Jay Gadekar's Review On Sir JJ College Of Architecture - [SJJCA], Mumbai

CET Architecture exam, now NATA. Score- 15. This college is one of the most reputed in Asia with the most qualified staff and diverse opportunities. It is always the dream of a young student architecture student to graduate from JJ.

B.Arch is a 5 year long course and currently, Sir JJ College is held under the guidelines of Mumbai University to form and implement courses. There are several subjects such as Building Construction, Services, Theory of Structure, Architecture Design, Humanities, Environmental science and many more which are introduced as the course progresses. The University conducts exams in a few semesters.

The college holds a campus selection for fourth year students for internship. About 10 firms approach on average selecting not more than 15 students from a batch of 60-70. The firms do not offer more than 10 thousand rupees and at an average pay around 3,000 rupees since a few students are not also paid for internship while a few are paid around 10 thousand rupees.

The placements are few but enough to ensure that the best of the students get placed. Usually only mediocre firms approach the college while the best of the firms have enough respect for the college that applications from JJ to their offices are considered important than other colleges. (From my experience during internship in Pune).

The college conducts several seminars throughout the year where noteworthy architects would talk about their works in the college itself. Many workshops are also held for extra curricular subjects. Other events include cultural activities such as the College festival, Marathi Vangmay Mandal, competitions and lectures.

The fee structure changes with the caste group of every student. Being an open category student, my fees were rupees 18,000 per annum which is very affordable as compared to other architecture colleges. This is because the college is government aided.

Yes, I won the Kohler's award for 2015 which is given to students for their meritious performance. Two students from each batch from third to fifth years are awarded 80,000 rupees and a certificate as a prize every year under this scheme. Apart from that, there is also a Kajaria award and an Everest Best Student of the Year Award the details of which I am not well aware of.

The gender ratio unlike most other colleges that do not offer architecture is generously in favour of females. There are about 40 girls per 20 boys in every class. Parties are subject to class interests such as my class celebrates anniversary and a few other occasions together. The atmosphere is very liberal. There have been no records of any sort of discrimination since I joined the college.

The college provides accommodation facilities only for students who live away from the college location. The fees are extremely feasible at about rupees 5,000 per annum. This does not include the mess fees. The mess is not very hygienic and students prefer eating elsewhere most of the time. The quality of infrastructure can be improved and currently is under average.

The Alumni are well connected and visit the college often. Some seniors are extremely helpful while others are more interested in social interaction. Most of the permanent faculty members have been students here and they have all affected our experiences positively.

Exams are held every semester. Each year is divided into two semesters. Semesters may include different subjects other that the primary subjects. There are no practical exams in the current B.Arch course. All exams are written with drawing/ sketching as part of the answering pattern. Exams are usually held with gaps in between making them comfortable rather than hectic.

I appeared for CET Architecture exam in June, 2012 which is now NATA. After scoring considerably marks- 153 ( above the cut off of 120s), I approached this college with my documents. Since, I was rank 10, I got admission easily. For that, I had to fill up a highly irritating admission form which had various categories. But, this system has changed now because of the NATA exam being the new standard.

The permanent faculty is well qualified. Visiting professors would keep on changing with different subjects. Standards are raised as compared to other colleges but they might improve further as the college plans. The faculty is easily accessible and ever ready to provide guidance in not only matters related to academics but also extra curriculars and personal.