Design is one of the fastest-growing fields today. There are many students opting for courses in design. Some of the top courses in design are the B.Des programme and the B.Arch programme. For students planning to pursue design after their 12th standard, choosing one of the two courses is a perplexing decision. The top reason for this is that students get confused about the two courses and end up making the wrong choice.
Before you choose between the B.Des course and the B.Arch course, it is essential to understand all the major differences between the two courses. Interior design is a common specialisation in both courses, so students get confused between the two. Thus, to help you, we have listed all the major differences between B.Des and B.Arch.
B.Des vs B.Arch: Course Overview
Architecture course involves the construction and designing of a building. B.Arch is a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture. It is an undergraduate degree that spans over five years and produces professional architects.
B.Des programme is a 4-year undergraduate degree in design. There are multiple specialisations for you to choose from, including product design, fashion design, graphic design, etc.
B.Des vs B.Arch: Major Differences
Before choosing a course, understanding the difference between the courses is essential. It will help you comprehend which course is better for your skills and knowledge. It will also help you shape your future career.
Parameters | B.Des Course | B.Arch Course |
Course Name | Bachelor of Design | Bachelor of Architecture |
Level of the degree | Undergraduate level | Undergraduate level |
Field of the degree | Design | Architecture |
Duration of the degree | 4 years | 5 years |
Eligibility criteria for the course | ● Candidates must have passed the 12th class from one of the recognised boards.
● Minimum aggregate of 50% marks is required. ● Students from any stream are eligible to apply for the B.Des programme. |
● Candidates must have passed the 12th class from one of the recognised boards.
● Mathematics should be a mandatory subject in the 12th class. ● Minimum aggregate of 50% marks is required. ● Students having a Diploma after the 10th class that is recognised by the National or State government can also apply, but they should have a minimum aggregate of 50%. ● If you have an International Baccalaureate Diploma after 10 years of schooling, you can also apply, but only if you have an aggregate of at least 50%. |
Entrance exams for the course | ● FDDI AIST – Footwear Design and Development Institute All India Selection Test
● AIEED – All India Entrance Examination for Design ● UCEED – Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design ● SEED – Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design ● NID DAT – National Institute of Design Entrance Exam |
● JEE Main – Joint Entrance Examination Paper 2
● NATA – National Aptitude Test in Architecture |
Admission process for the course | ● Direct admission
● Entrance tests for the course ● Aptitude test and interview |
● Direct admission
● Entrance tests for the course ● Aptitude test and interview |
Average fee for the course | 1 lakhs to 5 lakhs per year | 2 lakhs to 4 lakhs per year |
Notable Specialisations | ● Footwear Design
● Fashion Design ● Knitwear Design ● Interior Design ● Accessory Design ● Textile Design ● Animation & Film Design ● Product Design
|
● Building Technology
● Architectural Design ● Community Design ● Art and Design ● Building Information Modeling ● Environment/Sustainability ● Computer-Aided Design |
B.Arch and B.Des Subjects
Knowing the common B.Arch and B.Des subjects will help you understand what you will be taught in the course. You will be able to know whether the course suits your requirements and if there are any subjects that you may find difficult.
B.Arch Subjects
Computer & Software Lab | Design Applications |
Building construction | Architectural Drawing |
History of architecture | Building Management |
Architectural appreciation | Workshop Practice |
Theory of Structures | Thesis Project |
Training | – |
B.Des Subjects
Quantitative research | Elements of design |
Introduction to design | Business communication |
Design research and methodology-I | Creative narration-I |
Material studies in design | Communication studies in design |
Elective I | Technical design drawing |
Design sketching | Connectivity and mobility |
Solid modelling in computer-aided design | Architectural studies-II |
Rendering and illustration | Professional practice in design |
Elective II | Electrical and electronic studies in design |
Fundamentals of computing in design | Design project – V |
Principles of design | Software user interface design |
Applied Statistics and Infographics | Design project-III |
Physical ergonomics | Design workshop |
Applied mechanics for design | Product Branding and Identity |
Design Research and Methodology-II | Architectural Studies in Design-I |
Form studies | Design thinking |
Elective III | Model making and hand tools workshop |
Communication Studies in Design-II | Materials and Processes in Design-I |
Design project – IV | Unconventional manufacturing |
Surface Modelling in Computer-Aided Vision | English Language and Technical writing |
Universal Human Values and Professional Ethics | Material and processes in Design-II |
Design documentation | Control system in the design |
Design project – 1 | Design degree project |
Simple product design | Design Project-II, Display, and Control Design |
Cybersecurity | Form in four dimension |
Design Management-I, Consumer Psychology | Elective – V |
Environmental science | Production planning |
Elective IV | Nature and form |
Design documentation-II | Industrial training |
Top Colleges for B.Des in India
Here is the list of the best colleges for the B.Des programme in India.
National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad | Vogue Institute of Fashion Technology, Bangalore | National Institute of Fashion Technology |
Symbiosis Institute of Design | Indian Institute of Technology- Bombay, Kanpur, Guwahati, Hyderabad | Indian Institute of Crafts and Design |
School of Design, University of Petroleum and Energies Studies, Dehradun | Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore | Indian Institute of Information Technology Design and Manufacturing, Jabalpur |
Footwear Design and Development Institute | MIT Institute of Design, Pune | Pearl Academy |
Top B.Arch Colleges in India
Here is the list of the top B.Arch colleges in the country that you can choose from.
School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal | Indian Institute of Technology – Roorkee |
Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur | Indian Institute of Technology – Kharagpur |
School of Planning and Architecture, Vijayawada | National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli |
School of Planning & Architecture, Delhi | National Institute of Technology, Calicut |
Conclusion
B.Des and B.Arch are two of the most popular design courses. While B.Des is a creative programme, B.Arch focuses on the technical aspects of building construction and design. The job roles in the B.Des degree are focused on corporate jobs, whereas after B.Arch, one might find jobs where there are multiple visits to the construction sites and closely working with the engineers. Both the courses are great and have a good scope. You can understand all the differences and choose the right course for yourself.
If you are looking for the right college to pursue design courses, Sunstone can assist you. Sunstone provides assistance in each step of the admission process and also after the course completion. You will gain access to multiple specialised courses, industry-related training, and excellent internships. Thus, with Sunstone, you will be ready for a meaningful career ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are B.Arch and B.Des the same?
Both B.Arch and B.Des are undergraduate degrees, but there are some notable differences. While B.Arch is a 5-year undergraduate degree in Architecture, B.Des is a four-year undergraduate degree in Design.
- Which is better, architecture or design?
Architecture and design fields are growing at an exponential rate, and there are lots of job opportunities in both fields. The better course for you depends on your area of interest, knowledge, and the required skill set. You can comprehend your requirements and choose the right field for yourself.
- Does B.Des have a scope?
Yes, B.Des graduates are in demand across a variety of industries. You will have various job opportunities with a good salary package after completing your B.Des from one of the top colleges in India. You can also pursue a Master’s degree after your course or pursue any short-term courses to enhance your skills and get better opportunities.