How to become an Architect?

"Architects Always Have a PLAN."

Architects are professionals responsible for designing buildings and structures in multiple industries. This profession has been existing since humans became aware of shelter and has grown immensely. Architecture is a visual art where the building speaks for itself. It's the science and art of designing and building distinct structures by inculcating factors related to history, culture and the future.

Since the beginning of the profession, each century and the rulers have marked their significance in building majestic architectural structures as an epitome of human intelligence. Architecture is practised to fulfill both practical and expensive requirements, thus serving both utilitarian and aesthetic ends. 

Scope of Architecture in India:

Architecture has a lot of scope in India. There has been a surge of B.Arch opportunities in the past decade. Here are the reasons why candidates can choose to build a career as an Architect in India:

• High Demand:

The demand for Architects in India is very high. The increasing population and requirement for top-quality infrastructure justify the high demand. 

• Expanding Industry:

As the Indian population increases, the need for a planned architecture also increases. The population in the coming years is estimated to rise, which increases the requirement for commercial and residential space. 

• Endless Learning:

Students pursuing architecture gain balanced knowledge of various theoretical and practical aspects endlessly. They shall learn to design and build new, spacious, wise, and unique structures.

• Varied Career and Specializations:

Architecture has a rigid framework for offering multiple specializations for the candidates. They are eligible to opt for specializations such as Environmental Planning, Housing, Regional Planning, Transport Planning, Urban Planning, and many more. They also get to be a part of an advancing field of architecture which is being merged with Artificial Intelligence and Automation. 

How to Become an Architect?

Candidates aspiring to become an Architect can follow the below-mentioned steps:

• Candidates must have completed 10+2 in the science stream, with a minimum aggregate score of 50%, from a recognized board.
• They must appear and qualify for the relevant architecture entrance exams for admission.
• They can go for an undergraduate degree, followed by a Postgraduate degree to pursue this field.  
• Candidates after completing their degree must obtain a License or Register themselves with the Council of Architecture (CoA) to practice as an Architect.

Eligibility Criteria for Architecture Courses After 12th:

The candidates must meet the required eligibility criteria to become an Architect in India. Below mentioned are the eligibility criteria for architecture courses of different levels:

Personal Attributes:

Some of the requisite skills to pursue architecture courses are:

Architecture Entrance Exams in India:

Explore some of the top architecture entrance exams required for admission to top colleges:

• JEE Main and Advanced:

JEE Main is a national level entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It is a national-level entrance examination for B.Arch aspirants. Based on their marks in this exam, they shall qualify for JEE Advanced. JEE Advanced is conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) and the rank secured by them in this exam will help them seek admission in top colleges. 

• NATA:

National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the Council of Architecture (CoA) for architecture courses after 12th. The exam is conducted twice a year for B.Arch courses offered in multiple colleges across the country.

• GATE:

Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is an entrance exam conducted by a member of the Joint Committee, consisting of IISc, Bangalore and 7 IITs. GATE is a national level entrance exam that tests the comprehensive understanding of various undergraduate subjects in engineering and science. It allows candidates to apply for postgraduate architecture courses. 

• PGCET:

Karnataka Post Graduate Common Entrance Test (PGCET) is a state-level entrance exam conducted by the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA). PGCET entrance exams are conducted for getting admission into postgraduate architecture courses in top private and government colleges in Karnataka. 

Architecture Courses:

Undergraduate Course:

Postgraduate Course:

Doctoral Course:

Students can also pursue Diploma and PG Diploma courses in the field offered by top institutes.

Best Architecture Colleges in India:

Following are the top 10 architecture colleges in India that offer high-quality education and a comprehensive learning experience:

• Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT), All Campuses
• National Institute of Technology (NIT), All Campuses
• School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), All Campuses
• BMS School of Architecture (BMSSA), Bangalore
• College of Engineering, Trivandrum
• Manipal School of Architecture and Planning (MSAP), Manipal 
• Birla Institute of Technology (BIT), Rachi
• Jamia Millia Islamia University (JMI)
• Sir J J College of Architecture, Mumbai
• RV College of Architecture, Bangalore 

Read more about the Top Rated Architecture Colleges in Bangalore here. 

Career as an Architect:

The demand for Architects is increasing as the need for better infrastructure increases. Below is a look into how a career in architecture will pan out:

Job Roles:

• Architectural Managers
• Architectural Engineer
• Construction Manager
• Town Planner
• Building Surveyor

Salary:

The annual salary for a qualified professional Architect ranges from Rs. 4,00,000 - Rs. 10,00,000. Now that you know how to become an Architect, begin your career and lay a foundation stone in a field that helps you build the future.