GITAM School of Architecture

About the B.Arch Program

GITAM's five-year Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) program is designed to nurture competent, ethical, and visionary architects equipped to shape a rapidly evolving built environment. With a curriculum grounded in design innovation, sustainability, and social impact, the program blends rigorous studio-based learning with practical exposure through site visits, real-world projects, case studies, and industry collaborations. Students engage with a diverse range of subjects such as design systems, construction technology, digital modelling, graphics, and critical thinking, complemented by specialized electives tailored to their interests. Our immersive pedagogy emphasizes hands-on learning and encourages curiosity, creativity, and responsibility.

Intake & Eligibility Criteria

Intake

The B.Arch program at GITAM admits 80 students per academic year, organised into two sections of 40 students each, ensuring a focused and personalised learning experience.

Eligibility Criteria

Admission is based on merit, in accordance with the Council of Architecture (COA), India regulations.

To be eligible, candidates must fulfil the following criteria:

(a) Academic Qualification (any one of the following):

Passed 10+2 or equivalent examination with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects, securing a minimum of 45% aggregate marks. (or)

Passed a 10+3 Diploma examination with Mathematics as a compulsory subject and a minimum of 45% aggregate marks.

(b) Aptitude Test Requirement:

All applicants must have qualified in the National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) conducted by the Council of Architecture.

Note:
Candidates with a valid JEE (Main) Paper-II score may also be considered for scholarship opportunities, subject to specific eligibility criteria. (or)

Qualified GITAM Admission Test (GAT) score will be considered for merit scholarship ( Note: from 40% slab onwards)

One Programme Two Cities

The ‘One Programme Two Cities’ model provides students with a unique academic journey that bridges Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam—two culturally rich and architecturally diverse urban centres. This innovative framework allows students to engage with distinct regional contexts, expanding their understanding of architecture beyond a single setting.

By experiencing varied design philosophies, studio cultures, and urban environments, students cultivate a flexible and responsive design mindset. This cross-city exposure fosters adaptability, collaborative learning, and a global perspective grounded in local relevance.

With access to expert faculty, advanced infrastructure, and strong industry connections in both campuses, students benefit from a holistic education that prepares them to lead in a fast-evolving architectural landscape.

Connect / Outreach

The Connect & Outreach initiative is a cornerstone of the B.Arch program at GITAM, designed to bridge academic learning with professional engagement and community involvement. It offers students structured opportunities to interact with practicing architects, urban designers, planners, and industry leaders through guest lectures, seminars, workshops, and alumni talks.

These interactions expose students to contemporary practices, global trends, and ethical responsibilities in architecture. The program also encourages active participation in site visits, real-world projects, and collaborative case studies, allowing students to apply their learning in practical contexts.

Beyond the profession, students engage in community-driven design, sustainability efforts, and public-space interventions—nurturing a strong sense of civic responsibility and environmental consciousness. A robust alumni network provides additional mentorship and career guidance, creating a support system that extends well beyond graduation.

Through this dynamic platform, students evolve into socially aware, industry-ready professionals prepared to make meaningful contributions to society.

Design

Design forms the core of the architectural education at GITAM. The curriculum is structured around immersive studio-based learning, where students tackle real-world design challenges from their very first year. Concepts such as form, function, space, and context are explored in foundation course learning, designing built environment in advanced topics like urban design, adaptive reuse, and sustainability in later years.

Students develop their design thinking through iterative learning—shaped by frequent reviews, one-on-one mentorship, and peer critique sessions. This process helps them refine their ideas and articulate a personal design language.

With access to cutting-edge digital tools, model-making labs, and a Makerspace equipped for fabrication and prototyping, students are empowered to translate their visions into tangible outcomes. These hands-on facilities encourage innovation and experimentation.

Ultimately, the design journey at GITAM hones skills in critical analysis, creative problem-solving, and aesthetic sensitivity, equipping students to shape responsive, meaningful, and future-ready environments.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the B.Arch program at GITAM are well-prepared for a variety of professional paths:

Design & Planning

Architect – Designs and supervises the construction of buildings and spaces.
Interior Designer – Enhances the functionality and aesthetics of interior environments.
Landscape Architect – Plans outdoor spaces like parks, gardens, and campuses for ecological and human benefit.
Urban Planner – Develops long-term strategies for sustainable urban growth and infrastructure.
Architectural Technologist – Applies technical expertise in the construction and detailing of design solutions.

Specialized Fields

Conservation Architect – Restores and preserves culturally significant buildings and heritage sites.
Sustainable Design Consultant – Integrates environmentally responsible strategies into design processes
Digital/Computational Designer – Utilizes parametric tools and digital methods for innovative architectural solutions.
BIM Specialist – Manages building information modeling for efficient project coordination and execution.

Business & Entrepreneurship

Founder of Design Studio – Establishes and runs an independent architectural or design consultancy.
Real Estate Developer – Combines architectural insight with business acumen in property development.
Project Manager – Oversees timelines, budgets, and multidisciplinary teams in building projects.

Public Sector & NGOs

Government Architect – Contributes to public projects, infrastructure, and urban policy development.
NGO Consultant – Designs resilient and affordable spaces for underserved communities and humanitarian needs.

Academia & Research

Lecturer or Professor – Educates the next generation of architects through teaching and mentorship.
Researcher – Investigates advanced architectural theories, materials, technologies, or societal issues.

Support System

At GITAM, students benefit from a holistic support system that extends beyond the classroom, empowering them to thrive academically, professionally, and creatively.

Academic Institutions & Alumni Networks
Robust alumni connections and institutional support enable access to internships, placements, and global opportunities in top architectural firms, planning agencies, and design studios.
Internship & Training Programs
Integrated internships give students real-world exposure during their academic journey. High-performing interns often receive job offers from reputed firms even before graduation.

Mentorship & Peer Collaboration
A strong mentoring culture from academic mentors and practicing professionals helps students navigate career paths, refine portfolios, and build confidence.
Technology & Tools Access
Training in leading software like AutoCAD, Revit, Rhino, and BIM equips students with the technical proficiency required for both design and project management roles.
Government & NGO Support
Fellowships, grants, and design competitions from public agencies and nonprofits promote participation in socially impactful domains like sustainability, conservation, and affordable housing.
Postgraduate & Certification Pathways
Graduates aiming for further studies benefit from research funding, scholarships, and exchange programs in areas such as urban design, digital architecture, and heritage studies.
Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
Design conclaves, incubation hubs, and national competitions provide launchpads for young architects to establish their own studios and test innovative design ideas.