B.Arch vs B.Planning - Which is Better after Class 12th?

The question - which among B. Arch and B.Planning is better has crossed the paths of every student at least once in their lifetime. Due to the fact that the syllabus for B.Arch and B.Planning in JEE Main exam is almost the same, many feel that nothing noticeable difference can be spotted between these two. Wrong. There are many differences between B. Arch and B.Planning and each programme have its own distinctive features. Let us first explore each of these programmes separately before indulging with the differences between these two.

Comparison Table

B.Arch and B.Planning can be differentiated from each other on the basis of the following parameters -

All About B.Arch

The B.Arch programme teaches the students everything related to organisational and artistic aspects or construction. It is a five-year undergraduate programme in which the students learn a lot of things about buildings and construction along with their design. The students are imparted with both practical and theoretical knowledge in the B.Arch programme. With the advent of globalisation, the programme is in great demand in contemporary times.

B.Arch Admission Process

For admission into B.Arch programme offered by various institutes, the aspirants have to appear in an Architecture Entrance exams which goes by the name of NATA or National Aptitude Test for Architecture and JEE Main exam. NATA is conducted every year by the Council of Architecture (CoA). After the test is conducted, the counselling process starts followed by the allocation of seats to the desirable applicants in top recognised Architecture colleges in India. Similarly, the allocation of seat in various institutes offering B.Arch programme is done through the JoSAA counselling process, which is conducted based on the JEE Main ranks. Some states and Universities/Institutions may conduct separate architecture entrance exams for admission.

What After B.Arch?

After getting the B.Arch degree, the students can either opt for higher studies or take up a job offered by leading infrastructure giants. During the initial days, an Architect is expected to grab an annual package of up to 5 Lakhs per annum which, with a bit more experience, can surge to 15 Lakhs per annum. B. Arch degree holders can take up Government jobs as well as jobs abroad.

All About B.Planning

A four-year undergraduate programme, B.Planning basically teaches the students planning techniques. The biggest thing that the students learn in the B.Planning programme is to create something functional and comfortable with the help of the available resources. The practical and theoretical study components enable the students to plan, develop and manage human settlements in today’s increasingly urban lifestyle.

B.Planning Admission Process

There are several national-level Planning entrance exams like NATA and JEE Main through which those who aspire to be inducted in the B.Planning programme offered by various renowned institutions. There are also several other state-level planning entrance exams like TANCET, UPSEE, JUEE etc through which the aspirants can target admissions into these state-level institutions. The selection process and seat allotment process for each of these exams may vary.

What After B.Planning

Students after completing B.Planning can choose to go for an M.Plan followed by a PhD degree or else can get employed in either Government or Private sectors. A B.Plan graduate is the best candidate for job profiles in Government sectors such as -

• Municipal Corporation

• PWD

• Rehabilitation and Administration Projects

• Transportation Projects

• Housing Schemes operated by Government

• Government Urban and Town Planning Department

There are so many viable private-sector jobs for B.Plan graduates in Construction Firms, Reality Development etc. The most advantageous option for B.Plan graduates is to start a consultancy of their own.

To Conclude

With the aforementioned differences between B.Arch and B.Planning, the students can now understand which is the best-suited course for them, keeping in mind all the while the career prospects of each of these two programmes. In our opinion, if a student is clear-headed about what he/she wants to be in future or where his/her passion lies, it will be much easier to choose between the “relatively similar” programmes.