Why Choose a Career in Architecture?
Architecture merges art, science, and technology to design functional and visually appealing spaces for people to live, work, and enjoy. Societies and individuals express their culture, history, and aspirations through architecture. Architects have the power to shape the built environment to create a positive impact on the world around us. In architecture profession, you can choose to specialize in sectors such as residential, commercial, green building construction, urban development, heritage, and environment. Architectural skills are also valuable in interior design, urban planning, and construction management.
List of Top Architecture Colleges in India
Several architecture schools in India are well-known worldwide for providing exceptional architectural education. These universities offer state-of-the-art facilities, expert teachers, and an emphasis on practical design skills. Graduates from these top architecture colleges are well-prepared for a rewarding architectural career in India and overseas.
CEPT
Center for Environmental Planning & Technology
The university offers various architecture courses at the undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels.
For admission to the B.Arch program, candidates must appear for the National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) or the Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT) conducted by the Council of Architecture (CoA).
For admission to the M.Arch and PhD programs, candidates must appear for CEPT's entrance exam, which evaluates their knowledge and skills in architecture and related fields through a Portfolio Review and Interview process.
CET Trivandrum
The College of Engineering Trivandrum
The B.Arch program at CET Trivandrum is a five-year undergraduate program that is divided into ten semesters. The curriculum is structured to provide a balance between theoretical and practical learning experiences. The program covers a range of topics including design, building construction, building services, structural design, environmental studies, and professional practice.
The design studios form a crucial component of the curriculum and allow students to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world design problems. The program also includes field trips and study tours that provide students with exposure to different architectural styles and construction techniques.
Mahe Manipal
Manipal Academy of Higher Education
MAHE Manipal, has a School of Architecture and Planning that offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in architecture.
The undergraduate program is a five-year Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) program covers a range of topics including design, building construction, building services, structural design, environmental studies, and professional practice. The program includes design studios, field visits, and study tours that provide students with exposure to different architectural styles and construction techniques.
The postgraduate program is a two-year Master of Architecture (M.Arch) program provides skills in specific areas of architecture such as urban design, landscape architecture, conservation, and sustainability.
BITS Pilani
Birla Institute of Technology & Science
BITS Pilani offers a 5-year integrated Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the theoretical and practical aspects of architecture, including design, history and theory, building technology, environmental studies, and professional practice.
The B.Arch program at BITS Pilani is focusing on foundation courses in humanities, social sciences, mathematics, and physical sciences. From the third semester onwards, students take up courses in architecture, building construction, building services, structural design, environmental studies, and design studios. In addition to the core courses, students in the B.Arch program at BITS Pilani can choose to take up electives in areas such as urban design, landscape architecture, conservation, and sustainability.
SPA
School of Planning & Architecture
The School of Architecture and Planning is located in Delhi, Bhopal, Chennai and Vijayawada.
SPA offers Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch), Master of Architecture (M.Arch), Master of Urban Planning (MUP), Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA), and Ph.D. programs, in architecture, urban planning, landscape architecture. Students learn about design theory, building technology, sustainability, historic preservation, community engagement, and other aspects of architecture and planning. Graduates of this school may work for private architectural firms, government agencies, non-profit organizations, or start their own businesses.
NIT
National Institute of Technology
National Institute of Technology (NIT) Trichy and Kozhikode offers a 5-year Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) program to impart knowledge and skills in various aspects of architecture, including design, building construction, building services, landscape design, and environmental studies.
Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities such as workshops, seminars, and competitions, which provide opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skills and gain exposure to the latest trends and innovations in the field of architecture. Upon graduation, students are eligible to pursue careers as architects, architectural consultants, urban planners, project managers, or pursue further studies.
IIT
Indian Institute of Technology
The Department of Architecture and Planning at the IITs trains students in the field of architecture, urban design, and planning.The course structure of the Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) program spans five years and covers various topics, including architectural design, history, theory, criticism, construction technology, building services, urban design, landscape architecture, and professional practice.To get admissions, student needs to clear the JEE Main Paper 2, JEE Advanced AAT conducted by NTA and the final AAT or architectural Aptitude test conducted by the IIT's directly.
