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B-PLAN in General at B.M.S. School of Architecture
Bengaluru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is General at B.M.S. School of Architecture Bengaluru?
This Bachelor of Planning (B.Plan) program at BMS College of Architecture, Design & Planning focuses on developing skilled professionals for urban and regional planning challenges in India. It integrates design, social sciences, environmental studies, and management to create holistic planners. The curriculum emphasizes sustainable development, smart cities, and infrastructure planning, directly addressing the dynamic demands of India''''s rapid urbanization.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a strong aptitude for mathematics, design, and an interest in shaping future cities. It attracts students passionate about sustainable development, community welfare, and problem-solving through spatial organization. It also caters to those envisioning careers in urban policy-making, infrastructure development, or environmental planning within the Indian context.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths, including urban planner, regional planner, GIS specialist, urban designer, and housing consultant. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. Growth trajectories are strong in government bodies, private consulting firms, and real estate development across Indian metropolitan areas.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Foundational Planning Concepts & Design Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus diligently on core subjects like Planning History, Economics, Graphics, and Basic Design. Actively participate in studio exercises to develop visualization and representation skills. Utilize open-source CAD software (e.g., QGIS for basic mapping) for initial practical application.
Tools & Resources
AutoCAD, SketchUp (basic), QGIS tutorials, textbooks on urban history
Career Connection
Strong fundamentals are essential for all planning roles, enabling effective communication of ideas and understanding the historical context of urban development.
Develop Strong Analytical & Communication Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Engage actively in discussions, presentations, and report writing for all projects. Focus on critically analyzing socio-economic data and presenting findings clearly. Join debate clubs or public speaking groups to enhance verbal communication and articulation of planning concepts.
Tools & Resources
Microsoft Office Suite, academic journals, public speaking workshops
Career Connection
Planners need to analyze complex data and present solutions to diverse stakeholders effectively, crucial for policy-making and community engagement.
Build a Strong Peer Learning Network- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups with peers to discuss complex concepts, review project work, and share resources. Collaborate on assignments where permissible, fostering teamwork and diverse perspectives on planning challenges. Participate in college planning clubs or societies.
Tools & Resources
Collaborative online platforms (Google Docs, MS Teams), department study rooms
Career Connection
Planning is a collaborative field; effective teamwork and networking with future colleagues are vital for project success and career advancement.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Practical GIS and Data Analysis- (Semester 3-5)
Actively learn and apply advanced GIS software for spatial analysis, mapping, and data visualization. Work on projects that involve real-world urban data, conducting surveys and fieldwork. Seek out workshops on statistical software relevant to planning.
Tools & Resources
ArcGIS, QGIS, R/Python for data analysis, government census data, local authority planning data
Career Connection
Proficiency in GIS and data analysis is highly sought after in urban planning, enabling roles in smart city initiatives, infrastructure mapping, and demographic studies.
Seek Internships and Fieldwork Opportunities- (Semester 3-5)
Actively search for and undertake internships with urban development authorities, planning consultancies, NGOs, or real estate firms during summer breaks. Participate in college-organized field visits to various planning projects and sites.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, LinkedIn, professional planning body websites, local government portals
Career Connection
Internships provide invaluable practical experience, industry contacts, and a clear understanding of daily planning operations, significantly boosting placement prospects.
Participate in Planning Competitions & Workshops- (Semester 3-5)
Join inter-college planning competitions, design charrettes, and workshops focused on urban design, sustainable planning, or policy formulation. This helps apply theoretical knowledge, build a portfolio, and gain exposure to innovative solutions.
Tools & Resources
College event announcements, national planning institute websites (e.g., ITPI), architecture/planning magazines
Career Connection
Showcasing problem-solving skills and innovative thinking in competitive environments enhances resumes and attracts potential employers.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Specialization & Advanced Project Work- (Semester 6-8)
Identify a niche within planning (e.g., environmental planning, housing, transportation, smart cities) and tailor elective choices and thesis/dissertation topics accordingly. Work on a comprehensive final year project addressing a complex urban challenge, integrating all learned skills.
