
B-ARCH in General at SRM Institute of Science and Technology (Deemed to be University)


Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is General at SRM Institute of Science and Technology (Deemed to be University) Chengalpattu?
This Bachelor of Architecture B.Arch program at SRM Institute of Science and Technology focuses on holistic architectural education, blending design thinking with technological expertise and cultural sensitivity. It addresses the evolving demands of India''''s rapid urbanization and infrastructure development, preparing students to shape sustainable and aesthetic built environments. The program emphasizes innovative design solutions and a strong foundation in architectural theory and practice.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for creative individuals passionate about designing spaces, shaping cities, and contributing to the built environment. It attracts fresh graduates from 10+2 with strong academic backgrounds in PCM and NATA/JEE Paper 2 qualification. It also serves those seeking a foundational, professionally accredited degree to embark on a career in architecture, urban planning, or construction management within the Indian context.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India as practicing architects, urban designers, conservation architects, or project managers. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, growing significantly with experience. They can join architectural firms, government bodies, real estate developers, or establish their own practices, benefiting from the program''''s strong design and technical training.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Develop Strong Foundational Drawing Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate consistent time to practice architectural graphics, freehand sketching, and technical drawing. Focus on understanding orthographic, isometric, and perspective projections, which are critical for all future design work. Participate in college drawing clubs or workshops to refine skills.
Tools & Resources
Sketchbooks, Drafting instruments, AutoCAD basics, Online tutorials for architectural rendering
Career Connection
Proficient drawing and representation skills are fundamental for communicating design ideas effectively to clients and collaborators, forming the backbone of an architect''''s professional toolkit for placements.
Engage Actively in Design Studio Culture- (Semester 1-2)
Treat the design studio as a collaborative learning environment. Actively participate in critiques, both receiving and giving constructive feedback. Experiment with different design concepts, material explorations, and model-making techniques for each studio project.
Tools & Resources
Design journals, Model-making materials (cardboard, foam), Design software (SketchUp for initial concepts), Studio faculty mentorship
Career Connection
Developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and presentation skills through studio work is crucial for securing internships and excelling in real-world architectural projects.
Build a Solid Understanding of Building Materials & Structures- (Semester 1-2)
Pay close attention to courses on building materials and structural engineering. Understand the properties, applications, and limitations of various materials. Visit construction sites or material expos to see how these are used in practice.
Tools & Resources
Building material samples, Structural engineering textbooks, Site visits, National Building Code (NBC) guidelines
Career Connection
A strong grasp of materials and structural principles is essential for designing safe, durable, and cost-effective buildings, making graduates valuable to firms and construction companies.
Intermediate Stage
Master Digital Design and Documentation Tools- (Semester 3-5)
Go beyond basic AutoCAD to learn advanced features and embrace 3D modeling software like Revit and Rhino/Grasshopper. Focus on creating comprehensive working drawings and detailed models for presentations and construction documentation.
Tools & Resources
Autodesk Revit, Rhino, V-Ray/Lumion for rendering, Online certification courses, Departmental computer labs
Career Connection
Proficiency in industry-standard software is a key differentiator for internships and entry-level positions, demonstrating readiness for modern architectural practice.
Seek Practical Exposure Through Internships & Workshops- (Semester 3-5)
Actively search for and complete summer internships at architectural firms, construction companies, or urban planning agencies. Participate in hands-on workshops on specialized topics like sustainable design, vernacular architecture, or building information modeling.
Tools & Resources
Career services department, Industry contacts, Professional body events (e.g., IIA), LinkedIn
Career Connection
Internships provide invaluable real-world experience, build professional networks, and often lead directly to pre-placement offers or strong recommendations for future jobs.
Develop a Portfolio of Diverse Design Projects- (Semester 3-5)
Start curating a professional design portfolio early, including your best studio projects, sketches, and digital renderings. Focus on clear presentation, articulate design process, and highlight your unique design philosophy.
