Exclaim! A Call for Reform in Architectural Education

The National Association of Students of Architecture (NASA India), in its 67th year, was celebrated as one of the largest architectural student organizations in the world, bringing together over three hundred colleges across India and beyond. For decades, NASA had built a vibrant platform for learning and collaboration through conventions, workshops, seminars, design competitions, and trophies, becoming a unique fraternity of architecture students.

Architecture had always attracted those seeking to break away from convention—driven by creativity, innovation, and the dream of shaping our built environment. Yet, the journey of a student architect in India was never easy. Rigid course structures, limited exposure to professional practice, unpaid internships, and harsh working conditions continued to weigh heavily on students, often pushing many toward unrelated career paths.

It was in this context that the 67th Year theme, “Exclaim!”, called upon students to raise their voices and question the status quo. It urged reflection on deeper issues: the accessibility of architectural education, the autonomy of institutions, and the relevance of the profession in a rapidly urbanizing India.

The year stood as a reminder that NASA India was not just about winning—but about envisioning together, reforming together, and building a brighter future for architectural education.