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How to Become an Architect: In India, Eligibility, Salary, Jobs, Top Colleges

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Lipi Kaushik

Updated on 18th January, 2024 , 8 min read

Are you that person who gets really intimated by an architect and wish to become the same one day? Well, then this article is for you. So, firstly, let us know who is an architect and what do they basically do, along with how to become an architect. Architects design buildings and other structures, including homes, offices, schools, and museums.

They basically work with clients to create functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces. They also oversee the construction process to ensure that their designs are executed properly. However, to become an architect, one has to complete certain procedures. The process to becoming an architect varies based on different countries. Furthermore, to know more about How to become an Architect in India, read the complete article below.

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B ArchB Arch Syllabus and SubjectsB Arch Exam Pattern

Who is an Architect?

An Architect is a person who is associated with the process of planning, designing, and supervising the building of various structures. Not only this but they are also responsible for the quality of the building, its safety, its performance, and much more. Becoming an architect involves having various skills like creativity, understanding of structures and their design, teamwork, communication skills, and much more.

They may also be involved in project management, budgeting, and other aspects of the building process. Overall, architects play a critical role in shaping the built environment and creating spaces that enhance our quality of life.

Read More: Architecture Jobs

How to Become an Architect: Step by Step

How to Become an Architect

The candidates, who are aspiring to become an Architect will have to follow a certain procedure. Moreover, to get a complete idea of How to Become an Architect, one should read all the details mentioned below:-

Opt for Science Stream in 10th standard

The first and the most basic step in becoming an Architect is to choose the right stream, ie, Science. However, along with choosing the Science stream, one should make sure to choose Maths along with it. After that when you start studying, make sure that you are focusing on Physics along with all the subjects, as it plays a major role in Architecture.

Complete graduation with the Architecture Degree

The completion of the 12th standard follows graduation with a degree in Architecture. There are various institutes in India that offer the course in Architecture. The degree of Architecture is a 5-year course that basically focuses the topics like designing, planning, structuring the building, and much more. Moreover, below mentioned is the list of the Architecture courses provided in India:-

  • Bachelor's in Engineering and Architectural Design
  • Bachelor of Engineering in Landscape Architecture
  • BSc/BA in Architecture Technology & Construction Management
  • BA (Hons) in Interior Architecture & Design

Work on your Skills

Being an Architecture takes a lot of skills. Thereafter, one who is interested in becoming an architect must ensure that they possess certain skills, that are mentioned below:-

  • Maths and engineering skills
  • Leadership skills
  • Communication skills
  • Creative Thinking
  • Problem-Solving Skills
  • Computer Modelling
  • Commercial Knowledge
  • High Perceptual Skills
  • Teamwork and Management
  • Effective Communication Skills
  • Intense Pursuit

Apply for Internship Programs

It is mandatory for an Architect to do an Internship at the beginning of his/ her career. The internship program is included both in the Bachelor's and Masters's degrees. Moreover, during the internship, the candidate shall be working under the guidance of a professional Architect. The internship will result in the candidate having not only great exposure but also an amazing experience.

Become a Licensed Architect

After the candidate has completed the internship, he/ she will be required to have a license so that he/ she can work professionally as an Architect. Furthermore, to obtain a license, one will have to register himself/ herself with The Council of Architecture (COA). To get the registration completed, the candidates will be needing certain documents like documents attested by a Gazetted officer or a Notary Public/ Oath Commissioner or self-attested.

Pursue Masters Degree in Architecture

This is basically for those candidates who are interested in pursuing higher studies in Architecture. The Master's degree in Architecture includes the following degree courses:-

  • Architectural conservation
  • Building engineering and management
  • Housing
  • Urban design
  • Landscape architecture
  • Architectural design
  • Sustainable architecture
  • Transport planning
  • And much more…

How to become an Architect after 10th

The candidates who are interested in building their careers in the field of architecture after 10th will have to complete certain courses. Furthermore, the list of the courses that one has to complete is mentioned in the table below:-

Name of the courseCourse Duration
Diploma in Architectural Engineering3 years
Diploma in Architectural Assistantship2-3 years
ITI Architectural Draughtsman2 years
Diploma in Architectural Technology2 years

How to become an Architect after 12th

One looking forward to pursuing their career in the field of Architecture after their 12th will have to qualify the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE Main). After one qualifies this exam, he/ she will be able to take admission in various courses of Architecture.

