Construction is one of the fastest growing sectors in Indian economy. Architecture means the science and art of designing building and several other structures. Architects are the licensed professionals who are trained in the art and science of buildings. They make sure that the buildings are safe, functional, economical, and go with the needs of users.

Courses in Architecture

• Five year Bachelor Degree
• Five year B.Arch. Degree
• Two years Masters Degree
• Three or four years Masters Degree

Eligibility

The candidates who have completed their 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics are eligible for the admission to study architecture at graduate level. Many of the schools and colleges conduct tests for the candidates to have admission in B.Arch. course. After completing the graduate course, one can study architecture at the post graduate level for which the duration is 18 months or sometimes 2 years. For admission to colleges of Architecture, an All India level exam is conducted by the Council of Architecture. Students are selected to the these colleges on the basis of the result of the entrance exam. Some other well-known institutes conduct their own selection tests to identify suitable candidates.

There are many colleges which offer a course in architecture. A few of them are listed below.

• Punjab University, Chandigarh College of Architecture
• Lucknow University, Govt. College of Architecture, Lucknow
• Kerala University, College of Engineering, Thiruvananthpuram
• Pune University, Marathwada Mitra Mandal College of Architecture, Pune
• Anna University, School of Architecture & Planning, Chennai
• School of Planning & Architecture, New Delhi
• Indian Education Society’s College of Architecture, Mumbai
• School of Architecture CEPT, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad
• Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, School of Planning & Architecture, Hyderabad
• Goa University, College of Architecture
• University of Mumbai, Sir J J College of Architecture

Job Prospects

There exists a wide employment opportunities for architects in both public and private sectors. Some public organizations like housing and urban development corporation, central and state public work departments, state housing boards, etc offer placements for qualified architects. They have also opportunities in consultancy and private architectural firms, industrial ventures, teaching institutions, real estate development firms etc. The biggest advantage is that they can indulge in private practice.

Some of the posts available for the candidates are Architecture Designer, Architect, Interior Designer, Architecture Engineer, etc.

Salary package

A fresh graduate from architecture field who is working with established architects as a trainee may get a salary of Rs.10000 to Rs.12000 per month. The salary may rise up to Rs.20000 per month depending upon the experience.  In the public sector, the pay scale is not as good as the private sector. Architects who are doing private practice can earn a high income.