Skip to content
Back to Awards

विद्यार्थी सम्मान (Vidyarthi Samman)

Student Heritage Excellence Award

विद्यार्थी सम्मान (Vidyarthi Samman)

Recognizing outstanding measured drawings of heritage structures by architecture and design students

The Vidyarthi Samman (Student Heritage Excellence Award) is our flagship award program designed to encourage architecture and design students to engage deeply with India's built heritage through the practice of measured drawing. Measured drawings are a fundamental tool in heritage documentation, requiring careful observation, precise measurement, and accurate representation of architectural elements. Through this process, students develop an intimate understanding of traditional building techniques, proportional systems, and design principles. Each year, participating universities nominate their best student work for consideration. Our jury of eminent architects, conservation specialists, and academics evaluates submissions based on accuracy, technical skill, presentation quality, and the student's analytical understanding of the structure documented.
Eligibility Criteria
  • Must be enrolled in an architecture, design, or heritage conservation program at a recognized institution
  • Measured drawings must be of structures that are at least 75 years old
  • Submissions must include floor plans, elevations, sections, and detail drawings
  • Work must have been completed as part of academic coursework within the last academic year
  • Previous winners may not submit the same project but may submit new work
Prizes and Benefits

Monetary Prizes

  • First Prize: ₹5,00,000
  • Second Prize: ₹3,00,000
  • Third Prize: ₹1,00,000

Additional Benefits

  • Publication in Inheritage Quarterly
  • Exhibition of winning entries at the annual Heritage Conclave
  • Internship opportunities with leading conservation architects
  • Mentorship from heritage experts
Jury Members
  • Prof. Nalini ThakurConservation Architect & Educator
  • Ar. Abha Narain LambahConservation Architect
  • Dr. Rohit JigyasuHeritage Risk Management Expert
  • Prof. A.G.K. MenonUrban Planner & Conservation Consultant
Past Winners
  • Aditya Sharma
    Documentation of Chand Baori Step Well, Rajasthan
    School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi
  • Meera Patel
    Measured Drawings of Adalaj Stepwell, Gujarat
    CEPT University, Ahmedabad
  • Rahul Deshpande
    Documentation of Kailasa Temple, Ellora
    Sir J.J. College of Architecture, Mumbai
Important Dates
  • Submissions OpenJanuary 15, 2024
  • Submission DeadlineMarch 31, 2024
  • Shortlist AnnouncementApril 30, 2024
  • Final JuryMay 15, 2024
  • Award CeremonyJune 5, 2024 (World Environment Day)
Apply NowDownload Guidelines