NATA Foundation & Exam Strategy
Topic: Eligibility & Pattern
NATA – National Aptitude Test in Architecture
Eligibility & Pattern guide you through the who can apply and how the exam is structured.
1. Simple Explanation
1.1 Eligibility
- Age: 18 + years and ≤ 30 years (as of 30 June of the exam year).
- Education: 10th‑12th (or equivalent) with at least 45 % in the combined subjects of Mathematics, Science, English.
- Attempt Limit: A single attempt in a 12‑month cycle. (No carry‑over of marks.)
1.2 Pattern
- Exam Type: Computer‑Based Test (CBT).
- Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes).
- Sections:
- Spatial & Visualisation – 40 questions, 35 min.
- Drawing & Architectural Knowledge – 30 questions, 30 min.
- Colour & Design – 20 questions, 20 min.
- Verbal Reasoning & General Awareness – 30 questions, 45 min.
- Total Marks: 200 (1 mark each, no negative marking).
- Cut‑off: 60 % (120 marks) – varies by state.
2. Key Points
| Area | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age | Must be ≥ 18 and ≤ 30 on 30‑Jun exam year |
| Education | 10‑12th with 45 % in Maths, Science, English |
| Attempt | 1 attempt per 12‑month cycle; no carry‑over |
| Exam Format | CBT, 3 hrs, 200 questions |
| Sections | Spatial, Drawing, Colour, Verbal |
| Scoring | 1 mark per correct answer, 0 for wrong/blank |
| Cut‑off | 60 % (120 marks) – state‑wise |
| Language of Exam | English |
| Official Language | All state languages (for writing, not for test) |
| Registration | Online via NATA portal, fee ₹2,500 (or ₹1,250 for SC/ST) |
| Result Publication | Usually within 1–2 months after exam |
| Next‑Round | Only if you score ≥ 60 % and meet the state cut‑off |
| Eligibility for Admitted | Must have a valid NATA score, fulfill state cut‑off, and meet the university’s own criteria |
3. Worked Example
Scenario
- A student, Riya, is 22 years old (born 5 Mar 2004).
- She completed 10‑12th on 30 Jun 2024 with 48 % in Maths, 46 % in Science, 50 % in English.
- She wants to know if she can register for NATA 2025.
Step‑by‑Step Check
| Check | Requirement | Riya’s Status | Eligible? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age | 18 + ≤ 30 on 30 Jun 2025 | 22 y 3 m | ✅ |
| Education | 45 % in Maths, Science, English (combined) | 48 %, 46 %, 50 % | ✅ |
| Attempt | First attempt or ≤ 1 attempt in 12‑month cycle | 0 attempts | ✅ |
| Registration Fee | ₹2,500 (₹1,250 SC/ST) | N/A | ✅ |
Result: Riya is fully eligible to register for NATA 2025.
4. Quick Revision Summary
- Who can apply? 18‑30 yrs, 10‑12th with 45 % in Maths/Science/English, 1 attempt per year.
- Exam: 3 hrs, 200 questions, 4 sections (Spatial, Drawing, Colour, Verbal), 1 mark each.
- Cut‑off: 60 % (120 marks) – state‑specific.
- Registration: Online, fee ₹2,500 (₹1,250 SC/ST).
- Result: 1–2 months after exam; next round only if ≥ 60 %.
- Tip: Double‑check age on 30 Jun of the exam year and keep your 10‑12th scorecard ready.
Remember: The eligibility criteria are the gateways to the exam, and the pattern tells you how to allocate your time during the test. Master both, and you’ll be set for success.