Architecture course blends the art and science of designing, planning, and constructing buildings and various physical structures, focusing on aesthetics, functionality, sustainability, human behavior, and cultural relevance.
Eligibility criteria for undergraduate programs like the Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch), candidates must have completed their 10+2 with at least 50-60 percent marks, including subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, and must clear entrance exams such as the JEE Main Paper 2 for B.Arch or the National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA). Some universities also hold their own entrance tests.
To pursue a Master of Architecture (M.Arch), a Bachelor's degree in Architecture from a recognized university with a minimum of 50 percent marks is required, along with passing scores in entrance exams like the Graduate Aptitude Test in Architecture (GATE) or the Common Entrance Exam for Design (CEED), with some institutions conducting their own tests.
Latest Updates:
Architecture Course Details: Highlights
the table mentioned below provides basic course-related details. In order to get a quick review of the course, refer to the table below:
Events |
Particulars |
Course Level |
Postgraduate |
Duration |
2 Years |
Examination Type |
Semester System |
Eligibility Criteria |
BArch with minimum 50% marks |
Popular Exams |
NATA, JEE Main Paper 2, AAT |
Average Course Fees |
INR 1 - 2 Lakh |
Top Colleges |
IIT Roorkee, SPA Delhi, IIT Kharagpur, Chandigarh University, NIT Trichy |
Average Salary |
INR 2 - 10 Lakh |
Top Career Opportunities |
Project manager, Project architect, Design architect, Landscape/design conservator |
Top Recruiters |
Housing and Urban Development Organizations, Public Works Department or PWD, Architecture Development Organizations |
Note- This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.
Architecture Courses Relevant Information:
Monolithic vs Microservices Architecture
What is Architecture Course?
Architecture course involves the art and science of planning, designing, and engineering buildings and large structures. Students who study Architecture degree learn to combine the aesthetic and practical needs of their clients to construct and create their space. More details about the course are as follows:
- Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) is the most common undergraduate degree in India, lasting 5 years.
- Focuses on design, theory, technology, and history of architecture.
- Equips students with skills for various architectural fields.
- Requires qualifying entrance exams like JEE Main Paper 2 or NATA.
- Career options include architectural firms, urban design, interior design, and more.
Why pursue Architecture Course?
The following points describe the possible scope and benefits of pursuing Architecture courses in India:
- Creative & impactful career: Shape the built environment and design spaces that influence people's lives.
- Growing industry demand: India's rapid development creates a high demand for skilled architects.
- Diverse career paths: Explore various fields like residential, commercial, urban design, or sustainability.
- Rich architectural heritage: Learn from India's historical sites and contemporary architectural projects.
- Globally recognized qualifications: A B.Arch degree can open doors to international opportunities.
Quick Link for NATA 2024:
NATA Cutoff 2024: Check Qualifying Cutoff, Previous Year's Admission Cutoff Marks
Architecture Eligibility Criteria
Students will be required to meet the decided Architecture eligibility for admissions. The eligibility criteria may differ as per the institute that the students opt for; however, the basic requirements will remain the same.
Course Level |
Eligibility Criteria |
Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) |
- 10+2 (Higher Secondary) from a recognized board with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.
- Minimum 50 percent aggregate marks (may vary slightly between institutions)
|
Master of Architecture (M.Arch) |
- Bachelor's degree in Architecture (B.Arch) from a recognized university.
- Minimum 50 percent marks in the undergraduate program.
|
Diploma in Architecture |
- Students should have completed the 10th standard examination from a recognized board.
- Should have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in 10th
|
Architecture Courses Relevant Information:
How to Prepare for NATA 2024: Check Best Books, Syllabus, Preparation Tips
NATA Exam Pattern 2024: Check Pattern, Marking Scheme & Test Duration
Top Architecture Entrance Exams 2024
For admission into the top Architecture institutes, the candidates will mostly have to qualify for the entrance examination. Listed below are some of the top Architecture exams, among which the National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) is a national-level entrance examination administered by the Council of Architecture (CoA) is conducted for individuals aspiring to secure admission into undergraduate programs in Architecture (5-year BArch). :
Note- This information is sourced from the official website of the institute/exam.
