Entry Level Qualification 

12

Career Fields 

Architecture & Planning

For Specially Abled 

Career Entrance Exam 

JEE MAIN BARCH, NATA

About Career 

1. An architect is a specialist who plans, designs, and sometimes manages the construction of buildings of all types, public spaces, statues, parks, cities, regions, etc.

2. As an architect, you will work on private and public projects and design both interior and outdoor spaces. Sometimes, you may only be involved in a small section of the construction.

3. As an architect, you will discuss the objectives of the structure with your client along with their requirement and budget. You may also provide several predesign services to your client including feasibility and environmental impact studies, site and location analysis, cost analysis, etc.

4. As an architect, you will develop the final project plans as per the approved proposal. You will take care of the interior and outdoor construction and design. Your role will involve several structures of the building including a heating system, ventilation system, air conditioning, electrical system, communication system, plumbing, landscape, etc. You will follow the local building codes and regulations. You will use computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) and building information modeling (BIM) to draw designs. However, hand drawings are also accepted.

Key roles and responsibilities

As an Architect, depending on your field of specialisation, you would have the following roles and responsibilities:

1. You will plan or design different kinds of structures including homes, offices, malls, government buildings, parks, museums, statues, theatres, factories, and amusement parks while maintaining environmental, and safety regulations in place.

2. You will meet your clients and discuss the objectives and requirements of their buildings, structures, projects, etc.

3. You will give them the interim cost of the design and construction.

4. You will be required to prepare structure specifications.

5. You will prepare scale drawings or architectural drawings of the structure, building, etc. with the help of computer-aided software or by hand.

6. You will direct workers and designers who are preparing drawings and documents.

7. You will prepare contract documents for building contractors.

8. You will regularly visit the worksite and ensure that construction goes as per the architectural plan.

9. You will seek new work through marketing, business development, etc.

10. You will also work to repair or restore old monuments, buildings, historical places, etc.

Career Entry Pathway 

Class 10 all subjects as per the scheme of studies - Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics along with any other subject as per the scheme of studies - B Arch (other than IIT).

After completing Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics along with any other subject as per the scheme of studies, clear Paper 2A of the JEE Main exam to enroll in a B Arch (Bachelor of Architecture) program. JEE Main paper 2A is only for B.Arch, however, only Science students (PCM) can appear for the NATA exam which is also another screening test for B Arch programs in many architecture colleges.

After completing Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics along with any other subject as per the scheme of studies, clear Paper 2A of JEE Main exam, clear JEE Advanced, then clear JEE Advanced AAT (Architecture Aptitude Test) to enroll into a B Arch (Bachelor of Architecture) program.

After completing Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics along with any other subject as per the scheme of studies, enroll in a B Arch (Bachelor of Architecture) program (via JEE Main Paper 2A or NATA if you have PCM). Thereafter pursue M Arch / Master’s in Urban Design/ Master in Architectural Conservation/ Master of Industrial Design (ID)/ Master of Building Engineering & Management/Master of Landscape Architecture.

After completing Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics along with any other subject as per the scheme of studies, enroll in a B Arch (Bachelor of Architecture) program (via JEE Main Paper 2A or NATA if you have PCM). Then go for an M Plan in Environmental Planning/ Housing/ Regional Planning/ Transport Planning/ Urban Planning.

After completing Class 10 all subjects as per the scheme of studies, you can opt for a 3-year full-time Diploma in Architectural Assistantship/ Interior Design / Civil Engineering. Then you will have to work for at least 2 years (for Arch. Assistantship & Int. Des. Diplomas) or 3 years (for civil engineering Dip.) and then clear the NATA exam (score is valid for 1 year only). Then you will have to appear for AIIA Exam Associate of the Indian Institute of Architects (Associate-ship by examination) which is considered equivalent to a B Arch degree. Then you may also pursue M Arch from different colleges.

