Difference Between B.Arch and B.Des: Which Design Degree Should You Choose?

 


Architecture and design are both so related yet so different, especially when it comes to choosing an undergraduate degree to pursue. The students can often get confused between the two, and to help them we will share the difference between B.Arch and B.Des, helping them understand which is better and a more suitable course to pursue. The School of Architecture and Design at K.R. Mangalam University (KRMU) offers the best design courses in Delhi NCR. Moreover, in this blog we will be sharing the course details along with the eligibility for B.Arch and B.Des.

The school offers highly advanced courses focusing on bringing theory to real-life practices so that they can carve perfect designers. By focusing on important factors like technical skills, aesthetic understanding, planning, and implementation. Let’s understand more about the courses and B.Arch vs. B.Des: Future in India.

What is a Bachelor of Architecture?

The B.Arch programme at KRMU is a five-year professional degree, crafted by industry experts, that offers architecture learning through real-world projects, immersive sessions, insightful workshops, and invaluable insights into the complexities of architectural planning. Through the KRMU’s multidisciplinary approach, we ensure that there is a strong emphasis on the holistic development of the students, who will be shaping the future of the country.

The programme equips the students with skills to design, plan, and oversee the construction of buildings and structures, blending artistic vision with practical knowledge and skills.

Duration: 5 Years

Programme Fee Per Year: Rs.190,000 (as per 06/08/25)

Eligibility Criteria: Candidates must have passed 10+2 with Physics, Mathematics, and one additional subject (like Chemistry, Biology, or IT) with at least 45% marks or completed a 10+3 Diploma with Mathematics and 45% marks.




What is a Bachelor of Design?

The four-year course has been carefully structured to promote innovative thinking, artistic impression, and technical proficiency in the students through market-oriented modules and classes. The course covers every single aspect of interior design, including spatial planning, design principles, interior material and finishing, lighting and aesthetics, and multiple other aspects that an interior designer must be skilled at.

The course offered at K.R. Mangalam University is Bachelor of Design (B.Des.) (Hons. / Hons. with Research) Interior Design


Duration: 4 Years

Programme Fee Per Year: Rs.210,000 (as per 04/08/25)

Eligibility Criteria: Passed 10+2 or equivalent examination from any recognised board/university in any stream with minimum 50% aggregate marks.


B.Arch vs. B.Des: Future in India

The difference between the two can be shown using the following table:


Parameter

B.Arch (Bachelor of Architecture)

B.Des (Bachelor of Design)

Full Form

Bachelor of Architecture

Bachelor of Design

Duration

5 years

4 years

Eligibility

10+2 with PCM + NATA or JEE (Paper 2)

10+2 in any stream + entrance exam (e.g., NID, UCEED, etc.)

Focus Area

Architectural planning, urban design, building construction

Creative design in various domains like fashion, graphics, UI/UX

Core Subjects

Design, Structures, Building Construction, Climatology

Design Thinking, Visual Communication, Materials, User Experience

Regulatory Body

Council of Architecture (CoA)

No single regulatory body; varies by specialization

Top Institutions

K.R. Mangalam University

K.R. Mangalam University

Career Roles

Architect, Urban Planner, Landscape Architect, Interior Designer

UI/UX Designer, Product Designer, Fashion Designer, Graphic Designer

Scope in India

High in urban development, infrastructure & real estate

Expanding in digital media, consumer products & branding

Higher Education Options

M.Arch, Urban Planning, Environmental Design

M.Des, MBA, Design Management, Human-Centered Design

Industry Demand

Government & private infrastructure projects

Startups, IT companies, fashion, media, product companies

Future Trends

Smart cities, green buildings, sustainable architecture

Digital transformation, experience design, innovation labs

Average Starting Salary

₹3.5 – ₹6 LPA

₹4–₹8 LPA (varies by domain)

Global Opportunities

Moderate to High (license required abroad)

High in design-centric industries and tech companies


Both Bachelor of Architecture and Bachelor of Interior Design are good career starts for the students who have just passed out from high school. 


Choosing KRMU to Study Design Courses


There are many reasons to choose K.R. Mangalam University for studying undergraduate design courses like architecture and interior design, and some of the reasons are as follows:


  1. Highly Qualified Faculty: KRMU has a team of highly educated and well-trained teachers and faculty members, along with industry experts and professionals on board who are there to help the students in real time to solve their problems in today’s competitive job market.

  2. Holistic Development: The university doesn’t only focus on theoretical knowledge but also practical skills and hands-on training as well. It knows the importance of the overall development of the students and why practical knowledge plays a major part in the learning and development of the students. KRMU also puts an emphasis on extracurricular and co-curricular activities taking place on the campus itself.

  3. International Exposure: Selective students from the campus are chosen to be taken on a fully sponsored international trip to a prestigious European college for two to three weeks as a part of a summer training programme. This allows students to get some exposure and inspiration from the different culture and their art and craft.

  4. 100% Job Assistance: The career development centre at KRMU helps the students to easily find jobs and internships after graduation. The team also educates students with the basic life skills and tech skills.

  5. State-of-the-art facilities: The campus has world-class facilities available for the students and the staff, which include smart classrooms, well-equipped computers, science labs, and libraries. For sports and lifestyle, there are basketball and football courts, badminton courts, and chess rooms. Moreover, there are two cafeterias in every block which serve tasty and hygienic food, along with offering a good ambience for students to enjoy their food.


Admission Process at KRMU

If you’re wondering where to pursue a B.Arch. or a B.Des course at a reputed college or university, K.R. Mangalam University is the best choice for you. We recommend checking the eligibility criteria first. Once you meet the eligibility criteria, you need to follow the following steps to take admission at KRMU:

  • Visit admissions.krmangalam.edu.in to initiate the application

  • Fill in the application form and pay the required application fee. 

  • Appear for an entrance exam, KREE (if applicable)

  • Attend the faculty-led interview

  • After a successful interview, you’ll receive the admission offer letter on your registered email ID

  • Get enrolled

Conclusion


The difference between B.Arch and B.Des has been explained in this blog, and the students can make a choice depending on the area of their interests and strengths and weaknesses. Both of the courses offer a great curriculum, which helps in the logical as well as creative development of the students. Students can choose K.R. Mangalam University to pursue the undergraduate courses in design, as it offers various perks, like the fact that the university has a highly qualified staff, it offers international exposure to the students, and also there’s a focus on the holistic development of the students as well.

FAQs

What is the major difference between B.Arch and B.Des?

The major difference between B.Arch and B.Des is that B.Arch focuses on architectural design and construction of buildings, while B.Des emphasises creative design across various domains like fashion, product, graphic, or interior design.

What is the duration of a B.Arch vs. a B.Des?

The duration of B.Arch is 5 years, whereas B.Des is typically a 4-year programme.

B.Arch or B.Des: which is better?

Both are equally respectable courses, and the choice of pursuing either of them completely depends on the student's interest.

What is the eligibility for B.Arch and B.Des?

B.Arch eligibility requires 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics or a 10+3 Diploma with Maths, while B.Des requires 10+2 in any stream from a recognised board.

Why is KRMU a good choice for the design students?

K.R. Mangalam University becomes a good choice for the design students, as it focuses on important factors like technical skills, aesthetic understanding, planning, and implementation of the same.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Top Reasons to choose School of Architecture and Design

Best College in Delhi NCR for Bachelor of Architecture

Top Designing Courses After 12th: Your Gateway to a Creative Future