How does one know if architecture is a suitable career and academic choice for oneself? What are some of the key elements that attract you within the domain of architecture? Are you somebody who likes to put things together? Do you like solving challenges? Do you enjoy LEGO or MECHANIX? Do you often find yourself intrigued by the shape and design of the buildings in your vicinity, thinking what were the architects trying to convey with their design or what is its purpose? If your answer to most of such questions is yes, you are in the right place. We endeavor to shed light on the four key elements that are required to be a student of architecture and subsequently craft a successful career in architecture.
I. University Education
Similar to other specialized professionals, architects also train rigorously and gain significant academic exposure. Several universities and colleges offer a bachelor’s degree in architecture (B.Arch.) and it typically takes 5 years to earn this degree. However, one must leave no stone unturned when preparing to apply for admission into these sought-after universities and colleges for architecture. To begin with, most universities and colleges require a minimum score of 60% in 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Most universities and colleges accept students on the basis of their performance in entrance exams and respective aptitude tests. Some of the most essential exams are JEE Mains, National Aptitude Test for Architecture (NATA), and Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT).
Leading Institutions offering B.Arch.
| S.No. | Name of Institution | Location | Admission Route | Tentative
Timeline |
| 1 | IIT Kharagpur | Kharagpur | JEE Mains+ Advanced+ AAT | Dec and Feb (Forms)
Jan and April – May (Exam) |
| 2 | IIT Roorkee | Roorkee | JEE Mains+
Advanced + AAT |
Dec and Feb (Forms)
Jan and April – May (Exam) |
| 3 | National Institute of Technology (NIT’s) | Multiple | JEE Mains Paper 2 | Dec and Feb (Forms)
Jan, April (Exam) |
| 4 | BIT Mesra | Ranchi | JEE Mains Paper 2 | Dec and Feb (Forms)
Jan, April (Exam) |
| 5 | School of Planning & Architecture | Multiple | JEE Mains Paper 2 | Dec and Feb (Forms)
Jan, April (Exam) |
| 6 | Chandigarh College of Architecture | Chandigarh | JEE Mains Paper 2 | Dec and Feb (Forms)
Jan, April (Exam) |
| 7 | Faculty of Architecture, Jamia Milia University | New Delhi | JEE Mains Paper 2 | Dec and Feb (Forms)
Jan, April (Exam) |
| 9 | SMVDU, Katra | Jammu | JEE Mains Paper 2 | Dec and Feb (Forms)
Jan, April (Exam) |
| 10 | Sir J. J. College Of Architecture | Mumbai | JEE Mains Paper 2 / NATA | Dec and Feb (Forms)
Jan, April (Exam) June (Forms) July (Exam) |
| Manipal Institute of Technology | Manipal | NATA | October Forms) April (Exam) |
The entrance exams for architecture are:
- JEE Main Paper 2: For admission into the top NITs and SPAs, it is mandatory to appear for this exam. The JEE Main is conducted twice a year in the months of January and April. The applications open in September and February for the January and April attempts respectively.
- JEE Paper I | JEE Advance | AAT These exams are specifically for students who seek admission into IIT Roorkee, IIT Kharagpur, and IIT BHU. One needs to begin with attempting JEE Paper 1, and only after passing this exam may one attempt the following tests.
- NATA: The National Aptitude Test in Architecture to all other reputed state, government, and private colleges. Exam is conducted twice a year in the months of April & July. Application releases in the month of January (4th week – tentative).
You may also visit the following webpage to confirm the list of universities that accept the NATA
The key areas that are tested in the aforementioned entrance exams are mathematics, general aptitude, and drawing.
II. What are the job opportunities after studying architecture?
Architects go places, literally! They go to a lot of places to work, eat, shop, study, stay, and much more. Students of architecture may apply for various jobs after completing their undergraduate program. For example, one may strive to work as an architecture designer, architectural engineer, interior designer, etc.
Some universities and colleges also offer a specialization degree in the field of architecture called M.Arch./MTech. The admission process into such specialization programs typically have an entrance exam, a Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE), or a Common Entrance Exam for Design (CEED). The following are various specialisations in architecture where the architects learn about a particular skill:
- Interior Architecture: A specialization in interior architecture allows one to focus on the various kinds of spatial design and embellishments, and teaches them how to build sustainable strategies in the field of interior architecture.
- Landscape Architecture: A specialization in landscape architecture lets budding architects work in the intersection of nature and architecture. They work on building and creating better, more sustainable landscapes by integrating science, art, architecture, and technology.
- Naval Architecture: A specialization in naval architecture allows one to study the design of ocean structures, marine instrumentation, wave dynamics, and hydrodynamics.
III. Skillset
- High Perceptual Skills
- Creative Thinking
- Problem Solving Skills
- Computer Modelling
- Teamwork and Management
- Effective Communication Skills
- Perseverance
- Intense Pursuit
IV. Pros and Cons of Architecture
Pros:
Architecture is one of the most satisfying careers for passionate people who strive to use their creativity to build something new that is aesthetic and useful. An architect works in a dynamic environment and has a flexible thought process
Architects work very closely with professionals from disparate lines of work such as engineering and design. Thus, architects often develop a holistic and broad perspective on, and are able to approach everyday situations in innovative ways. Having said that, architecture is certainly one of the most demanding and challenging areas of work. Furthermore, it is important to understand that one must be creative and ready to learn while working in dynamic environments if they wish to enter the realm of architecture.
Cons:
One must undergo a long period of academic training before they can start working formally.
Architecture is a demanding and highly competitive line of work. The initial remuneration for architects is average in comparison with other professions with similar educational backgrounds.
Architects typically work in an unstructured setting, i.e. they work with various deadlines and hence their workloads may vary throughout a financial year.
Conclusion
Architecture is definitely an intriguing line of work that offers a universe of opportunity for creative enthusiasts. You may scour the web and learn the tenets of architecture from the numerous resources that are available, such as documentaries and other educational media. Some of the popular web series are the following:
- The world’s most extraordinary homes
- Grand Designs
- Abstract – The art of design
- Lego House – Home to the brick
- Stay Here
- Amazing Interiors
- Escape to the continent
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