DESIGN AND MEDIA
Architect
Designing buildings and spaces that work for the people who use them.
Facts checked 17/10/2026
- Class 11–12 subjects
- Class 12 with Physics and Maths compulsory, plus one of Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, IT, Engineering Graphics, Business Studies or a technical vocational subject — at least 45% overall. Or a 10+3 diploma with Maths.
- First degree
- B.Arch, 5 years, including practical training.
- Entrance exams
- NATA (Council of Architecture) or JEE Main Paper 2A (NTA).
- Licence or registration
- Registration with the Council of Architecture. By law, only registered architects may call themselves "architect".
What the work is like
Designing homes, schools, offices and public spaces; drawings and models; working with engineers, builders and clients; site visits.
Professional qualificationRun by Council of Architecture (CoA). You can start after: Class 12 with Physics and Maths. Minimum time: 5 years after Class 12.
The full route: exams, training, registration
- Step 1 · Class 11–12Take Physics and Maths. Build a sketching and drawing habit early — the aptitude tests check it.
- Step 2 · Class 12NATA (March–May; up to 2 attempts, best score counts, valid for that year only) or JEE Main Paper 2A.
- Step 3 · 5 yearsB.Arch at a CoA-approved college, with a practical-training period in an architect's office (commonly one semester). (reported — check with the official body)
- Step 4Register with the Council of Architecture under the Architects Act 1972.
- OptionalM.Arch or a master's in urban design, landscape or planning.
- A NATA score is valid only for the admission year it was taken for. You get at most 2 NATA attempts a year; the best counts.
Good to know
- Using the title "architect" without registration is an offence under Section 37 of the Architects Act.
- Registration has to be renewed with CoA.
- For B.Arch at NITs through JoSAA (JEE Main Paper 2A), you need Physics, Chemistry and Maths in Class 12.
- Interested in design but not the 5-year B.Arch? Look at B.Des and interior design too.
About pay: it varies a lot by city, employer and skill, and changes year to year, so we don't print salary numbers. Ask us in a session and we'll show you current, sourced figures for your case.
Sources: NATA 2026 brochure (Council of Architecture) · Architects Act 1972 · Bar & Bench on the Supreme Court and the title "architect"
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