The National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) measures the aptitude of the applicant for specific field of study, i.e. Architecture. The test measures drawing and observation skills, sense of proportion, aesthetic sensitivity and critical thinking ability that have been acquired over a long period of time, and that are related to specific field of study, i.e. Architecture.

NATA 2012 (National Aptitude Test in Architecture) will be held between 15th Mar 2012 – 31st August 2012.

A look at the exam pattern of NATA 2012:

NATA has two parts:

• paper based drawing test for two hours
• computer based online aesthetic sensitivity test

Drawing Test

This is a two hour paper where candidate has to attempt three questions.

The drawing aptitude is judged on the following aspects -

• Ability to sketch a given object proportionately and rendering the same in visually appealing manner.
• Visualising and drawing the effects of light on the object and shadows cast on surroundings.
• Sense of perspective drawing.
• Combining and composing given three dimensional elements to form a building or structural form.
• Creating interesting two dimensional composition using given shapes and forms.
• Creating visual harmony using colours in given composition.
• Understanding of scale and proportions.
• Drawing from memory through pencil sketch on themes from day to day experiences.

Aesthetic Sensitivity Test

This is computer based test where candidate has to answer 40 multiple choice questions.

The aesthetic sensitivity test measures perception, imagination and observation, creativity and communication along with architectural awareness and comprises of :

• Visualising three dimensional objects from two dimensional drawings.
• Visualising different sides of three dimensional objects.
• Identifying commonly used materials and objects based on their textural qualities.
• Analytical reasoning.
• Mental Ability.
• Imaginative comprehension and expression.
• Architectural awareness.

Scoring Process of NATA 2012

The answer to each question in the 'drawing' paper will be examined by a panel of 3 examiners independently and the marks are averaged. It may be further subject to moderation.

During the computer based test, with adaptive testing, an examinee is administered a set of questions with a difficulty level that is specifically designed to match the examinee's ability level. The mathematical process for calculating a score in this situation incorporates the statistical properties of the questions, the examinee's performance on the questions and the number of questions that are answered.

How the Sections of the Test Are Scored:

1. Drawing Section
The primary emphasis in scoring the drawing section is on the candidate's drawing imagination and observation skills. The candidate's sense of proportion & perspective is also evaluated together with sense for colour and composition.

2. Aesthetic Sensitivity Section
The candidate's score will depend on his / her performance on the questions given and on the number of questions answered in the time allotted.
This section is computer adaptive, meaning that the computer selects questions based on the candidate's performance on preceding questions (When correct answer is given, next question will be of higher difficulty level whereas, if wrong answer is given next question is of lower difficulty level) and on the requirements of the test design. Test design factors that influence which questions are presented to the candidate include:

• The statistical characteristics (including difficulty level) of the questions already answered
• The required variety of question types
• The appropriate coverage of content.
• The final score depends on average difficulty level of all questions and of those questions answered correctly. E.g. person with correct answer for less number of questions of higher difficulty level may score higher marks than someone who answers more number of questions correctly but of lower difficulty level.
• Time allotted to answer the question is between 40 and 120 seconds depending upon the question. The time remaining to answer the question is displayed on the screen. The "per second" countdown begins 30 seconds before the allotted time for that question ends. In case no answer is offered till the time ends, the question is skipped and next question appears.
• There is no Negative marking in this test.

NO REVALUATION IS POSSIBLE FOR EITHER OF THE TESTS.

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NATA 2012 (National Aptitude Test in Architecture): Important Dates, Eligibility

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NATA 2012: Some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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