NATA 2024 is an entrance exam conducted in India for admission to undergraduate architecture courses. The NATA exam is administered by the Council of Architecture (COA). The NATA exam dates 2024 was on every weekend from April 6, 2024, to July 28, 2024. Additional NATA examination date 2024 is on August 10, 2024, and August 24, 2024. Read more to know Top Architecture Colleges Based on NIRF Ranking, Best Courses, Benefits and Preparation Tips.
NATA 2024: 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 areas such as 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.
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.
Benefits of NATA Exam
Qualifying the NATA exam is a significant milestone that opens numerous opportunities in the field of architecture.
- 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.
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
India offers many top architecture courses for students interested in pursuing a career in architecture. Here are some of the top architecture courses in India:
- 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
The list of Top BArch Colleges in India that accept NATA scores.
- 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
Job opportunities in the field of architecture become available after the completion of the course. Here are some career paths you can explore:
- 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.
Is NATA required for BArch admission at Sister Nivedita University?