For prospective architecture students seeking admission into an undergraduate course, different entrance exams are conducted. Some of which are the National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA), the All India Engineering Entrance Exam (AIEEE), and the various regional architecture entrance exams .

Architecture entrance exams test the candidates for their drawing skills and their aesthetic sensitivity. They aim at measuring perception, imagination and observation, creativity and communication along with architectural awareness. The test aims to measure the ability to sketch accurately, reason analytically, think imaginatively, comprehend intelligently, and express creatively.

The NATA exam is an aptitude test conducted by the Council of Architecture. Clearing the NATA exam is a must in order to obtain a membership into the Council of Architecture.

The NATA test measures aptitude of the candidate through two sections:

1. A two-hour paper-based section for drawing

2. A one-hour computer-based section for aesthetic sensitivity.

The drawing section, besides testing the candidate’s imagination and observation skills, lays emphasis on scoring lines in making drawings. While in the aesthetic sensitivity section, the candidate’s score depends on the number of questions correctly answered in the time allotted. This section is computer adaptive, meaning that the computer selects questions based on the candidate’s performance in preceding questions and on the requirements of the test design.

The test measures sensitivity, ability, and skills that are inborn or have been acquired over a long period of time, and are related to a specific field of study. NATA is designed in such a manner that prior coaching is not required. However, candidates may want to enhance their skills through practice and update their knowledge by reading material available on the internet or in college libraries, or even by talking to practicing architects, teachers of architecture, and even architecture students.