Council of Architecture: Difference between revisions

What links here Related changes Page information Get shortened URL
Created by MrOllie
Last edited February 28, 2026
VisualWikitext
>MrOllie
m Reverted 1 edit by Aishwaryasingh2021 (talk) to last revision by Cote d'Azur
 
mNo edit summary
 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Professional regulatory body for architects in India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=November 2013}}
{{Use Indian English|date=November 2013}}
{{refimprove|date=May 2017}}
{{Infobox government agency
'''The Council of Architecture''' ('''COA''') is a statutory body constituted by the [[Government of India]] under the provisions of the Architects Act, 1972, enacted by the Parliament of India, which came into force on 1 September 1972. The Act provides for registration of Architects, standards of education, recognized qualifications and standards of practice to be complied with by the practicing architects. The Council of Architecture is charged with the responsibility to regulate the education and practice of profession throughout India besides maintaining the register of architects. For this purpose, the Government of India has framed Rules and Council of Architecture has framed Regulations as provided for in the Architects Act, with the approval of Government of India.
| name = Council of Architecture
| type = Professional council
| logo = [[File:Council of Architecture - Logo.png|frameless|class=skin-invert]]
| formed = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1972|09|01}}
| jurisdiction = [[Government of India]]
| headquarters = [[India Habitat Centre]], [[New Delhi]]
| minister1_name =
| minister1_pfo =
| chief1_name = Abhay Vinayak Purohit
| chief1_position = President
| chief2_name = Gajanand Ram
| chief2_position = Vice President
| chief3_name = Raj Kumar Oberoi
| chief3_position = Registrar
| chief4_name = Deepak Kumar
| chief4_position = Deputy Registrar
| parent_department = [[Department of Higher Education (India)|Department of Higher Education]],<br /> [[Minister of Education (India)|Minister of Education]]
| website = {{url|www.coa.gov.in/}}
| agency_type = [[Regulatory agency|Professional regulatory body]]
}}
The '''Council of Architecture (COA)''' is a professional regulatory body established by the [[Government of India]] to regulate [[Architectural education in India|architectural education]] and profession of architects throughout India.<ref name=":22" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite act|index=20 of 1972|date=|legislature=[[Parliament of India]]|title=The Architects Act|url=https://www.indiacode.nic.in/handle/123456789/1690|prefix=Act No.}}</ref>


==Overview==
== Overview ==
Any person desirous of carrying on the profession of [[architect]] must have registered himself with Council of Architecture. For the purpose of registration, one must possess the requisite qualification as appended to the Architects Act, after having undergone the education in accordance with the Council of Architecture (Minimum Standards of Architectural Education) Regulations, 1983. The registration with Council of Architecture entitles a person to practice the profession of architecture, provided he holds a Certificate of Registration with up-to-date renewals. The registration also entitles a person to use the title and style of Architect. The title and style of architect can also be used by a firm of architects, of which all partners are registered with COA. Limited Companies, Private/Public Companies, societies and other juridical persons are not entitled to use the title and style of architect nor are they entitled to practice the profession of architecture. If any person falsely claims to be registered or misuses title and style of architect, such acts tantamount to committing of a criminal offence, which is punishable under section 36 or 37 (2) of the Architects Act, 1972.
The role of the Council of Architecture are:<ref name=":22" /><ref name=":2" />


The practice of profession of an architect is governed by the Architects (Professional Conduct) Regulations, 1989 (as amended in 2003), which deals with professional ethics and etiquette, conditions of engagement and scale of charges, architectural competition guidelines etc. Pursuant to these Regulations, the Council of Architecture has framed guidelines governing the various aspects of practice. An architect is required to observe professional conduct as stipulated in the Regulations of 1989 and any violation thereof shall constitute a professional misconduct, which will attract disciplinary action as stipulated under section 30 of the Architects Act, 1972.
* Registering architects;
* Setting minimum standards for architectural education;
* Inspecting higher educational institutions offering architectural programmes;
* Establishing a code of ethics and standards of professional conduct for architects; and
* Investigating professional misconduct.


