Dr.Baliram Hiray College of Architecture

Dr. Baliram Hiray College of Architecture (DBHCOA), established in 1994, is a premier institution for architectural education located in the heart of Mumbai. Managed by the Mahatma Gandhi Vidyamandir Trust, the college has built a reputation for blending traditional architectural values with modern technological advancements.

• Location: Bandra (East), Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• Affiliation: University of Mumbai.
• Approval: Council of Architecture (COA), New Delhi and Directorate of Technical Education (DTE), Maharashtra.
• Campus: Urban campus with proximity to the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai's leading business hub.
• Focus: Holistic development through site visits, hands-on workshops, and industry interaction.

The college is primarily known for its rigorous undergraduate and specialized postgraduate offerings. The curriculum is designed to meet the evolving demands of the Mumbai real estate and infrastructure sectors.

• Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch): A 5-year full-time program focusing on design theory, construction technology, and professional practice.
• Master of Architecture (M.Arch) in Project Management: A 2-year postgraduate program tailored for those looking to lead large-scale urban development and construction projects.

Admissions for the 2026 academic session are conducted through the Centralized Admission Process (CAP) by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra.

Candidates must have a valid NATA score or have qualified in JEE Main Paper 2 to be eligible for the B.Arch program.

Note: Check exact dates on the official exam and college websites.

Note: These are approximate figures based on past trends, not official cutoffs. Check the latest official counselling cutoff before applying.

The 2026 cutoffs are determined by the Merit Score, which is a combination of the NATA/JEE score and the Class 12th (HSC) percentage. Historically, the cutoff for the General category fluctuates between 140 and 155 merit marks for state-level candidates.

Factors influencing the 2026 cutoff include the difficulty level of NATA, the number of applicants under the Mumbai University quota, and the availability of seats in the CAP rounds.

Note: Placement figures are indicative and not taken from the official placement report of the college. Please confirm with the college.

The 2025 placement cycle saw strong interest from urban planning firms and boutique architecture studios. Architecture placements typically function through portfolios and internships.

• Average Starting Salary: INR 3.5 LPA - 5.5 LPA for Junior Architects.
• Top Roles: Junior Architect, Urban Designer, Project Coordinator, BIM Modeler.
• Key Recruiters: Local firms such as Hafeez Contractor, Somaya & Kalappa, and various real estate developers like Godrej Properties and Lodha Group often hire interns who transition to full-time roles.

The college facilitates various government scholarships to ensure financial inclusivity:

• MahaDBT Scholarships: For SC/ST/OBC and VJNT categories as per Maharashtra State Government norms.
• EBC Scholarship: Financial assistance for students from Economically Backward Classes.
• Minority Scholarship: Available for students belonging to Jain, Muslim, Christian, and other minority communities.
• Merit-based Awards: Internal college awards for toppers in university examinations.

The most sought-after courses at DBHCOA reflect a balance between creative design and technical management:

• B.Arch: Known for its focus on sustainable urban design relevant to Mumbai's coastal geography.
• M.Arch (Project Management): Popular among working professionals looking to transition into high-level management roles in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry.

The fee structure for 2026 is subject to approval by the Fees Regulating Authority (FRA), Maharashtra.

Note: Fees may vary based on category (Open/OBC/SC/ST) and development fund requirements.

The application process is primarily digital:

1. Register for NATA 2026 or MAH-B.Arch-CET.
2. Once results are out, apply on the State CET Cell Maharashtra portal for CAP rounds.
3. Select Dr. Baliram Hiray College of Architecture (DTE Code: 3244) as a preferred choice in the option form.
4. Attend document verification at a Scrutiny Center (SC).
5. Upon allotment, report to the college with original documents and the admission fee.

The college provides a specialized environment conducive to architectural learning:

• Design Studios: Spacious, well-lit studios equipped with drafting tables.
• Computer Lab: High-end systems with software like AutoCAD, Revit, Rhino, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Library: Extensive collection of international journals, rare architectural books, and digital archives.
• Workshop Area: Space for model making and material testing.
• Canteen: A social hub providing hygienic meals for students and staff.

The academic structure is divided into specialized departments to ensure focused learning:

• Department of Architectural Design: Oversees the core studio curriculum.
• Department of Building Technology & Material Science: Focuses on construction techniques and structural engineering.
• Department of Humanities and Environmental Studies: Covers history, sociology, and sustainable practices.
• Postgraduate Department: Dedicated to M.Arch Project Management research and academics.