Tools & Resources
Adobe InDesign, Behance, ISSUU, Portfolio review sessions with faculty and mentors
Career Connection
A compelling portfolio is the single most important tool for architects when applying for jobs, showcasing skills, creativity, and potential to prospective employers.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Specialization and Thesis Research- (Semester 6-8)
In later semesters, identify an area of interest within architecture (e.g., urban conservation, sustainable design, smart cities) and align your design studios, electives, and thesis topic with it. Conduct in-depth research to develop expertise.
Tools & Resources
Academic databases, Research journals, Specialized software, Faculty supervisors, Industry experts for consultation
Career Connection
Specialization distinguishes you in the job market and demonstrates a deeper commitment and knowledge, making you a more attractive candidate for specific roles or postgraduate studies.
Prepare for Professional Practice & Licensure- (Semester 6-8)
Gain a thorough understanding of professional ethics, architectural codes, contracts, and project management through relevant courses and by interacting with practicing architects. Start preparing for the Council of Architecture (CoA) registration requirements post-graduation.
Tools & Resources
Council of Architecture regulations, Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) guidelines, Mentorship from senior architects
Career Connection
Understanding professional practice is crucial for independent practice and leadership roles, ensuring legal compliance and ethical conduct throughout your career.
Network Actively and Seek Mentorship- (Semester 6-8)
Attend architectural conferences, workshops, and seminars. Join student chapters of professional bodies like IIA or IGBC. Connect with alumni and practicing architects to build a professional network and seek mentorship for career guidance.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional body events, Alumni network events, Industry meet-ups
Career Connection
A strong professional network opens doors to job opportunities, collaborations, and continuous learning, which is vital for long-term career growth in the architectural field.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Pass in 10+2 scheme of examination with 50% aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics and also 50% marks in aggregate of the 10+2 level examination. NATA qualified (Minimum of 70/200) or JEE Paper 2 qualified (Minimum of 50/300) conducted by the Council of Architecture / National Testing Agency (NTA).
Duration: 5 years (10 semesters)
Credits: 250 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARC101J | Architectural Design Studio - I | Core | 6 | Basic Design principles, Elements of design, Composition, Form and Space, Proportion and Scale |
| ARC102J | Building Materials - I | Core | 4 | Bricks and Clay products, Stones, Cement and Mortar, Concrete |
| ARC103J | Architectural Graphics - I | Core | 3 | Basic drawing instruments, Geometrical construction, Orthographic projections, Scales and Lettering |
| ARC104J | Theory of Architecture - I | Core | 3 | Fundamentals of architecture, Definitions of Form and Function, Space and Order, Architectural elements |
| ARC105T | Structural Engineering - I | Core | 3 | Forces and Moments, Equilibrium, Stress and Strain, Properties of materials |
| ARC106T | Surveying and Leveling | Core | 3 | Chain surveying, Compass surveying, Plane table surveying, Leveling and Contouring |
| LNG101J | Foundation English | Core | 2 | Grammar and Vocabulary, Reading comprehension, Writing skills, Oral communication |
| IDC101J | Indian Constitution | Core | 1 | Preamble and Fundamental rights, Directive principles, Union and state government, Local self-government |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARC107J | Architectural Design Studio - II | Core | 6 | Small scale residential design, Site analysis, Functional planning, Circulation and Zoning |
| ARC108J | Building Materials - II | Core | 4 | Timber and Wood products, Glass and Plastics, Metals, Paints and Varnishes |
| ARC109J | Architectural Graphics - II | Core | 3 | Isometric projections, Axonometric projections, Perspective drawing, Rendering techniques |
