NATA 2025: Top Architecture Colleges (NIRF Ranking 2024), Best Courses, Jobs, Benefits and Preparation Tips
National Aptitude Test in Architecture 2026 ( NATA )
NATA 2025 is an entrance exam conducted in India for admission to undergraduate architecture courses. The NATA exam is administered by the Council of Architecture (COA). NATA Registration 2025 begins on February 3, 2025. The NATA exam dates 2025 is from March 1, 2025 till June 2025. Read more to know Top Architecture Colleges Based on NIRF Ranking, Best Courses, Benefits and Preparation Tips.
NATA Architecture
NATA 2025: NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture), is an entrance exam in India for undergraduate architecture courses, conducted by the Council of Architecture (COA). NATA exam assesses a candidate's skills in drawing, observation, sense of proportion, aesthetic sensitivity, critical thinking, and mathematics. NATA is a computer-based test held multiple times a year across various centres in India. The NATA exam dates are announced on the official website.
Explore colleges based on NATA
Want better recommendations?
There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.
- Chat with our counselor
- Get your personalised list of colleges & exams matching your preferences
Eligibility for the NATA exam requires candidates to have completed their Class 12 or equivalent examination with at least 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. NATA application form is generally available from March. NATA is a vital step for students aiming to pursue a career in architecture, as successful candidates can gain admission to top architecture colleges across the country.
- Benefits of NATA Exam
- Top 25 Architecture Colleges Based on NIRF Ranking 2024
- Top Architecture Colleges in India
- Jobs After Architecture Course
- NATA Preparation Tips
Benefits of NATA Exam
- Passing the NATA exam qualifies the candidates to apply for undergraduate architecture courses at various colleges across India. Based on the NATA scores, the candidates can apply to their preferred colleges.
- After earning an undergraduate degree in architecture, candidates have the option to pursue a Master's degree in the field or work as an architect in various firms, or government organisations, or even start their practice.
- It's important to remember that passing the NATA exam is just the initial step towards a successful career in architecture. Continued hard work, creativity, and skill development are essential for long-term success in this profession.
Top 25 Architecture Colleges Based on NIRF Ranking 2024
The candidates can check the table below for the names of the Top 25 Architecture Colleges in India based on the NIRF Ranking. The candidates can apply to the best architecture colleges by knowing the NIRF Ranking of the colleges.
Explore more Architecture & Planning exams with upcoming date
18 Oct '25
| Architecture Colleges | NIRF Ranking |
|---|---|
| India Institute of Technology, Roorkee | 1 |
| India Institute of Technology, Kharagpur | 2 |
| National Institute of Technology, Calicut | 3 |
| Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur | 4 |
| School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi | 5 |
| Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology University | 6 |
| Jamia Millia Islamia | 7 |
| National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli | 8 |
| National Institute of Technology Rourkela | 9 |
| Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology Nagpur | 10 |
| S.R.M. Institute of Science and Technology | 11 |
| School of Planning and Architecture Bhopal | 12 |
| Chandigarh University | 13 |
| Aligarh Muslim University | 14 |
| Malaviya National Institute of Technology | 15 |
| School of Planning and Architecture Vijayawada | 16 |
| Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology | 17 |
| College of Engineering, Trivandrum | 18 |
| Nirma University | 19 |
| Birla Institute of Technology | 20 |
| M. S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology | 21 |
| Dr. M. G. R. Educational and Research Institute | 22 |
| BMS College of Architecture | 23 |
| Lovely Professional University | 24 |
| Amity University | 25 |
Best Architechture Courses
- Bachelor of Architecture (BArch): This five-year undergraduate course focuses on design, construction, and the use of space. It is a popular choice for students aiming to become architects.
- Bachelor of Planning (BPlan): This four-year undergraduate course centres on urban planning and design, covering topics such as urban development, transportation planning, and environmental planning.
- Diploma in Architecture (DArch): This two-year diploma course provides students with the basic skills and knowledge required to become architects.