Quick Link for NATA 2024:
NATA 2024 Application Form: Check Steps to Apply, Correction Facility
Architecture Syllabus
During the course, the students will have to study various Architecture subjects to be well-informed and trained for their career. The table given below is the list of topics that the students will have to cover during their Bachelors in Architecture degree.
Semester |
Subjects |
Semester 1 |
Architectural Design - I |
Building Construction - I |
History of Architecture - I |
Architectural Graphics and Communication Techniques |
Mathematics and Structural Mechanics |
Environmental Studies |
Semester 2 |
Architectural Design - II |
Building Construction - II |
History of Architecture - II |
Architectural Drawing and Sketching |
Theory of Structures |
Environmental Science |
Semester 3 |
Architectural Design - III |
Building Construction - III |
Architectural Structures |
Building Services and Utilities |
Architectural Acoustics |
Urban Planning and Development |
Semester 4 |
Architectural Design - IV |
Building Construction - IV |
Architectural Theory and Criticism |
Building Materials and Construction Technology |
Landscape Architecture |
Surveying and Leveling |
Semester 5 |
Architectural Design - V |
Estimation and Costing |
Sustainable Architecture |
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) |
Advanced Structural Analysis |
Elective - 1 |
Semester 6 |
Architectural Design - VI |
Professional Practice |
Building Regulations and Bylaws |
Project Management |
Research Methodology in Architecture |
Elective - 2 |
Semester 7 |
Architectural Thesis - I |
Internship/Industrial Training |
Elective - 3 |
Elective - 4 |
Elective - 5 |
Semester 8 |
Architectural Thesis - II |
Elective - 6 |
Elective - 7 |
Elective - 8 |
Elective - 9 |
Note- The syllabus has been taken from one institute. The topics may differ from institute to institute
Architecture Courses relevant information:
B.Arch Course
M.Arch Course
Top Architecture Colleges
Here are some of the top architecture colleges in India, renowned for their quality education, esteemed faculty, and industry recognition:
Top Architecture Government Colleges
Many states in India have established government-funded colleges of Architecture offering B.Arch programs at affordable fees. Consistently ranked among the top universities in India, IITs offer exceptional Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) programs at campuses like IIT Roorkee, IIT Kharagpur, and IIT Bombay. Moreover, SPA is a premier institute solely dedicated to education and research in architecture and planning. For further details on architecture government colleges, refer to the table below:
Note- This information is sourced from the official website/ counselling body and may vary.
Top Architecture Private Colleges
Private colleges have emerged as significant contributors to the architectural landscape, fostering creativity and innovation in their students. Here are some of the top private Architecture colleges:
Note- This information is sourced from the official website/ counselling body and may vary.
Architecture Courses Relevant Information:
Top Architecture Colleges in India 2024
Architecture Scope, Career, Jobs, Salary and Recruiters
Due to the increasing demand in the construction and design field, the need for recruits with Architecture degree is also on the rise. Students can choose their choice of career as per their preferences and Architecture specializations. Students can check some of the popular career fields for Architecture graduates below:
Job Profile |
Job Description |
Average Salary |
Design Architect |
Responsible for leading the design process, developing concepts, creating detailed drawings, and overseeing project execution. |
INR 6 - 15 LPA |
Project Architect |
Manages the overall project lifecycle, coordinates with clients and consultants, ensures adherence to regulations, and resolves site-related issues. |
INR -12 LPA |
Urban Planner |
Involved in designing city layouts, transportation systems, public spaces, and land-use plans, focusing on sustainability and community development. |
INR 4 - 10 LPA |
Landscape Architect |
Designs outdoor spaces like parks, gardens, campuses, and residential areas while considering environmental impact and functionality. |
INR 4 - 8 LPA |
Interior Designer |
Focuses on planning and designing interior spaces of homes, offices, commercial spaces, ensuring functionality, aesthetics, and safety. |
INR 3 - 8 LPA |
Architectural Historian |
Conducts research on historic buildings and monuments, works on conservation and restoration projects, and may be involved in documentation and heritage management. |
INR 4 - 7 LPA |
Architectural Technologist |
Provides technical support in construction drawings, prepares building models, and assists in project documentation. |
INR 3 - 6 LPA |
Note- The above salary has been taken from external sources, and hence may vary.
