Indian Institute of Architects

About IIA:
In 1917, a group of people who were past students of architecture of Sir J.J. school of art
decided to form themselves into an association and it was decided to christen the infant "the
architectural students association". The activities of the association showed, steady progress,
members began to seriously consider an improvement in status of the association. The word
"students" seemed inapt for a body that had now practicing architects within it. In 1922, it
announced the formal inauguration of the rechristened association the “Bombay architectural
students association” in Mumbai. Its affiliation to the Royal Institute of British architects in 1925
and re-considered aims and objectives it was converted to IIA in the year 1929. The Indian
Institute of Architects (IIA) is the national body of architects in our country.

The institute today has more than 12000 members. The institute has a major role in promoting
the profession of architects by uniting and organizing in fellowship the architects of India to
promote aesthetic, scientific and practical efficiency of the profession. IIA is represented on
various national and international committees connected with art, architecture and the building
industry is also actively associated with:

a) International union of architects (UIA)

b) Commonwealth association of architects (CAA)
c) South Asian association for regional co-operation of architects.

Legal Status of the Institute:

The Indian Institute of Architects is registered under the Societies Registration Act XXI of
1860 as a voluntary organization of Architects. The only other organization at the national level
is the Council of Architecture established under the Architects Act 1972 with the statutory duty
of Registration.

Affiliations:
 The Indian Institute of Architects is affiliated to the following
 Union International des Architects, UIA
 Commonwealth Association of Architects, CAA
 Architects Regional Council, Asia, ARCASIA
 South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation of Architects, SAARCH

Council:
All affairs of the institute are managed by the council, but will be subject to the control by the
general body of the institute. The council holds office for a period of 2 official years. Council
consists of:
 President
 Vice President
 Hon. treasurer
 2 or more Joint Secretaries
 The immediate past President
 Chairman of 5 regional committees
 Chairman of all chapters
 The Hon. Editor of the Journal.

Chapters and centers:

 The Institute shall function in any State or local areas through the Chapters and Centers as
defined by the Bye-Laws.
 The jurisdiction of the Chapters and Centers shall be prescribed by the Council from time to
time.
 The Chapters and Centers shall be governed by the Bye-Laws as approved by the Council

Formation of Chapters and Centres:

 One hundred or more member of the institute residing or practicing in any state or union
territory, and desirous of forming a chapter shall inform the president in the form of a letter
signed by at least 30 members residing there, who subject to the provision in the constitution
and the bylaws, shall forthwith authorize them to form a chapter. Each state or union territory
shall have only one chapter.
 In case of less than 100 members, state or union territory is unable to form a chapter, it shall
have option of forming a center.
 Each centre shall be attached to the chapter to which the city it belongs.
 Decision to form a chapter shall be decided by majority of members present, including postal
voters.
 No members can be attached to more than one chapter.
 The chapters and centers shall be governed by the chapter and center bylaws as approved by
the council.
 When the membership of any chapter falls below sixty and that of its centre below 10 over a
period of 2 yrs. successively, the council may suspend or cancel the chapter or centre or
merge it with adjoining chapter or centre.
 The council shall have the powers of convene meetings of the executive committee or of the
general bodies of the chapters/ centers by giving a prior notice of 15 days.

Constitution of IIA:
 Name, Address, Objects, Category of members, Formation of Council, meetings etc.

Chief objects:
Its chief objects, among others, as stated in the Constitution of Association were;
 To continue the work of the Bombay Architectural Association founded as the Architectural
Student’s Association in 1917” and
 To encourage the study of Architecture, to elevate the standard of Architectural Practice and
by mutual support, to promote the interests of Architects throughout India”.
 To ensure the advancement of the living standards of our people through their improved
environment and to make the profession of ever increasing service to Society
 To combine the effort of the Architects so as to promote aesthetic, scientific and practical
efficiency of the profession.
 To encourage the science and the art of planning and building the standards of architectural
education, training and practice, by making grants to Technical Institutions, or by paying or
assisting to pay the fees and expenses of students, or by providing and giving scholarships,
prizes or other rewards to such students, or by any or all such methods.
 To devise and impose the means for testing the qualifications of candidates for admission to
membership of the Institute, by examination in theory and in practice, or by any other tests,
or to arrange with any technical Institute or Institutions for the imposition of any such tests
 To consider all questions, affecting the practice of architecture and to initiate and watch over
measures affecting, or likely to affect, the practice of Architecture, and to procure such
changes of, and amendments in the law relating to or affecting the practice of Architecture
 To hold conferences or meetings for the discussion of, and the exchange of news on matters
affecting or relating to Architecture, the reading of papers and the delivery of lectures, and
hold congresses or exhibitions (either jointly with any other body or Institution or otherwise)
for the exposition of any matters affecting or relating to the theory or practice of Architecture
or any allied subject; and to award medals, certificates, prizes or diplomas in connection
therewith.
 To co-ordinate the activities of the building industry and of the Profession of Architecture,
and to amalgamate or combine or act temporarily or otherwise, in conjunction with any other
body or bodies, Institution or Institutions, having like or similar objects

