Architecture

Learning architecture is not only about books but also seeing and doing. At CU, students get exposure through site visits to modern buildings, heritage places, and ongoing construction projects. They also work on live industry projects which teach them how to plan, design, and execute ideas. The course includes practical workshops and design assignments that link classroom knowledge with real work. Internships are part of the programme and give students hands-on experience in architectural offices or on construction sites. Guest lectures and expert sessions also add insight into current trends and practices in the industry. These activities help students understand the challenges and expectations of real architectural work and develop skills that are useful for their future careers.

Architecture students at Chandigarh University benefit from smart classrooms equipped with advanced teaching technology. These classrooms feature multimedia projectors, interactive boards, high-speed internet, and audio systems supporting blended learning and digital presentations. Faculty can integrate e-learning platforms, online tutorials, and credit based MOOcs into regular lectures, allowing students to grasp complex architectural concepts more effectively. The classrooms also facilitate live software demonstrations for tools like SketchUp, Rhino, and ArchiCAD, bridiging the gap between theory and practical application. Discussions, design reviews, and project critiques are conducted in these interactive spaces, encouraging active participation, and collaborative learning. Smart classrooms are linked with departmental labs and workshops, enabling seamless interaction between digital design and physical modeling. This infrastructure ensures students are trained to handle modern design challanges, work with digital construction tools, and develop professional skills required in both Indian and international architectural context.

Architecture at Chandigarh University emphasizes practical learning and goes into research. Students work in labs like CEASER for energy-efficient design, Urban Lab for city planning, Conservation Lab for heritage projects, and Construction Yard for real building experience. The programme comprises certificates and MOOCs along with an excellent collaboration with companies and organizations for real-world projects. Experienced faculty members provide instruction in disaster management and sustainable architecture. Model-making workshops, materials testing labs, and illumination labs make sure the students get hands-on experience from the angle of construction and design. It is this blend of labs, real-life projects, and research opportunities that ensures the students receive a broad exposure and develop their capacity to face professional challenges toward architecture.

The campus environment for Architecture students at Chandigarh University is really great. 

The environment is built for open studios that allow a free flow of ideas and building up teamwork. Students participate in site visits, workshops, and design projects to observe the semblance of concepts in the real world. All of these, from material exploration to model-making, aid in the comprehension of space. Faculty members often guide these activities through seminars, FDPs, and talks that bring in a lot of new perspectives. The educational set-up connects well with the professional bodies from the same field offering exposure. Curriculum is derived based on NEP 2020, which emphasizes practical learning pertinent to today's world. Global tie-ups and collaborations allow students to explore beyond boundaries. An atmosphere that stimulates creativity, research, and growth is built up all around. For someone who wants to practice design every day, the campus generates an extremely balanced and invigorating context.

Chandigarh University ensures its Architecture students are exposed to professional networks like IGBC and INTACH. Departmental membership with IGBC allows students to learn about energy-efficient buildings, LEED certifications, and sustainable construction strategies through workshops and technical sessions. Students often work on case studies and industry projects provided by IGBC, giving them real-world insights into green design practices. While INTACH does not have a formal membership programme at CU, students collaborate on heritage documentation and restoration projects under guidance from affiliated architects, gaining knowledge in historical preservation. Such engagements provide exposure to both modern sustainable architecture and traditional conservation techniques, preparing students for a diverse career. Participation in IGBC and INTACH activities also allows students to network with practicing architects and policy-makers. This connection strengthens their professional readiness and enhances career opportunities in sustainable construction, urban heritage projects, and research in architectural conservation.

Chandigarh University follows a well-structured fee system for its Architecture programs. The Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) programme has a semester fee of ?1,11,000 and runs for a duration of five years, while the Master of Architecture (M.Arch) programme carries a semester fee of ?57,000 for two years. For admission to the B.Arch program, it is compulsory to qualify NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture), which ensures that students meet the national-level eligibility standards.

The university also provides multiple scholarship opportunities based on merit, national-level entrance tests, and category-specific benefits, helping students manage their finances more effectively. In addition to this, CU offers well-equipped design studios, simulation labs, and access to advanced software that align with industry practices. Combined with workshops, internships, and international exposure, the fee structure reflects a balance between affordability and quality learning, making it a strong choice for aspiring architects.

The Architecture department at Chandigarh University ensures that its graduates are placed in reputed national and international organizations. The scope of placements extends beyond conventional design firms, including roles in construction management, BIM (Building Information Modeling), and sustainability consultancy. Alumni have secured opportunities with firms such as Design Consortium, Habitat Architects, and Shilpa Architects. These companies expose students to diverse aspects of architecture ranging from urban planning to interior and landscape design. Additionally, some students pursue opportunities in government organizations and teaching roles after graduation. The university highlights career diversity rather than concentrating only on salary figures, which gives students a holistic career scope.

Chandigarh University runs its B.Arch course in a semester system spread across 10 semesters over 5 years. Each semester blends design, technology, and management aspects of architecture. For example, early semesters focus on building fundamentals, drawing, and material studies, while later semesters emphasize urban planning, advanced construction, and professional practice. Continuous internal assessments, juries, and end-semester exams ensure that students are evaluated on both creativity and technical competence. The semester format also enables inclusion of MOOC courses, open electives, and industry certifications such as IGBC and GRIHA. Live projects and internships are usually scheduled in higher semesters, providing real-world exposure before graduation. The final semester is dedicated to the architectural thesis, which demonstrates the student's ability to conceptualize and execute a complete design independently. This semester system makes the course dynamic and aligned with professional architecture training standards globally.

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 10+2 Diploma in Engineering/Technology/Architecture with mathematics as a compulsory subject, also with 45% marks. Along with this, qualifying NATA (with minimum 70 marks) or JEE Paper 2 (Architecture Test) is mandatory for admission. These exams test a students' design aptitude, mathematics, and drawing skills- important for architectural studies. The university allows students to apply for provisional admission before results, but final admission requires a valid NATA or JEE paper 2 score. This ensures only students with both academic knowledge, and creative aptitude can enter the program, maintaining the quality of education and aligning with professional standards of architecture.