| ARC110J | Theory of Architecture - II | Core | 3 | Architectural styles, Ancient civilizations, Egyptian, Greek, Roman architecture, Early Christian and Byzantine |
| ARC111T | Structural Engineering - II | Core | 3 | Shear force and Bending moment, Beams and Columns, Trusses and Frames |
| ARC112J | Climatology | Core | 3 | Climate elements, Solar radiation and Wind, Humidity and Temperature, Climatic zones, Thermal comfort |
| IDC102J | Environmental Science and Engineering | Core | 2 | Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Pollution control, Waste management, Renewable energy, Environmental ethics |
| ARC113J | Architectural Workshop - I | Core | 1 | Model making techniques, Basic carpentry, Joinery details, Material exploration |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARC201J | Architectural Design Studio - III | Core | 6 | Medium scale residential design, Apartment buildings, Housing typologies, Urban context analysis |
| ARC202J | Building Construction - I | Core | 4 | Foundations, Masonry construction, Arches and Lintels, Damp proofing |
| ARC203J | History of Architecture - I | Core | 3 | Romanesque and Gothic architecture, Renaissance and Baroque, Neoclassicism, Industrial Revolution impacts |
| ARC204J | Building Services - I | Core | 3 | Water supply systems, Drainage and Sanitation, Plumbing systems, Rainwater harvesting |
| ARC205T | Structural Engineering - III | Core | 3 | Deflection of beams, Torsion, Combined stresses, Buckling of columns |
| ARC206J | Computer Applications in Architecture - I | Core | 3 | AutoCAD basics, 2D drafting commands, Layers and Blocks, Dimensioning and Plotting |
| GEU201J | General Elective - I | Elective | 2 | Varies by chosen elective |
| SSC201J | Skill Enhancement Course - I | Elective | 2 | Varies by chosen course |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARC207J | Architectural Design Studio - IV | Core | 6 | Public building design, Institutional design, User requirements, Activity analysis and planning |
| ARC208J | Building Construction - II | Core | 4 | Doors and Windows, Floors and Roofs, Stairs and Ramps, Finishes and Materials |
| ARC209J | History of Architecture - II | Core | 3 | Colonial architecture in India, Indo-Saracenic styles, Modern architecture movements, Post-modernism concepts |
| ARC210J | Building Services - II | Core | 3 | Electrical systems, Lighting design, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC), Acoustics principles |
| ARC211T | Structural Engineering - IV | Core | 3 | Limit state design, Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) beams, Slabs and Columns, Footings |
| ARC212J | Computer Applications in Architecture - II | Core | 3 | 3D modeling software (e.g., SketchUp), Building Information Modeling (BIM) basics, Rendering concepts, Walkthroughs and animations |
| GEU202J | General Elective - II | Elective | 2 | Varies by chosen elective |
| SSC202J | Skill Enhancement Course - II | Elective | 2 | Varies by chosen course |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARC301J | Architectural Design Studio - V | Core | 6 | Urban design projects, Redevelopment strategies, Conservation principles, Landscape integration in design |
| ARC302J | Building Construction - III | Core | 4 | Special roofs and Domes, Partition walls, Surface finishes, Joinery details |
| ARC303J | History of Architecture - III | Core | 3 | Contemporary architecture trends, Green architecture principles, Sustainable design philosophies, Regionalism in architecture |
| ARC304T | Quantity Surveying and Specification | Core | 3 | Estimation and Costing, Preparation of Specifications, Rates analysis, Tender documents and Contracts |
| ARC305T | Structural Engineering - V | Core | 3 | Steel structures design, Connections and Joints, Plate girders and Trusses, Composite structures |
| ARC306J | Sustainable Architecture | Core | 3 | Passive design strategies, Renewable energy integration, Green building materials, Energy efficiency in buildings |
| ARC307P | Summer Internship | Core | 2 | Practical office exposure, Project documentation, Site visits and analysis, Client interaction |
| GEU301J | General Elective - III | Elective | 2 | Varies by chosen elective |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARC308J | Architectural Design Studio - VI | Core | 6 | Complex building types, Mixed-use developments, High-rise structures, Urban infill design |
