NATA 2025: Top Architecture Colleges (NIRF Ranking 2024), Best Courses, Jobs, Benefits and Preparation Tips
National Aptitude Test in Architecture 2025 ( NATA )
Exam On - 1 Mar '25
NATA 2025 is an entrance exam conducted in India for admission to undergraduate architecture courses. The NATA exam is administered by the Council of Architecture (COA). NATA Registration 2025 begins on February 3, 2025. The NATA exam dates 2025 is from March 1, 2025 till June 2025. Read more to know Top Architecture Colleges Based on NIRF Ranking, Best Courses, Benefits and Preparation Tips.
NATA Architecture
NATA 2025: NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture), is an entrance exam in India for undergraduate architecture courses, conducted by the Council of Architecture (COA). NATA exam assesses a candidate's skills in drawing, observation, sense of proportion, aesthetic sensitivity, critical thinking, and mathematics. NATA is a computer-based test held multiple times a year across various centres in India. The NATA exam dates are announced on the official website.
Explore colleges based on NATA
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There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.Eligibility for the NATA exam requires candidates to have completed their Class 12 or equivalent examination with at least 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. NATA application form is generally available from March. NATA is a vital step for students aiming to pursue a career in architecture, as successful candidates can gain admission to top architecture colleges across the country.
Q: When will NATA 2025 be conducted?
Q: Will there be a drawing section in NATA 2025 paper?
Yes. The CoA has added the drawing and composition section in the NATA paper. During the examination, the candidates will have to attempt questions on composition and colour, sketching and composition (black and white) and 3D composition. All three questions have to attempted within 90 minutes. Therefore, the candidates are advised to carefully prepare for the drawing and composition section.
Q: Will NATA be held online?
NATA will be conducted by the authorities as an online i.e., computer-based and offline test. The MCQ section will be held as a computer-based test, while the drawing and composition test will be held as an offline test. CoA will conduct NATA at various centres. All registered candidates will have to report to their allotted centres and attempt the examination through the systems provided there. The detailed information regarding NATA exam pattern has been announced online.
Benefits of NATA Exam
- Passing the NATA exam qualifies the candidates to apply for undergraduate architecture courses at various colleges across India. Based on the NATA scores, the candidates can apply to their preferred colleges.
- After earning an undergraduate degree in architecture, candidates have the option to pursue a Master's degree in the field or work as an architect in various firms, or government organisations, or even start their practice.
- It's important to remember that passing the NATA exam is just the initial step towards a successful career in architecture. Continued hard work, creativity, and skill development are essential for long-term success in this profession.
Top 25 Architecture Colleges Based on NIRF Ranking 2024
The candidates can check the table below for the names of the Top 25 Architecture Colleges in India based on the NIRF Ranking. The candidates can apply to the best architecture colleges by knowing the NIRF Ranking of the colleges.
Explore more Architecture & Planning exams with upcoming dates
21 Feb '25
2 Jun '25 - 3 Jun '25
31 May '25
Q: How can I create a good timetable for NATA preparation?
Creating a timetable is very important for the preparation process of NATA. Students are advised to prepare a timetable that will allow them to complete the syllabus well before the examination. While creating the timetable, the candidates should ensure that the entire syllabus is equally distributed. The subjects and topics should be divided well so that the candidates cover different units in a day and the studying process does not become monotonous. The daily study routine should also include revision and mock test. It is very important that the timetable is created considering the aptitude of the candidate.
Q: Is there any provision to reschedule the NATA exam date?
No. The candidates will not be allowed to reschedule the NATA exam date. Since the exam will be held for the candidate as per their selected slot, they will have to report to the exam centres on the examination date. Candidates will not be able to reschedule the examination as per their wish. However, in case of any issues, the authorities have the provision to reschedule the examination date.
Q: Where can I check the NATA exam centres?
CoA will prepare and release the list of NATA exam cities online at nata.in. From the list of exam cities released by the authorities, the candidates will be able to make their choice. The preferred three exam cities for NATA has to be selected in the order of preference while filling out the application form. The allotment of NATA exam centres will be done based on the candidate's preferences and availabilty of centres. The candidates will be able to check the details of their allotted exam centres through the NATA admit card.
Q: I have not been allotted into my first preferred NATA exam city. What should I do?
