Role of IIA in Promoting Architectural Education in India

Defining Role of Indian Institute of Architects in
Promoting Quality Architectural Education in
India - both formal and Informal
*Jit Kumar Gupta
With history spanning over 100 years, having origin in sprawling lawns of
the excellent academic environment of JJ School of Art and Architecture,
Mumbai, Indian Institute of Architects was conceptualized and made a
distinct reality. Institute was established, primarily and essentially, to
promote, protect, spread, establish and make people, communities and
nation aware about the role and importance of young and emerging
profession of architecture and for creating valuable state of art and
sustainable built environment besidespromoting highestquality of life in both
urban and rural India.
Established in 1917 with membership standing at 158 in the year 1929,
Indian Institute of Architects has grown gradually and steadily in fabric,
stature and strength, over the years, with membership now standing at
more than 20,000.Indian Institute of Architecture remains the apex body of
professionalarchitects in the country, with physical and professional spread
covering the entire length, breadth and depth of the country.
Beginning the journey in India, under the stewardship of professional
architects with vision and ideals at the helm of affairs, having thorough
understanding and appreciation of the complexity about the role and
importance of the architectural profession,has helped the Institute, in laying
and building strong foundation for rapid growth and expansion of the
profession of the architecture in the country, duly supported by ideals of
sustainability, latest innovations, and technological advances made in the
art and science of planning, designing and construction of the quality built
environment.
In addition to promoting and putting the profession of architecture on high
pedestal,locally and globally, Indian Institute of Architects,has continued its
focus and commitment to play critical role in promoting the quality of
architectural education in the country, by engaging in and promoting
aesthetic, scientific and practical efficiency of the profession in the domain

of architectural education. Looking objectivelyat the history and geography,
of its functioning and operations,it can be safelyconcluded that pastjourney
of more than 100 years of the Indian Institute of Architects, right from its
inception, has been journey of its continued and sustained commitment in
the area of promoting architectural education and rebirth, growth and
development of architecture, as an exclusive and standalone profession in
the country.
Footprints of IIA in Architectural Education; Considering and
appreciating the context, value, role and importance of quality teaching-
learning, in creating quality professionals , Institute made valuable
contributions on continued basis, in defining the course intent, contents ,
scope and methodology for teaching-learning of architecture. This has
helped in making the professionof architecture more qualitative and vibrant
by creating appropriate cadre of quality professional architects. Focus and
effortof the Indian Institute of Architects, right from its inception, has been to
make architectural education qualitative, focused and community oriented.
Constitution governing the Indian Institute of Architects, in addition to the
looking at and promoting professionof architecture, inter-alia also provides
and makes dedicated and specific provision for encouraging standards of
architectural education, creating space for establishing architectural
institution including library etc. in terms of;
 To encourage the science and the art of planning and building the
standardsof Architectural education,training and practice,by making
grants to the Technicalinstitutions,orby paying orassistingto pay the
fees and expenses of the students, or by providing and giving
scholarships,prizes orotherrewards to such students,orby any orall
such methods;
 To purchase, lease, rent, hold and dispose of any land or property,
and any building or hall,and to erect any such building or buildings to
be used as a place of meeting for the members ofthe institute,or as
a collegeand schoolor Reading Room orLibrary forthe advancement
of the objects of the institute,and to provide accommodation for any

