M.Arch Course: Full Form, Admission 2025, Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exam, Career Scope
Pragati SinghSenior Executive - Content
Masters in Architecture, known as M.Arch, is a postgraduate course and the minimum eligibility for this course is a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture (B.Arch) with a minimum aggregate score of 50 percent, completed from a recognized institution. The architecture field involves the process of planning, designing, and executing residential and commercial infrastructure. Master of Architecture is a professional course which is designed for candidates who wish to widen their knowledge in the field of architecture.
This course allows learners to develop their individual style and adapt to the changing market demands. Candidates learn about complex and advanced methods of designing unique projects and implementing eco-friendly construction methods. They can select It is a two-year program divided into four semesters and can be pursued through regular batch or distance education.
There are several specializations in this field like Landscape Architecture, Green Architecture, Naval Architecture, etc. The Council of Architecture in India regulates the curriculum and professional applications of this field.
- M Arch Course Details: Highlights 2024
- Why pursue M Arch course?
- M Arch Eligibility Criteria
- M Arch Admission Process
- MArch Course Types
- M Arch Entrance Exams 2025
- M Arch Syllabus
- M Arch Best College
- 8.1 Best M Arch Government Colleges
- 8.2 Best M Arch Private Colleges
- M Arch Career Scope, Jobs, Salary and Recruiters
- 9.1 M Arch Job Profiles
- 9.2 Top M Arch Recruiters
- MArch Course FAQs: 2025
M Arch Course Details: Highlights 2024
The table below presents some important details related to the M Arch course such as eligibility, fees, colleges, jobs and salaries:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| 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.
M Arch Course Relevant information:
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Why pursue M Arch course?
Architects have vast work opportunities in private organizations that are engaged in developing infrastructures in both urban and rural areas. Organizations that are planning to expand their infrastructure on a large scale always search for professional architects willing to get involved in their projects. So there is a wide range of career opportunities for candidates who have completed their master's in Architecture.
M Arch Course Relevant information:
Q: What is M.Arch course all about?
M Arch is a postgraduate degree in which the students learn about the designing, planning and construction of different types of infrastructure. It is a higher-level course wherein candidates can specialise in popular streams related to architecture such as Housing, Urban design, Landscape Architecture, Architectural Design, Sustainable Architecture etc. This course can be pursued after completing a B.Arch. This course can be pursued by candidates after clearing the M.Arch entrance examinations.
Architects can perform the planning and design of various residential and commercial buildings professionally. While constructing a building, an architect’s design prospect is seriously considered by every infrastructure developer. Right from creating a blueprint to cost estimation of the infrastructure to be developed the consent of architects is required. Therefore M Arch is the right course to develop specialised skills to address the changing demands of the construction and architecture sector in the economy.
Q: Who can pursue M.Arch course?
M Arch can be pursued by candidates who have just completed B.Arch from a reputed architecture college. Many mid-term professionals or new entrants with 2-4 years of experience also pursue this course. Master of Architecture is offered to candidates who have scored decent rank in postgraduate entrance exams such as GATE, TANCET etc. Since urbanisation is rapidly increasing in the country, there is a growth in the number of recreation projects, therefore a rise in career opportunities in this field.
Q: Is M.Arch a useful degree?
How useful is MArch degree may vary depending on your interests and career preferences. Candidates will have the chance to learn about specialisation areas of architecture, such as sustainability, urban planning and historic preservation while pursuing an M Arch degree. Employers will find candidates more skilled and trained if they have pursued M Arch. They will be able to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills in order to address issues such as:
- India's escalating urbanization
- The construction industry's rising emphasis on sustainability
- The requirement for competent architects to plan and construct infrastructure projects.
M Arch Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for admission to the M Arch course are determined by the Council of Architecture. The entrance exam conducting bodies may also prescribe some eligibility criteria. In some colleges, a candidate’s score in entrance exams is considered for admission. Some colleges may allow candidates who have completed Civil Engineering or B.Plan course.
