B.Arch Syllabus & Subjects List 2025: Download Semester-wise Syllabus PDF

Updated on Apr 22, 2025 04:05 IST

Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) is a 5-year undergraduate program designed to train students with knowledge and skills in planning, designing, and constructing buildings and urban landscapes. The curriculum blends creative design, technical drawing, engineering principles, and sustainability concepts.

This course deals with the theoretical and practical aspects of planning, designing, executing and constructing physical structures using the required techniques and principles. This course offers jobs in fields like Interior and Spatial design, Building Surveying, Production Designing, Structural Engineering, Historical Buildings Inspecting, Commercial Architecture, Industrial Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Architectural Managing, and so on. Students looking forward to building a career in the field of architecture may take up this course. The course is ideal for those who would like to create and innovate aesthetic structures with unique ideologies.

B. Arch Syllabus Important Facts 

  • This is a five-year course divided into ten semesters. Each semester has the required number of subjects and projects based on which the students are assessed and given credits. Each year has a different phase to help students develop the skillsets required to succeed in this competitive field.
  • Subjects like Environmental Studies, Architectural Graphics, Geomatics Techniques, Quality, Pricing and Cost Estimate, Building Codes and Regulations, Theory of Structures, Urban Design, Interior Design, Housing, etc., form part of this course.
  • These subjects enable the students to gain an insight into the architectural world and the various techniques and applications involved in it. Innovation and self-equipped skills like drawing, creating structures using graphics and 3D models, etc., would be helpful during this course.
  • Each semester has approximately 26 to 30 credits depending on the subject and the project. The students should obtain the minimum required credit score to complete this course. The grading system varies from one college to the other. For instance, the credit system at IIT Kharagpur would be different from the credit system at NIT. The final year would have a thesis project, which will result in the completion of this course.
  • Apart from the core subjects, students are also required to take up elective subjects. The electives offered in each college would vary from the others.

Also Read about B.Arch Syllabus Related Information:

How to Prepare for NATA 2025: Check Best Books, Syllabus, Preparation Tips

B.Arch Syllabus 2025: Course Structure

The course curriculum is designed in such a way that the B.Arch syllabus may be separated into two stages: Stage 1 and Stage 2 over five years of ten semesters. This is primarily followed in the School of Planning and Architecture, one of India's most prestigious architectural schools. 

Stage I will consist of Years 1, 2, and 3, whereas Stage II will consist of Years 4 and 5.

  • Stage I: This stage consists of semesters 1 through 6 and covers foundation and exploration themes and topics that assist students in developing knowledge to remove architectural filaments.
  • Stage II: One semester is entirely dedicated to practical training, with the remainder devoted to in-depth synthesis and ideation studies. Students can choose electives based on their interests at this stage, which is followed by research training and studio subjects.
    Choice-based learning is used throughout the course to help students develop the intrinsic abilities of reflection, evaluation, re-iteration, and investigation that are essential for a solid architectural foundation.

BArch Syllabus 2025: Detailed Syllabus

The syllabus for B. Arch in different colleges varies based on semester classification and other factors. Some common subjects available in a majority of the colleges, which are distributed into semesters, are as follows.

Semester

Core/Elective

Subject title

Subject Details

1

 

Core

 

Mathematics-I

This subject introduces simple and complex mathematical concepts involved in architecture like Differentiation, Harmonic Analysis, Fourier Transforms, and Gamma and Beta functions.

Architectural Graphics

This subject introduces the basic concepts of geometric constructions, orthographic projections, planes and solids in various positions, etc.

2

 

 

Core

 

 

Building Materials

This subject introduces the concepts of properties, classification, durability and structural aspects of testing building materials like cement, stones, concrete, paints, glass, etc.

History of Architecture

This subject introduces the history of architecture and its evolution in civilization through ancient times.

Theory of Structures

This subject introduces the basic concepts of structure and forms like the internal forces in beams, arches, trusses and frames.

3

 

Core

 

Theory of Design

This subject introduces the historical perspective of architectural theory and the concepts of structural and spatial systems, etc.

Structural Design

This subject introduces the concepts of methods of mixed designs, fundamentals and principles of simple pre-tensioned and post-tensioned beams, etc.

