NATA

Why join Pahal Design for NATA Coaching Classes?

1. Pahal has the highest result percentage in India and Presence 44 Centres across India
2. 24 Years of Academic Excellence and more than 14000 students at different design and architecture colleges.
3. Pahal has the best team from different area of expertise like Design, Fine Arts, Architecture and Management Field.
4. Best Infrastructure Wi-Fi campus, Computer lab, Library, Projector, AC classroom to give our best to the students and unique way of Teaching.
5. Interaction with SPA/IIT/CEPT/NATA Alumni to get an idea about exam pattern.
6. Doubt clearing session and class test once in a week.
7. Regularly updated study material
8. Online Test Series and Mock Tests for JEE ARCH and NATA, so that students can manage their time during exam.
9. Scholarship for SC/ST/OBC and talented Candidates and extra classes for weak students
10. Motivational classes for building self confidence of the students
11. Revision classes in a month to recalled what they have learned.
12. Outdoor sketching to understand more about Composition & Perspective.
13. Pahal offers Regular, Weekend, Crash course, considers school and college timings for batch as per student convenient.

CLICK HERE FOR NATA REGISTRATION 2023

Important Dates for NATA 2023

Schedule of Examination

About NATA 2023

Pattern of Questions

Important Documents

• NATA 2023 Brochure
• ICICI Bank Challan: candidate can generate the challan for depositing the payment through cash in any of the branches of the ICICI Bank all over India.
• ICICI Bank Branch List
• NATA SCORE ACCEPTING ARCHITECTURE COLLEGES 2020
• B. Arch Colleges List

Eligibility Criteria

Who should take NATA and Why?

Prospective applicants desirous of taking admission to the First year of an undergraduate course in Architecture (Bachelor of Architecture) in India take NATA. NATA scores are used by admissions authorities of different Governments, Govt. Aided & unaided schools/colleges of Architecture, to provide common measures for comparing the qualifications of applicants, for admission in addition to their scholastic performance in 10+2 or equivalent examination.

Drawing Test 

Download NATA Sample Papers

• DRAWING NATA TEST 1

• DRAWING NATA TEST 2

• Aesthetic Sensitivity NATA Test 1

• Mock Examination Link

Where to appear for NATA?

NATA is offered over major part of admission season at designated Test Centers located at colleges / schools of architecture in India. Updated list of Test centers is available at the website www.nata.in

Cancellation, Rescheduling the Test Appointment & Refund

Appointment once scheduled cannot be cancelled or rescheduled. There will be no refund of NATA test fees under any conditions.

 Information For All Candidates

The candidate must have an acceptable and valid Identification Document (ID) details of which are mentioned on the appointment voucher, with signature, and appointment voucher to be admitted to a Test Center. ID requirements are strictly enforced. It is the candidate’s responsibility to read and understand the instructions and requirements.

• Report to the test center at least 1 hour before the scheduled time of the test.
• If the candidate arrives at the Test Center without the required identification documents
• The Test Center in charge will not admit the candidate and the candidate will not be allowed to take the test
• In addition the candidate will forfeit the test fee.
• NAME CHANGES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. If the candidate’s name has changed for any reason, including marriage, the candidate still must present primary identification in the name under which he/she made the appointment, otherwise, the candidate will not be permitted to appear in the test. Marriage certificates and divorce decrees cannot be used to confirm name differences.
• If the Test Center in-charge questions the ID proof the candidate presents, the candidate will be required to present additional proof of identity. If positive confirmation cannot be made, the candidate may be refused admission to the Test Center and the candidate will forfeit the test fee paid.
• Test Center personnel will check the candidate’s identification before assigning the candidate a seat at the Test Center. The administrator will check to verify that the candidate is the person in his photo identification. The test center in-charge will repeat this procedure before and after all breaks.
• Admittance to the Test Center does not imply that the candidate’s form of identification is valid or that the candidate’s scores will be reported. All reported cases of questionable identification are subject to review and approval by the Competent Authority of Testing Integrity.

