NATA Syllabus

NATA Syllabus and Format

The test is in two parts. A paper based drawing test for two hours and computer based online aesthetic sensitivity test for one hour. The test measures aptitude of the candidate through two sections – a paper based section for drawing and computer based section for aesthetic sensitivity.

NATA Drawing Test

This is a two hour paper where candidate has to attempt two questions. One of the questions has two sub questions. The drawing aptitude 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.

Scoring
The drawing paper will be examined by the designated examiners over the internet in absence of the candidate and marks will be uploaded to NATA server. The drawing papers are scanned and uploaded to NATA server for the purpose, within four hours of printing the question paper. Usually three different examiners, from different parts of India, independently examine each question and their marks are averaged. NATA administrator reserves the rights to moderate the marks given by the examiners to achieve parity. The primary emphasis in scoring the drawing section isn the candidate’s drawing, imagination and observation skills. The candidate’s sense of proportion & perspective is also evaluated together with sense for colour composition.

NATA Aesthetic Sensitivity Test

This is computer based test of one hour where candidate has to answer 40 multiple choice questions.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 objects.
  •   Indentifying commonly used materials and objects based on their textural qualities.
  •   Analytical reasoning.
  •   Mental Ability.
  •   Imaginative comprehension and expression.
  •   Architectural awareness.

Scoring
During the computer based test, with adaptive testing, an examinee is administered a set of questions with a difficulty level that is specifically designed to match the examinee's ability level. The mathematical process for calculating a score in this situation incorporates the statistical properties of the questions, the examinee's performance on the questions, and the number of questions that are answered. 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. Test design factors that influence which questions are presented to the candidate include:

  •   The statistical characteristics (including difficulty level) of the questions already answered
  •   The required variety of question types
  •   The appropriate coverage of content.
  •   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.
  •   Average time allotted to answer the question is 90 seconds and the countdown begins 30 seconds before the time ends, however, for certain questions depending upon their difficulty level, time allotted to provide the answer may be reduced to 60 seconds or may be extended to 120 seconds. There is no Negative marking in this test.