Architecture is the art of construction. Every bit of concrete that we see around us is the result of the research, planning, experimentation and implementation of the plan by an architecture. It is all pervasive. No matter how huge or small, how important or insignificant, every construction is the contribution of the architect. The top architecture colleges in India seek to make eligible students master this art that is the foundation of construction. 

A student belonging to the science background can apply to the architecture colleges in India for admission. But this is not the sole criteria. You need to possess a keen observation power, be creative and be full of ideas, and have a designing streak in you. 

School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), New Delhi:

Established in 1941, the SPA offers architecture courses at the undergraduate, post graduate and doctoral levels. To apply for the UG course, a candidate needs to have a science background with PCM combination with a minimum of 50%. admission is through the All India Engineering/ Architecture Entrance Examination (AIEEE) that is conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). For post graduation, you require a bachelor’s in architecture from a recognized university, and a minimum of 50% in the entrance examination conducted. The courses available are master of Architectural Programs, Master of Planning Programs, Master of Building Engineering and Management, and Master of Landscape Engineering.  

Sir J. J. College of Architecture, Mumbai:

This was set up way back in 1857. It offers architecture at bachelor’s and master’s level. Admission is on the basis of the Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (CET), following the rules set by the Directorate of Technical Education (DTE), Mumbai. For UG course, you need a science background in class XII, with minimum 50%, and for PG, a bachelor’s in architecture. 

Center of Environmental Planning and Technology (CEPT), Ahmadabad:

The institute has UG and PG levels in architecture. Admission is based on the entrance test conducted by CEPT in Ahmadabad only. To apply for the bachelor’s program, you need a 50% in XII with science background, having maths as a compulsory subject. For master’s, you need a bachelor’s degree in architecture or equivalent. At the PG level, many specializations are also offered to students to choose from. 

Chandigarh College of Architecture (CCA), Chandigarh:

Founded in 1961, the CCA offers a bachelor’s degree in architecture. Admission is based on the score in AIEEE conducted by the CBSE, and the candidate also has to meet the eligibility requirements set by the Punjab University. The eligibility criteria is a pass in XII with Science (having Maths, Physics, and either Chemistry, Computer Science, Biology, or Engineering Drawing).

National Institute of Technology:

NIT has many branches spread all over India that provide specific course in architecture. Admission is on the basis of the AIEEE (architecture aptitude test included). Only those who have a science background in Class XII are eligible to apply. 

BITS, Mesra:

The institute was established in 1955. It offers a Bachelor’s in Architecture and Master’s in Urban Planning. Admission is on the basis of performance in entrance examination. And science background is the necessity to be apply. 

Indian Institute of Technology:

Admission to Architecture at IIT is made on the basis of the IIT Joint Entrance Examination, conducted by the IIT. Eligibility requirement is science background in XII with PCM combination. 

Manipal Institute of Technology, Karnataka:

The institute’s Department of Architecture offers Bachelor’s of Architecture (5 years) and also Master’s of Architecture (2 years). Along with research or doctoral programs. Admission is based on entrance tests conducted by the university. 

Jadavpur University, Kolkata:

The Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Department of Architecture, Jadavpur University, was set up in 1964. It offers Bachelor’s in Architecture, and Master’s in Architecture in Housing & Urban Design. Those having science in +2 can apply for the West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination, with Aptitude Test for Architecture, for admission to bachelor’s program. For master’s, you need to appear for the GATE.  

Getting through the top architecture colleges in India is not easy. You need a lot of hard work, preparation, dedication and the skills of creativity, observation and drawing. A combination of these requisites will get you a place in the best institute.