Bachelor of Design [B.Des] (Interior Architecture)
at B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science & Technology - [BSAU]
About Bachelor of Design [B.Des] (Interior Architecture)
The B.Des (Interior Architecture) at Crescent School of Architecture, B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology (BSAU), Chennai, is a 4-year full-time undergraduate programme offered under the School of Architecture, one of the pioneering interior design schools in Tamil Nadu. The programme focuses on spatial design, theory, studio practice, and professional skills in interior architecture, with a total tuition fee ranging from Rs. 3,60,000 to Rs. 7,20,000 (merit-based slabs) and a seat intake of 60. Admission is primarily through the college's own entrance examination (CSA Entrance Exam), and the course is popular for its studio-based learning, experienced faculty, and strong design foundation in a well-established deemed university campus.
Admissions for 2026 are currently open. Applications are being accepted from January 14, 2026, with the deadline tentatively set for May 29, 2026. The college entrance exam date will be intimated separately by Crescent School of Architecture.
Key Points
- One of the first and most established interior architecture programmes in Chennai, offered since 2010 under the Crescent School of Architecture (CSA).
- Seat intake is 60, making it a relatively small and focused cohort with personalised studio attention.
- Tuition fees are merit-based, determined by a combination of 12th standard marks (75% weightage) and entrance exam performance (25% weightage), making it financially accessible for high-scoring students.
- Students from any stream (including those without Maths and Science) are eligible to apply, broadening access to the programme.
- The programme is affiliated with B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology (a NAAC A+ accredited deemed university) and the Council of Architecture (CoA).
- International study tours (e.g., Bali) and live sketching workshops are part of the programme's experiential learning approach.
BSAU B.Des Fees
The B.Des (Interior Architecture) programme at BSAU follows a merit-based fee structure where tuition fees per semester are determined by the student's combined performance in 12th standard (75% weightage) and the CSA entrance exam (25% weightage). The total tuition fee for the 4-year programme ranges from Rs. 3,60,000 (for students scoring 90% and above) to Rs. 7,20,000 (for students scoring below 60%). A one-time Amenities and Service Fee of Rs. 35,000 is payable at the time of admission.
Fee Structure
| Fee Component | Amount (4 Years Total) |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (90% and above) | Rs. 3,60,000 |
| Tuition Fee (80 - 89.99%) | Rs. 4,40,000 |
| Tuition Fee (70 - 79.99%) | Rs. 5,20,000 |
| Tuition Fee (60 - 69.99%) | Rs. 6,00,000 |
| Tuition Fee (Below 60%) | Rs. 7,20,000 |
| Amenities and Service Fee (One-time) | Rs. 35,000 |
| Hostel Fee (Optional, 4 years) | Rs. 4,05,000 |
| Total Fees (Tuition + Amenities, excl. Hostel) | Rs. 3,95,000 to Rs. 7,55,000 |
- Tuition fee per semester ranges from Rs. 45,000 (90% and above) to Rs. 90,000 (below 60%), payable each semester over 8 semesters.
- The Amenities and Service Fee of Rs. 35,000 is a one-time payment at the time of admission.
- Hostel fee of Rs. 4,05,000 is for 4 years (based on the cheapest available option); it is optional and not included in the Total Fees above. Meal plan is not included in the hostel fee.
- Transport charges (optional): Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 50,000 per year, varying by distance (AC bus).
- No EMI or instalment details are officially published; students are advised to contact the admissions office for payment schedule details.
BSAU B.Des Admission 2026
Admissions to the B.Des (Interior Architecture) programme at Crescent School of Architecture are currently open for the 2026 batch. Selection is based on performance in the 12th standard (75% weightage) and the CSA-conducted entrance examination (25% weightage). Students from all streams are eligible, and the process is straightforward with direct application to the college.
College Admission Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | January 14, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | May 29, 2026 |
| CSA Entrance Exam Date | To be intimated by Crescent School of Architecture |
| Batch Commencement | July/August 2026 (Tentative) |
Entrance Exam Dates
| Exam | Event | Date |
|---|---|---|
| NATA 2026 | Registration Start | March 1, 2026 (Tentative) |
| NATA 2026 | Registration End | June End, 2026 (Tentative) |
| NATA 2026 | Exam Dates | March to June 2026 (Every Friday and Saturday, Tentative) |
| NATA 2026 | Result | Within 7 days of exam |
Note: NATA score is accepted as an alternative to the CSA entrance exam for B.Des admissions at BSAU. Candidates with a valid NATA score may be considered for direct admission.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Pass in Higher Secondary Examination (10+2) from any State or Central Board in any stream with a minimum of 50% overall aggregate marks.
- Students without Maths and Science in 12th standard are also eligible.
- Age Limit: Date of birth should fall on or after July 1, 2002 (for 2026 admissions).
Admission Process:
- Fill and submit the application form online at crescentschoolofarchitecture.com or crescent.education.
- Appear for the CSA Entrance Examination (date to be announced by the college) or submit a valid NATA score.
- Merit list is prepared based on 75% weightage to 12th marks and 25% weightage to entrance exam performance.
- Selected candidates receive an offer letter and must complete fee payment and document verification within the stipulated time.
- Report to the campus for enrollment and orientation at the start of the academic year.
