Understanding NATA
Before we dive into the scoring system, let’s briefly recap what NATA is and why it matters.
NATA, conducted by the Council of Architecture (CoA) in India, assesses the aptitude of candidates for a career in architecture. It evaluates their drawing and observation skills, aesthetic sensitivity, sense of proportion, and critical thinking ability. NATA scores are essential for securing admission to undergraduate architecture programs across the country.
The NATA exam comprises two parts:
Part A: Drawing Test
Part B: Online Aesthetic Sensitivity Test (AST)
Each of these parts contributes to your overall NATA score, but how exactly is this score calculated? Let’s break it down step by step.
Part A: Drawing Test
The Drawing Test is the first segment of the NATA exam, designed to assess your sketching and visualization skills. This part is usually conducted on paper and consists of two questions:
Sketching a given object: You are given an object, and you have to sketch it to demonstrate your ability to observe and reproduce shapes accurately.
Creating a composition using given shapes and forms: In this section, you are provided with a set of shapes and forms that you need to use to create a composition. Your creativity, sense of proportion, and understanding of spatial relationships are evaluated here.
Each of these questions is evaluated independently by experienced examiners. They assess various aspects, including:
Accuracy in sketching
Creativity in composition
Use of proportion and scale
Understanding of perspective
Each question in Part A is scored out of 50, making the total score for this section 100.
Part B: Online Aesthetic Sensitivity Test (AST)
The second part of the NATA exam is the Online Aesthetic Sensitivity Test (AST). Unlike the Drawing Test, this part is computer-based and assesses your aesthetic sense and awareness.
AST consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) that evaluate your understanding of various visual elements and principles of design. These questions are designed to gauge your sensitivity to color, texture, harmony, and visual composition. The AST aims to assess your ability to perceive and appreciate design concepts and aesthetics.
Each question in the AST carries equal marks, and there are typically around 40 to 45 questions in this section. The total score for Part B can vary slightly from year to year, depending on the number of questions and the overall difficulty level of the test.
Calculating the Overall NATA Score
Now that we understand how each part of the NATA exam is scored, let’s explore how your overall NATA score is calculated.
1. Part A Score:
Each question in Part A is scored out of 50.
Your score for Part A is the sum of the scores for both questions (out of 100).
2. Part B Score:
The total marks for Part B can vary from year to year.
Your score for Part B is calculated based on the number of correct answers in the Online Aesthetic Sensitivity Test.
3. Total NATA Score:
Your overall NATA score is the sum of your scores in Part A and Part B.
This score is typically on a scale of 200, with Part A contributing 50% (100 marks) and Part B contributing the remaining 50%.
For example, if you score 80 out of 100 in Part A and 90 out of 200 in Part B, your total NATA score would be 170 out of 300.
It’s important to note that NATA scores are subject to percentile ranking. Your percentile rank indicates how you performed relative to other candidates who took the exam in the same year. This percentile rank is crucial for securing admission to architecture programs, as it determines your eligibility for various colleges and universities.
NATA Score Validity
NATA scores are typically valid for one year, which means you can use your score to apply for admission to architecture programs in the year following the exam. Keep this in mind when planning your educational journey, as you’ll need to take the NATA exam again if your scores have expired.
Conclusion
Understanding how NATA scores are calculated is essential for anyone aiming to pursue a career in architecture in India. The NATA scoring system evaluates your drawing skills, aesthetic sensitivity, and design awareness, combining these factors to determine your overall score. Your NATA score, along with your percentile rank, plays a significant role in securing admission to the architecture program of your choice.
As you prepare for the NATA exam, remember that practice and continuous improvement are key to achieving a high score. Whether you’re working on your sketching techniques or honing your aesthetic sensibility, your dedication and effort will ultimately reflect in your NATA score.
So, aspiring architects, armed with this knowledge, go forth and prepare diligently. Your NATA score is your gateway to a promising career in the world of architecture. Good luck!