01] Methodology

Note: The following body of work builds upon elements from the author’s Year 5 ‘ARC556 Preliminary Submission’ titled ‘How do we Improve the Inequality in Architectural Education in India?’ via Turnitin on 29th April, 2020.1

The dissertation focuses on understanding the various inequalities that exist within architectural education in India and how it can be improved. The research was a mixture of a methodological approach of qualitative exploration of the issue coupled with a questionnaire sent out to participants.

The topic required multiple perspectives to be considered due to the vast complexities of the field, along with statistics and data analysis of the schools of architecture. Qualitative research methodology, with initial desk-based research followed by a subjective questionnaire, provided this holistic approach. Detailed analysis of geographical location, type of dominion, tuition fees, infrastructure and year of establishment of schools was conducted. This data was then converted into maps and graphs. Reports and models currently existent in the UK, which could be incorporated within architectural education in India, were explored as a part of the final chapter.

Generic Ethics Approval forms were completed to ensure that the research was conducted in accordance with the University of Sheffield’s Code of Research Ethics. The participant identities have been kept anonymous to stimulate a more open discussion and all participants were made aware of the purpose of this dissertation and their consent obtained prior.

1 Shah Kanai., How do we Improve the Inequality in Architectural Education in India, Preliminary Dissertation Submission via Turnitin, (The University of Sheffield, 29th April, 2020).

Definitions & Acronyms:

Architectural Education in India: The Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) is typically a 5-year degree programme in India. One can pursue it after the 12th Grade by giving the national entrance exam, National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA). After successfully completing the degree course, one can register with the Council of Architecture and undertake professional work as an Architect. There are also several Master’s Degree programmes offered by various institutions.

Currency & Conversion Rate: Indian National Rupee (INR) is the official currency of India. The approximate conversion rate is 1 GBP = 100 INR. As a part of this dissertation, ‘L’ is used as an acronym for Lacs where 1L=100,000 INR.

Quota System: is a seat-reservation system prevalent in India wherein generally, a certain percentage of seats are kept reserved for students belonging to a particular caste or religion. Other forms of quota reservations are ‘Management Quota’, where students pay a donation sum or extra fees annually to get admission, and ‘NRI Quota’, where seats are reserved for Non-Resident Indians.

NASA India: National Association of Students of Architecture, is one of the largest architecture students’ organisation in the world. It has over 200 participating institutions from India and globally.