Let’s go behind the scenes and explore a creative career in architecture!

Have you ever wondered what really goes behind building magnificent structures like the Taj Mahal, the Sydney Opera House, the Empire State Building and the like? The answer to this question is in the conceptualization and design work of an architect.

Thanks to architecture, we can weave stories of our own – be it through our homes, our favorite park and even the layout of our city. This field is one that is both an art and a science and it affects the way we live. Italian architect Renzo Piano puts it beautifully. He says, “…in addition to that, there’s a quality of magic….”

The academic side of things

The first leg of your journey is picking the right stream during your 11th grade.You need to think hard about this because you have two options to pick from- PCM or going with just math and english. Based on this, you can appear for two qualifying exams to get into a good college for your B.Arch degree:

1.National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA)

• This exam is for admission to a B.Arch. degree course to colleges in India (including Govt., Govt.- aided, Private Unaided, University/Depts., Deemed Universities, etc.).
• Math and english have to be a part of your 11th and 12th coursework  so that you can write this exam.
• The exam will be assessing your aptitude, drawing and observation skills, sense of proportion, aesthetic sensitivity, and critical thinking ability.

2.JEE Mains and Advanced

• If you have set your sights on doing your bachelors in IITs, NITs and all GFTIs (Government – Center & State Funded Technical Institutes)then you will have to appear for the JEE Mains and Advanced.
• The Mains paper has an architecture related section. So, you will have to prepare for physics, chemistry, math, aptitude and a drawing test. But for this, your coursework during higher secondary needs to include PCM.

Both these exams require intense preparation in terms of knowledge, speed, and accuracy. So be on your guard and prepare away!

Picking the right college

Your exam scores are a one-way ticket to your dream school. But, it’s very important to pick a college where you can fit in. So, here’s a list of some of the best institutes for you to pick from:

Apart from colleges in India, there are tons of amazing colleges abroad where you can pursue your dream career in architecture. Some of the most outstanding ones which make it to every student’s list are- SCI-ARCH, California, MIT, Ivy League, the University of Michigan, UC Berkeley, Rhode Island School of Design and Pratt.

Most B.Arch programs are spread out over a period of five years. The first four are usually spent getting a deep understanding of architecture, the practices, methods and also honing your skills. Towards the end of your course, you will have to do an internship with an architectural firm. This small stint will help you get some hands on knowledge and prepare you well in advance before venturing into the industry after college.

What next after college?

Once you are armed with your B.Arch degree, you have plenty of opportunities to explore. One of them being working for private architecture firms, entrepreneurial ventures, government organisations, etc where you can learn the ropes of the industry and grow as an architect. Depending on the firm you choose, you may get to specialise in areas like landscape architecture, industrial architecture, green design, commercial spaces, etc.

For those who like the research/writing side of things, you can consider getting into architectural journalism or  becoming a historian. If you feel like doing something a bit out of the ordinary like design, then you can even try specialising in design.

At the end, it’s all about finding out that niche area where you feel you can give your best and come out shining!

Have you made a decision yet?

Doing your own bit of research before starting anything is very important.It may end up being the inspiration you needed all along to do something great! 

As Piano once said, “One of the great beauties of architecture is that each time, it is like life starting all over again.” So, do you think you’re all set to start from scratch and build an amazing career for yourself? It may be time for some introspection and plenty of preparation. But, don’t worry! Your preliminary preparation will be super easy with our specialised courses :  )

The first step towards this dream job is performing well in your 12th Board Exams. BYJU’S-The Learning App has programs designed to prepare you for your boards as well as competitive exams like NEET and JEE. With adaptive and engaging videos, sample test papers for each concept and personalised feedback, BYJU’S’ visual learning methods will give you the necessary boost to do your best.

Give wings to your dreams with BYJU’S The Learning App!

Now, you can get a free counselling session with BYJU’S experts at your home to help guide you better.

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