If you’re in architecture in India, you’ve probably noticed how often people talk about BIM now. A few years ago, not many firms were using it seriously. It was mostly limited to bigger companies.
But now, things are changing slowly.
More firms are trying it out, some have already shifted, and others are somewhere in between. The main reason is simple. Work has become faster, projects are more detailed, and there’s a lot more coordination involved than before.
Because of that, BIM is becoming part of daily work, not just something extra.
What BIM actually feels like in real work
To be honest, BIM sounds more complicated than it really is.
In simple terms, instead of just drawing lines like we used to do in CAD to BIM, you’re creating a model that “knows” what it is.
So if you draw a wall, it’s not just a line. It has thickness, material, and proper information. And if you change something, it updates everywhere automatically.
At first, this feels a bit confusing. But once you get used to it, you realise how much time it saves, especially when there are multiple changes in a project.
Why firms in India are slowly shifting to BIM
From what most people see in offices, the shift is not sudden.
No firm wakes up and changes everything in one day. It usually happens slowly.
They start using BIM on one project, then another, and then it becomes part of the workflow.
Some common reasons are:
- Too many revisions in projects
- Need for better coordination between teams
- Clients asking for faster results
- Fewer mistakes before execution
In bigger projects, especially commercial ones, BIM is sometimes expected now.
Software that you’ll actually see in firms
Let’s keep this practical. These are the tools you’ll really come across.
Revit
This is the one you’ll see the most.
In many offices, Revit has almost become standard. Teams use it to work together on the same project, which makes coordination easier.
It’s not very beginner-friendly. Most people struggle in the beginning, and that’s normal. But once you understand how it works, it becomes very useful.
If your goal is to work in a typical architecture firm, this is a safe choice.
Archicad
Archicad is not as common as Revit in India, but it has its own users.
People who use it usually say it feels smoother and easier, especially during design stages.
It doesn’t feel too heavy or technical, which is why some smaller or design-focused studios prefer it.
Bentley software
You won’t see this everywhere.
Bentley tools are mostly used in large infrastructure projects. Things like airports or metro systems.
It’s powerful, but also more complex. Not something most beginners start with.
SketchUp
SketchUp is still very much part of architecture work.
Almost everyone has used it at some point. It’s simple, quick, and great for making ideas into 3D models.
Even now, many firms use SketchUp in the early stages, and then switch to BIM software later for detailed work.
Other software
There are other tools like Vectorworks or Allplan.
But honestly, they are not very common in India. You might come across them in specific firms, but not regularly.
So what should you learn
This is where most people get confused.
The truth is, you don’t need to learn everything.
If you want to work in most firms in India, learning Revit is a good decision.
If you are more interested in design and smaller studios, Archicad is also worth exploring.
If you’re just starting, even SketchUp is enough to begin. You can move to BIM later once your basics are clear.
One simple thing to keep in mind
Software is just a tool.
You can learn all the software, but if your design thinking or understanding of space is weak, it won’t help much.
At the same time, if your basics are strong, you can learn any software faster.
So don’t focus only on tools. Focus on learning how buildings actually work.
Final thoughts
BIM is growing in India, but the transition is still happening.
Some firms are fully using it, some are still learning, and some haven’t started yet.
If you’re planning to learn BIM, don’t overthink it. Start with one software, practice regularly, and give it time.
It becomes easier with experience.
In the end, it’s not about knowing every software. It’s about being able to handle your work properly and deliver good results.
Ready to find out what your project will cost? Find out here.
Frequently Asked Questions from Clients
What is BIM in simple words?
BIM is a way of designing buildings in 3D where everything has real information, not just lines and drawings.
Which BIM software is most used in India?
Revit is the most commonly used BIM software in Indian architecture firms.
Is BIM difficult to learn?
It can feel confusing in the beginning, but with practice, it becomes easier.
Can I learn BIM without knowing CAD?
Yes, but knowing basic CAD can make learning BIM faster and easier.
Is SketchUp a BIM software?
No, SketchUp is mainly for 3D modeling, but it is often used along with BIM tools.
Which BIM software is best for beginners?
You can start with SketchUp for basics and then move to Revit or Archicad.