meeting,conference,exhibitionorcongress,whether promotedwholly
or partly by the institute or which, in the opinion of the Council, may
conduce to assistin the carrying on with the objects of the institute or
tends to do so;
 To form or acquire by purchase, donation, request or otherwise a
library and collection of models, drawings, designs or other material,
and to maintain, extend and improve the same;
Considering its defined objectives and absence of any institution imparting
education in the domain of architecture in the country, propelled IIA to
collaborate with The Royal Institute of British Architects for creating
opportunities for higherlearning/ education in architecture,for the aspiring
student/professionals .Footprints of architectural education in country were
laid initially by affiliating the institute with The Royal Institute of British
Architect, London. The five year Diploma Course in Architecture
inaugurated in the year 1923, was subsequently recognized by the Royal
Institute of Architects. First examination of RIBA was conducted in India, in
the year the year 1930. Affiliation with RIBA brought lot of credibility to the
institute which also led to making numerous changes and redefining the
constitution and bye-Laws governing the Institute. This was done to bring
large number of architects registered with the RIBA,( spread over the
country), into the fold of the Institute of architects , enlarging its scope and
area of operation from Mumbai to pan-India
Over the years, in addition to making architectural education more
qualitative, Indian Institute of Architects, through its chapter, centers and
members have helped in setting up number of institutions imparting
architectural education in the various regions of the country. Till the year
1972,when the Indian Architects Act became operational in the country, and
Council of Architecture was mandated/ entrusted with the task of defining
minimum standards of architectural education in the country, the entire
framework of architectural education was being catered, supported,
supervised,lookedafter and empoweredbythe IndianInstitute of Architects.
Genesis of introduction of granting Associateship of Indian
Associateship by examination; In addition to promoting formal education
in architecture, Institute is also credited with creating appropriate
opportunities of higher learning and improving the career options, through

informal system.However,this facility remains limited to the in-service three
year diploma holders, engaged/working, under the continued supervision
and guidance of professional architects, rendering architectural services
in the country. For catering to these needs of the higher professionallearning
fordiplomaholders,Institutes runs a dedicated program forAssociateship of
Indian Institute of Architects(By Examination). After successful completion/
qualifying the Associateship exam, such candiadates become eligible for
election as Associate members of IIA and also for registration as architects
under the Indian Architects Act, 1972.
Introduction of Associateship byexamination, was the outcome of number
of interventions/evaluations/reviews/ decisions made at the levels of;
Indian Ministry of Education and Social Welfare, Department or Education;
Governmentof India; Indian Parliament; All India Board of Technical Studies
in Architecture & RegionalPlanning and Council of Architecture, established
under the Indian Architects Act,1972; as detailed below;
 Genesis of introduction of grantingAssociateship ofIndian Instituteof
Architects by examination,lies in the detailed representationmade by
the Association of Architectural Assistantship, Diploma holders in
September ,1972 to the Ministry of Education and Social Welfare ,
Department , Government of India, regarding providing opportunities
for higher studies and career promotion.
 Said request was forwarded by the Ministry of Education and Social
Welfare, to the All India Board of Technical Studies in Architecture &
Regional Planning,( then responsible for guiding, directing and
regulating the profession of Architecture and planning in the country),
for consideration and taking appropriate decision.
 All India , Board of Technical Studies in Architecture & Regional
Planning, considered the said request of Diploma holders,forwarded
by the MOESW, underitem 7 of the 29th
meetingof the Board,held on
December,4, 1972 at Delhi, under the item , ‘To receive the report of
curriculum committee regarding revised Architectural Assistantship
Course’ and decided as under;

i. “While accepting that revised syllabus of Diploma in Architectural
Assistantshipcovers the syllabusof first two years of the five-yearfull-
time Degree/Diploma Course in Architecture, successful diploma
students wouldbe eligiblefor admission to 3rd
yearof B Arch Course”.
ii. Board recommended thatIndian Institute of Architects,Bombay be
requestedto conduct professionalexamination equivalentto a Degree
in Architecture as soon as possible for the benefit of architectural
personnel engaged in the profession.
 Based on the decision taken by the Board of Technical Studies in
Architecture & Regional Planning, Ministry of Education and Social
Welfare , Department, Governmentof India in its letter dated May 10,
1973 , addressed to the Secretary Association of Architectural
Assistantship, Diploma holders, informed that-- Indian Institute of
Architects was going to conducta professional examination equivalent
to a degree in architecture for the benefit of those engaged in the
professionin the nearfuture. This examinationwould openavenuefor
the holders of Diploma in Architectural Assistantship to acquire a
higher qualification in Architecture .Further MOESW informed that;-
The Indian Institute of Architects have been requested to arrange to
organize their examination as soon as possible.
 The issue of conducting examination for the diploma holders by the
Indian Institute of Architects ,was also raised by Sh. Ram Bilas
Paswan, Member Parliament, in the 6th
Lok Sabha under unstarred
question no4564dated 28th
August,1978. In reply to the saidquestion,
Minister of Education, Social and Welfare and Culture replied that;
1. That Indian Institute ofArchitects Bombay,has stated that it will be
pleased to conductthe professional examination in Architecturefor
the diploma holders.
2. Institute will enroll the successful diploma students as the student
members of the Indian Institute of Architects on the same lines as
done by the Royal Instituteof British Architects.The said students