Types of Architects

One who is interested in knowing ‘How to become an Architect' should make sure to know that how many types of Architects are there. Moreover, the below-mentioned table explains the complete list of the Types of Architects:-

Types of ArchitectsDescriptionArchitect Average Salary
Technical ArchitectA systems logistics specialist known as a technical architect, sometimes known as an IT systems architect, develops, maintains, and deploys IT systems for developing businesses or IT firms.INR 22 LPA
Site ArchitectAn expert architect who is based on-site and offers technical design solutions for any issues that arise, with an emphasis on the development's building phases.INR 4 LPA
Design ArchitectThe definition of an architect that is most commonly held is that of a design architect. They are in charge of coming up with the general concept for a project.INR 8 LPA
Lighting ArchitectThe technical aspects of a structure, such as its thermal efficiency and water tightness, are primarily of interest to these professionals.INR 4.5 LPA
Research ArchitectTypically, a project will seek the advice of this kind of architect to ensure that it complies with local, state, and federal rules and regulations.INR 1.3 LPA
Restoration ArchitectArchitects with a focus on the preservation and conservation of historical structures and monuments are known as restoration architects.INR 4.5 LPA
Landscape ArchitectWith their special set of abilities, landscape architects seek to enhance the well-being of both people and the environment in all communities.INR 3.8 LPA

Job Scopes in Architecture

The candidates who complete the Architecture course have various job scopes. The Job scope for Architecture can be found below:-

  • Landscape Architect
  • Urban Planner
  • Restoration Architect
  • Research Architect
  • Lighting Architect
  • Political Architect

How to become an Architect in USA

While the academic requirements for becoming an architect vary from university to undergrad, there are also a number of personal considerations to take into account. In addition to the type of degree you decide to pursue, other factors to consider include your personal and professional situation (such as commitments to your family, if you have children, or an existing career), as well as your time and financial resources.

Theoretically, with a five-year B.Arch and three years of AXP (an internship programme that can start at school), a person could obtain a U.S. architecture licence in less than eight years if the exams (ARE) were completed quickly. For architects who obtain an M.Arch or D.Arch degree before beginning their practise, it may take a little longer. Realistically, the majority of people have a significantly longer road to become licenced architects. In fact, according to NCARB, the average duration to licensure for those obtaining their U.S. architecture licence in 2012 was more than 11 years. Although it is a little less than in recent years, this is still a long way beyond the required 8 years.

How to become an Architect in Germany

Germany is one of the most popular study abroad countries among international students, with six universities ranking among the top 100 universities worldwide. Technical University of Berlin and Technical University of Munich are among the top 25 universities in the world for architectural studies, according to the QS world topic ranking. German architecture schools provide courses for all degree levels, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral.

There is no professional exam to become a qualified architect in Germany; instead, a student must earn an undergraduate degree, followed by a master's, and then work for a registered architect. In Germany, graduates with a bachelor's in architecture can expect to make roughly 6000 EUR per month. With a master's degree, this price rises to 12.000 EUR per month. A monthly salary of 12,000 EUR makes Berlin one of the highest paying cities in Germany for architects.

Architect Salary In India

The aspirant aspiring to become an Architect in India should be well-versed in their Salary package. Moreover, the Architect Salary in India is mentioned in the tabular format below:-

PostArchitect Salary in India
Technical ArchitectINR 36 Lakhs
Site ArchitectINR 27 Lakhs
Design ArchitectINR 25 Lakhs
Lighting ArchitectINR 8 Lakhs
Research ArchitectINR 13 Lakhs
Restoration ArchitectINR 7 Lakhs
Landscape ArchitectINR 8 Lakhs

Top Architecture Institutes in India

The below mentioned is the tabular format explaining the top Architecture institutes in India:-

Name of Top Architecture InstituteArchitecture Fees
IIT KharagpurINR 13,30,200
IIT RoorkeeINR 3,86,000
National Institute of Technology (NIT)INR 8,56,250
BIT MesraINR 16,64,000
School of Planning and ArchitectureINR 3,14,500
Chandigarh College of ArchitectureINR 85,750
SMVDU, KatraINR 6,00,000
Sir JJ College of ArchitectureINR 62,925