Given below are some basic eligibility criteria that should be fulfilled by candidates who wish to secure admission to the MArch course:
| Particulars |
Details |
|---|---|
| M Arch Academic Qualifications |
The candidates should have completed a B.Arch. |
| M Arch Marks Criteria |
They should have secured at least 50% marks in graduation. |
| M Arch Appearing or Passed Criteria |
Those who have already graduated or are in the final year of graduation are eligible. |
| M Arch Age Limit |
No age limit is prescribed. |
Note: The eligibility criteria for MArch may vary depending on the colleges offering the course.
M. Arch Admission Related Information:
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Q: What is the eligibility criteria to pursue M.Arch course in IITs?
The minimum mark required for MArch admissions is 50%. Candidates must have pursued a B.Arch from a reputed college and must possess the desired skills to pursue an M.Arch such as Analytical skills, Communication Skills and Creativity. Candidates must score cut-off in order to be eligible for the counselling process and eligible for admission to top architectural colleges. They must also clear the national-level entrance examination to be eligible for securing admission through the counselling process.
Q: Is there any age limit to apply for M.Arch course?
No, there is usually no age limit to apply for MA course. You can apply for M Arch entrance exams at any age.
M Arch Admission Process
Follow the steps mentioned below to gain admission in the M Arch colleges:
Application Process:
- Online Application: Most colleges accept online applications through their official websites.
- Application Fee: You will need to pay an application fee.
- Document Submission: You will need to submit scanned copies of the following documents:
- B.Arch degree certificate
- Mark sheets of all semesters
- Entrance exam scorecard
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- Other relevant documents as specified by the college
Selection Process:
- Shortlisting: Colleges shortlist candidates based on their entrance exam scores, academic performance, and portfolio (if required).
- Portfolio Review: Some colleges may conduct a portfolio review to assess your design skills and creativity.
- Personal Interview: Shortlisted candidates may be called for a personal interview to evaluate their motivation, communication skills, and understanding of architecture.
Seat Allotment:
- Counseling: Seats are allotted through a centralized counseling process or individual college counseling.
- Document Verification: You will need to verify your documents at the allotted college.
- Fee Payment: You will need to pay the tuition fee and other fees to secure your admission.
M Arch Admission Related Information:
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Q: Am I eligible to pursue M.Arch abroad after completing BE in civil?
Hi,
Yes, you can pursue M.Arch after completing BE in Civil. There could be other admission requirements such as GRE, IELTS or TOEFL depending where you want to study. Also, you must submit a portfolio.
MArch Course Types
MArch can be classified into various types of courses based on the specialisation it is offered with. This course offers specialization in various subjects relevant to the field of Architecture. The Council of Architecture has offered specialization in the subjects below for the Masters in Architecture course:
| M Arch Specialisations | |
|---|---|
| Environmental planning |
Industrial design |
| Architectural design |
Building engineering and management |
| Urban design |
Housing |
| Architectural conservation |
Landscape architecture |
| Town and country planning |
Regional planning |
| Sustainable architecture |
Transport planning |
Read More About M Arch Specialisations:
Popular Courses
Q: What is the fee for M.Arch at Dr.D.Y. Patil College of Architecture?
The fee for M.Tech at Dr.D.Y. Patil College of Architecture for an open candidate who isnt from Maharashtra is 1,12,709 for the first year. For an open candidate who is from Maharashtra the fee is 1,12,209. And finally for a SC category student the fee is 4,209 for the first year in M.Acrh.
M Arch Entrance Exams 2025
Admission to many reputed Architecture colleges can be secured by qualifying for the GATE exam. It is a national-level exam that is once a year. Apart from this, there are various state-level exams such as TANCET and Karnataka PGCET. These exams offer admission to various government and private colleges of the concerned state.
Given below are some top entrance exams through which candidates can secure admission to the M Arch course:
| M Arch Entrance Exams |
M Arch Exam Dates |
M Plan Exam Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| MAH MArch CET |
To be notified |
MAH MArch CET Schedule |
| Feb '25 (Tentative) |
||
| Mar '25 (Tentative) |
||
| Karnataka Post Graduate Common Entrance Test (Karnataka PGCET) |
13 Jul '24 |
Note: This information is sourced from the official website of the institute/exam.
