Server glitches and shortage of computers mars NATA exam

Scores of students from across the state, appearing for the National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) at Thadomal Shahani Engineering College, Bandra were a worried lot. Apart from the exam jitters, the 300-odd students were in for a rude shock when the exam scheduled for 10 am started late due to some technical glitch in the server. Some students complained that there was shortage of computers and only two officials from NATA to conduct the exam.

A nervous candidate from Navi Mumbai, said, "I was at the exam centre at 8 am. They called all candidates inside for registration at 9 am. The exam was supposed to start at 10 am but it started late due to some server problem. Also, there was shortage of computers so candidates had to wait for their turn to give the exam."

Shailesh Powale, a parent from Kalwa, whose daughter appeared for the NATA said that there many students were making drawings on their lap due to lack of space and tables in the classroom.

The National Aptitude Test in Architecture is conducted by National Institute of Advanced Studies in Architecture which is a body of Council of Architecture, New Delhi in India. "We hope that the next attempt which is on July 7, NATA will make better arrangements at the exam centres," Powale said.

When contacted, Raj Oberoi, registrar, Council of Architecture said that there was some server issue at the Thadomal exam centre. "But it was resolved quickly. The exam went smoothly across the country including Mumbai," Oberoi said.

ROUGHT START

• 300 students from across the state appeared for the NATA at Thadomal Shahani Engineering College, Bandra 
   
• Students complained of shortage of computers, tables and space constraint