There are many career options available for students in India, but if you are interested in creativity, designing and technical skills, then architecture can be a great career option for you. It is not only a professional degree but also a field in which you can make your mark in society by designing buildings and structures.
In this article, we will know in detail how to do an architecture course after 12th, what the eligibility, what the course fee is, what subjects are taught and what the career prospects are in this field.
What is an Architecture Course?
Architecture is a profession that involves planning buildings, bridges, homes, commercial spaces and urban development. This course teaches students to create beautiful and durable structures using both art and science.
Architecture course options after 12th
- Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch)
This is the most prominent degree course that students can pursue after the 12th.
- Duration: 5 years
- Type: Full-time undergraduate degree
- Certifying body: COA (Council of Architecture)
- B.Sc in Architecture
- Duration: 3 years
- Focus: Theoretical and technical knowledge
- Diploma in Architecture
- Duration: 3 years
- Type: Technical education option, mostly available in polytechnic colleges
- B.Plan (Bachelor in Planning)
- Duration: 4 years
- Focus: Urban planning and rural development
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | 12th class passed with PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Maths) with a minimum of 50% marks |
| Entrance Exam | NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture) or JEE Main (Paper 2) |
| Minimum Age | 17 years |
| Other | Must have passed the 12th from a recognised board |
- NATA: Conducted by COA. Tests drawing skills, observation, proportion sense, and aesthetic ability.
- JEE Main (Paper 2): Conducted by NTA. Contains Maths, Aptitude, and Drawing questions.
| Type of College | Annual Fees (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Government Colleges (IITs, NITs, SPA) | ₹30,000 - ₹1,00,000 |
| Private Colleges | ₹1,50,000 - ₹3,00,000 |
| Diploma Courses | ₹20,000 - ₹80,000 |
Note: Many colleges also offer scholarships and loan facilities.
- Year 1: Architectural Design – I, Building Construction – I, Graphics, History – I, Structural Mechanics
- Year 2: Design – II, Construction – II, Climatology, Surveying, Materials
- Year 3: Working Drawing, Services, History – II, CAD, Structural Design
- Year 4: Urban Design, Landscape, Town Planning, Environmental Studies, Internship
- Year 5: Thesis Project, Professional Practice, Advanced Design
| College Name | Location |
|---|---|
| IIT Kharagpur | West Bengal |
| SPA Delhi | Delhi |
| NIT Calicut | Kerala |
| CEPT University | Ahmedabad |
| Sir JJ College of Architecture | Mumbai |
Career Opportunities After Architecture
After completing a degree in architecture, you can work in the following fields:
Job Profiles:
- Architect
- Interior Designer
- Urban Planner
- Project Manager
- Construction Manager
- Landscape Architect
Work Areas:
- Architecture Firms
- Construction Companies
- Real Estate Companies
- Government Departments (PWD, CPWD, Town Planning)
- Can start their firm
Average Starting Salary:
- ₹3 lakh – ₹6 lakh per annum (increases with experience)
Skills Required in Architecture
- Creative Thinking
- Mathematical Skills
- Drawing and Sketching
- Software Knowledge (AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp)
- Analytical Thinking
Benefits of an Architecture Course
- High creativity and self-satisfaction
- Good Career Growth
- Self-employment opportunities
- Career opportunities abroad
- Respectable profession in society
Precautions and Challenges
- The duration of the course is long (5 years)
- Projects and practical work require a lot of hard work
- Salary may be a little less in the beginning
- Competition is high
Conclusion
If you want a career that gives wings to your creativity along with technical knowledge, then architecture is the best option for you. By doing an architecture course after 12th, you can become a successful architect who plays an important role in the building of society. It is just important that you prepare properly for entrance exams like NATA or JEE and get a degree from a recognised institute.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is an architecture course?
Answer: Architecture course is a professional course in which planning, design and construction of buildings, bridges and other structures are taught.
- Which architecture course is best after the 12th?
Answer: The most prominent and recognised course is Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch), which is of 5-course and recognised by COA.
- What is the eligibility for the architecture course?
Answer: Minimum 50% marks with Physics, Chemistry and Maths (PCM) subjects in class 12th is required. Also, it is necessary to pass NATA or JEE (Paper 2).
- What is the fee for the architecture course?
Answer: In government colleges, the fee ranges from ₹30,000 to ₹1 lakh per annum, while in private colleges it can be from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹3 lakh per annum.
- Is drawing necessary for architecture?
Answer: Yes, drawing skills and visualisation are important for an architecture course. Drawing skills are also tested in the NATA/JEE exam.
- Is it necessary to get a license to become an architect?
Answer: Yes, it is necessary to get registration with the Council of Architecture (COA) to work as an architect in India.
- What are the subjects taught in the architecture course?
Answer: Major subjects include Architectural Design, Building Construction, History of Architecture, Climatology, Urban Planning, Structure Design, etc.
- What is the average salary after becoming an architect?
Answer: A fresher architect can get a salary of ₹3 lakh to ₹6 lakh per annum in the beginning, it can be even higher with increasing experience.
- Isthe architecture course difficult?
Answer: The course can be challenging as it demands technical knowledge, practical projects and designing skills. But it is also very interesting if one is interested.
- What are the best architecture colleges in India?
Answer: Top architecture colleges in India include IIT Kharagpur, SPA Delhi, CEPT Ahmedabad, and Sir JJ College of Architecture (Mumbai).