Outreach Programs of the Institute:

 The Institute has a major role to play in promoting the profession of architecture. It has very
large area and population of the Republic of India to serve. The 'Outreach' programmes are
conducted through its Chapters and Centres who communicate with the public in various
regional languages by using the press and electronic media. Public lectures are also arranged
on commemorative days such as the World Environment Day, the World Habitat Day etc.
 The IIA Publications Board and the Editorial Committee publish the Journal of the Indian
Institute of Architects (JIIA) and a Newsletter every month. All members of the Institute
receive a free copy. In addition, all student members of the Institute receive a copy of News
Letter of IIA.
 The Institute reaches out to the public through its Chapters and Centres. Some special
programmes are also arranged at the headquarter, and other Chapters and centres involving
international participation.

Bye Laws of IIA:

A member or student of IIA is governed by the Bye-laws of the Indian institute of architects.

1. A member or student must not hold a position in which his interest is in conflict with his
professional duties.
2. A member or student is remunerated solely by his professional fees payable by his client or
by a salary payable by his employer. It is the duty of a member or student to uphold and apply
the scale of professional fees and charges adopted by the IIA.
3. A member or student must not accept any work which involves discounts or commission.
4. (a) A member or student may be architectural consistent, advisor or assistant of building
contractors, decorators, manufactures, house and estate agents, provided that he is paid by
fee or salary and not by commission and that he does not solicit orders for the company.
(b). As described in clause 4(a), his name and affix may appear only on the note paper of the
firm or company used in connection with his professional services.
(c). As described in clause 4(a), he shall not act in a professional capacity for a third party but
if mutually agreed between all the parties he may act as an independent architect.
5. (a). A member or student may be a partner, director or member of any company registered
under any act of the Indian legislature; but his professional affix may not appear on the note
paper of the company.
(b). A member or student must not be a partner, director or member of a company connected
with the building industry or trading in land or building for profit.
6. Member or student must not advertise or offer his services by means of circulars or
otherwise, nor may he make paid announcements in the press, except:
(a). Advertisements, professional appointments open or wanted may be inserted in the press.
(b). One notice of change of address may also be inserted.
(c). A member or student may notify his correspondence by the post only once.
7. A member or a student may allow signed illustration and descriptions of his work to be
published in the press, but he shall not:
8. (a). give monitory considerations for such insertions.
(b). allow such insertions to be used by the publishers for extorting advertisements for
contributors.
9. A member or student may sign his buildings and may exhibit his name outside his office and
on buildings in the course of construction; the lettering does not exceed 5 cm in height.
10. A member or student must not compete with another architect by means of reduction of fees
or by other inducements.
11. A member or student on being approached or instructed to proceed with professional work
upon which another architect was previously employed shall notify the fact to such architect
before finally accepting the appointment.
12. In all cases of dispute between building owner and contractors a member or student must
act in an impartial manner.

Classes of members:

(a) Fellows: Every candidate for election as a Fellow of the Institute shall have attained the age
of thirty-six years and shall be elected if:

He is an associate of the Institute and has been engaged as a Principal for at least seven successive
years in the practice of architecture after qualifying as an associate. OR

He has been a fellow of an Architectural Institution recognized by the council from time to time.
OR

He is an associate of the institute who has been engaged in a responsible capacity as the head of
a Department of Architecture for a period of 7 years after qualifying as an Associate. OR
He has been engaged in a professional activity in a responsible position for a period of at least 14
years, and has, in the opinion of the Council made a significant contribution in some capacity to
the advancement of Architecture.

