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B.Arch vs B.Des: What is the Difference Between Them?

B.Arch vs B.Des: What is the Difference Between Them?

Edited By Sundararajan | Updated on Sep 16, 2024 05:34 PM IST | #NID DAT

BDes Vs BArch: Which is better: Aspirants over the country who want to pursue design courses are baffled between BDes Vs BArch courses. For a newbie, it’s often perplexing to choose the right course between BDes and BArch. Sometimes Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) is considered co-equal to a Bachelor of Design (B.Des). This is because interior design is the common specialization in both BDes and BArch. Know more about the differences in B.Des vs B.Arch from this article.

B.Arch vs B.Des: What is the Difference Between Them?
B.Arch vs B.Des: What is the Difference Between Them?

Top College in India Offering Design

B.Des Vs B.Arch

  • Architecture is technical and involves the designing and construction of a building. Bachelor of Architecture is a 5-years undergraduate course designed to produce professional architecture.
  • Bachelor of Design popularly known as B.Des is a four-year design program offering multiple specializations programmes such as fashion design, product design, graphic design, and many more.

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B.Arch vs B.Design: Syllabus

Syllabus of B.Arch: The Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) is a 5-year professional program that covers subjects like Architecture Design, Types of Structures, Building Construction, Architectural Appreciation, etc. The course curriculum is divided into two stages: Stage I (Year 1, 2 and 3) and Stage II (Year 4 and 5). Stage I includes foundation and exploration subjects, while Stage II includes practical training, in-depth synthesis, and ideation studies. The syllabus for a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) program can vary from one university to other B.Arch equivalent courses, but here's a general overview of the topics typically covered in a B.Arch curriculum:

Semester 1:

  • Architectural Design - Basic Design Principles

  • Building Materials and Construction - Introduction

  • Architectural Drawing - Freehand and Drafting

  • History of Architecture - Ancient and Classical Architecture

  • Architectural Communication - Visual and Verbal Communication


Semester 2:

  • Architectural Design - Concept Development

  • Building Materials and Construction - Properties of Materials

  • Architectural Drawing - Orthographic and Perspective Drawings

  • History of Architecture - Medieval and Renaissance Architecture

  • Architectural Communication - Computer-Aided Design (CAD)


Semester 3:

  • Architectural Design - Spatial Design

  • Building Materials and Construction - Construction Techniques

  • Building Science - Environmental Science and Services

  • Structures - Introduction to Structural Design

  • Surveying - Basics of Land Surveying


Semester 4:

  • Architectural Design - Urban Design Concepts

  • Building Materials and Construction - Advanced Construction Techniques

  • Structures - Structural Analysis

  • Architectural Acoustics - Basics of Sound and Acoustics

  • Architectural History - Modern Architecture


Semester 5:

  • Architectural Design - Design Development

  • Structures - Reinforced Concrete Design

  • Building Services - Electrical and Plumbing Systems

  • Architectural Conservation - Heritage Preservation

  • Professional Practice - Codes and Ethics in Architecture


Semester 6:

  • Architectural Design - Comprehensive Design Project

  • Structures - Steel Design

  • Building Services - HVAC Systems

  • Landscape Architecture - Principles of Landscape Design

  • Urban Planning - Introduction to Urban Planning


Semester 7:

  • Architectural Design - Urban Regeneration

  • Interior Design - Principles of Interior Design

  • Construction Management - Project Management

  • Architectural Theory - Contemporary Architectural Theories


Semester 8:

  • Architectural Design - Sustainable Design

  • Urban Design - Advanced Urban Design Principles

  • Professional Practice - Contracts and Legal Aspects

  • Elective Courses - Specializations or Research Projects


Syllabus of B.Des: The Bachelor of Design (B.Des) is a 4-year undergraduate program that focuses on enhancing imaginative creativity and technical skills. The course includes subjects like Design Sketching, Ergonomics, Creative Narration, Product Design, Technical Design Drawing, etc. along with specialized knowledge about Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Textile Design, and Fashion Communication. The syllabus for a Bachelor of Design (B.Des) program can vary significantly based on the university, specialization, and focus areas. However, here's a general overview of the topics typically covered in a B.Des curriculum:

Electrical and electronic studies in design

Introduction to design

Material studies in design

Elements of design

Design sketching

Communication studies in design

Technical design drawing

Rendering and illustration

Fundamentals of computing in design

Principles of design

Design project - 1

Physical ergonomics

Architectural Studies in Design-I

Applied mechanics for design

Communication Studies in Design-II

Model making and hand tools workshop

Surface Modelling in Computer-Aided Vision

Universal Human Values and Professional Ethics

Design documentation

Design management

Simple product design

Cyber security

Design Management-I

Consumer Psychology

Solid modelling in computer-aided design

English Language and Technical writing

Environmental science

Design Project-II, Display and Control Design

Design project-III

Business communication

Creative narration-I

Quantitative research

Design research and methodology-I

Connectivity and mobility

Architectural studies-II

Software user interface design

Design workshop

Material and processes in Design-II

Professional practice in design

Design project - IV

Materials and Processes in Design-I

Unconventional manufacturing

Applied Statistics and Infographics

Control system in the design

Design Research and Methodology-II

Product Branding and Identity

Design degree project

Production planning

Industrial training

Design documentation-II

Design project - V

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B.Arch vs B.Design: Quick Fact

The overview of B.Des and B.Arch courses is provided in the table below. Aspirants are required to understand how they both vary at every level to know the detailed difference between BDes and BArch.

