Evaluating the Architecture Course at Aligarh Muslim University
Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) is renowned for its quality education, with its architecture faculty being recognized nationally. According to the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2020 by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, AMU is among the top 10 universities in the country. This ranking is a testament to the institution's diverse strengths, including its law, engineering, and dental faculties, which also hold high positions in the national rankings.
Specifically, the Faculty of Architecture at AMU is ranked 10th in the country, underscoring its excellence. However, to understand the 'goodness' of the architecture course at AMU, let's first define what we mean by 'good': course structure, faculty, infrastructure, and placements. With this context, we can delve deeper.
Overview of the Architecture Course
Aligarh Muslim University's architecture course is one of the best in the Delhi-NCR region. The faculty is well-established, having been established in 2001, with significant growth and development in the following 16 years. Several graduates from AMU architecture faculty hold reputable positions in the industry, making it a highly regarded program.
Academic Excellence
The academic structure of the architecture course at AMU is based on recommendations from the Council of Architecture (COA). However, it needs improvement in terms of industry involvement. Currently, a handful of faculty members are practicing architects, and while visiting academics from the industry were present during my time, the Institute has recently been holding workshops and seminars to enhance student exposure. These events are aimed at improving student aptitudes in architecture.
Infrastructure and Inter-Departmental Exchanges
Infrastructure-wise, AMU's Faculty of Architecture has access to all necessary facilities required for an architecture college. Nonetheless, there is a need for more inter-departmental exchanges to enhance the overall course structure and provide a more holistic education.
Professional Placement Opportunities
Placement opportunities within the architecture department at AMU are limited. Similar to other architecture colleges in India, campus recruitment is relatively rare. However, AMU is making strides towards improving this aspect, with notable progress in recent years. Compared to faculty members, I often compare the placement environment to that of other institutions, such as SPAD (School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi), a leading architecture institution.
Personal Reflection and Future Outlook
When I graduated from AMU about five years ago, my expectations were low, given its low ranking in my mind. However, upon comparing it with graduates from more renowned colleges, I quickly realized that AMU is indeed competitive and, in many ways, as good as or even better than some of the top institutions.
Choosing to pursue a degree in architecture at AMU is a personal decision that involves thorough research. Will you opt for the educational excellence and excellence of AMU's architecture faculty? The decision is yours, and with AMU's continued efforts to improve, the future looks promising.
All the best in your academic pursuits!