the NATA aptitude test. To make sure students do well on the test, we offer classroom sessions, online training, and one-on-one help. Our classes are designed to help students get better at drawing, thinking logically, and appreciating art, all of which are important for the NATA entrance test.
Coaching Programs:
- Interactive Classes: Experienced instructors cover the material in engaging classes.
- Mock Tests: Regular mock tests simulate the test setting to help students prepare.
- Study Material: To guarantee full preparation, courseware includes practice exercises, test papers, and updated study guides.
Guidance for College Applications and Interviews:
afdindia helps students prepare for admission into top architectural colleges by offering expert guidance and training for the NATA architecture exam. Our mentors will help with your application processing, submissions before the deadline.
FAQs
What are the NATA entrance exam eligibility requirements?
NATA Entrance Test Candidates must have passed or be taking their 10+2 exam with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) as essential subjects and at least 50% aggregate marks in PCM and overall. Otherwise, those with a 10+3 diploma with mathematics as a compulsory subject and 50% aggregate marks are eligible.
How often may I take the NATA aptitude test per year?
Students can take the NATA entrance exam three times each year. Admission will be based on the best score from all attempts.
How long is the NATA admission exam score valid?
The validity of the NATA score is limited to one academic year.
Can I apply to foreign architectural colleges with NATA aptitude exam score?
NATA Aptitude scores are mostly accepted by Indian architectural institutes; however, some international universities may accept them. The prospective college's entrance requirements should be checked.
Does the NATA aptitude test have negative marking?
The NATA aptitude test has no negative marking
Highlights of our NATA Coaching Classes
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Best-in-class NATA Study Materials.
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Multiple mock tests, module assessment & assignments.
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Ms. Julie James NIFT (New Delhi - 1994 batch)
She has 30+ years of experience in design education. Post-graduate from NIFT- New Delhi (1991 batch). She has held managerial roles in the fashion industry, HOD - Dept. of Fashion Design, Assumption College & as Academic Director in afdindia.