Acceptable Primary Identification Documents

A government-issued identification document that has not expired (including but not limited to passport, permanent driver’s license, state ID cards, national identification, UID card) in original. There are some exceptions: see Unacceptable Identification Documents (10.2).

• Std XII exam admit card with photo and signature (in original) for candidates awaiting
• 10+2 or equivalent exam with Physics, Chemistry and Maths results.
• Student ID card from the institute where he / she is currently enrolled AND Confirmation of identity letter from the candidate’s educational institution (in original).

Acceptable Supplemental Identification Documents If the candidate’s primary identification is missing either a photo or a signature, he / she must present one of the following supplemental IDs in addition to the primary ID. Supplemental IDs that can be used to meet the photo and/or signature requirements are:

• A government-issued identification document that has not expired (including but not limited to passport, driver’s license, state ID cards, national identification). There are some exceptions: see Unacceptable Identification Documents (9.2).
• Confirmation of identity letter from the candidate’s educational institution.
• The confirmation of identity letter must contain the candidate’s date of birth; a recent, recognizable photo; the candidate’s signature; and the date issued.

The Confirmation Of Identity Letter Must Be Typed On The Original Letterhead Of The Educational Institution The Candidate Attend(Ed), And The Signature Of The School Official And The School Seal Must Overlap The Candidate’s Photo. A Letter Of Identity Is Valid For Only One Year From The Date Of Issue.Unacceptable Identification Documents

• Any expired ID.
• Credit card of any kind.
• Learner’s driving license or any temporary identification document.
• Notary-prepared letter or document.
• Employee identification card.
• Photocopies (Attested / unattested) of the acceptable identification documents

What to Bring With You to the Test

• Official identification document mentioned on the appointment voucher.
• The appointment voucher – The appointment voucher is issued to the candidate at the time of registration. The appointment voucher confirms the candidate’s test date, time of test and Test Center. The voucher will also show Candidate ID and Appointment Number with Exam Key.
• Three or four sharpened soft-lead (2B & HB) pencils and a good eraser (Pencils and erasers will not be supplied at the Test Center). Mechanical pencils (Clutch pencils) are not permitted.
• Set of colours (Water/ Poster colours, crayons, pastels) with appropriate instruments.
• (Brushes, dish, etc.).
• Geometry instrument box
• Blue ink pen / Blue ink ball point pen

Test Center Procedures and Regulations for both Paper- Based and Computer-Based Tests