It is to be noted that there are chances of cases arising where the candidates will not be allotted centres within their first preferred NATA exam city. The allotment of centres will depend on many factors including preferences, centre availability, total number of candidates for the particular test centre, etc. Hence, the authorities can add or remove centres as per the requirements. If the first preferred city is not available due to some particular reason, then the candidates will be allotted centres as per their second and third preference.
| Architecture Colleges | NIRF Ranking |
|---|---|
| India Institute of Technology, Roorkee | 1 |
| India Institute of Technology, Kharagpur | 2 |
| National Institute of Technology, Calicut | 3 |
| Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur | 4 |
| School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi | 5 |
| Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology University | 6 |
| Jamia Millia Islamia | 7 |
| National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli | 8 |
| National Institute of Technology Rourkela | 9 |
| Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology Nagpur | 10 |
| S.R.M. Institute of Science and Technology | 11 |
| School of Planning and Architecture Bhopal | 12 |
| Chandigarh University | 13 |
| Aligarh Muslim University | 14 |
| Malaviya National Institute of Technology | 15 |
| School of Planning and Architecture Vijayawada | 16 |
| Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology | 17 |
| College of Engineering, Trivandrum | 18 |
| Nirma University | 19 |
| Birla Institute of Technology | 20 |
| M. S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology | 21 |
| Dr. M. G. R. Educational and Research Institute | 22 |
| BMS College of Architecture | 23 |
| Lovely Professional University | 24 |
| Amity University | 25 |
Best Architechture Courses
- Bachelor of Architecture (BArch): This five-year undergraduate course focuses on design, construction, and the use of space. It is a popular choice for students aiming to become architects.
- Bachelor of Planning (BPlan): This four-year undergraduate course centres on urban planning and design, covering topics such as urban development, transportation planning, and environmental planning.
- Diploma in Architecture (DArch): This two-year diploma course provides students with the basic skills and knowledge required to become architects.
- Master of Architecture (MArch): This postgraduate course is available to students who have completed their undergraduate degree in architecture. It emphasises advanced design, technology, and research.
- Master of Planning (MPlan): This postgraduate course focuses on advanced planning techniques, research, and technology in urban planning and design.
- Postgraduate Diploma in Urban Planning and Management (PGDUPM): This one-year postgraduate diploma course focuses on urban planning and management, including urban development, transportation planning, and environmental planning.
- Integrated March: This five-year integrated course combines a bachelor's degree in architecture with a master's degree in architecture.
Top Architecture Colleges in India
- Sir Jamsetjee Jeejebhoy College of Architecture, Mumbai: It is one of the oldest architecture colleges in Asia. The institute offers both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in architecture, namely the Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) and the Master of Architecture (M.Arch). The B.Arch degree is a five-year full-time program, while the M.Arch degree is a two-year full-time programme.
- IIT Roorkee: The Department of Architecture and Planning at IIT Roorkee was the first institute in India to offer a master's degree course in architecture. As a modern institution, it has earned a distinguished reputation in the field of architecture. The architecture courses provided by IIT Roorkee are of an exceptional standard.
- Chandigarh College of Architecture: It is one of the leading architectural institutes in Punjab. It offers a five-year full-time Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) course. Over the years, the college has received significant recognition for its excellent teaching methods in the field of planning and design.
- NIT Tiruchirappalli: The Department of Architecture at NIT Tiruchirappalli, a public engineering and technology university, is ranked as the 4th best architecture college in India by Outlook through NATA. It offers one of the most promising architecture degrees in India. For years, it has enriched students' lives with comprehensive knowledge of architectural designs and concepts.
- NIT Calicut: The Department of Architecture at NIT Calicut has steadily become one of India's most prominent institutions for architectural studies. It boasts some of the best faculty members who mentor, assist, and guide students. The diverse course structure has contributed to the college's remarkable growth in rankings.
Jobs After Architecture Course
- Architect: Work with architectural firms, real estate companies, construction companies, or government organisations. Responsibilities include designing buildings, overseeing construction projects, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
- Interior Designer: Design functional and aesthetically pleasing interiors for residential, commercial, and institutional buildings. Opportunities include working with architectural firms or starting your own interior design business.
- Urban Planner: Plan and design cities and communities to ensure they are sustainable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. Employment can be found with government organizations, planning agencies, or architectural firms.
- Landscape Architect: Design outdoor spaces such as parks, gardens, and public spaces. Potential employers include government organizations, landscape design firms, or architectural firms.
- Set Designer: Create sets for movies, theatre productions, and other performances. Work opportunities are available with production companies, theatres, or event management companies.
- Construction Manager: Oversee construction projects to ensure they are completed on time, within budget, and meet quality standards. Employment can be found with construction companies, architectural firms, or real estate companies.
NATA Preparation Tips
Here are NATA preparation tips that will help candidates to score well in the exam.
- Start Early: Begin NATA exam preparation as early as possible—ideally six months before the exam. This will allow ample time to cover all topics and refine various drawing techniques.
- Manage Your Time: Develop a study plan and adhere to it. Allocate specific time slots for both NATA and board exam preparation. Strive to maintain a balance between the two to avoid overwhelming yourself.