(b) Associates: Every candidate for the election as an Associate shall be at least 21 years of age
and shall be elected if:

He has been an ordinary member of the Bombay Architectural Association at the time of
formation of the Indian Institute of Architects. OR

He has passed the examination of the Institute at least one year after passing the qualifying
examination of any recognized by the Institute. OR

He has passed the Government of Bombay Advanced Examination in Architecture between the
years of 1909 and 1922. OR

He has passed the examination of the Institute at least one year after qualifying from Institutions
recognized by the Institute for exemption from the qualifying examination of the Institute.

(c) Licentiates: A licentiate shall be at least 31 years of age, and shall have passed on examination
recognized by the Council from time to time, and has been a Principal for at least seven years in
the practice of architecture, at the time the Architects Registration Act '72 was passed by the
Parliament.

(d) Honorary Fellows: The Council may from time to time elect as Honorary Fellow any
distinguished person who has taken a special interest in Architecture, and who by means of either
his position or his experience in matters relating to Architecture appears to the Council to be able
to render assistance in promoting the objects of the Institute. This election is not subject to the
acceptance of the General Body.

Students: Students shall be persons studying architecture with a view to enter the profession of
Architecture and shall be studying in an architectural institute approved by the council.

Subscribers: A subscriber shall be either a person who was a member of the Bombay
Architectural Association at the time of adoption of the original Constitution of the Institute, now
amended or a person who in the opinion of the Council is likely to render assistance in promoting
the objects of the Institute.

Retired Members: Any fellow, Associate or Licentiate who has reached the age of 65, and has
retired from practice may, if he so desires subject to the approval of the Council, be transferred
without election to the Class of "Retired Fellow", "Retired Associate", or "Retired licentiate", as
the case may be, but in such case his Interest on, or claim against Property of the Institute shall
cease. A "Retired Fellow", "Retired Associate", or "Retired licentiate" shall not engage in any
vocation, which in the opinion of the Council is inconsistent with that of Architecture.

Retired Members desirous of resuming Practice shall inform the Council and pay the active
Members' subscription from that date onwards.
Election of members, students and subscribers:

(a) Fellows: Any person qualified under Byelaw 4(a) and desirous of becoming a Fellow, shall
forward his application to the Council on the prescribed form, duly endorsed by three Fellows of
the Institute, and accompanied by the form of, Declaration, the prescribed Entrance Fee, and the
'current year's Subscription, which amounts will be returned in case of non- election.

(b) Associates: Any person qualified under Byelaw 4(b) and desirous of becoming an Associate
shall forward his application to the Council on the prescribed form, duly endorsed by one Fellow
and two Associates of the Institute, and accompanied by the form of Declaration, the prescribed
Entrance Fee and the current year's Subscription, which will be returned in case of non-election.

(c) Licentiates: Any person qualified under Bye-Law 4 (c) desirous of becoming a Licentiate, shall
forward his application to the Council on the prescribed form, duly endorsed by one Fellow and
two Associates of the Institute, and accompanied by the form of Declaration, the prescribed
Entrance Fee, and the current year's Subscription, which will be returned in case of non-election.

(d) Students: Any person qualified under Bye- Law 5, and desirous of becoming a student member
shall forward his application to Student Counselor of the Institute on the prescribed form, duly
endorsed by two Members of the Institute and accompanied by the current year's Subscription,
which will be returned in case of non-election.

(e) Subscribers: Any person qualified under Bye-Law No.6 and desirous of becoming a Subscriber
shall forward his application to the Council, duly endorsed by one Fellow and two Associates of
the Institute, and accompanied by the prescribed Entrance Fee and the current year's
Subscription, which amounts will be returned in case of non-election.

