Aspiring architects in India face a critical choice between the National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) and the Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT) for B.Arch admissions. While both tests gauge aptitude for the field, they differ significantly in their syllabus, difficulty levels, and the institutions that accept their scores. This blog post will break down these key distinctions.
What is NATA?
NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture) is a national-level examination conducted by the Council of Architecture (CoA), India. It assesses a candidate’s aptitude for architecture through tests in drawing, observation skills, sense of proportion, aesthetic sensitivity, and critical thinking. NATA is considered a requirement for admission to undergraduate architecture programs (B.Arch) in the majority of Indian Architecture institutions. It primarily tests design aptitude and general scholastic abilities.
What is AAT?
The Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT) is an entrance exam conducted by the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) for admission to the B.Arch courses at IIT Kharagpur, IIT (BHU) Varanasi and IIT Roorkee. Students who qualify in the JEE – paper 2, Advanced exam are eligible to appear for the AAT entrance exam. While NATA is broader and accepted by numerous colleges, the AAT is specifically designed for IIT aspirants seeking admission to IIT’s architecture programs.
Examination and Registration Requirements: NATA vs AAT
The eligibility requirements must be checked by the candidates before appearing for either of the two exams.
Eligibility for NATA
- Candidates should have passed or appeared in the 10+2 examination or its equivalent.
- Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics must be included in the 10+2 qualification.
- Candidates holding a 10+3 diploma recognized by the Central or State Governments, with Mathematics as a compulsory subject, are also eligible.
- The NATA examination has no age restriction.
Eligibility for AAT
- Aspirants must qualify in the JEE Advanced exam before appearing for AAT. Only candidates who have cleared JEE Advanced are eligible for the AAT entrance exam.
- The candidate should have completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics or an equivalent qualification.
- The eligibility criteria imply the wider accessibility of NATA and the selective nature of AAT.
Comparison of Syllabus: NATA and AAT
Although these two exams evaluate the aptitude of an individual for architecture, their syllabi differ significantly.
NATA Exam Syllabus
The NATA examination evaluates the following areas:
- Drawing and Sketching: Freehand drawing, picture composition, and the visualization of objects in three dimensions.
- Mathematics: Algebra, trigonometry, geometry, mensuration, statistics, and probability.
- General Aptitude: Subject matter includes pattern recognition, analytical thinking, and logical thinking.
- Physics and Chemistry: Some basics related to the Class 11 and 12 syllabus (less emphasis compared to Mathematics and Drawing).
NATA places a strong emphasis on creativity, conceptual understanding, and technical knowledge.
AAT Exam Syllabus
The AAT entrance exam focuses on the following areas:
- Freehand Drawing: Freehand Drawing of objects in 2D and 3D.
- Architectural Awareness: Knowledge of architectural history and concepts.
- Mathematics: Geometry, perspective, and geometrical problems.
- Visualization and Imagination: Ability to visualize structures and spaces.
- Analytical Reasoning: Logical thinking associated with architectural design.
The syllabus of AAT is quite similar to that of NATA except that it accords a focus on architecture-specific skills and visualization.
Exam Scheme and Level of Complexity
An overview of the exam pattern and the relative difficulty of NATA and AAT.
NATA Exam Pattern
Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT) for Mathematics and General Aptitude; Drawing test conducted either offline or online.
Duration: Approximately 3 hours.
Sections:
- Drawing: 100 marks
- Mathematics: 50 marks
- General Aptitude: 50 marks
- Total Marks: 200 marks
NATA is considered to be of a medium difficulty level. It primarily assesses a candidate’s creative and design abilities, along with their understanding of basic scientific concepts.
AAT Exam Pattern
- Mode: Offline testing.
- Duration: 3 hrs.
- Drawings: Drawing, architectural awareness, and Mathematics.
- Total Marks: 100 marks (IIT-wise).
The AAT entrance exam is considered to be difficult in terms of architecturally specific questions as well as in terms of stiff competition among the IIT aspirants.
Career Scope: NATA Vs AAT
What kind of career paths can you take after NATA or AAT?
Career Scope After NATA
- Passing the NATA examination provides access to a wide range of architecture institutes in India, both private and government.
- NATA scores are accepted by many renowned universities for admission into their B.Arch courses.
- Eligible students get to work as architects, city planners, interior designers, and landscape designers as well.
- The popularity of NATA scores offers much flexibility and a broad array of options to aspirants.
Career Scope After AAT
- AAT qualifications are eligible for admission into B.Arch at IIT Kharagpur, IIT (BHU) Varanasi, and IIT Roorkee only.
- IITs provide the best-in-class infrastructure, faculty, and exposure that help enhance academic and career opportunities.
- IIT architecture program graduates tend to be better placed with more research potential.
- Career paths include starting an architectural practice, engaging in research and teaching, and working in consultancy roles at top firms.
Preparing for NATA and AAT: Tips for Aspirants
Helpful tips to get ready for the NATA and AAT exams.
Preparation Tips for NATA
- Emphasize developing freehand drawing techniques and understanding proportion.
- Solve model papers covering math and general aptitude.
- Learn 10+2 level Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
- Learn how to develop time management skills in an online test format.
- Periodically update yourself with the syllabus of the NATA exam to keep yourself right on track.
Preparation Tips for AAT
- Focus on architectural design and visualization.
- Revise techniques of geometric and perspective drawing.
- Improve architectural awareness by reading about well-known architects and styles.
- Solve the AAT papers of recent years to understand the pattern.
Since the AAT entry-level test is based on JEE Advanced, it is necessary to develop strong analytical skills.
NATA vs AAT: Choose the Exam That Aligns with Your Goals
The decision between the NATA examination and the AAT entrance exam mainly depends on the student’s career objectives and eligibility. While NATA offers a broader platform for admission to various colleges, AAT is the sole entry route for architecture courses at IITs. To support this journey, Architectural Tutorials provides focused guidance and preparation strategies tailored for both NATA and AAT aspirants, helping students approach these exams with confidence.
If you’re planning to pursue a degree in architecture, make sure to familiarize yourself with the latest policies, guidelines, and syllabus changes for both NATA and AAT. This will help you make an informed decision about which exam is right for you.
Read to know more: Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid in NATA Drawing Tests
