NATA is designed in such a manner that prior tutelage is not required. COA-NIASA is aware that candidates will have no or minimal knowledge of architecture. NATA examination which consist of two parts, measures aptitude of the candidate in his / her aesthetic sensibilities (3D visualisation, logical understanding, etc.) and drawing skills, that are in-built in every candidate and developed right from childhood to the present day. The paper based drawing test is of two hours duration and computer based online aesthetic sensitivity test is of one hour. Computer based test will be given only after completing the Paper based test.

 The drawing aptitude test 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.

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 object.
• Identifying commonly used materials and objects based on their textural qualities.
• Analytical reasoning.
• Mental Ability.
• Imaginative comprehension and expression.
• Architectural awareness.

Scoring : 

Drawing Section - The primary emphasis in scoring the draw ing section is on the candidate’s drawing, imagination and observation skills. In memory drawing, the candidate’s sense of proportion & perspective is evaluated. The candidate shall receive a single score for his / her performance on the drawing section. The candidate will receive a NS (No Score) if the he / she does not draw a response for either of the two tasks in the drawing section.

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. 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.

The candidate may collect the his/ her score card from the Test Center where the candidate appeared, in person on fourth day of appearing for the test or later. Alternatively, on specific request in writing to the center in-charge, they can be mailed to the candidate, at his / her risk, approximately 3 to 4 days after the candidate takes the test.