Since 2006, the Council of Architecture (CoA) has been administering the National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) in accordance with their guidelines – Minimum Standards of Architectural Education Regulations, which were published in the Indian Gazette. The NATA assesses an applicant’s aptitude for the field of architecture. It tests candidates’ cognitive skills, visual perception and aesthetic sensitivity, logical reasoning and critical thinking abilities, etc.
Candidates must review and solve the NATA previous years’ question papers to improve their exam-taking abilities. Aspirants can learn more about the exam, the difficulty level, the kind of questions asked, and the technique to pass the exam by solving the NATA previous years’ question papers regularly.
Previous Years’ NATA Question Papers
Download the previous years’ question papers from the link given below to prepare well for NATA 2023.
| NATA Previous Year Question Papers | |
| Subject | Question Paper |
| NATA Aptitude Paper | To be updated soon |
| NATA Drawing Paper | To be updated soon |
NATA 2023 Exam Pattern
The NATA 2023 exam pattern is as follows:
| Mode of the exam | Online mode |
| Total No. of questions | 125 questions |
| Type of questions | Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs), Multiple Select Questions (MSQs), Preferential Choice Questions (PCQ), Numerical Answer Questions (NAQ) and Match the Following Questions (MFQ). |
| Duration of the exam | The questions will carry 1 mark, 2 marks, or 3 marks, and 125 questions have to be
answered in 180 minutes. |
| Medium of the exam | The medium of the aptitude test will be essentially the English language. Some questions may be in regional languages as well. |
The aptitude of the candidate will be assessed using some or all of the following
techniques:
- Diagrammatic Reasoning – Tests the ability of logical reasoning using diagrams and
- scenarios
- Numerical Reasoning – Tests the mathematical ability through simple problems
- Verbal Reasoning – Evaluates the ability to assess verbal logic.
- Inductive Reasoning – Tests the ability to see patterns and analyse the given data.
- Situational Judgment – Tests problem-solving ability.
- Logical Reasoning – Tests the ability to recognise patterns, sequences or relationships
between shapes and imagery.
- Abstract Reasoning – Assesses general knowledge and the ability to utilise knowledge in new situations.
Questions can be asked on various topics that assess candidates’ knowledge of basic concepts in mathematics, physics and geometry, language and interpretation, and elements and principles of design.
Apart from that, questions, which assess candidates’ aesthetic sensitivity, colour theory, lateral thinking and logical reasoning, visual perception and cognition, graphics and imagery, building anatomy and architectural vocabulary, basic techniques of building construction and knowledge of materials, general knowledge and current affairs, etc. are also asked.
NATA 2023 Exam Dates
The NATA 2023 exam dates are as follows:
| Date & Time of Examination | Questions & Marks of Examination |
| First NATA Examination – 21.04.2023 | |
| Session 1
10.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. (180 minutes/3 hours) Session 2 2.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. (180 minutes/3 hours) |
Questions – 125, Marks – 200 |
| Second NATA Examination – 03.06.2023 | |
| Session 1
10.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. (180 minutes/3 hours) Session 2 2.30 p.m. – 5.30 p.m. (180 minutes/3 hours) |
Questions – 125, Marks – 200 |
| Third NATA Examination – 09.07.2023 | |
| Session 1
10.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. (180 minutes/ 3 hours) Session 2 2.30 p.m. – 5.30 p.m. (180 minutes/3 hours) |
Questions – 125, Marks – 200 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is NATA 2023 conducted online?
Yes, the NATA 2023 will be conducted as a comprehensive computer-based aptitude test at the Council’s allotted centres in identified cities in the country.
How many questions will be asked in the NATA 2023?
The NATA 2023 exam consists of 125 questions.
What kind of questions come in NATA?
The NATA aptitude test comprises Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQ), Multiple Select Questions(MSQ), Preferential Choice Questions (PCQ), Numerical Answer Questions (NAQ) and Match the Following Questions (MFQ).
What is the full form of NATA?
NATA stands for National Aptitude Test in Architecture.
What is the NATA 2023 exam date for phase 3?
The NATA 2023 exam date for phase 3 is scheduled on 9th July 2023.
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