Important Exam Dates
| Dates | Upcoming Exam Dates |
|---|---|
Jan '25 - Feb '25 | JEE Main 2025 session 1 TENTATIVE |
Apr '25 | JEE Main 2025 session 2 TENTATIVE |
May '25 - Jun '25 | JAC Delhi 2025 registration to start on TENTATIVE |
Jun '25 - Jul '25 | Round 1: JAC Delhi 2025 Physical Reporting after Payment of Seat Acceptance Fee TENTATIVE |
Jul '25 | Round 1: JAC Delhi 2025 Seat freezing (Online through candidate’s login only) last date TENTATIVE |
Jul '25 | Round 3: JAC Delhi 2025 Seat freezing (Online through candidate’s login only) last date TENTATIVE |
Jul '25 | Round 1: JAC Delhi 2025 Withdrawal of admission (Online through candidate’s login only) last date TENTATIVE |
| Dates | Past Exam Dates |
07 Dec '24 | SAT Test December Date |
26 Nov '24 | SAT Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation, and Late Registration for December Test |
26 Nov '24 - 27 Nov '24 | JEE Main 2025 Application Correction Session 1 |
Q: How can I get M.Arch at D.Y.Patil School of Architecture?
To pursue an M.Arch at D.Y. Patil School of Architecture, first ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, typically a B.Arch degree or equivalent. Then, obtain and complete the application form from the school’s website. Submit this form along with necessary documents such as transcripts and certificates. If an entrance exam or interview is required, prepare accordingly and attend. After the admissions committee reviews your application, you’ll receive an admission decision.
M Arch Syllabus
The syllabus for M Arch is designed according to the course curriculum regulated by the council of architecture. The syllabus is divided into four semesters for the two-year course. Each semester has six mandatory subjects and students can choose an elective subject during the session. In the final year of this course, students should complete their dissertation and thesis on any specialized subject. The syllabus of this course is given in the table below.
| M Arch Syllabus for First Semester |
|
|---|---|
| Contemporary architecture: theories and trends |
Urban design studio |
| Urban conservation and practice |
Traditional and contemporary landscape |
| M Arch Syllabus for Second Semester |
|
| Contemporary architecture II |
Services in high-rise buildings |
| Urban landscape design |
Performance evaluation of buildings |
| M Arch Syllabus for Third Semester |
|
| Emerging practices in housing |
Architecture and critical theory |
| Advanced Architectural Design Studio II |
Sustainability and energy conservation in landscape architecture |
| M Arch Syllabus for Fourth Semester |
|
| Building management and control systems |
Appropriate technologies and sustainable construction |
| Building information modelling |
Material Conservation |
Note- This information is sourced from multiple sources on the web. Hence, it is subject to vary.
M Arch Course Relevant information:
Popular Specializations
- Project Management
4 Colleges
- Environmental Sciences
1 College
Q: Am I eligible to study M.Arch after B.Des? If not in India, is it possible abroad?
The M.Arch course requires a background in architecture or related courses. Most universities in India require applicants to have passed a B.Arch or closely related undergraduate course in architecture. For the most part, a B.Des will not be sufficient for this, though some institutions may give a little leeway in terms of requirements or interdisciplinary programs. Some institutions may be allowed to admit individuals with conversion programs or special entry requirements.
Abroad:
Europe: The requirements vary depending on the country, for instance, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. Some universities have conversion programs, though others may consider a student with a strong design background, provided other criteria are met.
Australia: Most universities in Australia allow for pathways for students who come from a non-architecture background. Extra studies may be required or a portfolio that proves your relevant skills.
M Arch Best College
Many top colleges and universities offer specialised Master Programme in Architecture to the brightest minds in the field of Architecture. Candidates who wish to specialise in various niche domains in Architecture take up this course. M.Arch is either offered in stand-alone Architecture institutes or Engineering colleges having an Architecture Department. The colleges mentioned in the table are listed alphabetically and not in any order of ranking hierarchy.
Best M Arch Government Colleges
Some of the top government colleges offering M Arch course includes top Planning or Design institutes located in metro-cities therefore giving access to job opportunities and industrial exposure. Some of these colleges are:
| M Arch Government Colleges |
M Arch Government College Fees (in INR) |
|---|---|
| 34,000 |
|
| Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University | 2 lakh |
| 20,000 |
|
| 1 lakh |
|
| 2 lakh |
|
| National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur | 3 lakh |
| 4 lakh |
|
| 1- 3 lakh |
|
| 2 lakh |
|
| 5 lakh |
Note- This information is sourced from the official website/ counselling body and may vary.
