
B-ARCH in General at Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee


Haridwar, Uttarakhand
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About the Specialization
What is General at Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee Haridwar?
This Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) program at IIT Roorkee focuses on developing a holistic understanding of architectural design, technology, history, and theory. It prepares students for a dynamic career in the Indian construction and design industry, emphasizing sustainable practices, urban planning, and innovative building solutions. The program integrates strong engineering fundamentals with creative design processes, aligning with the country''''s rapid infrastructural development needs and rich cultural heritage.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for creative and analytical minds passionate about shaping built environments. It attracts fresh graduates who have excelled in science streams, aspiring to blend artistic vision with technical expertise. It''''s also suitable for individuals interested in urban development, conservation, and sustainable design, seeking to contribute to India''''s evolving architectural landscape. Prerequisite backgrounds typically include strong scores in JEE Main and a robust foundation in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics from 10+2.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse and rewarding career paths in India. Roles range from architectural designers, urban planners, landscape architects, and conservation architects in private firms, to positions in government bodies like CPWD, PWD, and various municipal corporations. Entry-level salaries can range from INR 4-8 LPA, growing significantly with experience to INR 15-30+ LPA. The program also prepares students for higher studies, entrepreneurship, and professional registration with the Council of Architecture (CoA).

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Immersive Design Studio Engagement- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in all architectural design studios, treating them as opportunities for hands-on learning. Focus on developing fundamental design principles, sketching skills, and model-making. Seek regular feedback from professors and peers to refine creative thinking.
Tools & Resources
Sketchbooks, physical models (cardboard, foam), basic CAD tutorials (AutoCAD basics), peer review sessions
Career Connection
Builds a strong portfolio foundation, enhances visual communication, and develops problem-solving skills critical for entry-level design roles in architectural firms.
Material and Construction Exploration- (Semester 1-2)
Deeply engage with building material lectures and workshop practices. Supplement classroom learning by visiting local construction sites and material suppliers to understand real-world application, properties, and construction techniques firsthand.
Tools & Resources
Building material samples, workshop tools, site visits to ongoing projects, construction magazines
Career Connection
Provides practical knowledge essential for accurate specification, detailing, and understanding constructability, highly valued by architectural firms and construction companies.
Cross-Disciplinary Foundational Learning- (Semester 1-2)
Pay close attention to structural mechanics and visual arts courses, recognizing their interdisciplinary role in architecture. Form study groups to solidify understanding of complex concepts and practice integration of technical and aesthetic aspects.
Tools & Resources
Textbooks for physics/mechanics, art supplies, academic support centers, collaborative study groups
Career Connection
Establishes a holistic understanding of building science and aesthetics, enabling better collaboration with structural engineers and enhancing the overall quality and feasibility of design projects.
Intermediate Stage
Advanced Software Proficiency and Application- (Semester 3-5)
Master industry-standard software for 3D modeling, rendering, and advanced CAD beyond basic introductions. Proactively apply these tools in design studio projects to visualize, analyze, and present complex architectural concepts with high fidelity.
Tools & Resources
AutoCAD 3D, SketchUp, Rhino, Revit, V-Ray/Lumion, Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator), online tutorials
Career Connection
Makes students highly employable for BIM (Building Information Modeling) and architectural visualization roles, crucial for modern design practices in India and globally.
Targeted Summer Internships- (Semester 4-5 (during summer breaks))
Actively seek out and apply for summer internships at architectural firms, urban planning consultancies, or construction companies. Focus on gaining exposure to real-world projects, site supervision, documentation, and understanding office practices.
Tools & Resources
Resume building workshops, portfolio review sessions, professional networking events, alumni connections, internship portals
Career Connection
Provides invaluable industry exposure, builds a professional network, and often leads to pre-placement offers or strong recommendations for future job roles in the Indian market.
Participation in Design Competitions- (Semester 3-5)
Engage in national and international architectural design competitions, often organized by professional bodies or industry associations. These provide exposure to diverse design challenges, critical feedback, and opportunities to showcase skills beyond academics.
Tools & Resources
Competition platforms (e.g., ArchDaily, HUDCO Design Awards), faculty mentorship, collaborative team projects
Career Connection
Enhances problem-solving abilities, fosters creativity under pressure, and provides visible achievements for a competitive portfolio, aiding in securing coveted design positions and scholarships.
Advanced Stage
Specialized Elective Studies and Research- (Semester 6-7)
Choose professional and open electives strategically to align with specific career interests such as urban design, landscape architecture, or conservation. Initiate preliminary research for the final year thesis, exploring relevant topics and methodologies under faculty guidance.
Tools & Resources
Departmental research labs, IIT Roorkee library resources, academic journals, faculty advisors, research databases
Career Connection
Develops expertise in a niche area, making graduates highly specialized and attractive to firms focusing on those domains. Strengthens academic profile for higher studies and research roles in India and abroad.
Intensive Practical Training and Professional Experience- (Semester 8)
Undertake the mandatory Semester 8 practical training with a strong focus on professional practice, project management, and producing detailed working drawings. Aim for a well-reputed firm that offers diverse project exposure and mentorship.
