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B-PLAN in General at B.M.S. College of Architecture
Bengaluru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is General at B.M.S. College of Architecture Bengaluru?
This Bachelor of Planning (B.Plan) program at BMS College of Architecture Design and Planning focuses on equipping students with comprehensive knowledge and skills in urban and regional planning. It addresses the critical need for sustainable development and systematic growth in Indian cities and towns. The program integrates theoretical foundations with practical studio work, preparing graduates to tackle complex challenges in urban environments. This multidisciplinary approach ensures a holistic understanding of planning principles and their application.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for aspiring urban planners, policy makers, and development professionals passionate about shaping sustainable communities. It attracts fresh graduates from science backgrounds (with PCM) or those with strong mathematical aptitude, seeking entry into the dynamic field of urban development. Working professionals in related fields like civil engineering or architecture looking to transition into planning roles can also benefit, as can career changers aiming to contribute to India''''s rapid urbanization challenges.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in government planning agencies, urban local bodies, real estate development firms, and consulting companies across India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3.5-6 LPA, growing significantly with experience. Roles include Urban Planner, GIS Analyst, Project Coordinator, and Development Consultant. The curriculum prepares students for higher studies in planning, architecture, or public policy, aligning with professional certifications from bodies like ITPI (Institute of Town Planners, India).
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Planning Concepts and Tools- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on building a strong foundation in planning theories, history, socio-economic bases, and basic planning techniques. Actively participate in lectures, delve into case studies, and practice graphic communication and mapping skills using tools like AutoCAD and GIS basics introduced in studios. This ensures a solid theoretical grounding essential for all future planning applications.
Tools & Resources
Academic textbooks, Case studies of Indian cities, AutoCAD, QGIS/ArcGIS basics
Career Connection
A strong theoretical base is crucial for understanding urban complexities and applying appropriate planning solutions, directly enhancing analytical roles in government or consulting.
Excel in Basic Design and Planning Studio- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant time to studio projects, understanding that these are the practical application of theoretical knowledge. Develop strong drafting, presentation, and critical thinking skills. Collaborate with peers on neighborhood planning projects to simulate real-world scenarios and refine problem-solving abilities early on, preparing for complex design challenges.
Tools & Resources
Studio materials (drawing boards, models), Collaboration tools, Presentation software
Career Connection
Strong studio skills translate directly into proficiency for roles in urban design, site planning, and development control, valued by architectural and planning firms.
Strengthen Quantitative and Analytical Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Pay close attention to Mathematics and Statistics, and Econometrics subjects. Utilize online resources like Khan Academy for math refreshers or NPTEL courses for statistical concepts. Strong analytical skills are crucial for data-driven planning decisions and will be continuously used in advanced planning studios and research.
Tools & Resources
Khan Academy, NPTEL courses, Statistical software basics (e.g., Excel, R/Python for data analysis)
Career Connection
Proficiency in quantitative analysis opens doors to roles in data-driven policy making, real estate analysis, and research in urban planning agencies and consultancies.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Interdisciplinary Project Work- (Semester 3-5)
Actively participate in Planning Studios focusing on Zoning, Land Use, Master Plan, and Special Area Planning. Seek opportunities to integrate knowledge from urban economics, environmental planning, and infrastructure design. Collaborate with students from architecture or civil engineering disciplines to gain multidisciplinary perspectives vital for integrated urban development projects.
Tools & Resources
Inter-departmental workshops, Urban development project case studies, Collaborative design platforms
Career Connection
Multidisciplinary project experience is highly valued in large-scale infrastructure and urban development projects, enhancing employability in various sectors.
Gain Practical Software Proficiency and Certifications- (Semester 3-5)
Deepen skills in advanced GIS, Remote Sensing, and urban modeling software. Enroll in short-term certifications or workshops in ArcGIS, QGIS, or other relevant planning software platforms outside the curriculum. This practical proficiency is highly valued by employers in urban planning and smart city projects in India.
Tools & Resources
ArcGIS Pro/QGIS, SketchUp/Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite, Online certification courses (Esri Academy)
Career Connection
Advanced software skills are critical for roles as GIS specialists, urban data analysts, and design visualization experts in planning and consulting firms.
Seek Early Industry Exposure and Networking- (Semester 3-5)
Actively look for summer internships or short-term projects with local planning firms, municipal corporations, or NGOs involved in urban development. Attend webinars, seminars, and conferences by professional bodies like ITPI. Networking with practicing planners and academics will open doors to mentorship and future career opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, ITPI events, College career services, Industry workshops
Career Connection
Early exposure builds professional networks and provides practical insights, significantly boosting internship and entry-level job prospects in the Indian planning sector.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Specialized Research and Dissertation- (Semester 6-8)
Choose a dissertation topic aligned with your career interests and current urban challenges in India (e.g., affordable housing, climate resilience, smart cities). Engage deeply with your faculty mentor, conduct thorough research, and develop strong analytical and report-writing skills. A well-executed dissertation can showcase your expertise to potential employers.