- Master of Architecture (MArch): This postgraduate course is available to students who have completed their undergraduate degree in architecture. It emphasises advanced design, technology, and research.
- Master of Planning (MPlan): This postgraduate course focuses on advanced planning techniques, research, and technology in urban planning and design.
- Postgraduate Diploma in Urban Planning and Management (PGDUPM): This one-year postgraduate diploma course focuses on urban planning and management, including urban development, transportation planning, and environmental planning.
- Integrated March: This five-year integrated course combines a bachelor's degree in architecture with a master's degree in architecture.
Top Architecture Colleges in India
- Sir Jamsetjee Jeejebhoy College of Architecture, Mumbai: It is one of the oldest architecture colleges in Asia. The institute offers both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in architecture, namely the Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) and the Master of Architecture (M.Arch). The B.Arch degree is a five-year full-time program, while the M.Arch degree is a two-year full-time programme.
- IIT Roorkee: The Department of Architecture and Planning at IIT Roorkee was the first institute in India to offer a master's degree course in architecture. As a modern institution, it has earned a distinguished reputation in the field of architecture. The architecture courses provided by IIT Roorkee are of an exceptional standard.
- Chandigarh College of Architecture: It is one of the leading architectural institutes in Punjab. It offers a five-year full-time Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) course. Over the years, the college has received significant recognition for its excellent teaching methods in the field of planning and design.
- NIT Tiruchirappalli: The Department of Architecture at NIT Tiruchirappalli, a public engineering and technology university, is ranked as the 4th best architecture college in India by Outlook through NATA. It offers one of the most promising architecture degrees in India. For years, it has enriched students' lives with comprehensive knowledge of architectural designs and concepts.
- NIT Calicut: The Department of Architecture at NIT Calicut has steadily become one of India's most prominent institutions for architectural studies. It boasts some of the best faculty members who mentor, assist, and guide students. The diverse course structure has contributed to the college's remarkable growth in rankings.
Jobs After Architecture Course
- Architect: Work with architectural firms, real estate companies, construction companies, or government organisations. Responsibilities include designing buildings, overseeing construction projects, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
- Interior Designer: Design functional and aesthetically pleasing interiors for residential, commercial, and institutional buildings. Opportunities include working with architectural firms or starting your own interior design business.
- Urban Planner: Plan and design cities and communities to ensure they are sustainable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. Employment can be found with government organizations, planning agencies, or architectural firms.
- Landscape Architect: Design outdoor spaces such as parks, gardens, and public spaces. Potential employers include government organizations, landscape design firms, or architectural firms.
- Set Designer: Create sets for movies, theatre productions, and other performances. Work opportunities are available with production companies, theatres, or event management companies.
- Construction Manager: Oversee construction projects to ensure they are completed on time, within budget, and meet quality standards. Employment can be found with construction companies, architectural firms, or real estate companies.
NATA Preparation Tips
Here are NATA preparation tips that will help candidates to score well in the exam.
- Start Early: Begin NATA exam preparation as early as possible—ideally six months before the exam. This will allow ample time to cover all topics and refine various drawing techniques.
- Manage Your Time: Develop a study plan and adhere to it. Allocate specific time slots for both NATA and board exam preparation. Strive to maintain a balance between the two to avoid overwhelming yourself.
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is crucial for enhancing your drawing skills and aptitude. Regularly engage in drawing, sketching, and designing to improve your sense of proportion, observation skills, and critical thinking.
- Take Mock Tests: Regularly taking mock tests can help you assess your preparation level and pinpoint areas of weakness. Aim to complete at least one mock test each week to track your progress and identify areas that need improvement.
- Focus on Key Topics: Prioritise important topics for the NATA exam, such as drawing, mathematics, and reasoning. Ensure that you cover all topics outlined in the NATA syllabus.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest trends and developments in architecture by reading journals, books, and articles. This will provide valuable knowledge and insights into the field.
- Maintain Your Health: Prioritise your physical and mental well-being. Ensure you get adequate sleep, eat nutritious meals, and take breaks to prevent burnout and fatigue.