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is crucial for enhancing your drawing skills and aptitude. Regularly engage in drawing, sketching, and designing to improve your sense of proportion, observation skills, and critical thinking.
- Take Mock Tests: Regularly taking mock tests can help you assess your preparation level and pinpoint areas of weakness. Aim to complete at least one mock test each week to track your progress and identify areas that need improvement.
- Focus on Key Topics: Prioritise important topics for the NATA exam, such as drawing, mathematics, and reasoning. Ensure that you cover all topics outlined in the NATA syllabus.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest trends and developments in architecture by reading journals, books, and articles. This will provide valuable knowledge and insights into the field.
- Maintain Your Health: Prioritise your physical and mental well-being. Ensure you get adequate sleep, eat nutritious meals, and take breaks to prevent burnout and fatigue.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 6 days ago
Firstly, check the NATA official website for their exam pattern. Understand their exam patterna and syllabus.
Prepare for the syllabus and match the common subject with your academics so that you can work more hard on them.
Check the eligibility for 10+2 for NATA so that you not get problem after 12
A
Beginner-Level 5
Answered a week ago
After completing the application submission process, candidates will have to make the payment of the prescribed NATA application fee for enrollment in BArch course at JNTUK. The application fee can be paid using Netbanking / Credit Cards / ICICI Isure Bank Challan.
Particulars | Fee of one test | Fee for two tests | Fee for three tests |
|---|---|---|---|
General/OBC Male Candidates | INR 1,750 | INR 3,250 | INR 4,500 |
General/OBC Female Candidates | INR 1,250 | INR 2,250 | INR 3,000 |
SC/ST/EWS/PwD Male Candidates | INR 1,250 | INR 2,250 | INR 3,000 |
SC/ST/EWS/PwD Female Candidates | INR 1,000 | INR 1,750 | INR 2,500 |
Transgender Candidates | INR 1,000 | INR 1,500 | INR 2,000 |
Outside India | INR 10,000 | INR 18,000 | INR 25,000 |
Note: Candidates need to download t
R
Contributor-Level 8
Answered a week ago
The authorities have not yet announced the NATA 2025 application form last date for the additional exam dates. The candidates will be required to fill out and submit the NATA application form on or before the final date. The authorities will not entertain any requests of application after the final
T
Contributor-Level 8
Answered a week ago
The material on the various pages of the JNTUK official website suggests that the institution may accept the NATA/EAMCET score for admission to BArch programmes. It is a given that the institution will accept the entrance exam results for admission to BArch programmes. Although the official website
A
Contributor-Level 8
Answered a week ago
Yes, candidates without a valid NATA score are also eligible to apply for BArch course of NICMAR University. These aspirants can apply with a valid score of JEE Main paper - 2 score. Apart from this, the student should have passed Class 12 or equivalent examination from a recognised board with at le
M
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a week ago
Qualifying NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture) is mandatory to be eligible for B.Arch. Also students must have a minimum aggregate of 50% in their class 10+2 with subjects physics, chemistry and mathematics.
S
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a week ago
Candidates seeking admission to the BArch course at Pillai HOC College of Architecture can gain entry without a NATA score. If they do not have a valid NATA score, they must have a valid score from JEE - Paper 2 instead to be eligible for admission. Apart from this, candidates must meet the last eli
T
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week ago
The table below shows the top Architecture colleges accepting NATA scores in India along with their tuition fees:
| Top Colleges | Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| IIT Roorkee | INR 10 lakh |
| IIEST Shibpur | INR 6 lakh |
| CEPT University | INR 17 lakh |
| Jamia Millia Islamia | INR 81,000 |
| VNIT Nagpur | INR 6 lakh |
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from the official website.
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Yes, NATA is one of the accepting exams for admission to Sister Nivedita University BArch programme. Aspirants can also apply with SNUET scores for BArch. SNUET is an online multiple choice test conducted by the university. Aspirants have to fill out the university application form to appear for SNU
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Important dates related to NATA is from April to July. Examination runs for 4 months every weekends with 3 attempt. You can give Examination of Nata and then apply for cllg as per your preference. If college is under government university, you have to wait for counselling process. Or If cllg is Priv
M
Beginner-Level 1
NATA 2025 will be held from March 1, 2025 till June 2025. The candidates will be able to attempt maximum three tests of NATA 2025 and the best score will be considered for admission. The authorities will conduct the entrance examination as a computer-based test and offline test for all eligible candidates.
No Morning Session
(180 mins / 3.0 hours)
Morning Session: 10.00 a.m. to 1.00 pm
(180 mins /3.0 hours)
(180 mins / 3.0 hours)