• Dress so that you can adapt to any room temperature.
• Friends or relatives who accompany the candidate to the Test Center will not be permitted to wait in the Test Center or be in contact with the candidate while he / she is taking the test.
• Except for COA-authorized observers, visitors are not allowed in the testing room while test is in progress.
• ID verification at the Test Center may include thumb printing, iris scan, photographing, videotaping, or other form of electronic ID confirmation. If the candidate refuses to participate, he / she will not be permitted to appear for the test and the candidate will forfeit the test fee. This is in addition to the requirement that the candidate must present acceptable and valid identification.
• Other than ID, personal items are not allowed in the testing room. Before the test, the candidate will receive instructions from Test Center staff regarding where the candidate must deposit items such as mobile phones, PDAs, digital music players, MP3 players, calculators, or any other electronic devices with memory, handbags, and study materials. The candidate may also be asked to empty his/ her pockets. The candidate may not have access to his/ her personal items during the test or break.
• Test Centers assume no responsibility for personal belongings.
• The test administrator will assign the candidate a seat.
• No candidate will be given additional time if he reaches late for the test. He has to complete the test as per the schedule given in his appointment voucher.
• Electrical supply failure, internet connectivity failure, weather conditions, or other circumstances beyond the test administrator’s or COA’s control may require a delayed start or the rescheduling of the test appointment. In the event that it is then necessary to cancel the test session, or if it is later determined that the candidate’s marks could not be reported, the candidate will be offered the opportunity to schedule another test appointment free of charge.
• On reporting for the test and establishing the candidate’s identity, he/ she will be asked to log on to the computer system and request a test.
• A question paper consisting of two questions – freehand drawing and memory sketch, will be generated and printed for the candidate. Test Center supervisor will hand over the printout along with drawing paper (Answer sheet) with a preprinted barcode to the candidate and lead him/her to the testing room.
• Paper of any kind, other than officially distributed, is not permitted in the testing room.
• The candidate must have the supervisor’s permission to leave the room during the test. Any time lost cannot be made up.
• The candidate may wish to pace himself/herself with his / her own watch, but the supervisor is the official timekeeper. The candidate will not be permitted to continue the test or any part of it beyond the established time limit. Watch alarms and clocks on mobile phones are not permitted.
• At the conclusion of the test the candidate will be required to return the answer sheet (drawing paper) and question paper to the test supervisor. These materials are the property of COA.
• The candidate shall attempt the question on the drawing paper supplied by the test center on the side where a barcode is printed. The Appointment number, Candidate ID, and test center stamp with the supervisor’s signature shall be on the reverse side of the paper. Under no circumstances the candidate will write anything on the barcode side of the answer sheet.
• Computer based test will be given after completing the Paper-based test. It begins at log-in and ends at log-out.
• The Test center in charge will provide the candidate with a rough paper that may be replaced after the candidate has used all pages of the rough paper initially given to the candidate. The candidate may not take his/ her own rough paper to the test, nor may the candidate remove the rough paper from the testing room at any time. A rough paper is provided to assist the candidate in working out problems and for appropriate note-taking during timed sections of the test.
• If the candidate needs to leave his / her seat at any time, he/she must raise his / her hand for permission; the timing of the section will not stop.
• If at any time during the test the candidate has a problem with his / her computer, or for any reason needs the attention of the administrator, the candidate shall raise his/ her hand.
• All the Test center premises are under electronic surveillance and are subject to video recording and/ or any other type of Surveillance.
• NATA includes an optional 10-minute break after the Drawing section. This break time cannot be exceeded.
• When the test gets disrupted because of failure of internet connectivity or electricity supply failure, the candidate can resume the test from the point of disruption onwards if resumed within four hours. In case of disruption lasts for more than four hours the candidate may have to give the entire test again.

Dismissals from a Test Center

A test center in-charge/supervisor is authorized to dismiss the candidate from a test session and/or the candidate’s marks may be cancelled by COA for actions such as, but not limited to

• Attempting to take the test for someone else or having someone else take the test for the candidate.
• Failing to provide acceptable identification.
• Obtaining improper access to the test, a part of the test, or information about the test.
• Using a telephone or mobile phone, personal digital assistants (pda), digital music players, mp3 players, or any other electronic device having memory during the test session or during breaks.
• Using any aids in connection with the test, such as: mechanical pencils, pagers, beepers, calculators, watch calculators, books, pamphlets, notes, rulers, highlighter pens, stereos or radios with headphones/ earphones, telephones, cell phones, watch alarms (including those with flashing lights or alarm sounds), stop watches, dictionaries, translators, and any hand-held electronic or photographic devices.
• Creating a disturbance (disruptive behavior in any form will not be tolerated; the test administrator has sole discretion in determining what constitutes disruptive behavior).
• Attempting to give or receive assistance – or otherwise communicate in any manner with another person about the content of the test during the administration, during breaks, or after the test.
• Removing or attempting to remove test content from the Test Center. Under no circumstances may test content or any part of the test content be removed, reproduced, and/or disclosed by any means (e.g., hard copy, verbally, electronically) to any person or entity
• Tampering with a computer.
• Attempting to remove the rough paper from the computer-based testing room.
• Bringing a weapon or firearm into the Test Center.
• Bringing food, drink, or tobacco into the testing room.
• Leaving the Test Center vicinity during the test session or during breaks.
• Leaving the testing room without permission.
• Taking excessive or extended unscheduled breaks during the test session. Test Center Supervisors are required to strictly monitor unscheduled breaks and report the candidates who take excessive or extended breaks.
• Referring to, looking through, or working on any test, or test section, when not authorized to do so, or working after time has been called
• Failing to follow any of the test administration regulations contained in this bulletin, given by the test administrator or specified in any test materials.
• If the counterfoils of the appointment voucher are already signed.