News & Updates
Explore Other Exams
8 Jun '25 | AAT 2025 Result |
5 Jun '25 | AAT 2025 Exam Date |
Jul '25 | TANATA 2025 result |
Jul '25 | TANATA 2025 Exam Date |
Dec '25 | GITAM GAT 2026 registration st... |
Jun '26 | GITAM GAT 2026 registration en... |
Jan '26 | OJEE 2026 registrations |
Mar '26 | OJEE 2026: Last date of fee pa... |
18 Apr '17 - 19 Apr '17 | U-PAT 2017 Exam |
12 Apr '17 | Last date to register for UPAT... |
1 Jul '25 - 15 Oct '25 | CUCET 2025 Phase 2 Application... |
1 Jul '25 - 16 Oct '25 | CUCET 2025 Phase 2 Exam Date |
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 weeks ago
Absolutely, either NATA or JEE Paper 2 (B.Arch Aptitude Test) is compulsory for admission into Chandigarh University's architecture program. Even if a student has scored well in 12th or diploma, the aptitude test cannot be skipped because it is mandated by the Council of Architecture. These tests me
R
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 4 weeks ago
Yes, candidates have to qualify AAT after qualifying JEE Advanced to be eligible for IIT BArch admissions.
A
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
In the NATA Drawing section, questions are designed to test your creativity, imagination, visualisation, and sketching ability. You won't be judged on artistic perfection, but on clarity, proportion, perspective, and originality.
Here are the common types of questions asked:
Sketching from Memory – Dr
A
Beginner-Level 5
Answered a month ago
Yes, NCERT Mathematics (Class 11 & 12) is generally enough for NATA preparation because most of the topics in the syllabus are covered in NCERT.
The NATA Mathematics section usually tests:
Algebra
Trigonometry
Coordinate Geometry
Matrices & Determinants
Probability & Statistics
Vectors
Differential & Integr
M
Beginner-Level 5
Answered a month ago
For NATA, you don't need to study architecture as a full subject before the exam. However, having a basic awareness is very helpful because the General Aptitude section includes questions on:
- Famous architects (like Le Corbusier, B.V. Doshi, Zaha Hadid, etc.)
- Well-known monuments and buildings in Indi
S
Beginner-Level 5
Answered a month ago
The General Aptitude section of NATA checks your reasoning, visualization, and awareness related to design and architecture. It generally covers:
Analytical Reasoning & Mental Ability – puzzles, patterns, coding-decoding, sequences, etc.
Logical Reasoning – problem-solving, relationships, analogies, a
M
Beginner-Level 5
Answered a month ago
No, the NATA syllabus does not include Physics and Chemistry.
The exam mainly focuses on Mathematics, General Aptitude, and Drawing skills. While Physics and Chemistry are not part of the test, having a basic understanding of these subjects may indirectly help in architectural concepts, but they are
P
Beginner-Level 5
Answered a month ago
Students can refer to the table below for some details about the top government Architecture colleges in India accepting NATA:
Public/Government Colleges | Total Tuition Fee | NIRF '24 |
|---|---|---|
INR 10 Lakh | 1 | |
INR 10 Lakh | 2 | |
INR 6.25 Lakh | 3 | |
INR 4 Lakh | 5 | |
INR 6.25 Lakh | 8 |
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.
M
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The table below provides some details about the private top Architecture colleges in India that accept NATA:
Private Colleges | Total Tuition Fee | NIRF '24 |
|---|---|---|
| CEPT University Admission | INR 22.75 Lakh | 6 |
INR 13.75 Lakh | 11 | |
| Nirma University Admission | INR 11.1 Lakh | 13 |
| Nirma University Admission | INR 11.5 Lakh | 19 |
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.
M
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The Council of Architecture has not yet announced the official last date to register for NATA 2026. However, based on previous years' trends and information from exam sources, the registration process is expected to begin in February 2026 and continue until the third week of March 2026. Additionally
D
Contributor-Level 10