B.Arch. Bachelor of Architecture

By: Career Marg Team | on October 14, 2022

Architecture is a field which is involved with the design and construction of buildings in their sociological, technical and environmental contexts. Bachelor of Architecture is an Undergraduate Academic Degree awarded for a course or program in the field of Architecture. The duration of Bachelor of Architecture degree spans over a period of 5 years. The curriculum is structured for 5 years and is divided into 2 stages. The 1st stage consists of 3 years of full time study followed by practical training in professional offices or at construction sites for 20 weeks. The 2nd stage consists of full time study for one and a half year, whereby each student is required to write a research based dissertation, prepare for a seminar and present a design thesis along with the advanced level of compulsory and elective theory courses. The apprenticeship (generally for one semester) has to be done under a practising architect. It is also known as B.Arch. which is an abbreviated form of the Architecture Degree. Bachelor of Architecture Course provides a high level of contextual excellence in architectural design. Both theory and studio exercises are viewed as the core of the programme with crucial inputs being provided by experts specializing in the fields of arts, humanities, engineering and technology, and professional practice of architecture. Students acquire multi-disciplinary enabling skills related to space, construction environments and aesthetics. They also acquire skills which include drawing, architectural presentation, research and writing, computer applications, technical and managerial aptitudes in problem definition and solution seeking.

B.Arch Admission

Candidates can take admission in this course through NATA or any other architectural entrance exam.

Basic steps of B.Arch admission procedure is as follows:

• Visit the official website of the institute or directly visit the admission office of the institute to avail the application forms.
• Fill the application form carefully, upload the documents the college has asked for in the application form in the prescribed dimensions anf format.
• Make the final payment of the registration fee(if any)
• Take the print out of the application form for future reference.
• Give any Architectural Entrance Exam (Like NATA, JEE Mains, etc.)
• After this process, students who will get shortlisted in the given entrance exam will be called for the counselling process and on the basis of skills and availability of seats, suitable candidates will be given admission.

This admission procedure is more or less same in all the B.Arch colleges.

B.Arch Eligibility

The duration of the course is 5 years and to get admission into Bachelor of Architecture, students must fulfill the following conditions:

• Students should have completed Class 12 or equivalent with minimum 50% marks along with the compulsory subjects (PCM).
• Students should have completed Class 10+ 3 year diploma course in any stream from a recognized university/ board/ institution.
• Cleared NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture) with the 80% marks conducted by Council of Architecture(CoA)

Some colleges take admission on the basis of other architectural entrance exams as well, so it is not compulsory to give NATA. But you must prepare and give this exam if you want to take admission in best B.Arch colleges in India.

B.Arch Entrance Exams

NATA 2020 is the main BArch entrance exam. More than 30,000 students appeared for the exam in 2019. This national level exam is conducted by the Council of Architecture for admission into various central, national and state-level architectural colleges across India.

Apart from this, students can take BArch admission on the basis of JEE Mains score as well.

Following list shows national and state-level B.Arch Entrance Exams:

• NATA 2020: As stated earlier, this is considered an official exam for BArch admission. It consists of two parts: Part A and Part B. Part A consists of Drawing Test, and Part B is of PCM questions and Aptitude Test consist of Logical Reasoning.
• JEE Mains 2020: This exam is mainy for engineering course admission, but it also provides admission to B.arch and B. Planning. To know more, check JEE Mains BArch Admission criteria.
• GAT Exam 2020: This exam is conducted by Gitam University for admission into many UG and PG courses including B.Arch.
• AMUEEE 2020: This exam is conducted by Aligarh Muslim University for engineering and B.Arch course. 

• Mathematics.
• CADD.
• History of Architecture.
• Interior Design.
• Urban Economics and Sociology.

Bachelor of Architecture Specialisations

• Green Architecture.
• Landscape Architecture.
• Museum Architecture.
• Naval Architecture.
• Theatre Architecture.

Who can and Who should pursue Bachelor of Architecture Degree

Bachelor of Architecture is meant especially for those gifted with designing talent. Those who don't have it can acquire it through practice and expert advice. A person also needs to develop a business sense, social awareness and legal knowledge. Architecture is best suited for those who are not only fascinated with buildings but who view building from an architectural point of view. Passion accompanied by proper education can make on a successful Architecture. In modern times, Computer literacy is also needed for writing specifications, two- and three-dimensional drafting, and financial management. Knowledge of CADD is also essential.

Advantages or Benefits of Bachelor of Architecture Degree

• Architecture is increasingly being recognised as as one of the top intellectual disciplines, an art form, and a technical profession intimately linked with the single largest sector of investment in the economy.

• Architects are always required to design and execute building projects and resolve other issues related to the man-made environment in a variety of settings.

• In the current scenario there is a need to utilise building space in the best possible way without wasting any space. This requires the expert services of Architects.

• Architecture is a profession which showcases one's artistic talent. It is a perfect platform for those who want fame and name as it gives both.

Bachelor of Arts Jobs

As demand for commercial space increases, there is a need for non residential construction. In recent years, some architecture firms have outsourced the drafting of construction documents and basic design for large-scale commercial and residential projects to architecture firms overseas. These factors make Architecture a lucrative job.

Employment Areas

1. Public Works Department (PWD).
2. Department of Railways.
3. Department of Post and Telegraph.
4. National Building Organization.
5. Town and Country Planning Organization.
6. National Institutes of Urban Affairs.
7. Housing and Urban Development Corporations.
8. Architecture and Building Development Firms.
9. Private Construction Organizations.

Job Types

• Architectural Technician.
• Architectural theoretician.
• Architectural conservator.
• Architectural engineer.
• Architectural technologist.
• Architecture Professor.
• Architecture Critic.
• Architecture Photographer.
• Building Control Officer.
• Building inspector.