4

 

Core

Building Construction II

This subject introduces the concepts of finishing, flooring, detailing and escalating techniques of fabrication and erection.

Elective

Water Supply and Sanitation

This subject introduces the concepts of estimating water supply and the sources of water and the plumbing systems along with drainage and wastewater treatment techniques.

5

 

Elective

Architectural Acoustics

This subject introduces the basic concepts of architectural acoustics, construction details and sound behaviour in closed spaces.

Core

Environmental Studies for Architecture

This subject introduces the basic concepts of the environment and its components and helps understand the environmental issues in urban planning.

6

 

Core

 

Estimation, Costing and Valuation

This subject introduces the concepts of quantity surveying abstract and detailed estimates of building work, and valuation and cost analysis principles.

Interior Design

This subject introduces the concepts of modulation of the interior space and the usage of art and objects to enhance the area through natural lighting and artificial lighting, including the design and detailing of the internal landscape.

7

 

Core

 

Landscape Architecture

This subject introduces the concepts of landscape and garden architecture and the design process and elements involved in landscape architecture.

Housing

This subject introduces the concepts of the housing problem in India and the policies and agencies involved in the operation.

8

 

Core

 

Computer Application in Architecture

This subject introduces the various domains involved in computer architecture and its rationale.

Architectural Design and Field Tour

This subject introduces the urban scale of design development considering the design's socioeconomic, environmental, and behavioural aspects.

 The ninth and tenth semesters include Office Training, Documentation, Construction Site Study, Professional Practice and the Thesis. The completion of the thesis would result in the completion of this course.

B. Arch Syllabus 2025: Subjects List

The core subjects include Architectural Design, Building Technology and Materials, Theory of Structures, Building Sciences, Architectural Drawing and Graphics, etc. The core subjects are often covered between the first and the eighth semesters. Students can pick their elective subjects. They can choose the desired elective based on their area of interest.

Subject title

Subject Details

Architectural Design

This subject introduces the basic principles of design involved in architecture and how communication is used as a key for design information.

Theory of Structures

This subject gives an overview of structural elements' basic structural concepts and behaviour. It also introduces the basic concepts of statically determining beams, arches and frames.

Environmental Studies

This course imparts awareness of various environmental issues and how adapting a sustainable lifestyle could change the behavioural pattern of society.

History of Architecture

This subject gives an insight into the history of architecture and its evolution through ancient civilization. It also provides an overview of how the cultural and religious aspects of the architecture have developed with time.

Urban Design Studies

This subject introduces the basic principles and concepts of urban design, understanding the issues in the city to resolve the problems. A methodological analysis and the urban design remedies that would mend the situation also form part of this subject.

B.Arch Syllabus 2025: Core Subjects

Candidates can take a look at the core subjects in the B.Arch course given in the table below.

Subject title

Subject Details

Types of Structures

This subject introduces the complex structures and behaviours communicated by models and simple calculations.

Design Applications

This subject introduces the concepts and ideologies involved in the design and how these designs should be applied to form a proper database.

Building Construction

This subject introduces the basic concepts of simple construction applicable to low-rise buildings or buildings with three or four floors. The materials used in this process and other techniques like brick-bonding, foundation, parapet, and flat roof are the areas of focus in this subject.

Architectural Appreciation

This subject introduces the approaches involved in architectural appreciation and the elements comprising a good building like the proportions, materials, colour, line, massing, etc.

Architectural Drawing and Graphics

This subject introduces the basic techniques involved in architectural drawing and the necessary skills to represent and visualise the models. Free-hand, conventional and scale pictures are some noted techniques involved in architectural drawing and graphics.

Also Read Information Related to B.Arch:

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NATA 2025 Syllabus

B.Arch Syllabus 2025: Elective Subjects

Candidates can take a look at the elective subjects in the B.Arch course given in the table below.

Subject title

Subject Details

Solar Design

This subject introduces the techniques and possibilities used to orient a building to the sun. It also involves choosing the raw materials with a favourable thermal mass or dispersing attributes that are well structured to circulate air and constitute the solar design.

Climate Change and Cities

This subject introduces the elements of climate and how the architectural structure responds to changing climatic conditions. It also enables the students to plan and develop buildings with a bioclimatic design.

