What is Architectural Engineering? Why does it matter in 2025? Full form, Duration and Criteria (Architectural Engineering)

Last Updated on : 01 Oct 2025 05:57PM

Architectural Engineering deals with the design and construction of buildings and structures. It combines architecture, engineering, and technology to create structures that are safe, functional, and visually appealing.

Students study structural design, construction materials, building systems, and sustainable design. The course also includes planning, project management, and building regulations. 

Architectural engineers design homes, offices, and industrial buildings that are strong, efficient, and visually appealing. They can also focus on green building practices, urban planning, or structural engineering.

Architecture Engineering Highlights

Feature

Details

Course Level

Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Diploma

Duration

3-5 years (UG), 2 years (PG)

Core Subjects

Structural Design, Building Materials, Construction Technology, Urban Planning

Skills Developed

Design Thinking, Project Management, Technical Drawing, Planning, Construction Management

Career Opportunities

Construction Companies, Architecture Firms, Urban Planning, Consultancy, Real Estate

Top Recruiters

L&T, Tata Projects, Shapoorji Pallonji, HOK, Design Workshop

Mode of Study

Regular / Full-time

What is Architectural Engineering? 

It involves designing, planning, and building structures. It combines architectural design with engineering to ensure that buildings are safe, functional, and attractive. The Architectural Engineering scope is broad and offers endless opportunities to students. 

Top Architectural Engineering Specialisations

Architectural Engineering allows you to specialise in certain areas of building design and construction. This lets students get expert knowledge and better jobs. Here are some popular specialisations to consider: 

  • Structural Design

  • Urban Planning

  • Sustainable / Green Architecture

  • Building Services Engineering

  • Construction Management

  • Interior Design and Space Planning

  • Landscape Architecture

Architecture Engineering Syllabus

The Architectural Engineering syllabus includes building design, construction tech, planning, and materials. Students work both hands-on and theoretically to prep for careers in architecture and construction management. 

Semester

Subjects

1

Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Drawing

2

Engineering Mechanics, Building Materials, and Architectural Drawing

3

Structural Analysis, Surveying, Construction Technology

4

Building Services, Environmental Studies, CAD

5

Design Studio, Urban Planning, Project Management

6

Sustainable Architecture, Structural Design

7

Advanced Construction Techniques, Electives

8

Internship / Project Work

 

Semester

Subjects

1

Advanced Structural Design, Building Systems

2

Urban and Regional Planning, Green Architecture

3

Construction Management, Advanced CAD

4

Research Project / Thesis

Architectural Engineering Eligibility Criteria

The requirements for studying Architectural Engineering vary according to the course level.

For bachelor's degrees (B.Arch/B.Tech in Architecture Engineering), you should finish high school (10+2) with Physics, Chemistry, and Math (PCM). And you need at least 50% marks. Some colleges in India also want NATA or JEE Main (Paper 2) scores for admission.

If you want to do a master's degree (M.Arch/M.Tech in Architecture Engineering), you must have a bachelor's degree in architecture or a similar subject. 

For diploma or certificate courses, you need to finish your high school (10+2). Plus, if you have a degree in a related field may be enough.

How to apply for Architectural Engineering?

The process of applying to programs for an architectural engineering degree is quite simple. Colleges offer undergraduate, graduate, and diploma degrees with each having its own set of requirements. 

  • You need to look for a recognised institution that provides courses in architectural engineering.

  • Complete the college application, either online or with a paper form.

  • Send in the application fee to show you’re serious.

  • For undergraduate programs, you’ll likely need to take the NATA or JEE Main Paper 2. For postgraduate programs, it's often the GATE or another test given by the school.

  • The college will select students based on exam results, grades, and academic history.

  • If you’re selected, you’ll need to pay your fees and submit all required documents to secure your spot.

Architectural Engineering Entrance Exam 

You need to pass an entrance exam to get into an Architectural Engineering course. These exams usually test your skills in math, physics, drawing, and design. Both undergraduate and graduate programs may each have their own requirements for getting in. 

 

Exam Name

Conducting Body

NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture)

Council of Architecture (CoA)

JEE Main Paper 2

National Testing Agency (NTA)

GATE (Architecture & Planning)

Indian Institute of Technology (IITs)

Institute Level Test

Respective Universities / Colleges

Top colleges offer Architectural Engineering in India.

Let's have a look at the Top Architecture Engineering Colleges:

  • School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), Delhi

  • CEPT University, Ahmedabad

  • IIT Roorkee, Roorkee

  • Anna University, Chennai

  • Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi

  • NIT Trichy

  • Lovely Professional University (LPU), Punjab

  • BMS College of Architecture, Bangalore

  • MIT School of Architecture, Pune

  • Sir JJ College of Architecture, Mumbai

Architectural Engineering vs Civil Engineering

Architectural engineering is about creating buildings and structures, dealing with both their design and construction. Civil engineering focuses on infrastructure like roads and bridges, plus big construction projects. In simple terms, architectural engineering is the fusion of technical expertise and artistic design. Civil engineering focuses more on the structural and technical aspects of things.

 

Feature

Architecture Engineering

Civil Engineering

Focus Area

Building design, planning, aesthetics

Infrastructure, roads, bridges, water systems

Career Scope

Architecture firms, construction companies, urban planning,and  consultancy

Construction companies, government projects, and infrastructure development

Skills Developed

Design thinking, CAD, project management, structural planning

Structural analysis, surveying, project management, and construction technology

Highest Package

High in the top architecture and design firms

Moderate to high, depending on the sector and the company

Job Nature

Creative and technical, design-oriented

Technical and field-oriented, project execution

 

FAQ's
For UG courses, candidates need 10+2 with PCM. For PG courses, a bachelor’s degree in architecture or relevant field is required. Some institutes need NATA, JEE Main Paper 2, or GATE scores.
Students can apply online or offline by filling the institute’s application form, paying the fee, and appearing for entrance exams. Shortlisted candidates may go through interviews or counselling.
Top colleges include SPA Delhi, CEPT University Ahmedabad, IIT Roorkee, Anna University Chennai, Jamia Millia Islamia Delhi, NIT Trichy.
The average package ranges from ₹5 LPA to ₹15 LPA, while top packages in reputed firms can reach ₹35 LPA or more.
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