BArch vs BDes: Which is Better?
BArch and BDes programmes are distinct from each other, the former is a technical course while the latter is a creative course. The ones who are confused about the difference between these programmes must refer to BArch vs BDes programmes.
BArch vs BDes: Which is better: BArch and BDes courses might seem similar to many, but they are very different courses targeting different specialisations. Students often confuse the B.Arch course with the BDes course because both courses include interior designing as the common specialisation. However, the key difference between the two is that BArch is a technical course with more practical work involved while the BDes is a creative course. So, if you need clarification about which course is better or right for you, check out this article on BArch vs BDes.
Also Read: 10 Best Design Courses in India 2024
BArch vs BDes: Quick Overview
The basic details of the courses of BDes and BArch have been provided in the table below. To know the difference between the courses, candidates are required to understand how they both vary at every level.
Parameter | Details of BArch | Details of BDes |
|---|---|---|
Name of the Course | Bachelor of Architecture | Bachelor of Design |
Level of the Course | Undergraduate | Undergraduate |
Field | Architecture | Design |
Duration | 5 years | 4 years |
Eligibility Criteria |
|
|
Exams Accepted | ||
Admission Process |
|
|
Course Fee (Annual) | INR 2,00,000 to 4,00,000 | INR 1,00,000 to 5,00,000 |
Popular Specialisations |
|
|
Salary (Annual) | Entry Level: INR 3,50,000 to 10,00,00 | Entry Level: INR 2,00,000 to 9,00,000 |
Difference between BArch and BDes
Both BArch and BDes differ in many ways from each other, check out the key differences below:
- BArch is more of a technical course on the other hand BDes is more like a creative course.
- BDes have different specialisations while BArch doesn’t have any specialisations.
- BArch courses are inclined towards studying the construction of buildings and large structures while BDes courses include designing a house, footwear, products and more.
- Mathematics is a mandatory subject in the BArch programme, so students have to study a major part of maths as a subject. While for the BDes programme mathematics is not compulsory or required. So, candidates while choosing their preferred programme must consider the compulsory subjects.
- The job opportunities for these programmes are also different, after BDes, graduates are mostly involved in office roles while after BArch, the job roles concentrate on outside office work such as working on construction sites.
BArch vs BDes: Syllabus
The syllabus structure of both BArch and BDes are different from each other. Candidates confused about the syllabus pattern must check out the detailed syllabus for both these courses below:
Syllabus of BArch
The BArch syllabus comprises multiple subjects such as building construction, architecture design, types of structures and others. The course curriculum of BArch includes two broad stages: Stage I (Year 1,2 & 3) and Stage II (Year 4 & 5). Stage I comprises foundation and exploration subjects and Stage II comprises practical training, ideation studies & in-depth synthesis. Candidates must note that the syllabus of BArch will vary from one college to another, hence we are here with the generic syllabus below:
History of Architecture and Human Settlements | High and Late Medieval Period |
Ancient Civilizations | Applied Climatology |
Environmental Sciences | Fundamental Architecture Studio |
Applied Mathematics | Estimation, Costing & Specifications |
Architectural Design Studio: Functionally Complex | Electrical, HVAC, Fire Safety and Building Automation |
Architectural Design Studio: Heritage Context | Advanced Visual Representation |
Interior Architecture and Space Programming | History of Architecture and Human Settlements - Late Medieval and Early Modern Architecture |
Architectural Design Studio: Residential | Architectural Design Studio: Housing |
Introduction to Structures | Introduction to Landscape Design |
Architectural Design Studio: Urban Context | Architectural Design Studio: Rural Context |
Architectural Design Thesis | Introduction to Urban Design |
Landforms Survey and Analysis | Architecture and Urbanism in Asia |
Behavioural Architecture | Lighting, Ventilation and Acoustics |
Professional Practice | Modern and Post-Modern Era |
Building Materials and Construction | Building Economics |
Steel Structures | RCC Structures |
Classical and Early Medieval Period | Buildings |
Computer Simulation and Modelling | Structural Analysis |
Structural Mechanics | Construction Project Management |
Design Communication | Theory of Architecture |
Visual Representation | Disaster Resilient Buildings |
Water Supply and Sanitation | Project Work |
Syllabus of BDes
The BDes syllabus is designed to increase the candidate’s creative approach and technical skillset. This course includes creative narration, design sketching, technical design drawing and more subjects. The BDes syllabus will differ based on the college, specialisation and focus area, so check out the generic syllabus pattern:
Fundamentals of Arts and Design (2D) | Art Representation and Transformation |
Image Representation and Transformation - 1 | Image Representation and Transformation - 2 |
Design and Human Evolution | Typography Fundamentals and Exploratory Printing |
CAD - Photography and Videography | World of Images and Objects |
2D Visual Studies 1 - Word and Image | Knowledge Organization and Communication |
Communication Theories, Visual Perception and Semiotics | Applied Science for Designers |
Design studio 1 - Problem Identification | Design studio 2 - Problem Analysis |
3D Form studies - Aesthetics, Identity and Expressions | Design, Society, Culture and Environment |
Environmental Studies - Science and Engineering | Design, Storytelling and Narratives |
Design Studio 3 - Creative Explorations | Applied Ergonomics |
Design Studio 4 - Prototyping | Design, Technology and Innovation |
Elective: 2D Visual Studies 2 or 3D Form Studies 2 | Creative Thinking Process and Methods |
Electives 1 and 2: Information Graphics and Visualisation/ Mobility and Vehicle Design 3D modelling and Prototyping/ Moving Image Design / Product Design 1 Design for Interactive Media | Electives 1 and 2: Film - Video Design/ Animation Design/ Product Design 2/ Communication Design/ Interaction Design/ Product Ergonomics/ Transportation Design/ Game Design |
Elective 3: Digital Media Technologies/ Materials and Processes | System Design Project |
Global Design Thoughts and Discourse | Collaborative Design Project |
B Design Projects | Design Management, Planning and Professional Practice |
Also Read: BDes Admissions in India 2024
BArch vs BDes: Career Prospects
The decision of which course to choose for oneself depends a lot on the job roles offered after the completion of that degree. Candidates can check the career prospects of both BArch and BDes here and get an understanding of the job positions offered after both courses.