After completing Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics along with any other subject as per the scheme of studies, you can opt for a 3-year full-time Diploma in Architectural Assistantship/ Interior Design / Civil Engineering. Then you will have to work for at least 1 year (for Arch. Assistantship & Int. Des. Diplomas) or 2 years (for civil engineering Dip.) and then clear the NATA exam (score is valid for 1 year only). Then you will have to appear for AIIA Exam Associate of the Indian Institute of Architects (Associate-ship by examination) which is considered equivalent to a B Arch degree. Then you may also pursue M Arch from different colleges.

After completing Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics along with any other subject as per the scheme of studies, you can opt for B.E. / B. Tech in Civil Engineering. Then you will have to work for at least 1 year under a Registered Architect (member of the Indian Institute of Architects with 5 years+ experience) and then clear the NATA exam (score is valid for 1 year only). Then you will have to appear for AIIA Exam Associate of the Indian Institute of Architects (Associate-ship by examination) which is considered equivalent to a B Arch degree. Then you may also pursue M Arch from different colleges.

Required Qualification & Competencies 

To get into this field, you will need to pass Class 10 in all subjects as per the scheme of studies. Then can either go for a Diploma (as described in the pathways above) or you must complete Class 11-12 with any of the following combinations of subjects:

1. Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics along with any other subject as per the scheme of studies

2. Class 11-12 Mathematics along with any other subject as per the scheme of studies

You can then study for a Bachelor / Master / Doctoral degree.

Competencies Required

Interests

1. Artistic: You should have an interest in Artistic Occupations. Artistic occupations mostly involve working with creative ideas, art, and designs. These occupations involve abstract or conceptual thinking, and creative self-expression and often do not follow any set processes or rules for getting things done.

2. Realistic: You should have an interest in Realistic Occupations. Realistic occupations involve more practical and hands-on activities than paperwork or office work. Realistic occupations often involve physical activities for getting things done using various tools and equipment.  

3. Enterprising: You should have an interest in Enterprising Occupations. Enterprising occupations involve taking initiative, initiating actions, and planning to achieve goals, often business goals. These involve gathering resources and leading people to get things done. These require decision-making, risk-taking, and action orientation.

Abilities

1. Abstract Reasoning: The ability to understand ideas that are not expressed in words or numbers; the ability to understand concepts that are not clearly expressed verbally or otherwise.

2. Deductive Reasoning: The ability to apply general rules and common logic to specific problems to produce answers that are logical and make sense. For example, understanding the reasons behind an event or a situation using general rules and common logic.

3. Flexibility of Closure: The ability to identify or detect a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden among other distracting materials.

4. Fluency of Ideas: The ability to come up with several ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).

5. Hand-Eye Coordination: The ability to make quick and precise hand movements as per visual observations and understanding (that is, what you see and comprehend).

6. Inter-Personal: The ability to build and maintain good relationships with others at workplaces and elsewhere.

7. Numerical Reasoning: The ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide, and perform other basic numerical calculations correctly.

8. Originality: The ability to come up with unusual or innovative ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.

9. Spatial Ability: The ability to visualize three-dimensional objects by looking at the objects on paper or visualize objects mentally in three dimensions.

10. Speed of Closure: The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.

11. Verbal Reasoning: The ability to think and reason with words; the ability to reason out ideas expressed in words.

12. Visualization: The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

13. Written Comprehension: The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Knowledge

1. Creative Design: Knowledge of various techniques, methods, and specifications for creating and developing designs for various products and materials such as textiles, clothes, interiors, furniture, accessories, jewelry, animation, graphics, materials, film, video, web, user interfaces of digital devices, photography, etc.

2. Physical Science: Knowledge of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understand fluid, material, earth, ocean, atmosphere, and space dynamics, as well as mechanical, electrical, atomic, and sub-atomic structures, properties, and processes.

3. Technical and Engineering Design: Knowledge of various techniques, methods, specifications, and tools for creating, developing, and laying out designs of various machines, equipment, devices, manufacturing plants, structures, systems, and processes. This includes developing blueprints, drawings, and models.

Skills

1. Active Learning: Focused and continuous learning from various sources of information, observation, and otherwise for application in getting work done.

