Indian Standard (IS) codes form the backbone of engineering practice in India. They are not only important for design and execution, but also extremely useful for exam preparation, site understanding, and basic professional awareness.
This page shares some important parts of IS 1200 – Method of Measurement of Building and Civil Engineering Works, explained in simple language, along with free reference PDF links for students.
These codes are especially useful for first-year Civil Engineering students, and also help students from Electronics & Telecommunication (ENTC) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) backgrounds to understand how quantities, measurements, and project estimation work in real engineering projects.
π IS 1200 (Part 5): Earthwork
IS 1200 Part 5 deals with the method of measurement of earthwork in construction projects.
What this code covers:
Excavation for foundations
Trenches for footings and pipes
Backfilling and refilling
Cutting and filling in soil, murum, and rock
Why students should read this:
Helps understand how excavation quantities are calculated
Very important for estimation & costing subjects
Useful during site visits and internships
π Download PDF:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BjT-lASso-R3t_p6vrcBd4zU2OMy3V0U/view?usp=sharing
π IS 1200 (Part 3): Brickwork
IS 1200 Part 3 explains the measurement rules for brick masonry work.
What this code covers:
Brickwork in foundations and superstructure
Half brick and full brick walls
Deductions for openings (doors, windows)
Measurement of mortar
Why students should read this:
Builds basics of building construction
Helps in understanding wall quantities
Useful for drawing interpretation and estimation
π Download PDF:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pdGN8qCOr_936484RkxC_MhjB1LzMkE4/view?usp=drive_link
π IS 1200 (Part 4): Stone Masonry
IS 1200 Part 4 deals with the measurement of stone masonry works.
What this code covers:
Random rubble masonry
Coursed rubble masonry
Ashlar masonry
Measurement rules for different stone works
Why students should read this:
Useful for projects in rural and hilly areas
Helps understand traditional construction methods
Important for foundation and retaining wall works
π Download PDF:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wirwdHo_1NLyzVGfgmFGpckiHCd2dGIB/view?usp=drive_link
π IS 1200 (Part 6): Concrete Work
IS 1200 Part 6 explains how plain cement concrete (PCC) and reinforced cement concrete (RCC) works are measured.
What this code covers:
PCC in foundations and flooring
RCC in slabs, beams, columns, and footings
Measurement rules excluding reinforcement
Volume-based measurement
Why students should read this:
Core knowledge for Civil Engineering students
Directly linked with IS 456 (Concrete Code)
Helps in understanding BOQ preparation
π Download PDF:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/191Qr2hPgSSB9WQ4EOQKwB6dRBBS2SVID/view?usp=drive_link
π IS 1200 (Part 8): Flooring, Dado & Skirting
IS 1200 Part 8 covers the measurement of finishing works in buildings.
What this code covers:
Cement concrete flooring
Tiles, marble, and stone flooring
Dado and skirting measurements
Area-based measurement rules
Why students should read this:
Helps understand finishing stages of buildings
Useful for interior-related estimation
Important for practical site exposure
π Download PDF:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yLYYbZyGtKkPb_X-Gn6unlp95FEtD9cr/view?usp=drive_link
π Final Note for Students
These IS codes are reference documents, not meant to be memorized line by line. The goal is to:
Understand how measurements are standardized
Learn engineering discipline and consistency
Build a strong foundation for future subjects
Students are encouraged to read selectively, discuss with teachers, and relate the content to drawings and real construction work.
π This page is intended purely for academic learning and general awareness.