Is NATA Compulsory for Architecture Admission in India?

Candidates asking "Is NATA compulsory for architecture admission in India?" must understand that NATA is not compulsory. While it is one of the esteemed entrance tests, acceptable at top-ranking architecture institutes in India, candidates can also appear for AAT, MHT CET, KEAM and other entrance exams.

The National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) is a national-level exam conducted by the Council of Architecture (CoA). By testing innate ability (aptitude that cannot simply be taught), NATA helps ensure that candidates have the creative and perceptual skills needed for a B.Arch program.

However, NATA is considered one of the highly competitive entrance tests for architecture. Thus, candidates can aim to appear for other entrance tests in India. Want to know more about NATA and its alternatives? Read the article below.

Is NATA Compulsory for Architecture Admission in 2025?

Given the highly competitive nature of the NATA exam, students often ask, "Is NATA compulsory for architecture admission? In most cases, yes - but with important exceptions. The CoA's official guidelines for 2025 confirm that B.Arch admissions can be secured through NATA for the following reasons:

The NATA exam is accepted by most architecture colleges approved by the Council of Architecture (CoA). Many top-ranked private architecture colleges and state universities only accept NATA scores (not JEE), including CEPT University, JJ College of Architecture, RV College, etc.

The NATA exam tests candidates' drawing skills, spatial ability, logical reasoning, and aesthetic sensitivity, which are more relevant for architecture than general engineering aptitude. It is ideal for students who are strong in creativity and design thinking.

NATA is conducted multiple times a year (typically 2-3 attempts). Candidates can choose their best score for admission. It is more flexible scheduling compared to JEE Main Paper 2, which has fixed dates. Moreover, the mathematics level is comparatively less intense.

The Council of Architecture has made it clear that "either NATA or JEE Main Paper 2 is compulsory for B.Arch admission in India". In other words, there is no merit- or management-admission bypass: an entrance test is required. If candidates aim for a non-IIT/NIT/SOA college, be prepared to take NATA.

However, the B.Arch admissions can be secured either through NATA or through JEE Main (Paper 2). Practically speaking, this means:

• IITs (Architecture at IIT Kharagpur, Roorkee, etc.) - Admission is via JEE Advanced, followed by the Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT). NATA is not required for IITs.
• NITs and IIITs (CFTIs) - These institutes use JEE Main Paper 2 scores for B.Arch admissions, so NATA is not needed for their seats.
• School of Planning and Architecture (SPAs) - The SPAs (Delhi, Vijayawada, Bhopal) generally admit students through JEE Main Paper 2 scores (SPA, Delhi also accepts JEE Main scores).
• All other architecture colleges (state universities and private colleges affiliated with CoA) - require NATA scores for admission. For example, prestigious institutes like CEPT Ahmedabad, Chandigarh College of Architecture, BIT Mesra, and College of Engineering Trivandrum admit B.Arch students based on NATA scores.

Also Read: How to Calculate NATA Merit Rank?

NATA Eligibility Criteria 2025

To appear for NATA, candidates must meet the CoA's basic requirements. The table below summarises the key NATA eligibility criteria for 2025:

B.Arch Admission in India Without NATA

While NATA is required for most B.Arch seats, there are alternative pathways, including the following:

JEE Main (Paper 2)

This national exam is accepted by all IITs and NITs (for B.Arch/B.Planning). Clearing JEE Main Paper 2 makes an individual eligible for counselling at these institutes instead of NATA.

JEE Advanced (AAT)

For IITs, including Kharagpur, Roorkee, that offer B.Arch, only JEE Advanced qualifiers who take and pass the Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT) are admitted. No NATA score is needed if a candidate takes this route.

State-level Entrance Exams

In India, several state-level exams are conducted for architecture admission. For example, the Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MHT-CET) has an Architecture paper for admission to state institutes.

Kerala's KEAM used to have an Architecture paper (in 2025, KEAM B.Arch admissions will still be based on NATA scores). Other examples include TS EAMCET, AP EAMCET and WBJEE, which often admit some B.Arch students.

Institute-specific Exams/Management Quota

A few private universities conduct their entrance tests for architecture or offer management-quota seats without requiring NATA/JEE. For instance, PES University, Bangalore permits direct B.Arch admission via management quota without a NATA or JEE score (at a high fee). Similarly, Symbiosis through SITEEE and Hindustan Institute (HITSEEE) have their own exams. Important: These paths are limited in number and usually very expensive.

Also Read: Career Options After B.Arch

Top B.Arch Colleges in India Accepting NATA 2025

Here's the detailed list of colleges in India accepting B.Arch admission through NATA 2025:

Is NATA compulsory for B.Arch admission in India 2025? No, NATA is not compulsory; candidates can appear for other entrance tests, including JEE Main Paper 2, AAT, MHT CET and more. However, NATA remains essential for most architecture aspirants - it's the standard aptitude test for hundreds of B.Arch programs across India.