==Functions==
== History ==
As of 1 January 2020, there are 465 approved institutions,<ref name=CoA>{{cite web |title=Status with Intake of Architectural Institutions in India As on Jan 01, 2020  |url=https://www.coa.gov.in/show_img.php?fid=629 |publisher=Council of Architecture |accessdate= 14 March 2020}}</ref> which impart architectural education in India leading to recognized qualifications. The standards of education being imparted in these institutions (constituent colleges/departments of universities, deemed universities, affiliated colleges/schools, IITs, NITs and autonomous institutions) is governed by Council of Architecture (Minimum Standards of Architectural Education) Regulations, 1983, which set forth the requirement of eligibility for admission, course duration, standards of staff & accommodation, course content, examination etc. These standards as provided in the said Regulations are required to be maintained by the institutions. The COA oversees the maintenance of the standards periodically by way of conducting inspections through Committees of Experts. The COA is required to keep the Central Government informed of the standards being maintained by the institutions and is empowered to make recommendations to the Government of India with regard to recognition and de-recognition of a qualification.
India experienced a rapid increase in construction activities following the independence. During this period, many unqualified persons utilised the title "[[architect]]" and undertook the construction of buildings, which were frequently uneconomical and unsafe. This caused disrepute to the profession of architects.<ref name=":22">{{Cite act|index=20 of 1972|legislature=[[Parliament of India]]|title=The Architects Act|url=https://architexturez.net/doc/az-cf-193290|prefix=Act No.|orig-section=Statement of Objects and Reasons}}</ref>
 
[[Indian Institute of Architects|The Indian Institute of Architects]], a professional association of architects, led the demand for statutory regulation of profession of architecture. They argued that statutory regulation was necessary to protect the general public from unqualified persons working as architects.<ref name=":22" /><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Ganju |first=Munishwar Nath Ashish |date=1999 |title=Architect as Team Leader: the Architect’s Distinctive Professional Identity |url=https://architexturez.net/doc/az-cf-21742 |website=Architexturez South Asia}}</ref>
 
Subsequently, the [[Parliament of India|Indian Parliament]] enacted the Architects Act of 1972 as a statutory provision for registering architects. The Act made it unlawful for any person to use the title "architect" without the requisite qualifications, experience and registration under the Act.<ref name=":22" /><ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite court|litigants=Council of Architecture v. Mr. Mukesh Goyal & Ors.|opinion=2020 INSC 298|court=[[Supreme Court of India]]|date=2020-03-17|url=https://api.sci.gov.in/supremecourt/2014/21001/21001_2014_3_1501_21539_Judgement_17-Mar-2020.pdf}}</ref>
 
The Architects Act established the Council of Architecture with authority over the registration of architects. The Act empowered the Council of Architecture to prescribe a code of ethics and standards of professional conduct for architects and enforce it through enquiries and disciplinary actions. The Act entrusted the Council of Architecture with assessment of the standards of education and training of architects within India.<ref name=":22" /><ref name=":2" />
 
== Organisation structure ==
 
=== Council ===
The Council of Architecture is the primary [[Deliberative assembly|deliberative body]] of the [[Regulatory agency|professional regulatory body]]. Its resolution and decision needs to be approved by the Executive Committee through a majority vote before [[Entry into force|commencement]].<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":23" /><ref name=":232" />
 
The Council of Architecture consists of the following members:<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":0" />
 
* Five architects elected by the members of the [[Indian Institute of Architects]] from among themselves;
* Five architects elected by the heads of architecture schools from among themselves;
* One person nominated by the [[Government of India]];
* Two persons nominated by the [[All India Council for Technical Education|All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)]];
* The Chief Architect of the [[Central Public Works Department|Indian Central Public Works Department]], as an [[ex officio member]];
* The Chief Architect of the [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Indian Ministry of Defence]], as an [[ex officio member]];
* One architect from each [[States and union territories of India|state or union territory]], nominated by the respective [[State governments of India|state or union territory government]];
* Two persons nominated by the [[Institution of Engineers (India)]] from among its members; and
* One person nominated by the Institution of Surveyors (India) from among its members.
The elected and nominated members of the Council of Architecture serve a three-year term from the date of their election or nomination. All members are eligible for re-election or re-nomination, but may not serve more than three consecutive terms.<ref name=":2" />
 