Tools & Resources
Research papers, advanced planning software, academic mentors, industry experts
Career Connection
Deep expertise in a specialized area makes graduates highly valuable to specific industry sectors and improves the quality of their professional portfolio.
Build a Professional Portfolio & Network Extensively- (Semester 6-8)
Systematically compile all project work, design sheets, reports, and internship experiences into a professional digital and physical portfolio. Attend planning conferences, seminars, and networking events to connect with industry leaders and potential employers.
Tools & Resources
Behance, personal website, LinkedIn, professional association events (e.g., ITPI chapters)
Career Connection
A strong portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical skills, while networking opens doors to job opportunities and mentorship.
Master Placement Preparation & Interview Skills- (Semester 6-8)
Actively participate in campus placement training programs focusing on resume building, aptitude tests, group discussions, and mock interviews. Research target companies and practice answering technical and behavioral questions specific to the planning sector.
Tools & Resources
College career services, online interview prep platforms, industry-specific interview guides
Career Connection
Thorough preparation significantly increases the chances of securing desirable placements in top planning firms, government organizations, or research institutions.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Candidates who have completed their 10+2 (PUC II) with Mathematics or Business Mathematics/Statistics/Accountancy, or 10+3 Diploma with Mathematics, are eligible to apply.
Duration: 8 semesters / 4 years
Credits: 200 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BP 1.1 | Planning History & Theory I | Core | 4 | Evolution of Human Settlements, Early Settlements & River Valley Civilizations, Greek & Roman Planning, Medieval & Renaissance Planning, Industrial Revolution & Urban Problems, Early Modern Planning Concepts |
| BP 1.2 | Elements of Economics | Core | 3 | Basic Economic Concepts & Principles, Demand and Supply Analysis, Production and Cost, Market Structures, National Income & Macroeconomics, Fiscal and Monetary Policies |
| BP 1.3 | Planning Graphics & Communication Techniques I | Core | 4 | Drawing Instruments & Conventions, Orthographic & Isometric Projections, Architectural Lettering & Dimensioning, Basic Rendering & Presentation Techniques, Free Hand Sketching, Model Making Basics |
| BP 1.4 | Basic Design | Core | 4 | Elements & Principles of Design, 2D & 3D Compositions, Form, Space, Order, Color Theory & Application, Scale & Proportion, Perception & Visual Language |
| BP 1.5 | Mathematics for Planners | Core | 4 | Matrices and Determinants, Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus, Differential Equations, Linear Programming, Basic Set Theory |
| BP 1.6 | Socio-Cultural Aspects of Planning | Core | 3 | Concepts of Society & Culture, Social Structure & Stratification, Urban & Rural Sociology, Community Development, Culture & Space Relationship, Social Issues in Planning |
| BP 1.7 | Planning Studio I | Core | 3 | Introduction to Site Planning, Site Analysis Techniques, Basic Layout Design, Preparation of Base Maps, Understanding Land Use, Graphical Representation of Data |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BP 2.1 | Planning History & Theory II | Core | 4 | Garden City Movement, City Beautiful Movement, Modernism in Planning, Post-War Planning & Reconstruction, New Urbanism, Contemporary Planning Theories & Debates |
| BP 2.2 | Surveying and Photogrammetry | Core | 3 | Introduction to Surveying, Chain and Compass Surveying, Plane Table Surveying, Theodolite Surveying, Levelling Techniques, Photogrammetry Basics & Aerial Photography |
| BP 2.3 | Planning Graphics & Communication Techniques II | Core | 4 | Advanced Rendering Techniques, Perspective Drawing, Sectional Views, Digital Graphics Software (CAD), Infographics & Data Visualization, Presentation Layout & Techniques |
| BP 2.4 | Principles of Urban Design | Core | 4 | Elements of Urban Design, Public Space Design, Street Design & Urban Fabric, Urban Morphology, Place Making, Case Studies in Urban Design |