can appear for the final examination of the Indian Institute of
Architects,butthe schemeof final examination is notyet finalized.
The institute has intimated that subject, dates and other details of
examination are being finalized.
 Syllabus and subjects to be studied forthe IIA studentship examination
was finalized by the Indian Institute of Architects based on the
recommendations made by the Council of Architecture.
 First Associateship Examination for the Indian Institute of Architects,
was conducted by the institute in the year 1982 simultaneously at six
centres, including, Bombay, Delhi, Calcutta, Hyderabad, Chandigarh
and Madras.
 Later on, based on the request made by the IIA, to the Ministry of
Education and Social Welfare , Department , Government of India, to
acceptthe Associateship Examination of Indian Institute of Architects,
at par with the Bachelor Degree in Architecture of a recognized
university for recruitment to the superiorposts and services under the
control of the Central Government, MOESW, referred the matter for
to COA for consideration.
 Executive Committee of the COA in its meeting held on October 27,
1988,constituted,athree memberevaluation committee with Sh. S.Y.
Madan as the Convenor and Ar. Uttam C Jain and Ar Raja Poredi,as
members.
 Said Evaluation Committee visited and examined the premises of IIA
and sourced detailed information with regard to; Administrative setup
for conducting the examination; Criteria for Eligibility of Candidate for
appearing in the examination; mode of examination; Centres for
Examination; Syllabus of the studies and subjects for examination;
Basis forselectionof papersetters and examiners;Reviewof Question
papers and Answer papers; Financial resources available with the
Institute. After interacting with Chairman BOE, Controller of
Examination and examining relevant documents, Evaluation

Committee concluded and recommended to COA, in its report dated
November 16, 1990, as under;
“The Committee,therefore recommends recognition by the Councilof
Architecture, the examination conducted by the Indian Institute of
Architects and consequently the Associate Membership of the Indian
Institute ofArchitects( by Examination)to be at par with the Bachelor
degree in Architectureof the universitiesrecognized by the Councilof
Architecture and for recruitmentto superior posts and services under
the control of Central Government
 The said recommendations of Evaluation Committee , were accepted
by the COA , in its meeting held on October 9,1991at Bangalore .
 Based on the recommendations of the Board of Assessment for
Educational Qualifications, Government of India recognized the
Associateship Examination of The Indian Institute of Architects( By
examination), at par with the Bachelor degree in Architecture of a
recognized Indian university, for the purpose of employment to posts
and services under the Central Government in the appropriate field,
vide letter dated August, 5, 1992.This recognition granted was later
recognized from backdate of December, 1982, vide Government
letter dated March 30, 1998
Philosophy and approach for conducting the examination; The Indian
Institute of Architects is conducting associateship examination, based on
the approval given by the Government of India, to provide an opportunity to
in-service diploma holders in Architectural Assistantship, employed and
working in the office of professionally qualified architects, having minimum
experience of 5 years in the profession, who could not pursue their higher
education for various reasons, to help them in improving their academic
qualification and improving career opportunities. Candidates are mandated
to continue to gain practicalexperience in Architecture underthe continued
guidance of the qualified architect during the entire duration of studentship.

