NEP 2020 Preparedness

The National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) heralds a transformative approach to higher education, emphasizing flexibility, interdisciplinarity, and skill development. Architecture education, being inherently multidisciplinary, aligns seamlessly with NEP 2020’s vision. The policy offers a framework for reimagining architectural pedagogy to prepare students for the challenges of sustainable development, cultural preservation, and technological advancement.

Multidisciplinary and Holistic Educational Approach

Our curriculum is designed under the Outcome-Based Education (OBE) framework, ensuring that learning outcomes are measurable, relevant, and interconnected across disciplines. Various courses are structured to foster collaboration and exploration beyond traditional boundaries, offering students unique opportunities to study and grow alongside peers from diverse academic domains.

For instance, Environmental Studies is taught in collaboration with Rahul College of Education, where architecture students engage with education students to explore and understand social science perspectives on environmental challenges. Similarly, in the study of Theory and Design of Structures, students collaborate with the Department of Civil Engineering at Shree L.R. Tiwari College of Engineering, blending architectural and engineering viewpoints to gain a comprehensive understanding of structural design. Allied design studios are enriched by interactions with professional firms and immersive social projects, encouraging students to connect academic concepts with real-world applications.

In Semester 3 and 4, students delve into Architectural Building Services alongside project management and civil engineering peers, promoting a collaborative understanding of complex systems. Additionally, critical topics like the National Building Code and legal frameworks are taught through a unique collaboration with Shree L.R. Tiwari College of Law, where architecture and law students sit together to learn through case-based teaching methods. This approach helps students analyze and interpret regulatory frameworks, fostering a nuanced understanding of architectural practice within legal contexts.

Through such multidisciplinary initiatives, SKLTCOA ensures that students gain diverse perspectives, develop interdisciplinary competencies, and are well-prepared to address the multifaceted challenges of the architectural profession. This integration of collaborative learning not only enriches their academic experience but also equips them to thrive in a dynamic, interconnected world.

Flexibility in Learning Pathways

The National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) prioritizes flexible entry and exit options in higher education, enabling students to customize their academic trajectories to align with their aspirations and life circumstances. At Smt. K.L. Tiwari College of Architecture (SKLTCOA), the Diploma in Architecture (D.Arch.) program embodies this flexibility, serving as both a foundational qualification and a stepping stone for advanced studies in architecture.

Upon completing the Diploma in Architecture, students have the opportunity to transition seamlessly into the Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) program with lateral entry into the second year, leveraging their foundational knowledge and skills to excel in the advanced coursework. Alternatively, diploma graduates can directly enter the professional world, equipped with industry-relevant competencies gained through the program’s hands-on and multidisciplinary learning approach.

This dual pathway empowers students to make informed choices based on their personal goals—whether to advance academically or embark on their professional journey. By aligning with NEP 2020’s emphasis on flexibility, the D.Arch. program at SKLTCOA ensures that students are supported at every stage of their educational and career development, making architectural education accessible, adaptive, and future-ready.

Focus on Sustainability and Global Challenges

At Smt. K.L. Tiwari College of Architecture (SKLTCOA), sustainability is not just a concept but a cornerstone of our academic philosophy and institutional practices. Reflecting the vision of the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020), we equip students to address pressing global challenges like climate change, resource depletion, and ecological degradation through innovative, sustainable design solutions.

Our approach to sustainability is multi-dimensional, integrating academic initiatives, research, and campus-wide practices. Value Added Courses (VACs) on sustainability expose students to a variety of institutional settings, architectural sites, and real-world scenarios where sustainable practices are implemented. These courses enable students to understand and adopt eco-friendly design principles, explore renewable energy solutions, and incorporate green building standards into their projects.

Research at SKLTCOA is centered on advancing sustainability in architecture. Faculty and students engage in projects that explore energy-efficient materials, climate-responsive designs, and sustainable urban planning. These research efforts contribute to a growing body of knowledge that addresses local and global sustainability challenges, empowering students to become thought leaders in the field.

Beyond academics, SKLTCOA practices what it preaches through its green campus initiatives. These include rainwater harvesting systems, energy-efficient infrastructure, waste segregation and recycling, and extensive green cover. The campus serves as a living laboratory for sustainable practices, inspiring students to integrate these principles into their designs and everyday lives.

Through these comprehensive efforts, SKLTCOA ensures that its graduates are not only aware of global sustainability challenges but are also prepared to lead the charge in creating a greener, more resilient future. By embedding sustainability into every facet of architectural education, we strive to nurture architects who design not only for the present but also for generations to come.