2. Artistic and Visual Design: Skills in creating and developing designs that are visually appealing and attractive.

3. Critical Thinking: Skills in the analysis of complex situations, using logic and reasoning to understand the situations and take appropriate actions or make interpretations and inferences.

4. Judgment and Decision Making: Skills in considering the pros and cons of various decision alternatives; considering costs and benefits; and taking appropriate and suitable decisions.

5. Problem Solving: Skills in analysis and understanding of problems, evaluating various options to solve the problems, and using the best option to solve the problems.

6. Reading Comprehension: Skills in understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

7. Technical: Skills in using various technologies and technical methods to get things done or solve problems.

8. Technical Design and Drawing: Skills in creating and developing designs and drawings for various structures, machines, equipment, and devices.

Personality

1. You are always or mostly organized in your day-to-day life and activities.

2. You are always imaginative in most situations.

3. You always prefer to experience new things and have new experiences or you mostly do.

4. You can always act independently or could do so in most situations.

5. You remain calm in difficult situations sometimes but some other times you are anxious.

6. Sometimes you feel secure in your surroundings and situations but some other times you don't.

7. You are always practical in most situations.

Career - Job Opportunities & Profiles 

1. If you join PWD departments of different states, then you will join as Assistant Architect.

2. If you are into teaching, then you may join a college or university with the profile of an assistant professor.

3. Most of you will join as Assistant Architect or Architectural Engineer.

4. Some of you may also join as a Building Control Officer.

5. If you are into the conservation of buildings and sites, you may join as an Architecture Conservator.

Different types of companies can offer you a job. Such as:

1. Public Works Development of each state of India

2. Housing & Urban Development Corporations of each state public department

3. Railways Department

4. Real Estate Firms and Private Town Planning Organizations like DLF

5. Architecture & Building Firms in various cities

Work Environment

1. As an Architect, you will spend most of your time in the office where you will be meeting clients, and having discussions and negotiations with them. You will develop reports and drawings. For drawings, you will be spending many hours on different iterations over CAD. You will be working with other architects and engineers.

2. Several times, you will visit the construction site to inspect the work done and see if all objectives are met. Most of you will work full-time with regular office hours. Many firms allow the architect to work from home too occasionally.

Specialisation Tracks In This Career

1. Landscape Architect

Landscape Architect is a specialist who designs outdoor areas, landmarks, and structures like parks, gardens, squares, statues, etc. They take care of the environmental, social-behavioural, and aesthetics in delivering the project. They need to understand the soil condition, ecological state, and social arithmetic of the area before designing the landmark or structure, etc. As a landscape architect, you may be an expert in landscape design, site planning, erosion control, environmental restoration, parks planning, recreation planning, etc.

2. Urban Designer

An Urban Designer is an expert who designs and shapes the physical structure of cities, towns, and villages. They also work with the municipality to provide municipal planning services to residents. Instead of an individual building or a design, they work on large-scale projects of buildings, streets public spaces of neighborhoods, or even entire cities. They try to make the city/ town functional, attractive, and sustainable.

3. Transportation Planner

Transportation Planner is an expert who designs and defines transport infrastructure’s specific goals and polices to prepare for the future need of the people. They assess present transport facilities and design new ones as per the future needs and demands of the city including flyovers, roads, parking spaces, etc.

4. Regional Planner

The regional planner is an expert who creates policies and designs for land use activities, infrastructure, and settlements for a larger area (even bigger than a city). They plan a region, formulate construction laws, design regional development corridors, etc.

5. Conservation Architect

Conservation Architect is an expert who manages historical buildings and their designs. They increase the life of heritage buildings through planned intervention. They are archaeologists of buildings. As a conservation architect, you will follow four paths preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, and reconstruction. By preservation, you will try to retain the historical buildings through conservation and maintenance. By rehabilitation, you will preserve the building along with its features, spaces, and materials as before. By restoration, you will preserve the most important materials only and let others go. By reconstruction, you will recreate a non-surviving sire landscape or structure.