| BP 2.5 | Statistics & Quantitative Methods for Planners | Core | 4 | Descriptive Statistics, Probability & Probability Distributions, Sampling Techniques, Hypothesis Testing, Regression Analysis, Time Series Analysis |
| BP 2.6 | Elements of Human Geography | Core | 3 | Nature & Scope of Human Geography, Population Dynamics, Settlement Patterns, Economic Geography, Cultural Geography, Resource Management |
| BP 2.7 | Planning Studio II | Core | 3 | Site Surveys & Data Collection, Land Use Mapping, Topographical Interpretation, Site Analysis Report Preparation, Basic Area Statement Calculation, Introduction to Zoning |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BP 3.1 | Evolution of Settlement in India | Core | 4 | Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic Period Settlements, Maurya & Gupta Empires, Mughal Cities, Colonial Town Planning in India, Post-Independence Urbanization |
| BP 3.2 | Techniques of Planning I | Core | 4 | Population Studies & Projections, Economic Base Analysis, Housing Needs Assessment, Traffic Surveys & Analysis, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Basics, Citizen Participation Techniques |
| BP 3.3 | Basic Engineering & Infrastructure I | Core | 4 | Water Supply Engineering, Sewerage Systems, Solid Waste Management, Storm Water Drainage, Road Geometry & Design, Traffic Engineering Principles |
| BP 3.4 | Planning Legislation I | Core | 4 | Concept of Planning Law, Constitutional Provisions for Planning, Town Planning Acts (State Level), Land Acquisition Act, Rent Control Act, Environmental Laws relevant to Planning |
| BP 3.5 | Applications of GIS and Remote Sensing | Core | 4 | GIS Data Models & Structures, Georeferencing & Projections, Spatial Analysis Techniques, Remote Sensing Principles, Image Interpretation & Classification, GIS in Urban & Regional Planning |
| BP 3.6 | Introduction to Public Administration & Management | Core | 3 | Concepts of Public Administration, Organizational Theories, Decision Making in Public Sector, Public Policy Formulation, Local Government Administration, Role of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) |
| BP 3.7 | Planning Studio III | Core | 2 | Neighborhood Planning Principles, Preparation of Neighborhood Plans, Zoning Regulations Application, Basic Building Bye-Laws, Land Use Planning Exercises, Density & FAR Calculations |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BP 4.1 | Planning Theory & Contemporary Issues | Core | 4 | Critical Planning Theory, Sustainable Development Theory, New Urban Agenda, Smart City Concepts, Resilient Cities, Participatory Planning Approaches |
| BP 4.2 | Techniques of Planning II | Core | 4 | Cost-Benefit Analysis, Project Appraisal Techniques, Network Analysis, Spatial Interaction Models, Environmental Management Systems, Risk Assessment in Planning |
| BP 4.3 | Basic Engineering & Infrastructure II | Core | 4 | Traffic Management & Planning, Transportation Networks, Drainage Systems Design, Non-Conventional Energy Sources, Building Materials & Construction Techniques, Green Infrastructure |
| BP 4.4 | Planning Legislation II | Core | 4 | Karnataka Town & Country Planning Act, Master Plan Formulation Legalities, Zoning & Subdivision Regulations, Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, Heritage Legislation, SEZ Act & Industrial Policies |
| BP 4.5 | Advanced GIS and Geospatial Modelling | Core | 4 | Advanced Spatial Analysis, Network Analysis & Location Allocation, 3D GIS & Visualization, Geodatabase Management, Web GIS & Mobile GIS, Scripting for GIS (e.g., Python) |
| BP 4.6 | Environmental Planning & Management | Core | 3 | Ecology & Ecosystems, Environmental Pollution, Climate Change & Urban Areas, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in detail, Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), Sustainable Urban Development Strategies |
| BP 4.7 | Planning Studio IV | Core | 2 | Local Area Planning, Development Control Regulations, Infrastructure Provisioning, Preparation of Development Plans for small areas, Public Participation in Local Planning, Costing and Phasing of Projects |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BP 5.1 | Regional Planning | Core | 4 | Concept of Region, Regional Planning Theories, Regional Delineation Techniques, Regional Development Strategies, Multi-level Planning, Case Studies in Indian Regional Planning |
