How to get a degree in Architecture: Entrance exams and job prospects
Architects combine aesthetics, science, logistics and engineering principles to design and construct structures. shutterstock
Summary
At least 50% aggregate is required in your Class XII board exams with Maths as a compulsory subject if you want to pursue Architecture
Two most common tests for BArch courses are NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture) and AAT (Architecture Aptitude Test )
Architecture is the field of designing and constructing structures in their most basic form. It combines artistic knowledge, science, logistics and engineering principles. Architects need to have a keen eye for detail and spatial awareness as they are involved in conceptualising, mapping and supervising construction projects of various scales.
Skills needed to become an architect
- Visualisation: You need to be able to describe a conceptual structure to planners, workers and clients.
- Spatial intelligence: Architects need this quality as they treat space as one of the primary architectural elements.
- Creativity: It is one of the essential features of design study, which is part of the training.
- Combination of skills: Architects are required to incorporate mechanical, mathematical and observation skills into projects.
- Organisational abilities: Organisational competencies make it simple for an architect to manage an assortment of tasks associated with a single project.
How do you become an architect
You need to pass your Class XII board exams or equivalent with at least 50% aggregate and Maths as a compulsory subject. After that, you must clear one of the entrance exams for Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) courses.
BArch entrance exams:
To get into BArch programmes, you need to appear for the JEE Mains Paper 2 alongside BArch entrance exams. Two of the most common tests are the National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) and the Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT).
- National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA)
Clearing this entrance exam will make you eligible for BArch courses at different higher educational institutes across the country. The test evaluates your observation skills, drawing abilities, aesthetic perception and the ability to think clearly.
Eligibility: You need to pass your Class XII board exams with Physics, Chemistry and Maths as compulsory subjects. Or you need to clear your 10+3 diploma exams with Maths as a compulsory subject. You also need to score at least 50% aggregate and 50% in each of the compulsory subjects.
You can check out more here:
- Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT)
Clearing this entrance test will make you eligible for admission to BArch programmes in IITs. You can write this test after clearing both JEE Main and JEE Advanced exams.
Eligibility: During the JEE Main exam, you need to appear for Paper 2A (BArch). You also need to write the Maths test (Part-I) and Aptitude test (Part-II) in CBT mode. The Drawing test (Part-III) is held in pen-and-paper mode, to be attempted on a drawing sheet of A4 size.
MArch courses:
If you already have a BArch degree from a recognised university, you can enrol in an MArch course. To be admitted to these courses, you need a high level of logical, numerical and design knowledge as well as aptitude ability.
Eligibility:
- BArch degree from a recognised university with at least 50% aggregate.
- You can also enrol through GATE (General Aptitude Test in Engineering) and CEED (Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED). GATE is organised by the National Testing Agency, while CEED is conducted by IIT Bombay.
- Some universities conduct their own entrance exams, while others conduct an aptitude test and interview for admission to MArch courses.
Popular institutes in India where you can study Architecture
- IIT Roorkee, Uttarakhand
- NIT Calicut, Kerala
- IIT Kharagpur, West Bengal
- School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi
- CEPT University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
- Jadavpur University, Kolkata (for B.Arch)
*You have to appear for WBJEE alongside NATA to get admission to the BArch course in Jadavpur University.
Job roles in Architecture
- Architectural designer: These professionals collaborate with clients to design the exterior and interior of buildings. They create commercial and industrial structures as well as private residences.
- Architectural engineer: These experts design buildings that raise living standards and improve the quality of life.
- Architectural draftsman: They are in charge of producing architectural construction documents and drawings for their clients’ projects. They create construction-related files that cover all aspects of the design process.
- Architectural assistant: They work alongside senior professional architects in fields like construction and facilities management.
- Government architects: These professionals are employed in the following departments:
- Housing and urban development
- Architecture development
- Public Works Department (PWD)
- City development
- Education
- Railway
- National Institute of Urban Affairs
- National Buildings Organisation
Last updated on 13 Nov 2021