Emphasis on Research and Innovation

The National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) highlights the pivotal role of research and innovation in higher education, encouraging institutions to address real-world challenges through creative and critical problem-solving. At Smt. K.L. Tiwari College of Architecture (SKLTCOA), we embrace this directive by fostering a vibrant research culture that equips students and faculty to explore and innovate across various domains of architecture.

Architectural education at SKLTCOA is deeply rooted in research-driven approaches, enabling students to tackle pressing issues such as urban planning, heritage conservation, and disaster-resilient design. Through workshops and seminars on research methodology, students gain the analytical skills and frameworks necessary to conduct impactful studies. This prepares them not only to contribute to academic discourse but also to propose solutions to real-world architectural challenges.

Our institution actively engages with the industry through consultancy research projects, providing students and faculty with opportunities to work on live projects that address current architectural and infrastructural needs. Participation in prestigious national platforms like the NASA Competitions (National Association of Students of Architecture) further strengthens this research orientation, as students collaborate, innovate, and present solutions that showcase their creative and technical expertise.

Faculty research is another cornerstone of SKLTCOA’s academic environment, with educators leading inquiries into sustainable practices, emerging materials, and advanced design methodologies. The Institution Innovation Council (IIC) at SKLTCOA plays a critical role in cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset among students and faculty, promoting capacity-building activities that transform ideas into viable solutions. This entrepreneurial approach encourages students to view architectural challenges through an innovative lens, fostering designs that are both practical and visionary.

By integrating research and innovation into its educational framework, SKLTCOA ensures that students are not only well-versed in architectural theory but also capable of driving advancements in the field. Through a culture that blends academic inquiry, industry collaboration, and entrepreneurial thinking, SKLTCOA aligns with NEP 2020’s vision of creating architects who can shape a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient built environment.

Integration of Vocational Education

Aligned with the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020), Smt. K.L. Tiwari College of Architecture (SKLTCOA) integrates vocational education into its architectural programs to ensure that students are equipped with hands-on skills and practical insights. This approach bridges the gap between academia and industry, fostering job readiness and entrepreneurial competence.

With over 40 institutional MoUs with leading firms and agencies, SKLTCOA provides a robust industry-academia interface. Students benefit from workshops, apprenticeships, and live on-site learning experiences, where they engage directly with architectural and construction professionals. Courses are enriched through do-it-yourself exercises, site visits, and case studies, ensuring a deep understanding of real-world architectural practices. This emphasis on vocational training prepares students for the multifaceted challenges of the profession, ensuring they graduate as industry-ready professionals.

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Technology Integration and Digital Learning

Technology is reshaping architectural education, and SKLTCOA is at the forefront of this transformation. In alignment with NEP 2020’s emphasis on digital learning, the curriculum incorporates cutting-edge tools such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), Revit, AutoCAD, parametric design software, and emerging AI-powered platforms like ChatGPT and MidJourney. Students also explore the use of Augmented Reality (AR) in design visualization, creating immersive and interactive experiences.

Through technology-driven projects and workshops, students develop the skills necessary to leverage these tools effectively, preparing them to meet the evolving demands of the industry. This integration ensures that graduates are well-versed in digital methodologies, enabling them to innovate and excel in a competitive architectural landscape.

Integration of Vocational Education

Technology Integration and Digital Learning

Promoting Cultural Preservation

As custodians of cultural heritage, architects play a critical role in preserving and revitalizing historical structures. NEP 2020 underscores the importance of integrating local knowledge systems and vernacular practices into education. At SKLTCOA, students actively engage in heritage conservation projects, such as the documentation of the Shankaracharya Temple and fort preservation initiatives. These projects instill a deep respect for cultural identity and historical significance while equipping students with the technical skills needed for restoration and adaptive reuse.

By grounding architectural education in cultural preservation, SKLTCOA ensures that students understand the importance of protecting India’s rich architectural legacy while creatively adapting it to contemporary contexts.

Global and Local Perspectives

SKLTCOA’s architectural programs blend global design philosophies with a strong focus on addressing local challenges, resonating with NEP 2020’s vision of integrating global and local perspectives. Students are exposed to international best practices while exploring regional issues in urban planning, rural development, and climate-responsive design.

In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), SKLTCOA emphasizes sustainable urbanism, equitable access to resources, and environmentally conscious planning. This dual focus equips students with the adaptability to operate effectively in both global and local contexts, fostering a holistic understanding of architectural practice.

Through these initiatives, SKLTCOA not only prepares students to meet contemporary architectural demands but also empowers them to lead efforts in sustainability, heritage conservation, and innovative design, creating professionals who are as globally aware as they are locally rooted.