COA reserves the right to take all action – including, but not limited to, asking the candidate to appear again at the same or different test center, barring the candidate from future testing and/or canceling the candidate’s scores/ marks – for failure to comply with test administration regulations or the test administrator’s directions. If the candidate’s scores/ marks are canceled, they will not be reported and the candidate’s fees will not be refunded. Candidates may report any irregularities under strict confidence to COA by sending an email to [email protected]. It is mandatory to provide the Name of the Candidate, Candidate ID, and Appointment Number in the complaint. Anonymous complaints will not be entertained. All disputes pertaining to the conduct of NATA shall fall within the jurisdiction of Courts in Delhi only.

Test Content

The test is in two parts. A paper based drawing test and computer based online aesthetic sensitivity test. The test measures aptitude of the candidate through two sections – a paper based section for drawing and computer based section for aesthetic sensitivity. Drawing Test This is a two hour paper where candidate has to attempt three questions. The drawing aptitude is judged on the following aspects –

• Ability to sketch a given object proportionately and rendering the same in visually appealing manner.
• Visualising and drawing the effects of light on the object and shadows cast on surroundings.
• Sense of perspective drawing
• Combining and composing given three dimensional elements to form a building or structural form.
• Creating interesting two dimensional composition using given shapes and forms.
• Creating visual harmony using colours in given composition.
• Understanding of scale and proportions.

Scoring Process

The Answer to each question in the ‘drawing’ paper will be examined by a panel of three examiners independently and the marks are averaged. It may be further subject to moderation. During the computer based test, with adaptive testing, an examinee is administered a set of questions with a difficulty level that is specifically designed to match the examinee’s ability level. The mathematical process for calculating a score in this situation incorporates the statistical properties of the questions, the examinee’s performance on the questions, and the number of questions that are answered. How the sections of the test are scored(A) Drawing Section: The primary emphasis in scoring the drawing section is on the candidate’s drawing, imagination and observation skills. The candidate’s sense of proportion & perspective is also evaluated together with sense for colour and composition. (B) Aesthetic Sensitivity Section

• The candidate’s score will depend on his / her performance on the questions given and on the number of questions answered in the time allotted.
• This section is computer adaptive, meaning that the computer selects questions based on the candidate’s performance on preceding questions (When correct answer is given, next question will be of higher difficulty level whereas, if wrong answer is given next question is of lower difficulty level) and on the requirements of the test design. Test design factors that influence which questions are presented to the candidate include:
• The statistical characteristics (including difficulty level) of the questions already answered.
• The required variety of question types.
• The appropriate coverage of content.
• The final score depends on average difficulty level of all questions and of those questions answered correctly. E.g. person with correct answer for less number of questions of higher difficulty level may score higher marks than someone who answers more number of questions correctly but of lower difficulty level.
• Time allotted to answer the question is 90 seconds. The time remaining to answer the question is displayed on the screen. The “per second” countdown begins 30 seconds before the allotted time for that question ends. In case no answer is offered till the time ends, the question is skipped and next question appears.
• There is no Negative marking in this test.

NO REVALUATION IS POSSIBLE FOR EITHER OF THE TESTS.

Score Card / Mark List

The score cards will be available on NATA website in e-format. Usually, the score cards will be posted on the website on the fourth working day after the test. The candidate, after fourth day may check his score directly from website giving his / her candidate ID. However, print out taken by the candidate of such score card will be only for reference and information. Candidate, however, may use print out of this score card while applying for the admission if the admission authority calls for the same. Original score card will be retrieved and verified by the admission authority directly from NATA server. Only the score card stored on NATA server is valid and no print/ hard copy will be considered valid. The NATA score shall be valid for a period of two years from the year in which the applicant appeared for the NATA Test. NOTE: Occasionally, delays in processing may occur. Some scores will not be available on the dates specified. Please check again. Only if the score card is still not seen after 7 days, we suggest the candidate to follow the process mentioned on the website  www.nata.in. Cumulative Reporting (Score Retention) NATA score reporting is cumulative. Current NATA policy states that the candidate’s scores are retained for the two years from the date of last test taken.