The Associateship examination of Indian Institute of Architects, is being
conducted for approximately last 40 years, starting from the year 1982.
Institute is conducting the exam with the policy/objective of ensuring that
students qualifying the exams should have acquired appropriate level of
competency, capacity and expertise to discharge their professional duties,
as an architect, in the most effective and efficient manner. Examination
system is carefully planned and designed to empower , assist and making
value addition to the knowledge , appreciation and understanding of the
candidates, in the art and science of planning, designing and construction
of buildings.
Structure and Operation of the System of Examination; It needs to be
understood and appreciated that IIA is a professional body and not a body
imparting architectural education like other institutions/universities.
However, in orderto conductthe examination and discharge its professional
duties, in a most professional manner, IIA ensures maintaining highest
standards of the profession. Accordingly. large number of checks and
balances have been put in place by the institute for maintaining the
appropriate standards of professionalcompetencyforthe examinees, which
include setting up a separate and independent Examination Department, in
an exclusive building located at Belapur, headed by a qualified and
experienced Controllerof Examination,who also acts as, Ex-Officio Member
Secretary of the Board ,duly supporting by qualified supporting manpower.
Controller of Examination works under the overall guidance, supervision,
control and direction of a High-Powered Board of Examination and
Architectural Education, constituted by the Council of Indian Institute of
architects. Board, comprising of eminent professionals and academicians,
working/teaching architecture across India, is mandated to regulates,guide,
monitor, evaluate, promote qualitative system of examination while
maintaining highest professional standard of associateship examination.
Existing BOE&AE includes six members who have been/are,
Dean/Director/Principles/HOD of reputed Universities/Institutions, imparting
architectural education in the country, besides eminent professionals
working in the profession. Board has a tenure of two years. The Board

appoints the eminent professionals/academicians pan India , to set the
question paper and evaluating answer books by constituting a CAP . The
Board is also empowered to moderate and declare the exam results besides
taking all the policy decisions, related to conduct and regulate the
examination to make it relevant and qualitative.
Eligibility requirements; Based on the eligibility criteria defined for
admission to Associateship Examination (already approved by Council of
Architecture), candidates having basic qualification of 3 year full time
Diploma either in Architectural Assistantship/ Interior Design/ Civil
Engineering, with minimum 50% marks after having qualified the aptitude
test NATA conducted by COA, are eligible for registration for studentship
with IIA. In addition to requisite qualification, candidate must possess
practical experience for One /two years architectural experience, prior to
seeking admission, depending upon the basic qualification, under an
architect registered with Council of Architecture, having minimum five year
experience.
Looking at the conditions and qualification defined, the eligibility criteria
defined for admission to the Associateship by examination, remains higher
than what is specified for admission to B Arch course in the regular
institutions. IIA does not make any provision of granting exemption to any
candidate in any subject and in any part of study, during the entire duration
of studentship, besides no lateral entry at any stage in the IIA course of
examination is permitted to any student.
Candidates admitted to Associateship by Examination of IIA, are supposed
to be in service , working in the office and under the constant guidance of
qualified Architects at the time of admission as well as during the entire
duration of the Associateship examination; to remain in touch with the
profession including designing and constructionof the various architectural
projects
Course contents and Syllabus; Entire course of studentship, from
admission to completion, is divided into 5 distinct stages comprising of
Part-I, Part-II, Part-III; Part-IV -A & Part- IV-B. Course contents , subjects

to be studied and scheme of examination for the studentship examination,
have been prepared and designed by the Board of Examination involving
experts comprising of the eminent professional architects, working and
operating in the academics and profession. Course contents are, primarily
and essentially, based on the pattern followed by the leading institutions
imparting architectural education in India.
Detailed syllabus has been evolved, considering the basic needs of the
professionand maintaining highest standards of the professional education.
Course contents and subjects of the study for IIA examination, compare
favorably with what is defined and prescribed forthe students studying in the
formal system of education in architecture. Contents ,intent and detailed
syllabus, currently in operation, has already been reviewed, revised and
redefined in consultation with the Council of Architecture.
Considering the understanding and involvement of the members of
BOE&AE in the academic institutions of repute imparting architectural
education and professional practice, system of examination/ course
contents/conductof examination/setting and evaluating the question papers
is monitored on continued basis to make it more objective,focused,rational,
relevant and qualitative.to cater to the emerging needs of the architectural
education and the profession. Syllabus and scheme of Examination has
already been reviewed and revised five times in the years 1988,1992,1998,
2004 and 2014 , since it launch in the year 1982.
Question paper and assessment of student work; The Board of
Examination , appointed by the Council of IIA is mandated to regulate and
manage the entire system of examination. Paper setters and evaluators for
different subjects are selected amongst the renowned
teachers/professionals, from allover India, working in the various institutions
imparting architectural education or practicing in the profession, based on
detailed and well-defined guidelines,within the framework of given syllabus.
The questionpapers received,are moderated by the Board of Examination.
Process of table marking for evaluating the answer sheets by qualified
professionals is adopted in the IIA premises at Belapur, Navi Mumbai ,
keeping/ practicing all norms of secrecy , transparency and objectivity. IIA
believes in following highest professional/academic standards, while setting
the question papers and evaluation the student’s answer-sheets.

