On 29 August, at least 100 students from Goa took the National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA), which is given for admission to degree courses in architecture.

47 students took NATA at the centre at MICE, Margo, while 52 students took the test at Don Bosco College of Engineering Fatorda. Besides these, some students took the test from their homes.

This is the first time that the whole examination was given online. In spite of a few glitches, everyone could complete the test, according to the Council of Architecture.

The examination consists of two parts. Part 1, which tests the general aptitude and logical reasoning of the candidates, has a duration of 45 minutes, while Part 2, which tests cognitive skill, lasts 72 minutes.

According to a member of the Council of Architecture, Part 2 includes questions with high-resolution images that were supposed to be analyzed by students. “There was a broadband speed issue at MICE academy and 12 students complained of the images being displayed slowly and questions being skipped due to connectivity issue,” he said.

“Five students could not log in on the first attempt, but managed to do so after 45 minutes. They answered part 2 first and part 1 later.”

An option has been provided for students to retake the test on 12 September. Those who had software issues during the first test and want to answer again can register themselves again for another test. They have to register on www.nata.in before 4 September.

Before the test began, thermal screening was carried out. No student was found to have an unusual temperature.