Tools & Resources
Academic databases (JSTOR, Scopus), Statistical analysis software (SPSS, R), Dissertation writing guides
Career Connection
A strong dissertation demonstrates research capabilities and specialized knowledge, highly valued for roles in policy research, academic positions, and advanced consulting.
Maximize Internship Learning and Professional Skills- (Semester 6-8)
Treat the mandatory planning internship as a critical learning experience. Seek roles that offer exposure to diverse aspects of planning such as policy formulation, project management, or GIS analysis. Focus on developing professional communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, and build a strong portfolio of your work for placements.
Tools & Resources
Internship reports, Professional portfolio development, Mentorship from industry professionals
Career Connection
A successful internship often leads to pre-placement offers or strong referrals, providing a direct pathway to employment and demonstrating practical industry readiness.
Prepare Strategically for Placements and Higher Studies- (undefined)
Actively participate in campus placement drives, refine your resume and interview skills, and network with visiting companies. For those considering higher studies, research postgraduate programs in India and abroad, prepare for entrance exams like GATE (for M.Plan) or GRE/TOEFL, and develop a compelling statement of purpose.
Tools & Resources
Career counseling services, Mock interview sessions, Resume building workshops, GATE/GRE/TOEFL prep materials
Career Connection
Strategic preparation ensures successful transition to desired career paths, whether through immediate placement in leading firms or admission to prestigious higher education programs.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Passed 10+2 examination with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as compulsory subjects; or Passed 10+2 examination with Mathematics as compulsory subject with 50% marks in aggregate. (45% in case of candidate belonging to reserved category). Candidate should have appeared for NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture) or JEE Paper-2 or CEED.
Duration: 8 semesters / 4 years
Credits: 192 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BPDS1.1 | Planning Theory & History | Core | 3 | Urbanization concepts, Historical development of cities, Planning concepts and principles, Town planning acts, Contemporary planning issues |
| BPDS1.2 | Socio-Economic Base for Planning | Core | 3 | Demographic concepts, Population dynamics, Economic theories, Social stratification, Poverty and development |
| BPDS1.3 | Elements of Economics | Core | 3 | Micro and Macroeconomics, Demand and Supply, Market Structures, Economic Indicators, Development Economics |
| BPDS1.4 | Techniques of Planning-I | Core | 3 | Data collection methods, Survey techniques, Mapping principles, Spatial analysis, Graphic representation |
| BPDS1.5 | Basic Design Studio | Core | 8 | Principles of design, Space organization, Form and function, Site analysis, Presentation techniques |
| BPDS1.6 | Mathematics & Statistics | Core | 4 | Calculus, Linear Algebra, Probability theory, Statistical distributions, Regression analysis |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BPDS2.1 | Human Settlements & Town Planning | Core | 3 | Settlement patterns, Urban morphology, City classification, Town planning principles, Sustainable settlements |
| BPDS2.2 | Demography & Housing | Core | 3 | Population characteristics, Demographic models, Housing typologies, Housing policies, Slum development |
| BPDS2.3 | Resource Economics | Core | 3 | Natural resource management, Environmental economics, Land economics, Cost-benefit analysis, Project evaluation |
| BPDS2.4 | Techniques of Planning-II | Core | 3 | Remote sensing basics, GIS applications, AutoCAD for planning, Data visualization, Urban modeling concepts |
| BPDS2.5 | Planning Studio-I (Neighborhood Planning) | Core | 8 | Neighborhood concept, Site planning, Infrastructure design, Community participation, Master plan components |
| BPDS2.6 | Planning Graphics & Communication | Core | 4 | Graphic representation, Communication skills, Presentation software, Technical drawing, Report writing |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BPDS3.1 | History of Planning Ideas | Core | 3 | Ancient cities, Medieval urbanism, Industrial revolution, Garden City movement, Modernist planning |
| BPDS3.2 | Regional Planning | Core | 3 | Regional concept, Regional development theories, Regional growth poles, Rural-urban linkages, Infrastructure planning |
| BPDS3.3 | Urban Economics | Core | 3 | Urban land markets, Location theories, Urban finance, Property valuation, Economic base analysis |
| BPDS3.4 | Urban Design | Core | 3 | Urban form, Public spaces, Street design, Conservation planning, Aesthetics in urban areas |
| BPDS3.5 | Planning Studio-II (Zoning & Land Use) | Core | 8 | Land use classification, Zoning regulations, Development control, Master plan preparation, GIS for land use |
