NATA 2025 – Counselling, Cutoff, Result, Scorecard,Trend & Top colleges

The National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) is a National-level entrance exam conducted by the Council of Architecture (CoA) for admission into Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) programs across various institutions and universities in India. Held multiple times per year, the exam tests candidates in areas such as Mathematics, General Aptitude, and Drawing and serves as a gateway to top-ranked colleges in India. Appearing for NATA is often the first major step for students aspiring to pursue Bachelor of Architecture at India’s most reputed institutions. With a single exam score, aspirants can apply to multiple colleges across the country — making it a centralised, merit-based selection tool. The Council of Architecture, the statutory body governing architectural education and profession in India, meticulously designs and administers NATA. This ensures the examination aligns with the evolving standards of architectural studies and assesses a candidate's innate aptitude for the field. NATA is specifically designed for undergraduate aspirants seeking to embark on a five-year Bachelor of Architecture degree. The examination is conducted entirely online as a Computer-Based Test, spanning a duration of 3 hours. It comprises a total of 125 questions carrying a maximum of 200 marks. The question types are diverse, including Multiple Choice Questions, Multiple Select Questions, Preferential Choice Questions, Numerical Answer Type questions, and Match the following formats, all aimed at comprehensive assessment. NATA distinguishes itself by offering candidates multiple attempts within an academic year, typically three, usually scheduled in April, May, and July. This flexibility allows students to improve their scores and enhance their admission prospects. The application window for these attempts typically opens from March and continues through June, accommodating students' varied preparation timelines. The syllabus for NATA covers a wide array of topics crucial for architectural aptitude. It includes Mathematics at the 11th and 12th-grade level, alongside General Aptitude sections that delve into Logical Reasoning, Visual Reasoning, General Knowledge, and Architectural Awareness. A significant portion of the test, formerly a drawing test, now assesses Drawing Aptitude through questions on 3D perception, understanding composition, and color theory, reflecting a modern approach to evaluating design thinking rather than just artistic skill. While specific cutoffs vary significantly by institution and category, the number of candidates appearing for NATA has steadily increased over the years, underscoring its growing importance as a primary admission route for B.Arch programs nationwide. Successfully clearing NATA is a prerequisite for admission to virtually all government and private architecture colleges across India, making it a critical examination for aspiring architects. This national-level acceptance and a score validity limited to the current academic session reinforce the examination's relevance and immediate utility in the admission cycle. NATA is not merely an exam; it is a foundational step, testing a candidate's potential and preparing them for the rigors and creativity inherent in the architectural profession.

Offers multiple attempts to improve scores, focuses on architectural aptitude

Admission is based on NATA scores and conducted by individual institutions or state/central counselling authorities like JoSAA/CSAB for centrally funded institutions. Candidates must apply separately to colleges.

The National Aptitude Test in Architecture, or NATA, is a vital national-level entrance examination administered by the Council of Architecture for aspiring Bachelor of Architecture candidates. Unlike many single-session exams, NATA offers flexibility by typically conducting three attempts within an academic year, usually in April, May, and July. Results for each attempt are declared swiftly, generally within a week of the examination date. Prospective candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria, which primarily requires having passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics or a 10+3 Diploma with Mathematics. A minimum score in NATA is also mandated for admission to B.Arch programs. The application process necessitates providing essential information and documents, including a passport-sized photograph, signature, a valid identity proof, and academic certificates. Application fees for a single attempt are 2000 INR for general category candidates and 1500 INR for SC, ST, and PwD categories, payable through online methods like credit/debit card or net banking. Candidates registering for multiple attempts together may avail of discounted fees. It is crucial for applicants to meticulously read the information brochure, adhere to image specifications, and accurately fill in all details to avoid common mistakes like incorrect information or missing application deadlines. NATA scores are valid only for the academic session in which the examination is taken. The online examination features 125 questions spanning various aptitude areas, including Mathematics, General Aptitude, and Drawing Aptitude, for a total of 200 marks. The admission process for B.Arch programs is decentralized; institutions and various state or central counselling authorities like JoSAA or CSAB for centrally funded institutions utilize NATA scores as a primary criterion. Therefore, candidates must separately apply to the colleges or counselling bodies of their choice using their NATA scores. The application timeline for the upcoming session is expected to follow similar patterns, typically commencing in March. Timely submission of applications is advised to ensure participation in this crucial architectural aptitude test.