[4] John Begg, consulting architect for the Government of India, observed a shortage of architectural professionals in the country.

To address this, he started a technical course in architectural drafting at Sir J.J. School of Art in Bombay (present-day Mumbai).

Robert William Cable, previously an academic staff of the Architectural Association School in London, was recruited to head the new department.

[1][2][6] As the number of private architectural firms in India grew, so did the demand for fully trained architects.

In 1925, the Bombay Architectural Association gained affiliation with Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

Fellows can vote on matters, run for President, Vice-President, officer positions, and National Council member.

The required working experience is relaxed for individuals possessing a 3-year long diploma in Architectural Assistantship, Interior Design and Civil Engineering.

[3][4] The Journal of the Indian Institute of Architects is a monthly, peer-reviewed, open access publication focused on architecture, urbanism, and planning.

[9] IIA awards Baburao Mhatre Gold Medal to distinguished architects for their lifetime contribution to architectural profession.

Notable winners include Charles Correa (1987), B.V. Doshi (1988), Raj Rewal (1989), and Laurie Baker (1990).

The award is named after Madhav Achwal, who dedicated his life to architectural education, promoting aesthetic, scientific and practical efficiency of the profession.

[13] The IIA is organized into Chapters for states and union territories of India, along with Centres and Sub-centres for cities and towns.