Best M Arch Private Colleges
Some of the top private colleges offering Architecture programme provide top-class infrastructure facilities as well as placement opportunities. They are as follows:
| M Arch Private Colleges |
M Arch Private College Fees (in INR) |
|---|---|
| 1 lakh | |
| CEPT University | 8 lakh |
| 2 lakh | |
| Lovely Professional University | 5 lakh |
| Manipal School of Architecture and Planning | 2 lakh |
| Ramaiah Institute of Technology | 1 lakh |
| Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology | 4 lakh |
| Sharda School of Design, Architecture and Planning | 3 lakh |
| SRM University | 2 lakh |
| Sushant University | 2 lakh |
Note- This information is sourced from the official website/ counselling body and may vary.
Q: What is the eligibility criteria for M.Arch programme offered by D.Y.Patil School of Architecture?
The eligibility criteria for the M.Arch (Environmental Architecture) programme at D.Y. Patil School of Architecture is:
- Candidates must have a B.Arch degree with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate from a UGC recognised university .
- Candidates must have a valid GATE score, MAH-M.Arch-CET score, or can appear for the ADYPU Entrance Exam .
The programme has an intake of 20 seats and is a 2-year full-time postgraduate degree course.
Popular Private M.Arch (Master of Architecture) Colleges in India
M.Arch Applications open. Apply Now
M Arch Career Scope, Jobs, Salary and Recruiters
This course is designed in such a way that students completing this course will be able to fulfil all the requirements to practice them on a professional level. Students completing this course will have a future scope in the field of architectural design and planning. They can either get an excellent work opportunity in the relevant area or start their own architectural design and planning organization. Upon completion of this course, they will be recognized as a valid architect and can take up various architectural projects on a commercial level.
Architects can also work as a professionals in various sectors. They have a massive scope for establishing their career in different commercial areas. Some of the industries where they can work as professional architects are:
- Housing and urban development organizations
- Public Works Department or PWD
- Railway department
- Town and country planning firms
- Publishing houses
- Telegraph and Posts department
- National Institute of Urban Affairs
- Architecture development organizations
- Educational institutes
- City development authorities
- National building organization
M Arch Job Profiles
The profession of an architect opens doors to many work opportunities in this sector. There are a lot of work-related roles offered by organizations for architects. The position of design and project architect is the trending one. The design architect is responsible for preparing the design plan of a building. The project architect performs the necessities required for the project to be accomplished. A project manager has the sole responsibility of managing all the constraints during the project. Other vital job roles offered to architects are landscape architect, conservator and architecture professor in an institution.
| Work role |
Salary offered annually (in INR) |
|---|---|
| Landscape Architect |
2- 8 LPA |
| Landscape/Design Conservator |
2- 9 LPA |
| Project Architect |
2.5 - 9.5 LPA |
| Assistant Professor |
7- 8 LPA |
| Project Manager |
7- 10 LPA |
| Design Architect |
7.5- 9 LPA |
The architects who start their organization can also earn a better income annually. They can execute all the design, planning and conservation tasks with the help of a professional team. They earn between 2.5 to 10 lakhs in a year too.
Top M Arch Recruiters
From academic institutes to construction companies, M Arch graduates are offered a wide range of opportunities not only across boutique architectural firms but also in government departments. Some of the top companies and departments recruiting M Arch graduates are:
| Top M Arch Recruiters | |
|---|---|
| National Building Organisation |
Department of Railways |
| Public Works Department |
Housing and Urban Development Corporation |
| Architect Hafeez Contractor |
Gaursons India |
| Dar Al Handasah |
C P Kukreja Associates |
| RSP Architects Ltd |
Oscar & Ponni Architects |
| Arcop |
Kembhavi Architecture Foundation |
| Shapoorji Pallonji & Co. Ltd. |
Shilpa Architects |
| DLF |
Christopher Charles Benninger Architects |
| Raj Rewal Associates |
Somaya & Kalappa Consultants |
Read More: Career in Architecture
Q: What salary do M.Arch graduates get in India?