=== President ===
The President is elected by the members of the Council of Architecture present at the time of the election, from among themselves. The President serves a three-year term, provided their membership in the Council of Architecture remains active.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":23">{{Cite act|index=|date=1973-02-20|legislature=[[Ministry of Education (India)|Ministry of Education]], [[Government of India]]|title=Council of Architecture Rules, 1973|url=https://upload.indiacode.nic.in/showfile?actid=AC_CEN_9_30_00017_197220_1517807324770&type=rule&filename=Council%20of%20Architecture%20Rules%201973.pdf|prefix=|authority=|reporter=|type=|at=|parallel=}}</ref>
 
=== Vice President ===
The Vice President is elected by the members of the Council of Architecture present at the time of the election, from among themselves. The Vice President serves a three-year term, provided their membership in the Council of Architecture remains active.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":23" />
 
=== Registrar ===
The Registrar is appointed by the Council of Architecture as its [[chief executive officer]]. The Registrar must retire at the age of 60.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":232" />
 
=== Executive Committee ===
The Executive Committee is the executive authority of the Council of Architecture and is responsible for giving effect to the resolution and decision of the Council of Architecture.<ref name=":232">{{Cite act|index=|date=1983-04-02|legislature=[[Ministry of Education (India)|Ministry of Education]], [[Government of India]]|title=Council of Architecture Regulations, 1982|url=https://upload.indiacode.nic.in/showfile?actid=AC_CEN_9_30_00017_197220_1517807324770&type=regulation&filename=Council%20of%20Architecture%20Regulations%201982.pdf|prefix=}}</ref>
 
The Executive Committee is a seven-member committee of the Council of Architecture and is composed of the President, the Vice President, and five additional members, who are elected by the members of the Council of Architecture from among themselves. The members of the Executive Committee serves a three-year term, provided their membership in the Council of Architecture remains active.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":23" />
 
The Executive Committee manages and invests the funds and oversees staff appointments and conditions of service. It prepares annual audit and administration reports and submits them to the Council of Architecture for consideration. It also authorizes expenditures and handles allowances. The Presidents approve the resolution and decision of the Committee by signing it. If the President disapproves, the Council of Architecture can approve it through a majority vote.<ref name=":232" />
=== Disciplinary Committee ===
The Disciplinary Committee is a three-member committee of the Council of Architecture, responsible for investigating alleged professional misconduct by architects. The Council of Architecture reviews complaints made against registered architects and refers any ''[[prima facie]]'' cases to the Disciplinary Committee for a full inquiry. The Disciplinary Committee conducts the inquiry and submits its report to the Council of Architecture.<ref name=":23" />


==References==
==References==
Line 19: Line 86:


{{Indian Professional Regulators}}
{{Indian Professional Regulators}}
 
[[Category:Architecture organizations]]
[[Category:Architecture of India]]
[[Category:Architecture-related professional associations]]
[[Category:Architecture-related professional associations]]
[[Category:Architecture in India]]
[[Category:Architectural education in India]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 1972]]
[[Category:Organisations based in Delhi]]
[[Category:Organisations based in Delhi]]
[[Category:Arts organizations established in 1972]]
[[Category:Government agencies established in 1972]]
[[Category:Ministry of Education (India)]]
[[Category:Regulatory agencies of India]]
[[Category:Regulatory agencies of India]]
[[Category:College accreditors in India]]

Latest revision as of 14:03, 28 February 2026


Council of Architecture
Professional council overview
Formed1 September 1972; 53 years ago (1972-09-01)
TypeProfessional regulatory body
JurisdictionGovernment of India
HeadquartersIndia Habitat Centre, New Delhi
Professional council executives
  • Abhay Vinayak Purohit, President
  • Gajanand Ram, Vice President
  • Raj Kumar Oberoi, Registrar
  • Deepak Kumar, Deputy Registrar
Parent departmentDepartment of Higher Education,
Minister of Education
Websitewww.coa.gov.in

The Council of Architecture (COA) is a professional regulatory body established by the Government of India to regulate architectural education and profession of architects throughout India.[1][2]

Overview[edit | edit source]

The role of the Council of Architecture are:[1][2]

  • Registering architects;
  • Setting minimum standards for architectural education;
  • Inspecting higher educational institutions offering architectural programmes;
  • Establishing a code of ethics and standards of professional conduct for architects; and
  • Investigating professional misconduct.