| BPDS3.6 | Building Materials & Construction | Core | 4 | Building materials properties, Construction techniques, Structural systems, Building codes and standards, Sustainable construction |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BPDS4.1 | Planning Legislations & Governance | Core | 3 | Planning acts and policies, Land acquisition laws, Environmental laws, Urban governance structures, Public participation in planning |
| BPDS4.2 | Environmental Planning | Core | 3 | Environmental impact assessment, Climate change adaptation, Waste management strategies, Pollution control measures, Green infrastructure planning |
| BPDS4.3 | Infrastructure Planning & Management | Core | 3 | Water supply systems, Sewerage and drainage, Transportation networks, Energy planning, Telecommunication infrastructure |
| BPDS4.4 | Transportation Planning | Core | 3 | Transport modes analysis, Traffic surveys and forecasting, Road design principles, Public transport systems, Sustainable transportation planning |
| BPDS4.5 | Planning Studio-III (Master Plan/Development Plan) | Core | 8 | Master plan components, Development plan preparation, Spatial development strategies, Policy formulation, Implementation challenges |
| BPDS4.6 | Professional Practice & Ethics | Core | 4 | Planning profession overview, Ethical dilemmas in planning, Consultancy practice, Project management basics, Legal aspects for planners |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BPDS5.1 | Urban & Regional Management | Core | 3 | Urban management strategies, Regional development authorities, Public-private partnerships, Good governance principles, Decentralization in planning |
| BPDS5.2 | Disaster Management | Core | 3 | Disaster types and impacts, Risk assessment and mapping, Mitigation strategies, Preparedness planning, Post-disaster recovery |
| BPDS5.3 | Remote Sensing & GIS for Planning | Core | 3 | Remote sensing principles, Image interpretation, GIS data models, Spatial analysis techniques, Planning applications of GIS |
| BPDS5.4 | Urban Renewal & Conservation | Core | 3 | Urban decay and obsolescence, Redevelopment strategies, Heritage conservation, Gentrification and displacement, Adaptive reuse of buildings |
| BPDS5.5 | Planning Studio-IV (Special Area Planning) | Core | 8 | Hill area planning, Coastal zone management, Rural area planning, Industrial zone planning, Tourism planning |
| BPDS5.6 | Project Planning & Management | Core | 4 | Project life cycle, Feasibility studies, PERT/CPM techniques, Financial analysis for projects, Monitoring and evaluation |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BPDS6.1 | Research Methodology & Statistics | Core | 3 | Research design, Sampling methods, Data analysis techniques, Hypothesis testing, Technical report writing |
| BPDS6.2 | Environmental Impact Assessment | Core | 3 | EIA process and methodologies, Environmental management plans, Strategic environmental assessment, Public participation in EIA, Case studies in EIA |
| BPDS6.3 | Smart Cities & Digital Planning | Core | 3 | Smart city concept, Digital infrastructure, IoT in urban planning, Data analytics for cities, E-governance in urban areas |
| BPDS6.4 | Climate Change & Urban Resilience | Core | 3 | Climate change impacts, Adaptation strategies, Mitigation actions, Resilient cities development, Green building concepts |
| BPDS6.5 | Planning Studio-V (Urban Project Formulation & Appraisal) | Core | 8 | Project identification, Detailed project report preparation, Financial appraisal, Economic appraisal, Environmental appraisal |
| BPDS6.6 | Urban Finance & Budgeting | Core | 4 | Municipal finance sources, Urban taxation policies, Public debt management, Budgeting process for urban bodies, PPP models in urban development |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BPDS7.1 | GIS & Advanced Planning Applications | Core | 3 | Advanced GIS tools, 3D modeling in GIS, Network analysis, Geodatabase management, Decision support systems in planning |
| BPDS7.2 | Professional Ethics & Practice | Core | 3 | Professional conduct for planners, Ethical guidelines and dilemmas, Legal framework for planning practice, Role of professional planning bodies, Arbitration and dispute resolution |
| BPDS7.3 | Urban Governance & Policy | Core | 3 | Urban policy formulation, Public policy analysis, Multi-level governance, Urban reforms and initiatives, Stakeholder engagement in policy |
| BPDS7.4 | Programme Elective-I | Elective | 3 | |
| BPDS7.5 | Programme Elective-II | Elective | 3 | |
| BPDS7.6 | Planning Dissertation-I | Project | 9 | Literature review, Research problem definition, Methodology design, Data collection techniques, Preliminary analysis |
| BPDS7.OE | Open Elective | Elective | 3 |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BPDS8.1 | Planning Internship | Project | 18 | Practical application of planning skills, On-site professional experience, Project documentation, Professional communication, Internship report submission |
| BPDS8.2 | Planning Dissertation-II | Project | 6 | Advanced data analysis, Interpretation of research findings, Comprehensive report writing, Thesis defense, Policy recommendations |
| BPDS8.OE | Open Elective | Elective | 3 |
