For students · 7 questions
Education & Careers
Becoming an architect in India, choosing a course, building a portfolio and finding a first role.
For Students, graduates and early-career architects · Reviewed 2026-10-31
- 01
How do I become an architect in India?
Complete a Council of Architecture–approved five-year B.Arch, then register with the Council to practise as an architect.
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Should I take NATA or JEE Main Paper 2 for architecture?
NATA is the architecture-specific aptitude test; JEE Paper 2 is required for NITs, SPA Delhi and several central institutions.
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What is the difference between B.Arch and B.Des?
B.Arch leads to registration as an architect; B.Des is a design degree that does not by itself permit architectural practice.
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What should an architecture portfolio contain?
Three to five projects with a clear idea, process and evidence of resolution — drawings, models and photographs, not just renders.
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Which software should architecture students learn?
Learn one drawing tool, one modelling tool and one rendering or documentation tool well — typically AutoCAD, SketchUp or Revit, plus a visualiser.
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How do I find an architecture internship?
Approach practices whose built work you can discuss, send a short tailored portfolio, and treat the placement as a site-experience opportunity.
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How do I start my own architecture practice?
Register with the Council, register the firm, and build a small portfolio of built work before taking on larger liability.
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