Urban Planning

This subject introduces the concepts by which outdoor areas can be well utilised. It also focuses on the purpose of construction and how design should comply with the building codes, land usage limitations, and various other regulations.

Interior Design

This subject gives an overview of the art and science involved in enriching the interiors of a building. This subject familiarises students with the concepts and techniques that could be used to research, plan, coordinate and execute the interior in an aesthetically pleasing manner.

Campus Planning

This subject introduces the basic concepts involved in architectural structure, its composition, exterior spaces on the campus, and future buildings' typology. These campuses might be small, big, rural, urban, underground, research-focused, etc. All these form part of this subject.

B.Arch Syllabus 2025: Specialisations 

Candidates can take a look at the specialisations in the B.Arch course given in the table below.

Specialisation

Specialisation Subjects

Subject Details

Design

Architectural Design, Visual Arts and Basic Design

These subjects introduce the principles of design, articulation of spaces, and visualising the basic structure by using drawings and other simple and complex techniques like two-dimensional graphic design to serve the purpose of being a key communication tool in architecture.

Technology

Theory of Structures, Electrification, Lighting and Acoustical Design

These subjects introduce the theory of structures, electrification, lighting and acoustics involved in building design.

Humanities

Art and Architecture Appreciation, Urban Design Studies

These subjects introduce the basic concepts of urban design, understanding the city and resolving the issues involved in the interface of buildings. Appreciation in terms of structure, colour, new designs, etc., also forms part of these subjects.

Environment/Sustainability

Wastewater Management, Climate-Responsive Design

These subjects introduce the various elements of climate and how architecture responds to changing climatic conditions. It also enables the students to learn the concepts involved in creating bioclimatic designs for buildings, the study of drainage and water supply codes and standards, design considerations for plumbing in buildings, etc.

B.Arch Syllabus 2025: Best Books and Authors

Great scholars recommend many books for students aspiring to pursue B. Arch. These books are a reliable source of knowledge, and the content provided is genuine and informative. These books provide an insight into the subjects and their basic outline in an engaging way. Many of these books are available in libraries. Students can also download and access the online versions of these books.

Subject

Book Title

Author

Details

Climatology in Architecture

The Third Sin: Architecture, Technology and Environment

Drake, S.,

This book, written by Drake, S., provides an introduction to the principles of environmental performance in architecture.

Modern World Architecture

The Sourcebook of Contemporary Architecture

Vidiella, A.S., Harper Collins

This book, written by Vidiella, A.S., and published by HarperCollins, presents various case studies that incorporate every type of architectural project.

Architectural Design

Time-saver Standards for Architectural Design: Technical Data for Professional Practice

Watson, D., McGraw-Hill

This book, written by Donald Watson and published by McGraw-Hill, reflects the significant developments and novel knowledge in architecture and provides data on all aspects of building construction, interiors, building shells, superstructures, etc.

Sustainable Architecture

The Green Building Revolution

Jerry Yudison

This book, written by Jerry Yudison, provides an introduction to the basics of green building and projects that help advance people in the present revolution.

B.Arch Syllabus 2025: Entrance Exams 

B Arch's most recommended entrance exam is the Joint Entrance Examination—JEE Main and NATA. JEE exams are mandatory to obtain admissions into top government colleges in India like the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Institute of Technology (NIT), School of Planning and Architecture, etc.

  • The National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) is a national-level undergraduate exam conducted by the Council of Architecture (COA) for obtaining admission into top private colleges in India. Other private institutes conduct entrance examinations to secure admissions into their colleges. These include the Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science Engineering Entrance Exam (HITSEEE) and the BS Abdur Rahman University B. Arch Entrance Exam (BSAUEEE), Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology Entrance Examination (KIITEE), etc.
  • These entrance exams for architecture include subjects like Mathematics, General Aptitude, Drawing, Reasoning, Situational Judgement, Basic Techniques of Building Construction, General Knowledge and Current Affairs, Color Theory, Graphics and imagery, etc. The mode of examination in JEE for Mathematics and Aptitude is computer-based, and the Drawing Skill examination is paper-based.
  • The duration of the exam would approximately be 3 hours. The question patterns would be based on multiple-choice questions, and there would be negative markings for each wrong answer. There are various languages in which these exams are conducted. The minimum required questions have to be answered, and if the candidates secure the cut-off, they can obtain admission into the preferred college.
  • The cut-off marks vary from one year to the other. These cut-off marks are determined based on various factors like the number of candidates appearing for the exam, the level of toughness of the exam, the level of rise or decline in the profession, etc. The top colleges have limited seats, and only if the cut-off marks are obtained, one can gain admission into the desired college.
  • All the important topics for the entrance examination should be covered during preparation. The candidates could refer to the previous year's question papers to gain insight into how the questions would be formulated.