Tools & Resources
Professional development workshops, mentorship from industry experts, daily work documentation, client interaction opportunities
Career Connection
Essential for fulfilling professional registration requirements with the Council of Architecture (CoA) and provides hands-on experience that directly translates into job readiness and confidence in handling projects independently.
Professional Networking and Portfolio Refinement- (Semester 9-10)
Actively attend architecture conferences, workshops, and seminars organized by professional bodies like the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA). Continuously refine and update a professional portfolio and resume, tailoring them to target job roles and companies.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, IIA events, career fairs, portfolio review workshops, IIT Roorkee alumni network
Career Connection
Opens doors to exclusive job opportunities, helps in understanding current industry trends, and ensures the graduate''''s profile is polished and competitive for top-tier placements in the dynamic Indian architectural sector.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, securing minimum aggregate marks (typically 75% or top 20 percentile of respective board) and qualifying JEE (Main) B.Arch (Paper 2) for admission through JoSAA.
Duration: 5 years / 10 semesters
Credits: 200 Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AR-101 | Architectural Design-I | Departmental Core | 6 | Basic Design principles, Elements of form, Space and order, Perceptual and conceptual issues, Anthropometry, Site analysis, Design process |
| AR-103 | Building Materials and Construction-I | Departmental Core | 4 | Types of building materials (bricks, stone, timber), Mortars, Foundations, Walls, Masonry types, Building components |
| AR-105 | Theory of Architecture-I | Departmental Core | 3 | Definition and scope of architecture, Elements of architecture, Theories of origin of architecture, Aesthetics in architecture, Contextual analysis |
| AR-107 | Visual Arts and Graphics-I | Departmental Core | 3 | Elements of art, Principles of design, Colour theory, Drawing techniques, Perspective drawing, Orthographic projections |
| AR-109 | Structural Mechanics-I | Departmental Core | 3 | Forces and moments, Equilibrium, Stress and strain, Properties of materials, Centroid, Moment of inertia |
| AR-111 | Workshop Practice | Workshop/Lab | 2 | Basic carpentry tools, Metal working, Wood joinery, Model making, Material exploration |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AR-102 | Architectural Design-II | Departmental Core | 6 | Residential design, Small scale institutional design, Site planning, Spatial organization, User requirements, Environmental factors |
| AR-104 | Building Materials and Construction-II | Departmental Core | 4 | Concrete technology, Steel structures, Doors and windows, Stairs, Roofs, Finishes |
| AR-106 | Theory of Architecture-II | Departmental Core | 3 | Architectural styles, Historical periods, Modern architecture, Contemporary trends, Architectural movements |
| AR-108 | Visual Arts and Graphics-II | Departmental Core | 3 | Advanced drawing techniques, Sketching, Rendering, Computer-aided design basics (CAD), Digital representation |
| AR-110 | Structural Mechanics-II | Departmental Core | 3 | Beams and columns, Shear force and bending moment diagrams, Torsion, Combined stresses, Deflection |
| AR-112 | History of Architecture-I | Departmental Core | 3 | Prehistoric architecture, Ancient civilizations (Egypt, Mesopotamia), Classical architecture (Greece, Rome), Early Christian and Byzantine |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AR-201 | Architectural Design-III | Departmental Core | 6 | Public buildings, Commercial buildings, Large span structures, Site context, Functional zoning, Building bye-laws |
| AR-203 | Building Materials and Construction-III | Departmental Core | 4 | Advanced concrete systems, Prefabricated construction, Glass and plastics in building, Waterproofing, Thermal insulation |
| AR-205 | Theory of Architecture-III | Departmental Core | 3 | Regionalism in architecture, Critical regionalism, Sustainable architecture, Vernacular architecture, Cultural influences |
| AR-207 | History of Architecture-II | Departmental Core | 3 | Islamic architecture, Indian architecture (Hindu, Buddhist, Mughal), Medieval European architecture (Romanesque, Gothic) |
| AR-209 | Surveying and Leveling | Departmental Core | 3 | Principles of surveying, Chain and tape surveying, Compass surveying, Theodolite, Leveling, Contouring |
| AR-211 | Climate and Environment in Architecture | Departmental Core | 3 | Climatic zones, Solar radiation, Wind patterns, Thermal comfort, Passive design strategies, Bioclimatic architecture |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AR-202 | Architectural Design-IV | Departmental Core | 6 | Group housing, Urban design principles, Community facilities, Landscape integration, Site development, Multi-storey residential |
| AR-204 | Building Materials and Construction-IV | Departmental Core | 4 | Advanced framing systems, Tensile structures, Shell structures, Lightweight construction, Green building materials |
| AR-206 | History of Architecture-III | Departmental Core | 3 | Renaissance architecture, Baroque and Rococo, Neoclassical, Industrial Revolution architecture, Arts and Crafts movement |
