What Is B.Arch? Top 20 colleges for Architecture in India as per NIRF Ranking 2024

A Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) is a five-year undergraduate degree in professional architecture. In India, it is regulated by the Council of Architecture. The program blends creative design with technical and engineering knowledge. Read more to know what B.Arch is, its eligibility criteria, admission process, course structure, top colleges in India as per NIRF Ranking 2024, career options, and more.
TN Education Desk

Updated Jul 26, 2025 | 02:11 PM IST

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B.Arch is a professional undergraduate program designed to prepare students for a career in architecture. Over five years, students gain knowledge in architectural design, building science, environmental systems, construction technology, history, and professional practice. This degree meets the academic requirements for architect registration in India.

Why Pursue B.Arch?

    Combines creative and technical learning
  • Offers a wide range of career paths such as architect, planner, interior architect, urban designer, and conservationist
  • Internationally recognized degree with global career potential
  • Plays an important role in shaping sustainable and functional environments
  • Entry-level job roles are available soon after graduation
  • Course Details and Structure

    The B.Arch program is divided into 10 semesters spread over five years. It generally includes:
      Studio and design projects
  • Theoretical subjects such as structures, environmental science, history of architecture, and professional ethics
  • Practical training, usually undertaken in the 8th or 9th semester for about 80 days
  • A final thesis project in the 10th semester demonstrating design skills and research
  • Subjects covered may include architectural representation, building materials, urban design, professional practice, RCC structures, climatology, and costing.

    Eligibility Criteria

    To apply for B.Arch in India, candidates must:
      Have completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics
  • Score at least 50% in aggregate (45% for reserved categories, if applicable)
  • Alternatively, hold a 3-year diploma after Class 10 with Mathematics and at least 50% marks
  • There is no maximum age limit
  • Students who passed their board exams up to two years ago are eligible to apply for entrance exams
  • Entrance Exams

    Admission typically requires candidates to clear national or state-level entrance exams such as:
      NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture), which evaluates drawing and design skills
  • JEE Main Paper 2, which assesses drawing and mathematics for entry to IITs, NITs, and other institutions
  • Other state-level exams like MHT CET or CUET may also be considered
  • Some private colleges may offer limited seats through management quota, but most rely on entrance scores.

    Admission Process

    The general admission process includes:
      Visiting the official website of the chosen college
  • Filling out the application form with personal and academic details
  • Submitting entrance exam scores and 10+2 marks
  • Uploading required documents such as mark sheets, photographs, and ID proof
  • Paying the application fee
  • Participating in counselling or selection rounds which may include interviews or aptitude tests
  • Course Fees and Colleges

    The fee structure for B.Arch varies:
      Government colleges charge between Rs 50,000 to Rs 10,00,000 approximately for the entire course
  • Private colleges may charge between Rs 3,00,000 to Rs 20,00,000 approximately
  • Top 20 Architecture Colleges in India as per NIRF Ranking 2024

    Some of the best government colleges offering the B.Arch program are IIT Kharagpur, IIT Roorkee, IIEST Shibpur, SPA Delhi, and several NITs. Among private colleges, Amity University, CEPT University, Chandigarh University, and LPU are well known.
    Here is a detailed list of the top 20 architecture colleges in India:
    Rank College Name City State Score
    1 Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee Roorkee Uttarakhand 84.92
    2 Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur Kharagpur West Bengal 80.71
    3 National Institute of Technology Calicut Kozhikode Kerala 79.51
    4 Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur Howrah West Bengal 69.71
    5 School of Planning and Architecture New Delhi New Delhi Delhi 69.00
    6 Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology University Ahmedabad Gujarat 67.23
    7 Jamia Millia Islamia New Delhi Delhi 66.21
    8 National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli Tiruchirappalli Tamil Nadu 65.08
    9 National Institute of Technology Rourkela Rourkela Odisha 64.88
    10 Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology Nagpur Nagpur Maharashtra 63.05
    11 S.R.M. Institute of Science and Technology Chennai Tamil Nadu 61.83
    12 School of Planning and Architecture Bhopal Bhopal Madhya Pradesh 61.75
    13 Chandigarh University Mohali Punjab 61.47
    14 Aligarh Muslim University Aligarh Uttar Pradesh 61.01
    15 Malaviya National Institute of Technology Jaipur Rajasthan 60.79
    16 School of Planning and Architecture Vijayawada Vijayawada Andhra Pradesh 60.40
    17 Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology Bhopal Madhya Pradesh 60.39
    18 College of Engineering, Trivandrum Thiruvananthapuram Kerala 58.40
    19 Nirma University Ahmedabad Gujarat 57.69
    20 Birla Institute of Technology Ranchi Jharkhand 57.21
    Career Opportunities and Salary
    Graduates can work in roles such as:
      Project Architect
  • Design Architect
  • Urban Designer
  • Interior Architect
  • Architectural Planner
  • The starting salary for B.Arch graduates ranges from Rs 2,50,000 to Rs 5,50,000 per annum approximately. With experience, salaries increase significantly. Top employers include architecture firms, real estate companies, construction firms, tech companies, and consultancies. Notable recruiters include Google, IBM, Microsoft, Hafeez Contractor, RSP Architects, DLF, and Gaursons.
    Further Education
    After completing B.Arch, students can pursue:
      M.Arch in areas like urban design, landscape architecture, housing, conservation, and interior design
  • Master's programs abroad in countries such as the USA, UK, Canada, Germany, or Australia
  • These further education paths enhance knowledge and expand global career opportunities.
    Conclusion
    B.Arch is a five-year undergraduate program that integrates art, science, and technology to train students in professional architecture. Admission requires a strong academic background in Mathematics and Physics along with success in entrance exams like NATA or JEE Main. Graduates can look forward to careers in design, planning, and construction with rewarding opportunities both in India and abroad. It is an ideal choice for individuals passionate about designing sustainable and functional spaces.
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