Architecture College Admission Process & Eligibility Criteria
The colleges offering admission and the bodies in charge of holding entrance exams decide the requirements for eligibility for admission to B.Arch programs. It is recommended that candidates confirm their eligibility prior to applying for the B.Arch entrance exams.
- Passed or appearing in 10+1 Examination OR Passed or appearing in 10+2 Examination with Physics & Mathematics as compulsory subjects along with either Chemistry or Biology or Technical Vocational subject or Computer Science or Information Technology or Informatics Practices or Engineering Graphics or Business Studies with at least 45% marks in aggregate.
- Passed or appearing in 10+3 Diploma Examination with Mathematics as compulsory subject with at least 45% marks in aggregate.
- There’s no specific age restriction.
Entrance Exams for Architecture Colleges
Getting into one of the best architecture colleges in India requires passing entrance exams. These tests help universities find students who have the potential to pursue architectural studies by evaluating a candidate's aptitude, drawing abilities, and architectural knowledge. Here are the main entrance exams for those aspiring to become architects:
NATA: National Aptitude Test in Architecture
NATA is a national-level exam conducted by the Council of Architecture to assess candidates' architectural aptitude.
Eligibility: Students who completed their 10+2 coursework in mathematics or who are attempting are qualified.
Exam Pattern: The NATA is divided into two sections: a computer-based test measuring logical reasoning and general aptitude, and an assessment of drawing abilities.
JEE Main Paper 2
Conducted by the National Testing Agency, JEE Main Paper 2 is an entrance exam for B.Arch programs at IITs, NITs, and other reputed institutions.
Eligibility: To be eligible, candidates must have completed 10+2 with math or a recognized diploma from AICTE or a state board.
Exam Pattern: The exam assesses architectural knowledge and design skills through sections on mathematics, aptitude, and drawing.
In addition to scores obtained in NATA and JEE Main Paper 2, there are state-level bodies, responsible for preparing a merit list based on the NATA/JEE Main paper 2 and 10+2 (qualifying exam) scores of the applicants followed by the seat allotment process through a centralized online counseling process. The rank list is based on the candidates’ class 12 grades and NATA/JEE2 scores. Candidates will need to have a valid NATA score or JEE Main Paper 2 score to participate in the counseling process. For eg. Kerala Engineering Architecture Medical (KEAM) is the body offering admission to students into architecture courses by the state of Kerala.
How afdindia Can Help You
Students can get extensive coaching and support from afdindia to help them gain admission to prestigious architecture colleges. afdindia provides comprehensive training by experts for entrance exams such as NATA and JEE Main Paper 2, covering all necessary subjects like aptitude, design, and drawing. Students can boost their confidence and perform better on exams with the help of our interactive sessions, mock exams, and individualized mentoring.
Top Architecture Colleges in India: FAQs
What are the main entrance examinations in India for architecture?
NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture) and JEE Main Paper 2 are the two primary entrance exams for architecture in India.
What are the requirements to be eligible for NATA?
Candidates appearing for NATA must have completed or be appearing for their 12th-grade exam with Mathematics as a compulsory subject.
How is JEE Main Paper 2 different from NATA?
For admission to architecture programs offered by IITs, NITs, and other centrally funded institutions, the JEE Main Paper 2 is necessary. However, NATA is accepted by all other BArch colleges throughout India.
Is it possible to clear NATA and JEE without coaching?
Coaching can be very beneficial for understanding the format of the tests, getting ready for the drawing test, architecture aptitude and improving time management skills.
Is it possible to pursue architecture after obtaining a diploma?
Candidates who hold a 3-year diploma in an architectural assistantship or its equivalent, are eligible to pursue B.Arch.
Is it possible to appear for both NATA and JEE Main Paper 2?
Both exams are open to students as many colleges accept scores from either one.
What is the validity of NATA and JEE Main scores?
NATA score is valid for two years and JEE Main scores are valid for one academic year.
What is the maximum number of attempts allowed for NATA or JEE Main Paper 2?
NATA exam can be attempted three time a year. For JEE Main Paper 2, there are also two attempts allowed annually.
What job options are available after studying Architecture in India?
After completing an architecture program in India, students have a wide range of career options. Among them are Architects, Architecture Designers, Architecture Engineers, and Interior Designer.