ConductofExamination;Exams forstudentship, are conducted physically
in the centers approved by BOE, under the strict supervision, guidance and
control of the respective Chapters of IIA, following a detailed and well
defined- system of conducting the exam. Independent observers are
appointed by the BOE for objectively evaluating the process and conduct
of the examination at each centre of examination, in a transparent and
professional manner. These observers are mandated to visit the
examination centres and send a detailed report about the quality and
conduct of examination to BOE for consideration and taking appropriate
decision. Due to Covid 19, for the first time , online Examination was
conducted,while using the platform of IES College of Architecture, Bandra,
Mumbai . In the physical mode. IIA,in the past, has conducted the exam at
different centers including; Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chandigarh, Chennai,
Kottayam & Lucknow. Assistance, help and active involvement of
architectural institutions, operating in the identified cities, is also sourced for
conducting the exam in a professional manner
Focus on Architecturaldesign;Besides working continuously on various
architectural projects ,as part of employmentand taking exams periodically,
in the specified subjects, candidates enrolled are required to carry out
detailed design exercise, in each part of the examination, under the
supervision of a qualified architect appointed by BOE . Student is required
to prepare designportfolio ona specified topic. Progress of the candidate
is monitored on regular basis during the entire duration of project. BOE
appoints Internal jurors to assess their works and guide the candidates to
finalize the project. After submission of the project, final evaluation of the
project is done by eminent juror appointed externally by BOE&AE.
As integral part of the Part-II study, candidates are required to learn the
process of Architectural Appraisal, for creating awareness among the
students regarding the role and importance, observation, analysis and
expression of the various components of build environment for improving
their understanding of the context of Architectural designand architectural
vocabulary. Besides other drawing/theory subjects, students are also
required to undergo external examination in the subject of Architectural
Design at the level of Part-I, II, III.IV-A. The duration of exam for the said

examination is, 6, 12,15 and 18 Hours, respectively. Design problems are
framed and design solutions are evaluated by the qualified and expert
professionals operating in the domain of architectural practice and
academics, appointed by BOE&AE.
Architectural Thesis; As integral part of syllabus and study curriculum, of
Part IV- b; candidates are required to prepare a thesis on an approved
subject, based on the knowledge and learning made in the architecture ,
during the study of earlier 4 parts. Thesis is required to prepare under
constant supervision of an Architect, appointed by the BOE&AE The
Syllabus and manuals for preparation of thesis, is made available to all the
students.
Thesis Guide is appointed by the BOE. Student is required to have
minimum 8 to 10 sitting with Guide. Guide is required to maintain attendance
sheet; give certificate in prescribed format and also award internal marks
based on students work, progress and understanding. Final design is
evaluated through Viva- Voce by a panel of external jurors appointed by the
BOE, describing allocation of the marks for various components including;
concept, site analysis, case studies, site plans, detailed plans of all floors,
elevations, sections, services, model, views etc.
In order to aid, advise, assist and guide the candidates, in the art and
science of preparation of Design portfolio, IIA has prepared a detailed-
Manual for Architectural Design Thesis for Part- IV-b students . Manual
details the process of preparing thesis in terms of; selection of the project;
defining objectives;selecting site;carrying on site analysis and case studies
besides defining stages of preparing thesis including; preparing synopsis;
data collection, preliminary viva-voce, pre-final design and viva-voce; final
Designand viva-voce . Manual also details out data collection,site analysis,
study of climatic conditions, case studies, along with the contents of each
stage of thesis preparation. It also details out the intent, context of reportand
the detailed guidelines to be followed by the student while preparing
architectural drawings.
Way Forward; Based on the study made and data sourced, regarding the
journey of IIA studentship exam since 1982, when the said exam was
introduced ,it can be safely concluded that, Associateship examination has
made valuable contribution to the growth, spread and development of both,
profession and academics of architecture, in the country. Total number of