In India, the starting salary for an architect is approximately INR 2.1 Lakhs (roughly $17.5k/month). A minimum of one year of experience is needed to become an architect. In India, the highest M Arch pay is up to 40 Lacs per year. But only seasoned architects with a solid track record should apply. In India, the average M Arch pay is about 7 Lacs per year. An M Arch graduate's pay will vary according to their experience, skills, and place of employment, among other things. Architects who operate in big cities like Delhi or Mumbai typically make more money than those who work in smaller locations.
MArch Course FAQs: 2025
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions related to MArch course
Q: What is the duration of MArch course?
M Arch is a two-year-long postgraduate degree. It consists of various core and elective subjects and the candidates need to undergo practical training in the form of industrial visits and dissertations. The course consists of various theories and practical subjects which prepare candidates to understand the principles of rural and urban architecture. It also ensures candidates enhance their skills in the fields of Urban Landscape and high-rise buildings and other advanced architectural design studios.
Q: What can I do after completing M.Arch?
Professional architects who have completed their master’s degree in architecture can also further opt for the PhD course in architecture. They can also prepare for the civil services exam which is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission of India. In general, there are a lot of careers and academic opportunities for architects who have graduated with a master's degree in architecture.
News & Updates
Oct 26, 2024
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 weeks ago
MArch Admission Process: The admission process for MArch at San Academy of Architecture is through Anna University. Aspirants who want to apply for MArch course need to complete BArch or Equivalent from a recognised university. Further, candidates are required to apply and appear in one entrance exa
S
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 weeks ago
San Academy of Architecture admissions to MArch course is completely entrance-based. Candidates must fulfil the minimum eligibility criteria as per the course requirement. Those who passed BArch are eligible for apply for this course. Further, candidates are selected based on a valid score in one en
M
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 weeks ago
San Academy of Architecture offers entrance-based admission to MArch. Applicants are selected based on GATE and CEETA-PG score. To be eligible for admission applicants need to apply and appear in one accepted entrance exam to apply for admission. Further, applicants are required to fill out the basi
D
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
Refer to the table below to know the CEPT University MArch placement packages trend:
| Course | Median Package (2021) | Median Package (2022) | Median Package (2023) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MArch | INR 4.95 LPA | INR 5.50 LPA | INR 7.50 LPA |
NOTE: The above salary details are fetched from the NIRF report 2024.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Over the past three years of placements, a fluctuating trend was recorded in the MArch placement rate. Refer to the table below to know the exact numbers:
| Particulars | MArch Placement Statistics (2021) | MArch Placement Statistics (2022) | MArch Placement Statistics (2023) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Students | 208 | 202 | 218 |
| Students placed | 200 | 153 | 204 |
| Placement Rate | 96% | 76% | 94% |
NOTE: The placement details mentioned above are from the NIRF report 2024.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Central University of Rajasthan accepts CCMT exam score for admission to the MArch and M.Tech courses. The cutoff was released for different categories under the AI Quota. For the General AI category candidates, the highest cutoff to get admission was 361. Therefore, candidate belonging to the Gener
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
The total tuition fee for DY Patil College of Architecture Akurdi M.Arch is INR 2 lakh for two-years. This information is sourced from official website/ sanctioning body and is subject to change. M.Arch fee is similar for Maharashtra and Out of Maharashtra Students. There is relaxation in the fee am
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
DY Patil College of Architecture Akurdi considers MAH M.Arch CET for admission to M.Arch programme. Maharashtra MArch Common Entrance Test or MAH MArch CET is conducted by State Common Entrance Test Cell in online mode for one-hour. The test is conducted annually in English. Candidates are selected
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Candidates need to complete BArch with a minimum of 50% aggregate (45% aggregate for candidates of Backward class categories and persons with disability belonging to Maharashtra State only) to apply for DY Patil College of Architecture Akurdi M.Arch programme. Aspirants must hold the documents provi
N
Contributor-Level 10
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What is the procedure for admission to M.Arch at San Academy of Architecture?