Architecture has always been one of the most creative and noble professions in the world, and in India, it’s growing faster than ever before. With massive changes happening in real estate, infrastructure, and smart city development, the demand for skilled architects is at an all-time high.
Let’s look at some interesting facts and trends shaping the future of architecture in India.
If you’re planning to take up architecture as a career, preparing well for entrance exams like NATA and JEE Paper 2 is the first step. MAD School offers personalised NATA coaching in Chennai, Hyderabad and Kerala with personal mentoring, mock tests, and portfolio guidance to help students get into top architecture colleges in India.
A Growing Industry
By 2030, India’s real estate and architectural sector is expected to grow from $200 billion in 2024 to $1 trillion, contributing nearly 13% of the country’s GDP. That’s huge growth in just a few years. The construction and real estate sector also saw an 86% surge in hiring between 2023 and 2024, showing how active the job market has become.
Demand for Architects
Currently, there are about 1,20,000 registered architects in India. But in the next five years, the demand is expected to reach 3 lakh architects. That’s more than double. Architecture has been practiced in India for over 500 years, but what’s exciting now is the scale — from high-rise buildings and smart cities to sustainable design and affordable housing, architects are needed everywhere.
Also Read: What is the difference between NATA and JEE Main Paper 2?
Infrastructure Boom
India is witnessing an infrastructure revolution. There are over 52,000 live construction projects across the country, covering more than 17 billion sq. ft of space — valued at over $1.16 trillion (Source: Biltrax). The government has also approved 12 new industrial smart cities under the NICDP at an investment of $3.42 billion in 2024. The National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) launched in 2020 plans to invest ₹111 lakh crore between 2020 and 2025.
According to a CRISIL report, India spends around ₹143 lakh crore on infrastructure, and the industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.6% over the next five years.
Real Estate and Housing Demand
The Indian construction industry contributes nearly 8% to the national GDP and employs over 40 million people. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY-Gramin) has also allocated ₹200 billion to promote affordable housing, which opens up even more opportunities for architects in both urban and rural development. The demand for office spaces in major Indian cities has also reached 43.5 million sq. ft, which means more architectural projects and design work.
Top Architecture Colleges in Hyderabad
Career and Salary Outlook
Architecture is a career that combines creativity with practicality. Pay scales vary depending on experience. Beginner Level (0–3 years): ₹3–7 lakhs per annum, Mid Level (4–9 years): ₹8–12 lakhs per annum, Senior Level (10+ years): ₹13 lakhs and above. With experience, architects can also start their own firms or move into specialized areas like sustainable design, interior architecture, or urban planning.
The Future is Bright
India’s architectural and construction sectors are not just growing — they’re transforming. With smart cities, green buildings, and an increasing focus on design innovation, architecture is becoming one of the most exciting and impactful careers of the future. If you’re passionate about creativity, design, and shaping the spaces people live in, architecture is a field worth exploring.
With such immense growth in the design and construction sector, this is the right time to begin your architecture journey. Programs like NATA Coaching centres in Hyderabad can help you build a strong foundation and get ready for the next step.