B.Arch Syllabus 2025: Distance Program Syllabus 

Various colleges offer distance education in the B Arch Program. The maximum duration allowed to complete this course through distance education is up to 7 years. There is no age bar for pursuing this course through distance education. The eligibility criteria for the candidates are that they should have secured a minimum of 50% aggregate in the 10+2 level or should have a 10th+3 years diploma in any recognized central or state government college with 50% aggregate marks. The lectures would be arranged through video conferencing for distance education. The syllabus of the B. Arch distance program is the same as that of the regular program, but the subjects and projects or thesis may be different considering the semesters and the duration of the course.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Is B. Arch difficult?

A. BArch is not easy for all students. As this course involves drawing, designing and creating as the major requirement, it might not be possible for everyone to be flawless in terms of execution. Students willing to pursue their career in architecture and those who are very interested could ace this course.

Q. What can you do with B. Arch?

A. A person can do many things after completing B. Arch. Some of them include Interior Designer, Building Surveyor, Research Architect, Landscape Architect, Estate Manager, Artist, Urban Planner, Structural Engineer, Graphic Designer, Product or Furniture Designer, Entrepreneur, etc. A few of these require a master's degree in architecture.

Q. Is the B.Arch course expensive?

A. Generally, B. Arch courses are not very expensive. They could cost around INR 1,00,000 to INR 1,20,000 per year. The course fee depends on the college, and it varies from one college to the other. Apart from the course fee, one would incur the expenses for the materials required for the course and other expenses.

Q. What is the best course after B. Arch?

A. The best courses one can pursue after B. Arch are Master of Architecture, Master of Urban Design (M.Des), M.Arch in Architectural Conservation, M.Tech in Construction Engineering and Management, Masters in Project management, etc. The duration of all these courses is two years. One could choose a course best suited to their career.

Q. Is JEE compulsory for architecture?

A. No, JEE is not compulsory for architecture. The National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) is preferred for obtaining admissions into private colleges. The top colleges consider JEE advanced scores like IITs and NITs. Most government colleges require JEE advanced (paper 2), and other private colleges require NATA.

Q. How many years does it take to study architecture?

A. It takes five years to complete B Arch. The first four years are theoretical and practical and focus more on planning, and the last year focuses mainly on the thesis. The first four years would only be learning, exploring, investigating concepts, etc. The completion of a thesis during the fifth year leads to the end of the course.

Q. Can we do Interior Designing after B.Arch?

A. Yes, if you have a bachelor's degree in architecture, you can pursue Interior Designing as your career. Interior Designing will form part of the architecture course itself, so no special training or course is required to pursue Interior Designing after B. Arch.

Q. Does B.Arch have maths?

A. Maths is not the main subject in B. Arch. The main subjects of B. Arch touch upon concepts based on Maths and Physics. But the difficulty level of maths in this course would be that of the 10th grade. The main principles or concepts would be related to Geometry, Trigonometry and Algebra.

Q. Who gets paid more—architect or civil engineer?

A. The salary of an architect or a civil engineer merely depends on their professional intellect and skill set. Generally, civil engineers tend to have more knowledge and understanding of complex maths and structural designs and, hence, they might be paid a bit more than architects.

Q. Which specialisation is best in architecture?

A. The field of architecture offers many specialisations with great career opportunities. The top specialisations include Urban Planning, Interior Designing, Landscape Designing, Elevation Designing, and Project Management Consulting. The main areas of specialisation would include Humanities, Technology, Design and Environmental Studies and its Sustainability.

Q. What are the seven types of architects?

A. The 7 types of Architects include Residential Architects, Interior Design Architects, Landscape Architects, Urban Design Architects, Industrial Architects, Green Design Architects and Commercial Architects.