6. Interior Architect

Interior Architect is an expert in designing a building inside out but in a way that can be fixed. They are different from interior designers as they do not give the colors, or aesthetics looks, but rather architectural looks. For example, where to fit a cupboard is work by an interior architect. They design the interiors of the building or more fittingly interior space.

Career Growth

1. My career growth in university and college started as an Assistant Professor and then as Associate Professor, Professor, and Professor Emeritus. Professors can also get administrative positions such as Director/Dean/Vice Chancellor, etc

2. If you join the PWD department of various states as Assistant Architect, then you will be promoted to Deputy Architect and later Architect and then Senior Architect. Afterwards, you will be promoted to the senior position of Chief Architect then Additional Director General (Architect), and finally Special Director General some of you may even be promoted to Director General (Planning).

3. If you start as a Trainee Architect or Assistant Architect or Architect in a firm or a company, you may be promoted to Senior Architect and then as Project Architect. Later you may be promoted as Senior Project Architect and then as the Chief Architect or Chief Operating Officer.

Salary Offered  

At the entry-level, as an Architect / Assistant Architect / Architect Photographer, you would be earning around Rs. 20,000 to 60,000 per month. As an assistant professor, you would be earning anything between Rs. 65,000 to 70,000 per month. In government departments, you will start as an Assistant architect with a salary of around Rs. 56,000.

Monthly Earnings In Indian Rupee

1. ​​​​​​​Entry level: 0 - 2 years of work experience

2. Junior Level: From 1 to 12 years of work experience

3. Mid Level: From 5 to 20+ years of work experience

4. Senior Level: From 10 to 25+ years of work experience (there could be exceptions in some high-end technical, financial, engineering, creative, management, sports, and other careers; also shortly, people will reach these levels much faster in many careers and some careers, these levels will have no meaning as those careers will be completely tech skill driven such as even now, there is almost no level in a Cyber Security Expert’s job)

Famous Personalities 

Not Available

Work Activities 

1. Analysing and interpreting data and information: Analysis of data and information to find facts, trends, reasons behind situations, etc.; interpretation of data to aid in decision-making.

2. Assessing and evaluating quality: Assessing and evaluating the quality of materials, systems, processes, products, services, etc.

3. Calculating and computing: Calculating or computing using various mathematical formulas and functions using computers or otherwise; doing financial or commercial calculations or computations.

4. Communicating with co-workers and others: Communicating with people in writing, verbally or otherwise inside your workplace and various other people who have professional relationships with your place of work including vendors, government officials, etc., or with people at large.

5. Communicating with customers: Communicating with potential and existing customers of your organization in writing, verbally, or otherwise.

6. Creative thinking: Developing new ideas, concepts, innovative solutions to problems, newer ways of getting things done, designing products and services, creating works of art and craft, etc.

7. Decision-making and problem-solving: Analysis of data and information; evaluation of alternative decisions and results of decisions; taking the right decisions and solving problems.

8. Drawing, drafting, laying out, and specifying objects, equipment, devices, tools, and systems: Creating and developing designs, drawings, layouts, and specifications about how to construct, manufacture, assemble, build, use, and maintain various equipment, devices, tools, and systems.

9. Getting Information and learning: Observing, hearing, reading, using computers, or otherwise obtaining information and learning from it.

10. Identifying objects, actions, and events: Identifying various characteristics of objects; observing and understanding actions and events; understanding changes in actions and events.

11. Organising, planning, and prioritizing tasks: Planning and organizing tasks to achieve work goals; prioritizing tasks to achieve goals and making the best use of the time available.

12. Providing advice and consultation to others: Giving advice or consultation to others about various issues, conceptual matters, know-how, scientific matters, products, or services.

13. Updating and using relevant knowledge: Keeping updated with the latest knowledge relevant to your fields of work and use of the relevant knowledge in getting things done.

14. Using computers for work: Using computers for day-to-day office work; using computer software for various applications in day-to-day professional work; entering data and processing information; for writing.