Architecture is a field that combines art, science, and technology to create functional and aesthetically pleasing environments for people to live, work, and play in. Architecture also reflects the culture, history, and aspirations of societies and individuals. As an architect, you can shape the built environment and make a positive difference in the world. But how do you become an architect in India after 12th? What are the architecture career options in India? What is the future in architecture as a career in India? How do you build your career in architecture? These are some of the questions that you might have as a graduate or an aspiring architect. In this blog, we will answer these questions and provide you with a comprehensive guide to the career opportunities in architecture.
What is Architecture Studies?
Architecture studies is the academic discipline that deals with the theory and practice of architecture. It covers various aspects of architecture, such as architectural design, history, theory, technology, environment, urbanism, and professional practice. Architecture studies can be pursued at different levels of education, such as diploma, bachelor, master, or doctorate.
The most common and popular degree in architecture studies is the Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch), which is a five-year undergraduate programme that prepares students for the professional practice of architecture. The B.Arch programme is approved by the Council of Architecture (COA) and is offered by various colleges and universities in India. The B.Arch programme covers subjects such as architectural design, history, theory, technology, environment, urbanism, and professional practice.
To be eligible for the B.Arch programme, candidates must have passed 10+2 or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects and have obtained a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate. The candidates must also have a valid score in the National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) or the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main Paper II. The admission process is based on merit and portfolio review.
Types of Roles and Jobs in Architecture
Architecture is a diverse and rewarding field that offers a wide range of career options for graduates. As an architect, you can work in various sectors, such as construction, real estate, urban development, heritage, and environment. You can also pursue careers in other industries that require architectural skills and knowledge, such as interior design, urban planning, construction management, and more.
Some of the common Bachelor of Architecture Career Options are:
- Architect: An architect is a professional who designs and oversees the construction of various types of structures, from residential to commercial, from cultural to industrial. An architect is responsible for creating the concept, plan, and specifications of a project. An architect must have a license to practice architecture in India, which can be obtained after completing the B.Arch degree and a mandatory internship of one year, followed by passing the COA registration examination.
- Architectural Designer: An architectural designer is a professional who works under the supervision of a licensed architect and assists in the design and development of architectural projects. An architectural designer is involved in the conceptualisation, visualisation, and presentation of architectural designs, using various tools and software, such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, etc. An architectural designer can work as a freelancer or as an employee of an architectural firm or an organisation.
- Interior Designer: An interior designer is a professional who designs and decorates the interior spaces of buildings, such as homes, offices, hotels, restaurants, etc. An interior designer is responsible for creating the layout, colour scheme, furniture, lighting, and accessories of a space, as well as ensuring the functionality, comfort, and aesthetics of the space. An interior designer can work as a freelancer or as an employee of an interior design firm or an organisation.
These are just some of the examples of the many B.Arch job opportunities. You can also explore other different careers in architecture, such as conservation architect, research architect, architectural journalist, architectural educator, architectural consultant, and more.
Architecture Career Scope in India
Architecture is a field that has a lot of scope and potential in India, as the country is undergoing rapid urbanisation, development, and modernisation. There is a high demand for architects and designers who can create innovative, sustainable, and inclusive spaces for the growing population and economy. The scope and future of architecture in India also depends on the type, sector, and location of the projects. Some of the sectors that offer lucrative and promising opportunities for architects in India are:
- Residential: The residential sector is one of the largest and most popular sectors for architects in India, as there is a huge demand for housing and living spaces for the people. The residential sector offers opportunities for architects to design and build various types of housing projects, such as apartments, villas, townships, etc.
- Cultural: The cultural sector is one of the most challenging and rewarding sectors for architects in India, as there is a high demand for cultural and public spaces for the society and the nation. The cultural sector offers opportunities for architects to design and build various types of cultural projects, such as museums, libraries, theatres, monuments, etc.
- Industrial: The industrial sector is one of the most emerging and diverse sectors for architects in India, as there is a high demand for industrial and manufacturing spaces for the sectors and the economy. The industrial sector offers opportunities for architects to design and build various types of industrial projects, such as factories, warehouses, power plants, etc.
How to Build Your Career in Architecture After 12th
If you have decided to pursue a career in architecture after 12th in India, you need to plan and prepare well to achieve your goals and aspirations. Here are some of the steps and tips that can help you build your career in architecture:
- Choose the right college and course: The first and foremost step is to choose the right college and course for your bachelor of architecture degree. You need to do thorough research and compare the various colleges and courses that offer the B.Arch programme in India. You also need to check the eligibility and admission criteria and prepare well for the entrance exams and portfolio review.
- Gain practical experience and exposure: The next step is to gain practical experience and exposure in the field of architecture. You need to do internships, training, or freelance work in various architectural firms, organisations, or projects during or after your B.Arch programme.
- Get licensed and registered: The next step is to get licensed and registered as an architect in India. You need to complete the mandatory internship of one year after your B.Arch degree and pass the COA registration examination. You need to apply for the registration and obtain the certificate of practice from the COA.
- Pursue higher studies and research: The next step is to pursue higher studies and research in the field of architecture and related disciplines. You can opt for a Master of Architecture (M.Arch) or a Doctor of Architecture (D.Arch) degree, which are two-year and three-year programmes respectively. You can also choose a diploma, certificate, or short-term course in a specific area of architecture, such as interior design, urban planning, landscape architecture, etc. Opportunities in the field of architecture. You can look for jobs, projects, or contracts in various architectural firms, organisations, or sectors, such as construction, real estate, urban development, heritage, environment, etc.
FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) about architecture career in India:
Q: What is the average architecture career salary in India?
A: The average bachelor of architecture salary in India is INR 4-5 lakhs per annum. However, the salary may vary depending on the experience, qualification, location, and type of the architect.
Q: Is architecture a good career choice in India?
A: Architecture is a good career in India, as it offers a lot of scope and potential for growth and development. Architecture is a field that combines creativity, technology, and social impact, and career after B.Arch requires a lot of passion, dedication, and persistence.
Q: What are the after B.Arch jobs that one can pursue?
A: After completing the B.Arch degree, one can pursue various jobs in the field of architecture and related industries. Some of the common after B.Arch jobs are:
Architect , Architectural Designer, Interior Designer , Landscape Architect
These are just some of the examples of the after B.Arch career prospects in India. One can also explore other jobs in architecture, such as conservation architect, research architect, architectural journalist, architectural educator, architectural consultant, etc.
Conclusion
Architecture is a field that offers a lot of career opportunities and prospects for graduates who are interested and skilled in designing and building spaces. We hope this blog has given you a better understanding of the field of architecture and its roles and responsibilities. We also hope this blog has inspired and motivated you to follow your dream of becoming an architect and making a difference in the world.