Applying to Institutions for Admission

As per Council of Architecture regulations, a candidate applying to any school / college of architecture in India should have 50% marks in 10+2 or equivalent examination with mathematics as one of the subject and as per admission guidelines prescribed by CoA and have achieved 40% score in NATA, i.e. at least 80/200, for consideration of admission into first year of 5-year B.Arch. Degree Course.

Competent Authorities For Admission

The admissions shall be carried out by the Competent Authority i.e. Government or University, or such Authorities/Institutions Concerned (School/College of Architecture)/ Association or federation of Institutions (Schools/College of Architecture) as approved by the Government/University, based on the marks obtained in NATA and the qualifying examinations in the ratio of 50:50. The reservation policy for admission as applicable from time to time by the Central/State Government shall be followed. After receiving score card / Mark list and HSC / std XII results, the candidate may apply for admission to any of the participating institutions as per the time schedule specified by the appropriate admission authority, along with all the documents desired by it. Council of Architecture and NIASA, does not guarantee any admissions and is not involved with the admission procedure. Appearing at a particular center for the test does not imply that the candidate could be given any priority for admission to that institute.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. By giving NATA, do I get automatic admission into any Architectural College in India? No. NATA is just an Aptitude Test. On receiving the Score Card, the candidate will have to contact various admission authorities with NATA Score Card and other details (as prescribed by the respective Admission Authorities). Admission in India lies with the State (usually under Directorate of Technical Education for that state). Usually around summer, Admission Authorities will bring out admission notices in National & Regional newspapers. The candidate may contact schools of architecture directly for information as to when the admission process is scheduled to begin.

2. What is the last date for giving NATA? The last date for NATA would be 29th April 2018 subject to availability.The dates on which NATA is available depends on the Test Centre. Candidates may request Test Centres for the preferred dates. If the candidate is available for NATA only on a particular date (or range of dates) that a particular Test Centre is not able to give, the candidate may register at any other Test Centre throughout India that is able to administer NATA on that date / time. TEST CENTRE LOCATION HAS NO BEARING ON CHOICE OF ADMISSION AND APPEARING AT A PARTICULAR CENTER FOR THE TEST DOES NOT IMPLY THAT THE CANDIDATE COULD BE GIVEN ANY PRIORITY FOR ADMISSION TO THAT INSTITUTE. The logical last date for giving NATA for candidates seeking admission this year itself would be 5 days before the last date for submitting application for admission under a particular Admission Authority. This varies from authority to authority.

3. What is the meaning of Admission Authority? Admission Authority is a body, authorised by the Central/State Govt. / University to conduct and monitor admissions in that area. This may vary from the Directorate of Technical Education itself, a major University, Institution(s), a body created by an association of Architectural Schools in that State (eg. MASA), or any other Admission Authority recognised by the state. The candidate may be advised to check up in advance with Schools of Architecture where he / she is applying for the details of the admission authority and other information on the exact admission process.

4. How do I practice for NATA? Where can I take tuitions? NATA is designed in such a manner that prior tutelage is not required. COA is aware that the candidates will have no or minimal knowledge of architecture. NATA measures aptitude of the candidate in his / her aesthetic sensibilities (3D visualisation, logical understanding, etc.) and drawing skills that are in-built in every candidate and developed right from childhood to the present day. There will be certain questions on architectural awareness wherein candidates may be required to identify building of national or international importance. The candidate is expected to know about these structures through General Knowledge. The candidate may also prefer to update his knowledge on this by some reading, internet browsing or even by talking to architectural students, architects and other knowledgeable persons. In all probability, this will not be required. There will be a model NATA interface available on the NATA website to help candidates get acquainted with the visual format of the test. There will be no model questions available as such. The language medium of the test will be English. Minimal computer skills are required (pointing and clicking Mouse buttons).

