12-week preparation plan
Weeks 1-4: Architecture and Design (largest module)
- Architectural history: classical to contemporary, Indian and global.
- Architectural theory: form, function, ornament, postmodern critique.
- Urban design fundamentals: Lynch, Gehl, Jacobs.
- One book per week. Start with Frampton, A Modern Architecture: A Critical History.
Weeks 5-7: Building Sciences and Applied Engineering
- Structural systems and materials, climate-responsive design.
- Building services: HVAC, plumbing, electrical fundamentals.
- Green building rating systems: LEED, GRIHA, IGBC.
Weeks 8-9: Professional Electives and Skill Enhancement
- Read up on your target M.Arch specialisation.
- Research methodology: qualitative vs quantitative, citation styles.
- Architect Act 1972, COA code of conduct, RERA basics.
Weeks 10-12: Mock tests and refinement
- Take Test 1 (May 31) as a real-conditions diagnostic.
- Identify weakest module by score breakdown; refine over 2 weeks.
- Take Test 2 (June 14). Refine again. Take Test 3 (June 28) for the best score.
Recommended reading
- Kenneth Frampton, A Modern Architecture: A Critical History.
- Francis D.K. Ching, Architecture: Form, Space, and Order.
- Spiro Kostof, A History of Architecture: Settings and Rituals.
- Edward T. White, Site Analysis.
- National Building Code of India (NBC), latest edition.
- Architectural journals: Journal of the Indian Institute of Architects, Architectural Review, Architectural Record.
Exam-day timing strategy
- Module 1 (64 Q): allocate ~75 minutes. About 70 seconds per question.
- Module 4 (16 Q): ~18 minutes.
- Module 2 (14 Q): ~16 minutes.
- Module 3 (6 Q): ~8 minutes if your specialisation is well-prepared, mark-and-skip otherwise.
- Reserve the final 5 minutes for review and flagged questions.
- Skip-and-return is your friend in CBT. Do not lose 4 minutes on a single tricky question early.