The Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) is the national body of Architects in the country. Having started in the year 1917. The Institute has a major role to play in promoting the profession of architecture by organizing and uniting in fellowship the Architects of India to promote aesthetic, scientific and practical efficiency of the profession both in Practice and in Education. IIA is represented on various national and international committees connected with architecture, art and the building industry and is also actively associated with International Union of Architects (UIA) Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA) and South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation of Architects (SAARCH).