5. I am a foreign student / NRI. Can I take the test from my country of residence? No. The candidate  will have to register in India and give the test from any of the designated. Test centres of his / her choice in India. The qualification process for giving NATA stands the same. Admission will be given by the respective admission authorities according to the rules laid down by it for students of such category.

6. If I belong to a particular quota (SC/ST/NT/etc.), do I get score waiver for NATA during admission? No.

7. Are there any additional fees payable for training, etc? No training/coaching is allowed in Test Centres and no other fees payable for this exam. If any centre indulges is such practice or insists on additional fees or participation in training program, please report such incident to Council of Architecture or NIASA.

8. Do I have to appear for NATA at the college where I aspire to take admission? No. You may appear for NATA at any Test center convenient to you. Based on the score you may seek admission to any college where you are eligible to seek admission.

9. Whether old question papers are available? No. At NATA, question paper is unique of each candidate hence no old question papers can be made available.

For any other questions please register at NATA website (www.nata.in) and get into ‘Forum’ section. You can post your queries here. Please search before you post the query. It may be already raised by some other candidate and already answered.

Register for the Nata

Appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Register well in advance to get the candidate’s preferred test date.

NATA at a Glance

Career in Architecture

Careers in architecture offer young professionals a life of discovery, growth and personal development. An architectural education sets in motion a life-long learning process! Architecture is a career for people who love their work and a “job” is not their goal. This is so because as a follower in the studio young architects become leaders on site where drawings are transformed into reality and in society where they have a special lean on eternity. Salaries start low and grow with age and experience. Unlike fast-track fields, which start with high salaries and then hit a long plateau, and finally the older guys are pushed aside making way for the next generation, architects just continue to grow and to increase their quality of life. After age fifty architects form the highest paid group of self-employed professionals, often claiming fees of a Crore Rupees and above for a single commission!

10 Tips for How to Crack NATA

1. The most common misconception among NATA aspirants is that if you draw well, then its half the battle won, which is totally false. Though good sketching is essential, the questions are framed to judge a candidates creativity, imagination, perception, visualization skills, observation, general awareness, analytical ability, sense of perspective drawing etc. So, developing these skills is equally important.
2. Be Creative – Creativity is a mysterious trait. Many people have tried to define creativity in their own ways but there is no single universally accepted definition. It is difficult to summarize in a few lines but we can say that creativity is the ability to come up with new, original ideas which are not conventional. It is the breaking away from the stereotype, routine, accepted set of thoughts and possessing a deeper insight to problem solving. In short, a creative person experiences rebirth everyday with his or her ideas.
3. Understand that yours drawing & creative skills are useless if you are not able to present your thoughts in the exam in the limited amount of time. You stand to lose marks for the questions you fail to answer or which are left incomplete, it doesn’t matter how good you are at your work. So speed is equally important.
4. Go through all previous papers of NATA. Solve at least 10- 20 past papers within the time limit. Find out a comfortable sequence of answering the paper
5. Don’t practice in A3 size sketch books. Work in A4 size as that is normally the standard size of answer sheets in the examinations.
6. Find your own deep and compelling reason to successfully clear NATA. Motivate yourself. Work with enthusiasm & you will be amazed at your ideas & creations. If you are faced with a mental block, breathe deeply, relax and then try to answer the question.
7. In questions requiring drawing, always draw with a light hand first, doing mainly the outlining without the details. When you are satisfied with the proportions & the rough outline, you may finalize. You will save a lot of time that students normally waste in erasing & re-drawing.
8. Practice more with dry mediums (colors), as they are convenient to use and take less time in exams.
9. For XII class students: Plan your time well for NATA preparation if you are also preparing for other entrance exams along with NATA. Use your time effectively with a time table.
10. Start preparing early: Don’t start your preparations after you finish your XII boards – The earlier you start, better for you

COUNCIL OF ARCHITECTURE

India Habitat Centre, Core 6A, 1st Floor,
Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003 India
Specific Query related to NATA-2020 Examination
Email: [email protected]
Help Desk Phone: +91 9319275557, +91 7303487773 (Time:10:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.)