History[edit | edit source]

India experienced a rapid increase in construction activities following the independence. During this period, many unqualified persons utilised the title "architect" and undertook the construction of buildings, which were frequently uneconomical and unsafe. This caused disrepute to the profession of architects.[1]

The Indian Institute of Architects, a professional association of architects, led the demand for statutory regulation of profession of architecture. They argued that statutory regulation was necessary to protect the general public from unqualified persons working as architects.[1][3]

Subsequently, the Indian Parliament enacted the Architects Act of 1972 as a statutory provision for registering architects. The Act made it unlawful for any person to use the title "architect" without the requisite qualifications, experience and registration under the Act.[1][2][4]

The Architects Act established the Council of Architecture with authority over the registration of architects. The Act empowered the Council of Architecture to prescribe a code of ethics and standards of professional conduct for architects and enforce it through enquiries and disciplinary actions. The Act entrusted the Council of Architecture with assessment of the standards of education and training of architects within India.[1][2]

Organisation structure[edit | edit source]

Council[edit | edit source]

The Council of Architecture is the primary deliberative body of the professional regulatory body. Its resolution and decision needs to be approved by the Executive Committee through a majority vote before commencement.[2][5][6]

The Council of Architecture consists of the following members:[2][3]

The elected and nominated members of the Council of Architecture serve a three-year term from the date of their election or nomination. All members are eligible for re-election or re-nomination, but may not serve more than three consecutive terms.[2]

President[edit | edit source]

The President is elected by the members of the Council of Architecture present at the time of the election, from among themselves. The President serves a three-year term, provided their membership in the Council of Architecture remains active.[2][5]

Vice President[edit | edit source]

The Vice President is elected by the members of the Council of Architecture present at the time of the election, from among themselves. The Vice President serves a three-year term, provided their membership in the Council of Architecture remains active.[2][5]

Registrar[edit | edit source]

The Registrar is appointed by the Council of Architecture as its chief executive officer. The Registrar must retire at the age of 60.[2][6]

Executive Committee[edit | edit source]

The Executive Committee is the executive authority of the Council of Architecture and is responsible for giving effect to the resolution and decision of the Council of Architecture.[6]

The Executive Committee is a seven-member committee of the Council of Architecture and is composed of the President, the Vice President, and five additional members, who are elected by the members of the Council of Architecture from among themselves. The members of the Executive Committee serves a three-year term, provided their membership in the Council of Architecture remains active.[2][5]

The Executive Committee manages and invests the funds and oversees staff appointments and conditions of service. It prepares annual audit and administration reports and submits them to the Council of Architecture for consideration. It also authorizes expenditures and handles allowances. The Presidents approve the resolution and decision of the Committee by signing it. If the President disapproves, the Council of Architecture can approve it through a majority vote.[6]

Disciplinary Committee[edit | edit source]

The Disciplinary Committee is a three-member committee of the Council of Architecture, responsible for investigating alleged professional misconduct by architects. The Council of Architecture reviews complaints made against registered architects and refers any prima facie cases to the Disciplinary Committee for a full inquiry. The Disciplinary Committee conducts the inquiry and submits its report to the Council of Architecture.[5]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 "The Architects Act". Act No. 20 of 1972 of Error: the date or year parameters are either empty or in an invalid format, please use a valid year for year, and use DMY, MDY, MY, or Y date formats for date. Parliament of India. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |orig-section= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |prefix= ignored (help)
  2. ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 "The Architects Act". Act No. 20 of 1972 of Error: the date or year parameters are either empty or in an invalid format, please use a valid year for year, and use DMY, MDY, MY, or Y date formats for date. Parliament of India. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |prefix= ignored (help)
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Ganju, Munishwar Nath Ashish (1999). "Architect as Team Leader: the Architect's Distinctive Professional Identity". Architexturez South Asia.
  4. ↑ Council of Architecture v. Mr. Mukesh Goyal & Ors., 2020 INSC 298 (Supreme Court of India 2020-03-17).
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 "Council of Architecture Rules, 1973".  of Error: the date or year parameters are either empty or in an invalid format, please use a valid year for year, and use DMY, MDY, MY, or Y date formats for date (PDF). Ministry of Education, Government of India.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 "Council of Architecture Regulations, 1982". Act of Error: the date or year parameters are either empty or in an invalid format, please use a valid year for year, and use DMY, MDY, MY, or Y date formats for date (PDF). Ministry of Education, Government of India.

External links[edit | edit source]

Template:Indian Professional Regulators

Retrieved from "https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Council_of_Architecture&oldid=458534"
Discover more