Career Prospects after BArch
After completion of the BArch course, students can either go for different job roles or opt for higher education like MArch, Masters in Project Management or M.Planning, Master of Urban Design (MDes). Graduates in this course can work across private and public sectors, check out some of the anticipated roles below:
Architecture Designer | |
Design Manager | Landscape Architect |
Design Architect | |
Project Architect | |
Construction Contractor | |
Building Contractor | Architectural Historian/Journalist |
Career Prospects after BDes
The design career in India is vast and students post-completion of their BDes course can go for different job opportunities such as:
Textile Designer or Costume Designer | |
Fashion Director | Art Director |
Industrial Designer | |
Fabric Quality Controller | |
Entrepreneur or Design Manager | |
Illustrator |
Also Read: Design Career in India
BArch vs BDes: Top Colleges
After making the firm decision to opt for either BArch or BDes programmes, students have to figure out the college they want to get into. Check out the top colleges for both programmes below:
Top Colleges for BArch Admissions
Pursuing a course from one of the reputed colleges gives an advantage to students. Mentioned below are some of the top BArch colleges in India.
College Name | Location | Annual Fees (in INR) |
Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh | 1,05,000 | |
Gurugram, Haryana | 1,45,000 | |
| Sonepat, Haryana | 2,00,000 | |
Bangalore, Karnataka | 2,50,000 | |
Jaipur, Rajasthan | 67,500 | |
OmDayal Group of Institutions | Howrah, West Bengal | 88,200 |
Hyderabad, Telangana | 2,90,000 | |
Phagwara, Punjab | 2,40,000 | |
Kolhapur, Maharashtra | 1,55,000 | |
| Bharath Institute of Higher Education And Research (BIHER) | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | 1,75,000 |
Chandigarh, Punjab | 1,60,000 | |
Dehradun, Uttarakhand | 92,500 | |
Chennai, Tamil Nadu | 1,36,000 |
Also Read: List of Top Private Colleges for BArch Admission
Top Colleges for BDes Admissions
A good college proves to be quite beneficial to its students in the long run. Here are some of the top BDes colleges in India.
College Name | Location | Annual Fees (in INR) |
Gandhinagar, Gujarat | 4,50,000 | |
Jaipur, Rajasthan | 3,95,000 | |
Noida, Uttar Pradesh | 1,53,000 | |
Bangalore, Karnataka | 3,00,000 | |
Gandhinagar, Gujarat | 4,50,000 | |
Jaipur, Rajasthan | 2,50,000 | |
Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh | 1,02,000 | |
Jaipur, Rajasthan | 2,03,000 | |
Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh | 1,85,000 | |
Faridabad, Haryana | 1,29,000 | |
Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh | 1,55,000 | |
Jaipur, Rajasthan | 80,000 | |
Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh | 2,50,000 |
Also Read: Best Design Colleges Apart from NID & NIFT
Related Articles
We hope this article provided clarity to all the aspirants who are seeking information about the difference between BArch and BDes. Stay tuned to CollegeDekho to get more updates regarding architecture admissions in India and design admissions in India. In case the candidates have any doubts or queries, they can write to the QnA section of CollegeDekho and get them solved by our experts. Fill our Common Application Form (CAF) or call on the toll-free student helpline number 1800-572-9877 for any admission related assistance.
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FAQs
Is BArch a professional degree?
Yes, BArch is a professional degree offered by different top institutes in India. Candidates who want to pursue a technical degree to study building and large structure construction can opt for this course.
Is BDes a good career option?
Yes, BDes is a good career option for those who have an interest in design and the creative field. After this course, graduates will be able to work across different design relation domains such as fashion design, graphic design, interior design and more.
What is a BDes course?
BDes or Bachelor of Design course is a four-year undergraduate design course that allows students to opt for different design specialisations available. The course’s main aim is to enhance the creative approach of students.
What is BArch?
BArch or Bachelor of Architecture is a five-year undergraduate degree course. The course curriculum is framed to make the students understand the foundational aspects and practical learning.
What is the difference between BArch and BDes?
The key difference between BArch and BDes is that the former is a technical course while the latter is a creative course. The BArch course includes the study of the design of buildings along with the creation of physical spaces. On the other hand, the BDes course comprises design disciplines such as fashion and user interfaces.