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How to Become an Architect: Guide to Architectural Careers in India

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Introduction

Architecting is a dynamic and ever-changing profession. The architectural business in India has recently boomed. If you’re wondering how to become an architect, it’s important to understand that an architect’s profession includes not just designing homes and offices but also contributing to a variety of disciplines. They have to do work such as planning exhibition sites, sporting events, constructing innovative lighting systems, and designing effects, among others.

An architect creates new structures, makes adjustments to existing structures, and provides advice on the maintenance and repair of historic structures. These structures can be both commercial and residential, such as office buildings, factories, and restaurants. Being an architect necessitates frequent travel to new locations where your clients want their designs set up or developed.

In the area of architecture, students can choose from a variety of courses. To apply for architectural studies, students must have finished their 10+2 education from a recognized board, including physics, chemistry, and maths as required topics in the qualifying exam. Architecture courses are offered at different levels in India, including bachelor’s, master’s, diploma, and doctoral degrees. If you’re considering how to become an architect, it’s worth noting that several websites also offer a few online architectural certificate courses.

Skills Required

IT Skills

Eligibility and Courses

Stream	Graduation/Diploma	Post-graduation/ PG Diploma	Doctoral
Candidates should clear Class 12th from a recognized board.	Candidates should clear a bachelor’s degree or diploma in Architecture from any esteemed university.	Candidates should clear master’s degrees or diplomas in Architecture from any esteemed university.	Candidates can further study doctoral programs.
Pass with minimum 45% – 60% aggregate marks.	Pass with minimum 45% – 60% aggregate marks.	Pass with minimum 45% – 60% aggregate marks.	They need to clear with a good percentage to get nice placements.
They can pursue a science stream with maths. After this, they can be eligible for a bachelor’s degree.	They can pursue degrees in Architecture such as Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch), B. E Construction Technology. After this, they can be eligible for a master’s degree.	They can pursue degrees in Architecture like a Master’s in Architecture (M.Arch.), and MSc in Urban and Regional Planning (M.Plan.). After this, they can be eligible for doctoral programs.	They can pursue Ph.D. in Architecture. This will make them eligible for a job.

Top Colleges

College Name	Location	Ranking
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur	Kharagpur, West Bengal	Recognized for its Department of Architecture and Regional Planning
School of Planning and Architecture (SPA) Delhi	New Delhi	Renowned for its undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Architecture
Sir JJ College of Architecture	Mumbai, Maharashtra	One of the oldest and most prestigious architectural institutions in India
Chandigarh College of Architecture	Chandigarh	Known for its modern infrastructure and excellence in architectural education
Department of Architecture, National Institute of Technology (NIT) Calicut	Calicut, Kerala	Offers a comprehensive curriculum and state-of-the-art facilities for architectural studies
Faculty of Architecture and Ekistics, Jamia Millia Islamia	New Delhi	Known for its focus on sustainable architecture and interdisciplinary approach

Entrance Exams

Entrance Exam	Conducting Body	Description
Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main	National Testing Agency (NTA)	A national-level entrance exam conducted for admission to undergraduate programs in engineering, including B.Arch programs offered by various institutes across India.
National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA)	Council of Architecture (COA)	A national-level entrance exam conducted to assess the aptitude of candidates for admission to undergraduate architecture programs in participating institutions.
Common Entrance Test (CET)	State Governments/Universities	State-level entrance exams conducted by respective state governments or universities for admission to architecture programs offered within the state.
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE)	Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)	A national-level entrance exam primarily for admission to postgraduate programs in engineering, but some institutes also offer admissions to M.Arch programs.
Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT)	Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)	An entrance exam conducted for admission to the B.Arch program at the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) for candidates who have qualified JEE Advanced.

Work Description

Architects are responsible for the planning, development, and implementation of architectural designs. They produce feasibility assessments, assess environmental impacts, develop project ideas, estimate costs, set schedules, and supervise construction. They need to perform several types of activities in their day-to-day routine. The work description for architects is as follows:

Job Profiles

Job Profile	Description
Architect	Responsible for designing new structures, modifying existing ones, and providing guidance on the preservation and repair of historical buildings.
Urban Planner	Focuses on designing and developing urban areas, considering factors such as land use, transportation, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability.
Interior Designer	Specializes in planning and designing interior spaces to enhance functionality, aesthetics, and overall user experience, incorporating elements of furniture and décor.
Landscape Architect	Designs outdoor spaces, parks, gardens, and recreational areas, considering factors such as sustainability, environmental impact, and user needs.
Construction Manager	Oversees the construction process, including scheduling, budgeting, procurement of materials, hiring subcontractors, and ensuring compliance with building codes and regulations.
Building Information Modeling (BIM) Specialist	Utilizes BIM software to create and manage digital representations of building projects, facilitating collaboration, visualization, and coordination among project stakeholders.

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Pros and Cons

Pros

Cons

FAQs

What does it take to become an architect?

It requires a solid understanding of architectural principles, creativity, and the ability to convey designs effectively.

What are the opportunities for an architect?

An architect has opportunities in various sectors, designing homes, offices, exhibition sites, sporting events, and more.