IIA AWARDS

1. IIA National Awards for Excellence In Architecture

2. Baburao mahatre gold medal: Ar. Baburao Mhatre, Past President of IIA, Gold Medal with
citation and certificate. Awarded every two years. The award is given to Distinguished
Architect or Man of Science or letters who has produced works which promote or facilitate
the knowledge of Architecture or the various branches of Science connected therewith.
3. Madhav achwal gold medal: IIA instituted a Gold Medal to honour Late Ar. Madhav Achwal
– an eminent educationist, who had dedicated his life in the cause of education and service
to the community. Gold Medal with Citation and certificate. Awarded every Two years. The
award is given for a teacher, professor, lecturer or administrator and who has made a lasting
and dedicated contribution of architectural education and community service.

THE INDIAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS EXAMINATION (For election as an

Associate member by exam)

The Indian Institute of Architects holds twice a year the Examination for eligible candidates
ultimately to qualify an election as Associate Member of the Institute. Upon successful
completion of final examination, the Candidate shall seek election as an Associate Member of
the Institute as per the rules prevalent at that time. The Associate of the Indian Institute of
Architects (By Examination) is at par with B.Arch. IIA Examination is managed, conducted and
regulated by the BOARD OF EXAMINATIONS (BOE). At present the BOE conducts the half yearly
examination at Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Kolkata, Chennai & Mumbai centres.

Recognition
The Govt. of India , Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) vide its notification No. 37
dated 5th August, 1992 has recognised the Associate Membership of the Indian Institute of
Architects (By Examination) at par with Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture of a recognised Indian
University for the purpose of employment to posts and services under the Central Government
in appropriate field. The Council of Architecture has approved Scheme of Examination and
Syllabus of Part-I, II, III & IV and granted permission to initiate the process for making fresh
enrollment from academic year 2014-15. Students are eligible for COA Registration on the
completion of IIA Course and then electing as an Associate of the Indian Institute of Architects
(AIIA).

Eligibility criteria
Educational and working experience in Architectural field under the Employer Architect
registered with COA and is also a member of Indian Institute of Architect, having 5 years
professional experience, will be as under:-

Educational Qualification
Required working experience such as preparation of drawings, working drawing etc. under the
employer Architect.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION ARCHITECTURAL EXPERIENCE ARCHITECTURAL EXPERIENCE

UNDER THE EMPLOYER UNDER THE EMPLOYER
ARCHITECT * ARCHITECT *
DIPLOMA HOLDERS In case the Diploma is acquired In case the Diploma is acquired
3 years full time Diploma after 10th Standard working after 12th standard working
approved by the State experience should not be less experience should not be less
Government with minimum than: – than: –
50% marks in any following
Diploma
a) Architectural Assistantship 2 years 1 year
b) Interior Design 2 years 1 year
c) Civil Engineering 3 years 2 years
DEGREE HOLDER 1 Year —
B.E. Civil, B. Tech, Civil
4-year graduation in Interior
Design etc.Note: No provision
of lateral Admission at any
stage or Exemptions in subjects.

 The employer architect means registered architect who is a member of Indian institute of
architects and has 5 years’ professional experience,

AND NATA qualified. (70 marks out of 200 marks).

Procedure of enrollment & registration:

The student, who fulfills the above educational and working experience criteria and qualified
NATA, can apply to the enrollment with the IIA Scheme of Examination 2004 (Revised) by
downloading the form of enrollment available on the website
www.indianinstituteofarchitects.com Fill up the downloaded form as per the instructions and
forward it to the given address along with necessary documents & Bank Demand Draft

After acceptance of Student Membership from a student membership number will be awarded
to the Student.

THE ADMISSION IS OPEN THROUGH OUT THE YEAR TO THE ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES.

WHAT is COA, how is it different from IIA?

In India, we have the regulatory COA and the more “club-like” IIA – with programs, “fellowship”
dinners and workshop-conventions.

 The Architects Act was passed in 1972, it paved way for a proper way of educating and
registering Architects competent to handle the design and building of a truly “developing”
nation, this is governed by the COA.
 Ever since COA has remained a body which primarily maintains a registry of Architects and
monitors the minimum standards of architectural education in India.
 The COA, by virtue of the limitations of the Act and its purpose, has not endeared itself to its
Registrants. Registered architects are not “members” of the Council of Architecture, it only
registers and looks over the control of education in countless schools of Architecture. In this
way COA is different from the IIA.
 Yet the actual truth is that the Act and the COA are the only legitimate things that architects
have; the only instrument of power and recognition that can actually protect and improve
the lot of the fraternity.