Hello Dheeraj,

Thanks for contacting Careers360.

While both civil engineering and architecture disciplines look very similar in terms of syllabus and subject matter, when it comes to definition, there are several key differences between the two.

• Architecture: The word architect is derived from “arkhitekton” which translates to ‘chief-builder’. While the word origin might indicate that architects are builders, but when it comes to real world definition, the subject to architecture is more to with putting art into buildings. It is a creative field that deals with the art and science of designing and constructing buildings and other structure for human use and shelter.
• Civil Engineering: Civil Engineering is a very broad term and involves design, construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment, including works like roads, bridges, canals, dams, and buildings. In other words, civil engineers deal with the different structural elements of buildings in terms of practicality, deciding the materials to be used, load withstanding capacity of the structure and long time maintenance.

In very simple words, architects design the building using their creative imagination and calculative prowess to put the available space to best possible use for end users. On the other hand, civil engineers actually assess the design given by architects and determine if the same is viable in terms of construction and standing the test of time in normal as well as high load conditions.

Generally, Bachelor in Architecture (B. Arch) course is a five-year undergraduate academic programme offered at different architecture schools across the country. Admission is generally done through a common entrance exam, which is conducted in accordance with the Council of Architecture(NATA,JEEMain2,).As far as compulsory subjects are concerned, just like engineering, B.Arch aspirants would need to clear class 12 Board exam with Physics, Chemistry and Maths as main subjects.

After completing the undergraduate course, B.Arch students can take up two-year post graduation programme in architecture as well.

For Civil Engineering, there are generally two routes which are available for aspirants; first one being degree course and second one is a short term diploma course. The popular choice among civil engineering aspirants is the B.Tech in Civil engineering programme offered at different engineering colleges across the country. Admission is granted on the basis of candidates’ performance in the entrance examination like JEE Main 2016 for NITs, IIITs and GFTIs or JEE Advanced 2016 in case of premier engineering institutes like IITs and ISM-Dhanbad. Aspirants seeking to join civil engineering will need to have PCM as their main subjects during the class 12 board examination. In addition to this, there is also a minimum marks criteria which is modified by entrance exam conducting authority from to time.

Refer to the link below:
Engineering Exams Careers360

Hope this helps.

Good luck!