Q. Which is the best college in India for architecture?

A. The number one college in India for B. Arch is the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee. This college has been constantly ranked first in the NIRF for Architecture for the past few years. Other colleges like the National Institute of Technology – Calicut, Indian Institute of Technology – Kharagpur, and a few others also offer good B.Arch courses,

Q. What should an architect know?

A. An architect should be flawless and spontaneous in creating a masterpiece that inspires creativity and moves a larger community towards purposeful architecture. An architect should always ensure that the planning and execution are done well and that the architectural grandeur is unique and appreciated by all.

Table of content
  • Popular B.Arch (Bachelor of Architecture) Colleges in India
  • Popular Private B.Arch (Bachelor of Architecture) Colleges in India
  • Popular B.Arch (Bachelor of Architecture) Specializations
  • Most Popular Courses
  • Top Ranked Colleges by Location

Popular B.Arch (Bachelor of Architecture) Colleges in India

Following are the most popular B.Arch (Bachelor of Architecture) Colleges in India. Learn more about these B.Arch (Bachelor of Architecture) colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
1 Course
4 L
7.5 LPA

#8 NIRF

1 Course
10 L
10 LPA

#1 NIRF

2 Courses
22.75 L
4.2

#6 NIRF

1 Course
7.2 L
3.5

B.Arch Applications open. Apply Now

11.1 L
3.5

#14 NIRF

B.Arch Applications open. Apply Now

1 Course
13.95 L
3.1

#11 The Week

Popular Private B.Arch (Bachelor of Architecture) Colleges in India

1 Course
7.2 L
3.5

B.Arch Applications open. Apply Now

11.1 L
3.5

#14 NIRF

B.Arch Applications open. Apply Now

1 Course
14.5 L
3.5

#31 India Today

9 L
1 Course
9.5 L
5.0

#3 Outlook

Popular B.Arch (Bachelor of Architecture) Specializations

Following are the most popular B.Arch (Bachelor of Architecture) Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

Top Ranked Colleges by Location

Following are the top ranked colleges for B.Arch (Bachelor of Architecture) based on rankings published by The Week, Business Today and National Institutional Ranking Framework (MHRD).
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Student Forum

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Write here...

Answered a month ago

To get into MBS College for BArch course, candidates must meet the eligibility criteria set by the institute. Students must pass Class 12 with a 45% aggregate with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects. Students are selected based on NATA + Merit.

N

Nitesh Gulati

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Elegibility for Chandigarh University's B.Arch course is set as per the Council of Architecture (CoA). Students must secure at least 45% in 10+2 with physics and mathematics as compulsory subjects, plus one subject from chemistry, biology, IT, or Engineering Graphics. An alternative route is via a 1

...Read more

a

akhil Saxena

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a month ago

At Chandigarh University, the Bachelor of Architecture is a five-year course, designed to give students enough time to explore architecture fully. The programme balances theory, practical work, and creative projects, so you get to learn everything from design basics to advanced architecture techniqu

...Read more

U

Upasana Rai

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 months ago

BArch and BDes are both great options and are different mostly in terms of their overall focus. While BArch is all about architecture- designing buildings, planning spaces, and working on construction projects, a BDes course will focus on the more creative side of design. It covers a wide range of d

...Read more

M

Muskan Chugh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Yes, candidates have to qualify AAT after qualifying JEE Advanced to be eligible for IIT BArch admissions.

A

Akansha Bhandari

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 months ago

Only three IITs offer BArch admisison via JEE Advanced and AAT. These IITs are:

  1. Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur
  2. Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee
  3. Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi

All of them offer 5 Years, Bachelor of Architecture course via JEE Advanced followed by AAT.

M

Manori Karan

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 months ago

NO. Barch admisison in the IITs is based on JEE Advanced and Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT). For Barch admisison t the IITs, candidates have to first qualify JEE Advanced and then appear for AAT.

M

Manori Patra

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 months ago

The cutoff for a course at Indo Global Group of Colleges is dependent upon the merit list generated based on the scores of the course-specific qualifying exam. The cutoff for BArch and M.Tech is calculated based on the marks obtained in the NATA and GATE, respectively. With a seat intake of 40 for

...Read more

C

Chikat Marchang

Contributor-Level 10

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