Well, NATA = ARCHITECTURE
NID= DESIGN
As once quoted by Le Corbusier, "Architecture is the learned game, correct and magnificent, of forms assembled in the light.”
National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) is being conducted by COA since 2006, in terms of the provisions of CoA (Minimum Standards of Architectural Education) Regulations, 1983, published in the Gazette of India. It is implied that a separate aptitude test in Architecture should be conducted and such test should not be combined with the tests for admissions to Engineering, Pharmacy, Medicine and other disciplines. Being the competent authority for fixing the norms and standards for architectural institutions, COA has the necessary expertise to hold a Common Aptitude Test in Architecture, at national level to provide a single window system for appearing in aptitude test and to facilitate institutions, students and public at large for admission to First year of 5 year B.Arch. Degree Course at all recognized Institutions all over country. The purpose of conducting NATA is to provide a single scheme of examination for holding aptitude test and to facilitate prospective students all over the country to apply for admissions in architecture seats in institutions spread across the country and to avoid appearing in multiple aptitude tests. However, the actual admissions shall be carried out only by the concerned competent authorities of the respective states/institutions based on valid NATA score.The NATA also ensures that the eligibility criteria for admission to five-year Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) degree course, as prescribed by CoA and duly approved by the Central Government, are strictly adhered to and followed all over the country in Architectural Institutions.
National Institute of Design (NID) at Ahmedabad and at its Bengaluru and Gandhinagar Extension campuses is an ‘Institute of National Importance’ as per the NID Act 2014 as well as an autonomous Institute under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India. As per the NID Act 2014, the Institute is a statutory authority empowered to award its own degrees— presently offering Bachelor of Design (B.Des.) of four-year duration, Masters of Design (M.Des.) of two-and-a-half year duration and PhD in Design. The Institute is also a member of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
NID Andhra Pradesh, NID Haryana, NID Madhya Pradesh & NID Assam are an independent autonomous institute under the DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India and offer full time four year Bachelors’ Programme in Design (B.Des.)
Admission to all the programmes at NID is on the basis of the candidates’ performance in the two-stages of Design Aptitude Test viz. DAT Prelim & DAT Mains. The objective of these exams is to assess the knowledge, skills and behavioural abilities of candidates.
