National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) is being conducted by COA since 2006, in terms of the provisions
of CoA (Minimum Standards of Architectural Education) Regulations, 1983, published in the Gazette of India.
Further, the Council has prescribed the Council of Architecture (Minimum Standards of Architectural
Education) Regulations, 2020, with the approval of the Central Government in terms of Sections 21 & 45 of
the Architects Act, 1972. The Regulations were published in the Gazette of India on 11.08.2020 and came into
force w.e.f. 01.11.2020. These Regulations prescribe that the candidate needs to qualify an Aptitude Test in
Architecture conducted by the Council for admission to the Architecture degree course.
The actual admissions shall be carried out only by the concerned competent authorities of the respective
states/institutions based on valid NATA score. The NATA ensures that the eligibility criteria for admission to
five-year Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) degree course, as prescribed by CoA and duly approved by the
Central Government, are strictly adhered to and followed all over the country in Architectural Institutions.
NATA 2021 will be conducted as a comprehensive online aptitude test at the Council allotted centers in
identified cities in the country.
Unlike any other entrance examination, NATA is an Aptitude test that assesses a candidate’s innate ability
through a variety of testing formats and cannot be taught, learnt or induced. Therefore, attending coaching
classes will not substantially improve the aptitude of a candidate.
NATA measures the aptitude of the applicant for specific field of study, i.e. Architecture, through assessment
of cognitive skills, visual perception and aesthetic sensitivity tests, logical reasoning and critical thinking ability,
etc., besides the learning that the candidate has acquired over the past few years and is related to the specific
field of study.
With the objective of giving opportunities to a greater number of bright aspirants, Council will be conducting
NATA- 2021 for admission to B.Arch. in the academic session 2021- 2022 twice this year. Candidates who
miss out the first test due to some reason or other or wish to improve upon their NATA score can register for
the second test. Both the first and second test will be conducted on different dates as computer-based
examinations and a candidate shall be allowed to appear for NATA 2021 for a maximum of two times.