Architecture is ideal for those who enjoy designing and creating beautiful spaces. It blends technical skills with creativity. Various courses are available, ranging from basic diplomas to advanced degrees, each offering different experiences and challenges. To pursue a career in architecture, you need a background in Science. The Council of Architecture (CoA) announced in 2016 that only students who have taken Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) can join architecture programs.
Thus, it’s essential to take these subjects in Classes 11 and 12. The degree covers design principles, civil engineering, manual drafting, and computer rendering. If you see yourself as an architecture student with T-scales and a portfolio bag, here’s what you need to know about course duration, eligibility, entrance exams, and fees!
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Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch)
This is a five-year program designed to help students learn how to design buildings. Throughout the course, students acquire knowledge in both creating attractive designs and understanding how to construct them properly. The program emphasizes both creativity and essential skills, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for a successful career in architecture.
- Course Duration: 5 years
- Eligibility: 10+2 with a minimum of 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics for Science students.
- Fees: Can range from ₹2 to ₹10 lakhs per year, depending on the institution.
- Entrance Exams: National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) or JEE Main Paper 2 (B.Arch).
Eligibility Required for Pursuing a Career in Architecture
To be eligible for architecture programs, students must have completed Classes 11 and 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM).
Entrance Exams for Architecture Courses
Most architecture programs, particularly the B.Arch, require students to clear national-level entrance exams.
The two main entrance exams for architecture in India are:
- National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA): Conducted by the Council of Architecture (CoA), NATA tests candidates’ drawing, observation, and mathematical skills. It’s one of the primary entrance exams for B.Arch programs in India.
- JEE Main Paper 2 (B.Arch): Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), JEE Main Paper 2 is another exam for admission to B.Arch programs in top institutions like IITs and NITs.
Top Architecture Colleges in India
India has many excellent architecture colleges that provide high-quality education and training. Some of the best institutions are:
- School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), New Delhi
- IIT Kharagpur – Department of Architecture and Regional Planning
- Sir J.J. College of Architecture, Mumbai
- Chandigarh College of Architecture
- CEPT University, Ahmedabad
Below is a list of colleges, including both private and government institutions, that you can explore for your architecture studies.
Top Government Architecture Colleges in India
Top Government Architecture Colleges in India provide good education at low fees. Getting in can be harder than private colleges, but they help students build skills and creativity for their careers.
University/ Colleges | Courses | Fees | Placement |
National Institute of Technology (NIT), Calicut | B.Arch | Approximately ₹6.25 lakhs for the full course. | 7 LPA |
School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi | B.Arch | Approximately ₹4 lakhs for the full course. | 6 LPA |
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Roorkee | B.Arch | Approximately ₹10 lakhs for the full course. | 10 LPA |
National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirapalli | B.Arch | Approximately ₹6 lakhs for the full course | 6 LPA |
Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi | B.Arch | Approximately ₹80,000 for the full course. | 5.4 LPA |
Top Private Architecture Colleges in India
Private architecture colleges are generally easier to get into but tend to be more expensive. They offer similar opportunities, and sometimes even more, for students to develop their skills and careers.
University/ Colleges | Courses | Fees | Placement |
Manipal Academy of Higher Education | B.Arch | Approximately ₹13 lakhs for the full course. | 4 LPA |
BMS College of Architecture, Bengaluru | B.Arch | Approximately ₹5 lakhs for the full course. | 3.12 LPA |
Chandigarh University | B.Arch | Approximately ₹10 lakhs for the full course. | 5 LPA |
Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra | B.Arch | Approximately ₹18 lakhs for the full course. | 4 LPA |
Lovely Professional University, Phagwara | B.Arch | Approximately ₹12 lakhs for the full course. | 5 LPA |
*The average placement packages and fees vary each year, and the college does not provide clear data on this. However, you can generally expect a salary in the range of ₹3 to ₹6 LPA.*
Career in Architecture: Career Opportunities, Jobs, and Salaries
A career in architecture in India offers many choices, such as project management, urban planning, interior design, and landscaping. Architects can also start their own firms if they prefer to be their own boss.
According to Glassdoor.com, the average salary for architects in India ranges from ₹7 LPA to ₹12 LPA for mid-career professionals. Some well-known companies that hire architects in India include Gensler, Morphogenesis, HCP Design, Studio Lotus, and L&T Construction. These firms provide good job options and chances for growth in the architecture field.
Conclusion
There are several alternative paths to becoming an architect. You can enrol in a diploma program in architecture or pursue a degree or diploma in interior design. Many of these subjects overlap but architecture tends to be more STEM-heavy. There are significant connections to civil engineering as well so, if you are a civil engineer you can work closely with architects.
Additionally, you can explore fields like urban design, landscape design or computational design for your master’s degree as potential career options. Whichever path you choose, staying updated on industry trends and continuously building your skills will be key to your success.
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- Best Architecture Colleges in India
FAQ’s
Graduates can work as architects, urban planners, landscape architects, interior designers, or in project management.
To prepare for NATA, focus on practicing drawing skills, understanding the exam pattern, studying the syllabus, solving past papers, and improving your spatial reasoning and logical skills.
The minimum cutoff for NATA typically ranges from 70 to 80 out of 200. It varies each year, so check the official NATA website for the latest updates.
Generally, a minimum of 75% in Class 12 is required for NATA admissions to meet the eligibility criteria.

Hi, I’m Kanika. I’ve always had a deep love for travel and storytelling, but for me, storytelling is not just about words – it’s also about visuals and creating experiences. As an aspiring designer, I find myself constantly exploring different creative paths, whether it’s filmmaking or design (I guess I just like keeping things exciting!). I also love to play the guitar.