Architecture Courses After 12th: Complete Guide to Eligibility, Qualifications & Career Path

Architecture is a field that blends creativity with purpose. It’s where art meets science to create beautiful and functional spaces where people live, work and grow.

Students with an eye for detail and a love for design can explore a variety of architecture courses after 12th grade. These courses in architecture after 12th open the door to exciting careers in building design, urban planning, interior architecture and more.

If you are passionate about designing buildings and wondering how to become an architect in India after 12th grade, you must read this blog. It shares important architecture course details, including the entrance exam for architecture after 12th.

Architecture Course Eligibility

Students must have secured a minimum of 50% marks in class 12th with PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Math). Those who have not studied PCM subjects in class 12th can opt for diploma or certificate courses in architecture. For most architecture courses after 12th, one must clear an entrance exam for degree-level courses.

The specific eligibility for different types of architecture courses is mentioned in the next section.

Entrance Exam For Architecture After 12th Grade

To pursue architecture, students must clear specific entrance exams. Here are the major ones:

• NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture): Evaluates drawing, visual perception, and creative thinking.
• JEE Main Paper 2: Focuses on mathematics, aptitude, and drawing skills. Accepted by several top architecture institutes.
• State-Level Exams: Some states conduct their own entrance tests, like KCET, UPSEE, or TNEA, for admission into local institutions.

Preparing well for these exams is key to getting into a good architecture programme.

Architecture Course Details

If you want to know how to become an architect in India after 12th class, the courses given below will give you a quick idea. Here are the popular architecture courses with essential details.

B. Arch (Bachelor of Architecture)

• Overview of the course:
  A professional undergraduate degree focused on designing buildings, urban planning, and sustainable architecture. It blends creativity with technical skills.
• Duration:
  5 years
• Eligibility:
  Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Maths (PCM); minimum 50% marks
• Job Roles:
  Architect, Urban Designer, Site Planner, Building Consultant

B. Planning

• Overview of the course:
  This course trains students in planning urban spaces, infrastructure, transport systems, and regional development.
• Duration:
  4 years   
• Eligibility:
  Class 12 with PCM; minimum 50% marks
• Job Roles:
  Town Planner, Transport Planner, Regional Development Officer, GIS Analyst

Diploma in Architectural Assistantship

• Overview of the course:
  A practical course focused on basic architectural drawing, design principles, and construction supervision.
• Duration:
  3 years
• Eligibility:
  Class 12 with any stream; minimum 50% marks
• Job Roles:
  Architectural Assistant, Draftsman, Site Supervisor, CAD Technician

Diploma in Interior Design

• Overview of the course:
  Offers hands-on learning in space planning, materials, and interior aesthetics for residential and commercial spaces.
• Duration:
  1 year
• Eligibility:
  Class 12 with any stream; minimum 50% marks
• Job Roles:
  Interior Designer, Design Consultant, Visual Merchandiser, Furniture Designer

Certificate in Interior Design

• Overview of the course:
  A short-term programme covering basic concepts of interior decoration, colour schemes, and furniture layout.
• Duration:
  6 months
• Eligibility:
  Class 12 with any stream; minimum 50% marks
• Job Roles:
  Interior Decorator, Home Styling Assistant, Showroom Visualiser, Freelance Designer

How Architecture Courses After Class 12 Promise a Rewarding Career

Architecture offers a diverse range of career paths that combine design, planning, and construction.

Whether you pursue a B.Arch, B.Planning, or a design diploma, each course opens doors to specialised roles.

Strengthening your portfolio through academic projects and design software can significantly boost your employability.

You can pursue the following job roles after finishing the architecture course:

• Architect
• Urban Planner
• Interior Designer
• Project Consultant
• Draftsman
• Exhibition Designer

Additional Skills That Help in Pursuing Architecture Courses

• Creative Thinking
  1. Architecture is all about designing new spaces.
  2. Being creative helps you think beyond basic shapes and come up with attractive designs.
• Good Observation Skills
  1. Observing buildings, streets, and spaces closely enables you to understand designs more effectively.
  2. This habit enhances learning skills and develops a sense of designing spaces.
• Strong Drawing Ability
  1. While many tools are digital today, hand sketching still plays a key role.
  2. Basic drawing skills impressively help present design ideas.
• Basic Knowledge of Maths and Geometry
  1. Understanding measurements, shapes, and angles is essential for accurate designs.
  2. Knowledge of simple geometry is also helpful in learning architectural concepts.
• Computer Skills
  1. Knowing how to use design software, such as AutoCAD or SketchUp, is a significant advantage.
  2. These tools help bring your ideas to life on screen.
• Communication Skills
• Architects need to explain their ideas to clients and teams.
• Good communication makes it easier to share your thoughts and get feedback.
• Time Management
• Architecture projects require time and effort, and therefore, one must learn how to manage their time effectively.
• Learning how to manage time helps you handle deadlines and complete multiple tasks promptly.
• Teamwork
• Most architecture work is done in teams. Being open to ideas and working effectively with others is a valuable skill to possess.

Conclusion

After completing a course in architecture after 12th grade and earning the necessary qualifications post-12th, you can begin your creative journey in designing diverse structures. Explore the top architecture courses listed above to find the right fit for you. With the industry growing and exciting new opportunities on the rise, there’s no better time to enter the world of architecture.

FAQs

Q1: What is an architecture course?

A1: An architecture course teaches you how to design practical and beautiful buildings. The course provides knowledge about different construction materials, sustainable construction, space planning, and how architecture influences people and the environment. It also includes practical projects to build your creative and technical skills.

Q2: What are popular architecture courses after 12th?

A2: Some of the popular architecture courses after 12th include:

• B.Arch (Bachelor of Architecture)
• B. Planning (Bachelor of Planning)
• Diploma in Architecture
• Diploma in Interior Design
• Certificate in Interior Design

Q3: What do architects do?

A3: Architects design commercial and residential spaces. They also ensure that these spaces are safe, functional, and visually appealing. Architects plan layouts, choose materials, and prepare blueprints. They also supervise the construction of buildings to ensure the proper implementation of their design.

Q4: What is the eligibility for architecture courses after 12th?

A4: The eligibility for architecture after 12th is a pass in class 12th with at least 50% marks (45% for the reserved category students) from a recognised board. Students must have also studied Physics, Chemistry, and Math in the 12th grade.

Q5: How many years is the architecture course?

A5: The duration of architecture courses depends on their type. The popular architecture courses with their duration are:

• B.Arch. - 5 years
• Diploma in Architectural Assistantship - 3 years
• B.Sc. in Construction Management - 3 years

Q6: Can I do architecture after 12th commerce?

A6: Yes, you can do architecture after 12th commerce. However, a B.Arch or B.Planning degree typically requires PCM in Class 12.

Q7: How to become an architect after 12th science?

A7: You need to clear an entrance exam to become an architect after 12th science. There are specific options for an entrance exam for architecture after 12th grade. The main architecture entrance exams include:

• NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture)
• JEE Main Paper 2
• Specific Entrance Exam of State or Institute

Q8: How to become an architect after 12th arts?

A8: To become an architect after 12th arts, one can pursue diploma or certificate courses in architecture. These qualifications will help you work as an assistant architect or a draftsman.