Parameter

Details of B.Arch

Details of B.Des

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

  • Candidates must pass the class 10+2 exam.

  • Mathematics must be a compulsory subject at the 10 + 2 level.

  • Candidates must at least secure a 50 percent aggregate mark in the qualifying exam.

  • Candidates who have completed their education in the 10 + 3 with a Diploma in any stream that is recognized by the Central or State Government can also apply. They must secure a 50 percent aggregate mark.

  • Candidates who have completed their International Baccalaureate Diploma after 10 years of schooling can apply for the BArch course, however, they must secure at least an aggregate of 50 percent and with Mathematics as a compulsory subject.

  • Candidates must complete the class 10+2 exam.

  • Candidates must pass the 10+2 exam from a recognized Central or State board of education.

  • The aggregate marks scored by the student in class 10+ 2 exams should be at least 50 percent.

  • Students from any stream and discipline can apply for admission to the BDes course.

Accepted Exam

  • NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture)

  • JEE Main (Joint Entrance Examination) Paper 2

  • UCEED (Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design)

  • NID DAT (National Institute of Design Entrance Exam)

  • AIEED (All India Entrance Examination for Design)

  • SEED (Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design)

  • FDDI AIST (Footwear Design and Development Institute All India Selection Test)

Admission Process

  • Architecture Entrance Exams

  • Direct Admission

  • Aptitude test followed by interview round

  • Design Entrance Exams

  • Direct Admission

  • Aptitude test followed by interview round

Course Fee

INR 2,00,000 to INR 4,00,000 per annum

INR 1,00,000 to INR 5,00,000 per annum

Popular Specialisations

  • Architectural Design

  • Building Information Modeling

  • Art and Design

  • Building Technology

  • Community Design

  • Computer-Aided Design

  • Environment/Sustainability

Check Also:

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Career Prospects after B.Arch

Aspirants can also opt for higher studies after B.Arch in fields like M.Arch, Master of Urban Design (M.Des), Masters in Project Management or M.Planning. After completing a B.Arch degree, candidates can pursue a career as

Architect

Architectural Assistant

Project Assistant Manager

Architecture Designer

Architectural Historian/Journalist,

Architecture Engineer

Building Contractor

Interior Designer or Landscape Architect

Architectural Historian


Art Director


Urban Planner


Project Assistant


Construction contractor

Project manager


Landscape architect


Design Architect


Career Prospects after B.Des

After completing a B.Des degree, candidates can pursue a career as

Fashion designer

Graphic designer

Product designer

Illustrator

Costume Designer or Textile Designer

Entrepreneur or Design Manager

Design blogger

Art/Set Director

Graphic designer

Merchandiser

Fabric quality controller

Web designer

Browse Top Fashion Design Colleges by Location

Also check:

Top B.Des Colleges in India

Aspirants can procure BDes courses from the top design institute in India. Some of the top B.Des colleges in India are as follows.

Top B.Arch Colleges in India

The following list of colleges is the top BArch colleges as per the NIRF ranking. Check the complete list of top BArch colleges in India from the table below.

Difference between B.Des and BArch

Aspirants can check the key difference between BDes and BArch which is given below.

  • B.Arch is a technical course while B.Des is more into creative programmes.

  • In the BArch course, Mathematics is a compulsory subject. Students have to study a major portion of Mathematics as a subject. Whereas in B.Des Mathematics is not required. It is advisable for students to avoid pursuing a BArch course if they are weak in Mathematics.

  • B.Des course has multiple specializations programmes. The range of BDes specialization programmes is vast.

  • The job roles after a degree in Bachelor of Design are usually office roles. However, B.Arch graduate students have to generally work at construction sites with the active involvement of engineers.

  • B.Arch course focuses on the study of the construction of buildings and large structures with environmentally friendly. Whereas BDes courses focus on designing parts. It can be designing a house, a clothing line, footwear, a product, etc. top B.Des collegestop B.Des collegestop B.Des colleges in India

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is BDes?

Bachelor of Design popularly known as BDes is a four year undergraduate design course offering multiple specializations programmes.

2. What is BArch?

Bachelor of Architecture is a 5-years undergraduate course designed to produce a professional architecture.

3. What is the minimum educational qualification required for BDes courses?

Candidates must pass their 10+2 exam with at least 50 percent aggregate marks from a  recognised Central or State board of education.

4. What is the accepted entrance exam for pursuing BArch course?

Candidates can obtain admission in BArch course through NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture) and JEE Main (Joint Entrance Examination) Paper 2.

5. What is better design or architecture?

Design and architecture are both important and interconnected fields. They share common goals, such as enhancing the functionality, aesthetics, and overall quality of our living or working spaces and the objects within them. Both play crucial roles in shaping our built environment.