Top Colleges in USA

The USA's vast, aesthetic buildings and cutting-edge facilities demonstrate its proficiency in architecture. The top Architecture universities in the USA are listed below:-

  • Stanford University
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
  • Harvard University
  • University of California, Berkeley (UCB)
  • Princeton University
  • Yale University
  • University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
  • Columbia University
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • New York University

Top Architecture Colleges in Canada

Students who study architecture in Canada receive a solid education and the skills they need. The best architectural schools in Canada are mentioned below:-

  • University of British Columbia
  • Memorial University of Newfoundland
  • University of Calgary
  • University of Manitoba
  • University of Waterloo
  • University of Toronto
  • McGill University
  • Ryerson University

Top Architecture Colleges in Australia

Australia is a top destination for those interested in architecture due to its distinctive programs and expert instruction. Australia is home to some of the oldest and most beautifully built buildings in the world. These are the top Architectural universities of Australia are:-

  • University of Melbourne
  • Queensland University of Technology
  • University of New South Wales
  • University of Adelaide
  • University of Queensland
  • University of Canberra
  • RMIT University
  • University of Technology Sydney
  • Engineering Institute of Technology

Merits and Demerits of becoming an Architect

There are certain merits and demerits that one can experience while becoming an architect. Furthermore, the following points explain the pros and cons of becoming an architect:-

Pros of becoming an Architect:-

  • Architecture is one of the most fulfilling professions for determined people who want to use their imagination to build something new that is both beautiful and useful.
  • An architect has a flexible creative process and works in a fast-paced environment.
  • Engineers and designers work closely with architects in a number of different disciplines.
  • As a result, architects frequently acquire a thorough and broad perspective on ordinary problems and are skilled at finding creative solutions.
  • Having said that, it goes without saying that architecture is one of the hardest and most demanding occupations.

Cons of becoming an Architect:-

  • One must first complete a lengthy period of academic and professional training before one can start working formally.
  • The field of architecture is challenging and competitive.
  • When compared to other occupations that require comparable educational backgrounds, architects start out with an average pay.
  • Architects frequently work in an unstructured atmosphere with varying deadlines, which causes their workloads to change throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to become an architect?

Ans. To become an Architect, one needs to follow a procedure that is to choose Science Stream in your 10th, graduate with an Architecture degree, work on the skills, start applying for internship programs, become a Licensed Architect, and Pursue Masters Degree in Architecture.

What does an Architect do?

Ans. An Architect creates designs, plans and builds various types of buildings.

What are the documents required for becoming a Licensed Architect?

Ans. The documents required to become a Licensed Architect are:- Application form Birth certificate 10 + 2 mark sheet Architectural qualification certificate in original Copies of mark sheets Caste/ category certificate Demand draft Self-addressed envelope Registered post

What are the courses offered for Architecture in India?

Ans. The Architecture courses in India are:- Bachelor’s in Engineering and Architectural Design Bachelor of Engineering in Landscape Architecture BSc/BA in Architecture Technology & Construction Management BA (Hons) in Interior Architecture & Design

What are the institutes that offer the course of Architecture in India?

Ans. The Architecture institutes in India are:- IIT Kharagpur IIT Roorkee National Institute of Technology (NIT) BIT Mesra School of Planning and Architecture Chandigarh College of Architecture SMVDU, Katra Sir JJ College of Architecture

What is the salary scope of Architecture in India?

Ans. An Architect in India earns an average of INR 6-18 Lac per annum.

What qualifications do you need to become an Architect?

Ans. A degree recognised by the Architects Registration Board (ARB), a year of practical work experience, a further 2 years’ full-time university course like BArch, Diploma, MArch, a year of practical training, and a final qualifying exam.

How many years does it take to become an Architect?

Ans. The total time that takes one to become an Architect is 8 years.

Is it hard to become an Architect?

Ans. Architecture is a difficult profession that requires a lot of effort. All successful architects have put in tremendous effort and commitment to get where they are.

Is Architecture a high paying job?

Ans. Yes, certainly. Architecture is a very high paying job. The salary of an Architect is an average of INR 8-36 LPA.

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