| BP 5.2 | Housing and Community Planning | Core | 4 | Housing Typologies, Housing Policies & Programs in India, Affordable Housing, Slums & Informal Settlements, Community Facilities & Services, Housing Finance & Governance |
| BP 5.3 | Transportation Planning | Core | 4 | Transportation Planning Process, Travel Demand Modelling, Traffic Impact Assessment, Public Transportation Systems, Non-Motorized Transport, Sustainable Transportation Solutions |
| BP 5.4 | Urban Finance and Management | Core | 4 | Sources of Urban Finance, Municipal Budgets, Property Tax & User Charges, Value Capture Financing, Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), Financial Management of Urban Services |
| BP 5.5 | Urban Design Studio I | Core | 5 | Area Identification & Survey, Visual Survey & Analysis, Urban Form Studies, Design of Public Spaces, Streetscape Design, Urban Conservation Principles |
| BP 5.6 | Professional Practice | Core | 4 | Role of a Professional Planner, Ethical Considerations in Planning, Consultancy Practice, Tendering & Contract Management, Project Report Preparation, Planning Organizations in India |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BP 6.1 | Rural Planning and Development | Core | 4 | Rural Economy & Development Issues, Rural Infrastructure, Land Reforms & Policies, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Rural-Urban Linkages, Sustainable Rural Development Strategies |
| BP 6.2 | Smart Cities and Technology in Planning | Core | 4 | Concepts of Smart Cities, ICT in Urban Governance, Smart Infrastructure, Big Data & IoT in Planning, Smart Mobility Solutions, Digital Twin Technology |
| BP 6.3 | Disaster Management and Resilient Planning | Core | 4 | Types of Disasters, Disaster Risk Assessment, Disaster Mitigation & Preparedness, Post-Disaster Reconstruction, Climate Change Adaptation, Resilient Urban Systems |
| BP 6.4 | Urban Governance and Policy | Core | 4 | Urban Governance Frameworks, Role of Different Actors (State, Market, Civil Society), Decentralization & 74th CAA, Urban Reforms in India, Policy Implementation & Evaluation, Good Governance Principles |
| BP 6.5 | Urban Design Studio II | Core | 5 | Urban Redevelopment Proposals, Design of Precincts & Areas, Architectural Controls & Guidelines, Public Realm Design, Street Furniture & Landscaping, Presentation of Urban Design Schemes |
| BP 6.6 | Internship | Core | 4 | Practical exposure to planning practice, Application of theoretical knowledge, Report writing on internship experience, Understanding organizational structure, Networking with professionals, Developing professional ethics |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BP 7.1 | Advanced Planning Studio | Core | 10 | Comprehensive Urban Development Plan, Regional Development Plan, Detailed Project Report (DPR) Preparation, Land Use-Transportation Integration, Environmental Management Plan, Public Consultations & Stakeholder Engagement |
| BP 7.2 | Elective I | Elective | 4 | Options vary based on availability and student choice, Typically focused on specific planning sub-fields, May include topics like GIS applications in specific areas, Heritage planning, Real Estate Planning, Infrastructure economics |
| BP 7.3 | Elective II | Elective | 4 | Options vary based on availability and student choice, May include topics like urban conservation, Tourism planning, Housing policy, Project management, Spatial data analytics |
| BP 7.4 | Dissertation/Thesis I | Core | 7 | Problem Identification & Research Question Formulation, Literature Review, Methodology Design, Data Collection Techniques, Data Analysis & Interpretation, Preliminary Report Writing |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BP 8.1 | Dissertation/Thesis II | Core | 10 | Advanced Data Analysis, Argument Formulation & Presentation, Final Thesis Writing & Structuring, Conclusion & Recommendations, Viva Voce Preparation, Contribution to Planning Knowledge |
| BP 8.2 | Project Planning & Management | Core | 5 | Project Life Cycle, Project Feasibility Studies, Project Scheduling & Resource Allocation, Project Monitoring & Evaluation, Risk Management in Projects, Software for Project Management |
| BP 8.3 | Elective III | Elective | 5 | Options vary based on availability and student choice, Often aligns with emerging trends in planning, Such as climate resilient infrastructure, Urban economics, Social impact assessment, Digital mapping |
