Have you ever seen a stunningly designed building and thought to yourself, "I would love to make something like that"? If you have, architecture may be for you. Today, architecture is about much more than just drawing buildings. Architects design spaces to inform and inspire, while helping to address daily issues to improve humanity's way of life. Architects design the entire built environment, from tall buildings to sustainable buildings.
Many students ask, "is architecture a good career in India?" That answer depends on how creative, imaginative, and passionate you are about designing and whether you enjoy design technology! Architecture is both a science and an art, and can be an ideal career path full of opportunities if you are looking for a rewarding and engaging career. In this blog, we will cover everything you need to know about becoming an architect in India, career options, salaries, and whether it is the right career for you.
Why Study Architecture?
Choosing a career is one of the most significant decisions in a student’s life. If you enjoy design, can think through abstract and real-world problems without disenchantment, and you have good spatial awareness, a Bachelor of Architecture might be a perfect option.
Here are some valuable reasons students are choosing architecture:
- It is an art and a science
- You can address and solve real-world problems through design
- It has an established and growing profession
- It has the flexibility to work freelance, in a firm, or establish your design studio
Therefore, is architecture a good career? If you have a passion and work hard, it is!
Educational Pathway: B.Arch or B.Tech in Architecture?
To enter the profession of architecture, students usually have to choose between two main learning pathways. Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts in choosing a pathway to fulfill an aspiration to be an architect, but understanding a few basics will help you with your decision:
B.Arch (Bachelor of Architecture)
- Length: 5 years
- Design Emphasis: Strong emphasis on design, spatial cognition, history of architecture, and aesthetics.
- Best for: Person seriously interested in the design of buildings and the enjoyment of the artistic process of architectural creation.
- Popular: Very popular due to the depth of creativity and recognition in the profession.
B.Tech Architecture:
- Length: 4 years
- Design Emphasis: Technical emphasis by integrating architecture with core engineering components.
- Best for: Student emphasis oriented towards building structural analysis using site-appropriate construction technology.
- Popular: Somewhat popular
While both provide wayfinding opportunities, the majority of students preparing for the licensing examination to become professional architects typically select a Bachelor of Architecture for its design-based perspective.
Are you still sorting through your options after the 12th? Consider this blog on railway jobs after 12th as another potential career pathway!
Career Scope and Opportunities
One of the most asked questions by students is: "does architecture have scope in India?" That is a Yes! The scope of architecture in India is growing with all the processes of urbanization, smart cities, infrastructure, and sustainable building projects.
Career areas you can choose from are:
- Residential or Commercial Architect
- Urban Planner
- Landscape Architect
- Conservation Architect
- Interior Designer
- Set Designer (film and television)
- Architectural Journalist or Blogger
- Professor or Lecturer in schools
Also, experts in architecture building design are increasingly in demand, especially if you're trained in tools like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp.
To further clarify your career preferences, you could take this online psychometric test.
Architecture Careers in India: What to Anticipate
Now let's look at the financial aspect - you are probably thinking, how much does an architect make in India?
Here is a simplified version:
- Entry-level (0-2 years) - ₹3 - 5 LPA
- Mid-level (3-6 years) - ₹6-10 LPA
- Experienced (7+ years) - ₹12 + LPA, especially if you are self-employed or overseas
Freelancers and consultants in architecture jobs in India can earn even more depending on their portfolio, clients, and specialization.
Are you still asking yourself is architecture a good career in India? With the right experience, skillset, and network, architecture is a career that can take you far, both professionally and creatively...
Do you need support? Contact a career adviser online here for personalized assistance.
Trending Skills in Architecture
If you're thinking of the long game, acquire these skills to stand out:
- Strong drawing and visualisation
- Awareness of architectural software
- Creative and critical thinking
- Strong written and oral communication
- Teamwork
- Familiar with sustainability and green building
You can also explore architecture-related careers in design, media or other content-related fields. If you'd like some inspiration, check out the full form and role of the SO as it relates to design jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is architecture a good career in India?
A. Yes, it is a good career. Architecture involves creativity, design and technology and has several application areas, especially given India's development. With the rapid growth of infrastructure and construction in India, the number of skilled architects required is going to increase.
Q2. How much does an architect earn in india?
A. An entry level architect will earn approximately ₹3-5 lakh per annum. An architect earns considerably more as they progress their career and develop specializations, often earning over ₹10-12 lakh per annum, and a large number of architects earn salaries in excess of this amount.
Q3. Does architecture have scope in India?
A. Yes. They have done studies on urbanization, housing projects and the Government's initiatives have in turn greatly expanded the architect's scope in our country. Topics that have greater demand are in the areas of sustainable design, smart cities, etc.
Q4. Which course is better: B.Arch or B.Tech Architecture?
A. B Arch is primarily concerned with mainly creative design or planning whereas B Tech architecture course is focused on technical concepts hence as engineering in architecture. You need to decide on the course based on your interest.
Q5. Can I pursue Architecture after 12th science?
A. Yes, you are eligible to apply for the engineering or B Architecture course after passing the entrance exams like NATA or JEE Main Paper 2. After this, you can apply for a Bachelor of Architecture course in India.