| ARC309J | Building Construction - IV | Core | 4 | Prefabrication techniques, Industrialized construction systems, Advanced building technologies, Building services integration |
| ARC310J | Urban Design | Core | 3 | Urban form and structure, Public spaces design, Street furniture and signage, Urban conservation strategies |
| ARC311J | Working Drawing and Detailing | Core | 3 | Preparation of working drawings, Structural details, Electrical layouts, Plumbing and Sanitation layouts |
| ARC312T | Advanced Structures | Core | 3 | Shell structures, Folded plates, Space frames, Cable and Membrane structures |
| ARC313J | Landscape Architecture | Core | 3 | Principles of landscape design, Site planning, Plant materials and Hardscaping, Water features and Ecology |
| SSC301J | Skill Enhancement Course - III | Elective | 2 | Varies by chosen course |
| ARC314P | Architectural Thesis Project Part-A | Core | 2 | Problem identification, Literature review, Data collection and analysis, Preliminary design concepts |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARC401J | Architectural Design Studio - VII | Core | 6 | Large scale public projects, Master planning concepts, Regional planning strategies, Public participation in design |
| ARC402J | Interior Design | Core | 3 | Interior design principles, Space planning and Ergonomics, Furniture design, Lighting and Material finishes |
| ARC403J | Housing | Core | 3 | Housing typologies and schemes, Affordability and Policies, Housing finance, Community participation in housing |
| ARC404J | Acoustics and Lighting | Core | 3 | Principles of acoustics, Sound insulation and Noise control, Daylighting strategies, Artificial lighting design |
| ARC405T | Disaster Resistant Architecture | Core | 3 | Seismic design considerations, Wind resistant structures, Flood protection measures, Fire safety in buildings |
| ARC406J | Research Methodology | Core | 3 | Research types and Methods, Data collection techniques, Analysis and Interpretation, Report writing and Presentation |
| PEC401J | Professional Elective - I | Elective | 3 | Varies by chosen elective |
| ARC407J | Architectural Thesis Project Part-B | Core | 2 | Detailed design development, Drawings and Models preparation, Presentations and Documentation |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARC408J | Architectural Design Studio - VIII | Core | 6 | Comprehensive urban projects, Heritage conservation, Regeneration strategies, Sustainable urbanism principles |
| ARC409J | Professional Practice - I | Core | 3 | Architect''''s role and Responsibilities, Code of conduct and Ethics, Tendering and Contracts, Legal aspects of practice |
| ARC410J | Building Economics | Core | 3 | Cost estimation and Analysis, Property valuation, Project financing, Life cycle costing, Real estate market |
| ARC411J | Landscape Planning and Design | Core | 3 | Ecological principles in landscape, Site selection and analysis, Master plan development, Planting design and Horticulture, Water management in landscapes |
| PEC402J | Professional Elective - II | Elective | 3 | Varies by chosen elective |
| ARC412J | Architectural Thesis Project Part-C | Core | 2 | Final design refinement, Thesis report writing, Viva-voce preparation, Exhibition and Presentation |
| IDC401J | Value Education | Core | 1 | Human values and Ethics, Moral principles, Social responsibility, Character building |
Semester 9
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARC501P | Practical Training | Core | 20 | Architectural office administration, Project execution and management, Site supervision, Client interaction and communication, Project documentation and detailing |
Semester 10
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARC502J | Architectural Design Thesis | Core | 16 | Independent research, Comprehensive design solution, Detailed documentation, Public presentation and Viva-voce |
| ARC503J | Professional Practice - II | Core | 4 | Arbitration and Dispute resolution, Advanced project management, Marketing architectural services, Office management, Professional ethics and Liability |
| PEC501J | Professional Elective - III | Elective | 3 | Varies by chosen elective |
| ARC504J | Research Seminar | Core | 2 | Presentation skills, Literature review techniques, Critical analysis and synthesis, Academic writing, Peer feedback |




