BArch vs BDes: Which is Better?

Sukriti Vajpayee

Updated On: April 03, 2024 12:33 PM

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 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

  • The candidate must have completed his/ her education up to the level of class 12th.
  • Mathematics must be a compulsory subject at the 10 + 2 level.
  • The aggregate marks scored by the student in his/ her higher secondary board exams must not be less than 50 per cent.
  • Those who have completed their education in the 10 + 3 with a Diploma in any stream that is recognised by the Central or State Government can also apply. Their score must not be less than 50 per cent.
  • The candidates who, after 10 years of regular schooling, have completed their International Baccalaureate Diploma, with not less than an aggregate of 50 per cent and with Mathematics as a compulsory subject are eligible to apply as well.
  • It is mandatory for the aspirant to have completed his/ her higher secondary education.
  • The school from which the student completes class 12th should be recognised by any Central or State board of education.
  • The aggregate marks scored by the student in class 12th should be at least 50 per cent.
  • Students from all streams and disciplines can apply for admission to the course.

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

  • N/A

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

Architect Career

Design Manager

Landscape Architect

Design Architect

Career as an Assistant Professor

Project Manager Career

Interior Architect Career

Urban Planner Career

Project Architect

Art Director Career

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:

Interior Designer Career

Career as a Product Designer

Fashion Designer Career

Textile Designer or Costume Designer

Fashion Director

Art Director

Career as an Apparel Designer

Industrial Designer

UX Designer Career

Fabric Quality Controller

Entrepreneur or Design Manager

Graphic Designer Career

Brand 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)

Mangalayatan University (MU)

Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh

1,05,000

K. R. Mangalam University (KRMU Gurugram)

Gurugram, Haryana

1,45,000

Gateway Education (GE), Sonepat

Sonepat, Haryana 2,00,000

Acharya Institute of Technology (AIT)

Bangalore, Karnataka

2,50,000

Jagannath University

Jaipur, Rajasthan

67,500

OmDayal Group of Institutions

Howrah, West Bengal 88,200

GITAM (Deemed To Be University)

Hyderabad, Telangana

2,90,000

Lovely Professional University (LPU)

Phagwara, Punjab

2,40,000

Sanjay Ghodawat University (SGU Kolhapur)

Kolhapur, Maharashtra

1,55,000

Bharath Institute of Higher Education And Research (BIHER) Chennai, Tamil Nadu

1,75,000

Chandigarh University - (CU)

Chandigarh, Punjab

1,60,000

Dev Bhoomi Group of Institutions - [DBGI]

Dehradun, Uttarakhand

92,500

Dr. M.G.R. Educational And Research Institute (DRMGRERI)

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)

Unitedworld Institute of Design (UID)

Gandhinagar, Gujarat

4,50,000

ARCH College of Design & Business

Jaipur, Rajasthan

3,95,000

Satyam Fashion Institute (SFI)

Noida, Uttar Pradesh

1,53,000

LISAA School of Design (LISAA)

Bangalore, Karnataka

3,00,000

Karnavati University (KU)

Gandhinagar, Gujarat

4,50,000

Centre for Design Excellence (CODE)

Jaipur, Rajasthan

2,50,000

Amity University, Gwalior

Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh

1,02,000

JK Lakshmipat University - (JKLU)

Jaipur, Rajasthan

2,03,000

Sharda University

Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh

1,85,000

Lingaya's Vidyapeeth (LV)

Faridabad, Haryana

1,29,000

Jagran Lakecity University (JLU)

Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

1,55,000

NIMS University

Jaipur, Rajasthan

80,000

Invertis University

Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh

2,50,000

Also Read: Best Design Colleges Apart from NID & NIFT

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Kerala (KEAM) B.Arch Admissions 2024

Kerala BDes Admissions 2024

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.

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