students completing the prescribed course of associateship examination
since its inception in 1982 till 2022 stands at 2423. Large number of
associate members after completing examination, are known to peruse
higher studies in architecture and planning, by obtaining higher
qualifications leading to award of Doctorate /Master’s degree in architecture
& planning. Many of these Associates,are now heading Institutes of learning
imparting architectural education in the country, in the capacity of
Directors/Principles and senior faculty. In addition, large number of
Associates qualifying from the IIA, are also practicing in the
metropolitan/other cities, providing employment to graduate architects and
providing facility for training for the students of Architecture studying in the
formal system of examination. Being involved in the architectural practice,
immediately after qualifying the architectural assistantship exam, these
associates have facilitated the growth and spread of the profession at local
level.
Large number of Associates , who were employed in the service of state/
central departments, at the junior level at the time of admission to
studentship, have grown after completing the examination, in learning,
understanding and status in the service. Large number of them are
positioned at the level of Senior Architect/Senior Town Planner/
Architects/District Town Planners/ Assistant Architects in the various
state/central level architectural/planning services. Associates are known to
also head even the State department of Architecture.
Besides contributing to the rapid growth, spread and expansion of
profession/ academics, accepting its quality and contents, Associateship
examination has also been accepted and recognized by leading academic
Architectural and Planning Institutions of the country ;including Schools of
Planning and Architecture, Delhi, Jamia Milia University etc, foradmissionto
the Doctorate level and Master level Courses in Architecture, Urban and
Regional Planning , Housing, urban Design, Landscaping etc.
Despite all the positivity, Indian Institute of Architects is taking all the
possible steps and making constant efforts, on continued basis, for
improving the quality of examination and updating knowledge of candidates

pursuing Associate examination, for making them stay relevant to the ever
changing needs and requirements of the profession of architecture.
For enabling /facilitating /empowering students in the professional learning,
they have been provided easy access to study material; course material
and reference books,relevant to the subjectof study, which are defined and
made integral part of the syllabus. Reading material received from the
various sources/experts, is shared with the student community, through a
dedicated portal, created for the students, perusing associateship
examination from time to time. E-books prepared by the architects are
loaded on the IIA portal for reference and study of the candidates. In
addition, invitations to participate in the various expert lectures, programs,
conferences and workshops organized by the respective chapters of IIA are
also extended to the students. All student’s quarries pertaining to
examination are being answered from time to time. Members of IIA are
also requested to support students in making value-addition to their learning
architecture.
For facilitating the architectural education and meeting its objectives,
Institute has already established “Sohrab Bharucha Architectural Library”,
located at its Headquarters in Mumbai, which remains accessible to all the
members and students of architecture in the country. The IIA Publications
Board and the Editorial Committee publishes a newsletter every month. All
student members of the Institute receive a copy of the said newsletter of IIA
For Making the examination more qualitative, IIA is involving number of
eminent professionals to engage with the students and share their
professional knowledge and experience, to improve their professional
capacity and understanding. Institute is also looking/studying the pattern
and approach and good practices being followed, by other professional
institutions conducting examinations for in-service professional courses of
higher learning including that of institute of Town Planners India (ITPI), who
is running an Associateship Examination, leading to award of Master level
qualification in Town Planning for the in-service professionals
employed/working in the town planning since the year 1963.Institute remains
open to all suggestions made for making the examination system more
qualitative and focused.

Role of IIA in Promoting Architectural Education in India

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Role of IIA in Promoting Architectural Education in India