| AR-208 | Computer Applications in Architecture-I | Departmental Core | 3 | AutoCAD 2D, Basic commands, Layer management, Dimensioning, Plotting, Introduction to 3D modeling |
| AR-210 | Building Services-I | Departmental Core | 3 | Water supply systems, Drainage systems, Sanitation, Solid waste management, Plumbing fixtures, Water conservation |
| AR-212 | Structure Lab-I | Workshop/Lab | 2 | Material testing (concrete, steel), Beam deflection experiments, Column buckling, Stress-strain relationships |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AR-301 | Architectural Design-V | Departmental Core | 8 | Large complex buildings, Mixed-use developments, Urban revitalization, Master planning, Contextual response, Advanced detailing |
| AR-303 | Building Materials and Construction-V | Departmental Core | 4 | Special foundations, Retaining walls, Scaffolding, Formwork, Earthquake resistant construction, Fire safety materials |
| AR-305 | Theory of Architecture-IV | Departmental Core | 3 | Postmodernism, Deconstructivism, Phenomenology, Regional modernism, Contemporary architectural discourse |
| AR-307 | Building Services-II | Departmental Core | 3 | Electrical systems, Lighting design, HVAC systems, Fire detection and suppression, Lifts and escalators, Acoustics |
| AR-309 | Computer Applications in Architecture-II | Departmental Core | 3 | 3D modeling software (SketchUp/Rhino/Revit basics), Rendering techniques, Presentation graphics, Digital fabrication concepts |
| AR-311 | Elective-I (Professional Elective) | Departmental Elective | 3 | Advanced Building Technology, Interior Design Theory, Urban Conservation, Housing Policies, Sustainable Materials |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AR-302 | Architectural Design-VI | Departmental Core | 8 | Urban planning, Infrastructure integration, Large scale campus design, Policy implications, Public spaces, Sustainability in design |
| AR-304 | Building Materials and Construction-VI | Departmental Core | 4 | Advanced roofing systems, Façade engineering, Curtain walls, Smart materials, Sustainable construction techniques, Life cycle assessment |
| AR-306 | History of Architecture-IV | Departmental Core | 3 | Modern Indian architecture, Colonial architecture in India, Contemporary Indian architects, Global contemporary trends |
| AR-308 | Disaster Resistant Architecture | Departmental Core | 3 | Types of disasters, Seismic design, Flood resistant construction, Cyclone resistant building, Hazard mapping, Mitigation strategies |
| AR-310 | Working Drawings | Departmental Core | 3 | Detailed architectural drawings, Structural drawings, Services drawings, Specification writing, Estimation, Costing |
| AR-312 | Elective-II (Professional Elective) | Departmental Elective | 3 | Urban Ecology, Landscape Planning, Advanced Digital Tools, Conservation Practice, Real Estate Development |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AR-401 | Architectural Design-VII | Departmental Core | 8 | Thesis preliminary design, Research methodology, Program development, Site analysis, Conceptual framework, Literature review |
| AR-403 | Specifications and Estimating | Departmental Core | 3 | Types of specifications, Methods of estimation, Cost analysis, Rate analysis, Tender documents, Contract conditions |
| AR-405 | Landscape Architecture | Departmental Core | 3 | Principles of landscape design, Site analysis, Hardscape and softscape elements, Planting design, Urban ecology, Water features |
| AR-407 | Urban Planning and Housing | Departmental Core | 3 | History of urban planning, Theories of urban growth, Planning standards, Housing policies, Affordable housing, Slum rehabilitation |
| AR-409 | Elective-III (Open Elective) | Open Elective | 3 | Interdisciplinary topics from engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences, Management principles, Environmental Science, Art history |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AR-402 | Practical Training | Practical Training | 12 | On-site experience, Project management, Office practices, Client interaction, Documentation, Professional ethics |
Semester 9
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AR-501 | Architectural Design Thesis | Project | 12 | Comprehensive architectural design project, Research, Analysis, Design development, Detailing, Presentation, Viva-voce |
| AR-503 | Professional Practice | Departmental Core | 3 | Role of architect, Code of conduct, Legal aspects, Tendering, Arbitration, Project management, Architects Act |
| AR-505 | Research Methods in Architecture | Departmental Core | 3 | Research design, Data collection, Qualitative methods, Quantitative methods, Report writing, Thesis formulation |
| AR-507 | Elective-IV (Professional Elective) | Departmental Elective | 3 | Conservation of Historic Buildings, Advanced Landscape Design, Smart City Planning, Housing Finance and Policy, Building Economics |
Semester 10
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AR-502 | Urban Design | Departmental Core | 6 | Urban form, Public realm, Street design, Conservation, Revitalization strategies, Policy frameworks, Urban morphology |
| AR-504 | Interior Design | Departmental Core | 3 | Elements of interior design, Space planning, Furniture design, Lighting, Material selection, Ergonomics, Colour schemes |
| AR-506 | Elective-V (Open Elective) | Open Elective | 3 | Entrepreneurship, Project Management, Environmental Law, Cultural Studies, Advanced Mathematics |