6. What is the difference between B DES and BArch?

The primary distinction between B.Des and B.Arch is their area of focus. B.Arch concentrates on the design of buildings and the creation of physical spaces, while B.Des encompasses a broad range of design disciplines, including fashion and user interfaces. In other words, B.Arch is about shaping the spaces we inhabit, while B.Des is about crafting the experiences we have within those spaces. 

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Questions related to NID DAT

Have a question related to NID DAT ?

Hello,

Preparing for the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) entrance exam involves focusing on several key areas. Here’s a structured approach to get you started:

1. Understand the Exam Structure

Familiarize yourself with the NIFT entrance exam format:

  • General Ability Test (GAT): Tests general knowledge, current affairs, and quantitative ability.
  • Creative Ability Test (CAT): Assesses your creative and visual ability through sketching and design-based questions.
  • Situation Test (for B.Des): Evaluates your ability to create a design from given materials.
  • Group Discussion and Personal Interview (for M.Des/MFM): Tests your communication skills, understanding of the fashion industry, and design knowledge.

2. Gather Study Materials

  • For GAT: Use general knowledge books, current affairs magazines, and quantitative aptitude guides.
  • For CAT: Practice sketching and drawing regularly. Books on design and creativity can be useful.
  • For Situation Test: Practice creating models from various materials and understanding design principles.
  • For GD/PI: Prepare by staying updated on fashion trends, industry news, and developing a strong portfolio.

3. Create a Study Plan

  • Daily Study: Allocate time for each section based on your strengths and weaknesses.
  • Weekly Goals: Set goals for completing practice papers and revising key concepts.
  • Mock Tests: Regularly take mock tests to simulate the exam environment and improve time management.

4. Enroll in Coaching Classes (if needed)

Consider joining a coaching institute that specializes in NIFT preparation. They can provide structured guidance, practice tests, and expert feedback.

5. Work on Your Portfolio

If you’re applying for design courses, develop a strong portfolio showcasing your creative work. Include sketches, designs, and any relevant projects.

6. Refer to Previous Years’ Papers

Solving past years' question papers helps you understand the exam pattern and types of questions. It also aids in identifying important topics.

7. Stay Updated

  • Follow fashion industry news to stay informed about trends and innovations.
  • Read relevant books and articles about design and fashion.

8. Practice Creativity

Engage in activities that boost your creativity, such as drawing, painting, or crafting. Keep experimenting with new ideas and techniques.

By focusing on these areas, you'll build a solid foundation for the NIFT entrance exam. Good luck with your preparation!

You can also refer to the following articles to better understand the NIFT examination and its preperation strategy :-

1. https://design.careers360.com/articles/how-prepare-for-nift-entrance-exam

2. https://design.careers360.com/exams/nift-entrance-exam


Hope it helps !

No, diploma or polytechnic students are generally not eligible to apply for the NID DAT exam.
The eligibility criteria for NID DAT typically requires a 10+2 qualification or its equivalent. This means you must have completed your higher secondary education to be eligible for the exam.

I hope this information helps.


Stages of the Exam:

The PG NID entrance exam typically consists of two stages:

  • Prelims: This written test might include objective and subjective questions to assess your design aptitude, creativity, problem-solving skills, and knowledge of design principles.

  • Mains: Candidates who qualify in the prelims are called for the mains stage, which usually involves a studio test, design exercises, and sometimes a personal interview. The specific format might vary depending on the chosen M.Des. specialization.

Prelims Exam Pattern (General Expectations):

Here is a general idea of what the prelims might cover, though the specific weightage and question types can vary:

  • Design Aptitude: This section might assess your visual thinking, observation skills, ability to identify patterns, and spatial reasoning. Expect questions on visual perception, mental ability tests, and basic design principles.

  • Discipline-Specific Test (for some programs): Certain M.Des. specializations might have a separate test focusing on the specific design discipline.

  • General Aptitude Test: This section might include questions on analytical reasoning, verbal ability, and general knowledge.

Mains Exam Pattern (General Expectations):

The mains exam format is more program-specific, but might involve elements like:

  • Studio Test: This hands-on test assesses your design skills, creativity, and ability to translate ideas into visual form. The specific task or materials used can vary depending on the chosen specialization.

  • Design Exercises: You might be presented with design challenges or problems to solve creatively. This assesses your approach to design thinking and problem-solving.

  • Personal Interview (for some programs): Some specializations might have a personal interview to assess your motivation, interest in the field, and understanding of the program.

I hope it helps!

Hello,

If you forgot to write the question paper code and date on your NID DAT prelims OMR sheet, contact the exam authorities immediately. They may have procedures in place to handle such situations. According to me there should be no problem for you even if you have not filled paper code as you filled all the other necessary details.

Hope this helps you,

Thank you






Hello aspirant,

The National Institute of Design (NID) has not yet made the NID DAT 2024 exam's official syllabus public. But you can check the important topics for this exam on our site by clicking on the link given below.

https://design.careers360.com/articles/nid-dat-syllabus

Thank you

Hope this information helps you.

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