Architecture Top Recruiters
Following are the top recruits for Architecture graduates in India:
Top Recruiters |
Sahara Group |
Jindals |
Manchanda Associates |
DLF |
Architect Consultants |
VSA Space Design (P) Ltd. |
Chitra Vishwanath Architects |
KGD Architecture |
|
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Architecture Course
Q. What are the eligibility criteria for pursuing an Architecture course?
A. The eligibility criteria vary slightly across institutions, but generally, you'll need:
- Passed 10+2 (class 12th) with a minimum score in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) or Mathematics, Biology, and Chemistry (PCB). Some institutes may accept other combinations with high scores.
- Qualifying scores in entrance exams like NATA, JEE Main Paper 2 (National Entrance Examination) or specific university entrance exams.
- A portfolio showcasing your creative skills and design aptitude (optional for some institutions).
Q. Are there any specializations in Architecture?
A. Yes, after completing a B.Arch, one can specialize in various fields through M.Arch. or diploma courses, such as:
- Landscape Architecture
- Urban Design
- Environmental Planning
- Interior Design
- Sustainable Architecture
Q. Can I pursue Architecture after a diploma?
A. Yes, candidates with a 3-year diploma in architectural assistantship or equivalent, with a minimum of 50 percent marks, can also pursue B.Arch. through lateral entry or by appearing for the relevant entrance exams, depending on the college's admission criteria.
Q. What qualifications are needed to become an Architect in India?
A. To become a licensed Architect in India, you must complete a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) degree from a college recognized by the Council of Architecture (COA), followed by a mandatory internship. After completing the degree and internship, graduates must register with the COA to legally practice architecture in India.
Q. What is the difference between B.Arch. and B.Des. (Bachelor of Design)?
A. B.Arch focuses on the planning, design, and construction of buildings and structures, requiring a deep understanding of engineering, materials, and building codes. B.Des is broader, covering various design fields such as graphic design, industrial design, interior design, and more, focusing on aesthetic, functional, and user-oriented design solutions.
Q. What are the subjects studied in B.Arch.?
A. B.Arch. curriculum includes subjects like Architectural Design, Building Construction, History of Architecture, Theory of Structures, Building Management, Computer & Software Lab, and Landscape Design, among others.
Q. How important is the portfolio for Architecture admissions?
A. While not always mandatory, a portfolio showcasing your drawing, sketching, and creative abilities can enhance your application, particularly for admissions to prestigious institutions or for scholarship considerations.
Q. Is it necessary to complete an internship during the B.Arch. course?
A. Yes, completing a professional internship as part of the B.Arch. curriculum is mandatory. This internship, usually in the final year, provides practical experience, helping students apply theoretical knowledge to real-world architectural projects.
Q. Which are the top Architecture colleges in India?
A. Some of the top architecture colleges in India include:
- School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), Delhi
- National Institute of Technology (NIT), Calicut
- IIT, Roorkee
- Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra
- Chandigarh College of Architecture
Q. Can I do B.Arch. through distance learning?
A. No, the Council of Architecture (COA) does not recognize B.Arch. degrees obtained through distance learning or correspondence courses due to the practical and studio-based nature of architectural education.
Q. What are the career opportunities for Architecture graduates?
A. Architecture graduates can find diverse career opportunities in various fields:
- Architectural firms: Designing buildings, residential spaces, commercial complexes, and more.
- Urban planning and development firms: Contributing to urban planning projects, infrastructure development, and sustainable city design.
- Interior design firms: Specializing in interior design for residential, commercial, hospitality, and other sectors.
- Construction companies: Working on project management, site supervision, and construction quality control.
- Academia: Teaching architecture in universities and colleges.
- Independent practice: Establishing their own architectural practice and taking on freelance projects.
How many BArch students are placed during IIT Kharagpur placements?