BSAU B.Des Scholarships 2026
BSAU offers merit-based fee concessions built into the fee structure itself, where students with higher academic performance pay significantly lower tuition fees. Additionally, government scholarships and other financial aid options are available to eligible students. The fee slab system effectively functions as an institutional scholarship, rewarding academic merit.
Scholarship Details
| Scholarship / Fee Concession | Eligibility | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Merit-Based Tuition Fee Slab (90% and above) | 90% and above in 12th + Entrance Exam (combined) | Tuition fee reduced to Rs. 45,000/semester (Rs. 3,60,000 total) |
| Merit-Based Tuition Fee Slab (80-89.99%) | 80-89.99% combined score | Tuition fee Rs. 55,000/semester (Rs. 4,40,000 total) |
| Merit-Based Tuition Fee Slab (70-79.99%) | 70-79.99% combined score | Tuition fee Rs. 65,000/semester (Rs. 5,20,000 total) |
| Merit-Based Tuition Fee Slab (60-69.99%) | 60-69.99% combined score | Tuition fee Rs. 75,000/semester (Rs. 6,00,000 total) |
| Government Scholarships (State/Central) | As per government norms (SC/ST/OBC/Minority/EWS) | Varies; students must apply separately through government portals |
| CGPA-Based Scholarship (Continuing Students) | Based on CGPA in previous semesters | Fee concession for high-performing continuing students (as per university policy) |
- The merit-based fee slab is determined at the time of admission based on 12th marks (75%) and entrance exam score (25%).
- Government scholarships (e.g., Tamil Nadu State Scholarship, Post-Matric Scholarship for minorities, SC/ST scholarships) are available and must be applied for separately through the respective government portals.
- Students are advised to contact the admissions office for the latest scholarship details and application deadlines.
BSAU B.Des Placement 2026
Placement Overview
| Placement Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Opportunities | Graduates from the B.Des (Interior Architecture) programme at CSA typically find opportunities in interior design firms, architecture studios, real estate companies, hospitality sector, and retail design. |
| Placement Statistics | While the college does not publish exclusive B.Des placement statistics, the overall placement infrastructure at BSAU is well-regarded. |
| Key Factor | Students are encouraged to build strong portfolios during the programme, as portfolio quality is the primary factor in design industry placements. |
According to an external review site Ranking 2025, BS Abdur Rahman University ranks 21 out of 76 colleges in India and 1 in state Tamil Nadu for its B.Des Interior Architecture program.
- 6 out of 40 under IIRF Design Ranking 2024.
Read more on BS Abdur Rahman University Rankings here
BSAU B.Des FAQs
Ques. Is NATA mandatory for B.Des (Interior Architecture) admission at Crescent School of Architecture?
Ans. NATA is not strictly mandatory for B.Des (Interior Architecture) at Crescent School of Architecture. The college conducts its own CSA Entrance Examination, and admission is primarily based on 12th marks (75%) and this entrance exam (25%). However, a valid NATA score is also accepted as an alternative. Students without a NATA score can still apply and appear for the CSA entrance exam.
Ques. Can students from the Arts or Commerce stream apply for B.Des (Interior Architecture) at BSAU?
Ans. Yes, students from any stream including Arts, Commerce, and Humanities can apply for the B.Des (Interior Architecture) programme. The eligibility does not require Maths or Science as compulsory subjects in 12th standard. The only requirement is a minimum of 50% aggregate in 10+2 from any recognised board.
Ques. What is the actual fee I will pay if I score above 90% in 12th and the entrance exam?
Ans. If your combined score (75% weightage to 12th marks + 25% weightage to entrance exam) is 90% and above, your tuition fee will be Rs. 45,000 per semester, totalling Rs. 3,60,000 for the entire 4-year programme. Additionally, a one-time Amenities and Service Fee of Rs. 35,000 is payable at admission, making the total (excluding hostel) Rs. 3,95,000.
Ques. What software and tools are taught in the B.Des (Interior Architecture) programme at CSA?
Ans. The programme covers a range of design tools and software as part of the curriculum, including AutoCAD, SketchUp, 3ds Max, and other industry-relevant design software. The school has dedicated art labs, drawing rooms, and design studios. Students also undertake field trips and international study tours (such as the Bali trip) as part of their experiential learning.
Ques. How is the placement scenario for B.Des (Interior Architecture) graduates from Crescent School of Architecture?
Ans. Graduates from the B.Des (Interior Architecture) programme at CSA typically find opportunities in interior design firms, architecture studios, real estate companies, hospitality sector, and retail design. While the college does not publish exclusive B.Des placement statistics, the overall placement infrastructure at BSAU is well-regarded. Students are encouraged to build strong portfolios during the programme, as portfolio quality is the primary factor in design industry placements.
Ques. Is hostel accommodation available for B.Des students at BSAU, and is it mandatory?
Ans. Hostel accommodation is available at BSAU for B.Des students but is not mandatory. The hostel fee is approximately Rs. 4,05,000 for 4 years (based on the cheapest available option, calculated on 1st year basis). The campus is located at Vandalur, Chennai, which is well-connected by road and rail. Students who prefer to commute can opt for the college AC bus service at Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 50,000 per year depending on distance.