BDes vs. BArch Degree: Which One is the Best Choice for You in 2025?
Published by Shikha Kumari on May 13, 2025
For the interest-driven who fancy creativity, innovativeness, and the conception of space or objects, selecting between a Bachelor of Design (BDes) in 2025 and Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) is a major decision. While they differ in focus, qualification, curriculum, and the terms of working, both titles result in prosperous employment.
A five-year professional program named a BArch focuses on structural systems, urban planning, building construction, and architectural design. It is a degree program that prepares students with careers in building, design, and urban development and is highly technical and mathematical. A BDes, on the other hand, is a four-year program that emphasizes creativity, visual communication, and hands-on design skills. It has various specialties including fashion, product, graphic, UI/UX, and interior design. After 12th grade, BDes is a more relaxed course, less math-intensive and welcoming to students from any stream. In this article we will discuss in depth regarding the difference between both the courses
BDes vs. BArch: 2025 Comparison
Given below is a detailed comparison to help you decide which degree aligns best with your interests and career goals. The comparison is based on field, duration, eligibility, entrance exams and other details to help you choose the course:
| Parameter | BArch (Bachelor of Architecture) | BDes (Bachelor of Design) |
| Field | Architecture, Urban Planning | Design (Fashion, Product, UI/UX, etc.) |
| Duration | 5 years | 4 years |
| Eligibility | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics | 10+2 in any stream |
| Entrance Exams | NATA, JEE Main (Paper 2) | UCEED, NID DAT, AIEED, SEED, etc. |
| Course Fees | ₹2–4 lakh/year | ₹1–5 lakh/year |
| Starting Salary | ₹4–10 LPA | ₹2–9 LPA |
| Specializations | Architecture, Urban Design, Landscape | Fashion, Product, Interior, UI/UX, etc. |
BDes vs. BArch: Key Differences
In the context of BDes vs BArch here are some key differences between a designer and an architect. Their job might sound similar but are miles apart and given below is the detailed difference between the Candidate who goes through a BDes degree and a BArch degree:
| Aspect | BDes (Bachelor of Design) | BArch (Bachelor of Architecture) |
| Focus Area | Creative design (fashion, product, UI/UX, etc.) | Architectural design, building planning, structures |
| Curriculum | Creative, practical, project-based, flexible | Technical, mathematical, construction-focused |
| Specializations | Fashion, product, interior, animation, UI/UX, etc. | Architecture, urban design, landscape, conservation |
| Work Environment | Studios, agencies, tech firms, freelancing | On-site, architectural firms, construction, govt. |
| Career Options | Designer (fashion, product, UI/UX, etc.), creative director, entrepreneur | Architect, urban planner, project manager, govt. jobs |
| Regulatory Body | No central council; depends on specialization | Council of Architecture (CoA), mandatory registration |
| Starting Salary | ₹2–9 LPA (varies by specialization) | ₹4–10 LPA (generally higher for top institutes) |
BDes vs. BArch: Career Opportunities 2025
There are plethora of career opportunities for both the fields and in this section we will focus on the job roles that the candidates who go through a Bachelor of Designing and a bachelor of architecture go through on the basis of their job roles, industries and salary:
| Degree | Common Job Roles | Top Sectors/Industries | Average Starting Salary (INR LPA) |
| BArch | Architect, Architectural Designer, Project Architect, Urban Planner, Landscape Architect, Design Manager, Conservation Architect, Architectural Engineer, Building Contractor, Interior Architect, Project Assistant Manager, Principal Architect, Architectural Historian/Journalist | Architecture firms, Real estate, Government (urban development, housing), Infrastructure consultancies, Construction companies, Urban planning bodies, Furniture manufacturing, Civil construction, Exhibition sector, Media & journalism | Rs. 5 – 7 (entry), up to 10 for top institutes |
| BDes | Fashion Designer, Product Designer, Interior Designer, Graphic Designer, UI/UX Designer, Textile Designer, Art Director, Industrial Designer, Fashion Director, Brand Manager, Textile and Surface Developer, Apparel Designer, Stylist, Quality Control Personnel, Creative Entrepreneur | Design studios, Fashion labels, IT & tech companies, Advertising agencies, E-commerce, Home & furniture brands, Garment manufacturing, Media, Boutiques, Fashion marketing, Production management, Accessory design, Startups | Rs. 2 – 9 (entry), varies by specialization and institute |
FAQs: BDes vs. BArch (Frequently Asked)
1. Which degree is better for someone who is not strong in mathematics?
BDes is the better choice, as it does not require mathematics as a compulsory subject, unlike BArch, which is math-intensive and mandates PCM in 12th.
2. Can I pursue a BArch if I studied Commerce or Arts in 12th?
No, BArch requires Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in 10+2. If you’re from Commerce or Arts, BDes is a more accessible option.
3. What are the main entrance exams for BArch and BDes in India?
BArch admissions are through NATA and JEE Main (Paper 2), while BDes admissions use UCEED, NID DAT, AIEED, SEED, and similar design entrance exams.
4. What kind of jobs can I get after BDes and BArch?
BArch graduates become architects, urban planners, landscape architects, or work in construction management. BDes graduates can work as fashion designers, product designers, graphic/UI/UX designers, interior designers, or art directors
5. Which degree offers more specializations and flexibility?
BDes offers a wider range of specializations (fashion, product, animation, UI/UX, etc.) and is more flexible in terms of course content and career options
6. Is the starting salary higher for BArch or BDes graduates?
Generally, BArch graduates have a slightly higher starting salary (₹4–10 LPA) compared to BDes graduates (₹2–9 LPA), but this depends on the specialization, institute, and market demand
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