Best Architecture Colleges in India 2026

The best architecture Colleges in India 2026 offer extensive education programs, from the fundamentals of architecture to the most advanced degrees. These programs are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to design buildings and cities that respond to human needs and are environmentally friendly.

While some theoretical certifications are online, accredited B.Arch degrees in India require full-time, on-campus studio learning. The best architecture colleges in India provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the design field, and many of the most prestigious schools in the country are well-known as leaders in their respective fields.

The study of architecture requires a solid foundation of academic study. One must complete a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) degree from an accredited architecture school to pursue an architecture career. Most importantly, the second and third years of the Bachelor of Architecture program offer the most intensive architecture courses.

Best Architecture Colleges In India 2026: An Overview

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Studying architecture is fascinating, and the career options are amazing. If you are an architecture lover, then you must want to pursue this career. Architecture students in India have numerous career options available to them. They can work in the built environment, design and conceptualize buildings, or work as educators.

In conclusion, India has a rich culture and heritage and has produced some of the greatest architectural innovations in the world. The country is filled with ancient architecture that has stood the test of time. It is no surprise that today, the demand for architecture education in India is rising. Moreover, several reputed Top architecture colleges in India (B.Arch Colleges in India 2026) offer world-class education to budding architects.

Choosing Your College: Government vs Private Tier System

College Tier	Type	Examples	Avg. Fees (5 yrs)	Placement Outcome	Best For
Tier 1 Government	IITs, Top SPAs, NITs	IIT Roorkee, SPA Delhi, NIT Calicut	₹1.67-11.09 L	₹7.5-12.32 LPA	Excellence + Affordability
Tier 2 Government	Autonomous Institutes	SPA Bhopal, IIEST Shibpur	₹2.5-4 L	₹4-6.6 LPA	Budget-conscious, Good Quality
Private Tier 1	Premium Institutes	CEPT, BITS Pilani, Manipal	₹16-22.75 L	₹7-12 LPA	Premium Experience + Global Exposure
Private Tier 2	Other Private Colleges	BMS Bangalore, Chandigarh U	₹4-8.5 L	₹3.5-6 LPA	Diverse Options, Variable Quality

Top Centrally Funded Technical Institutes (IITs & NITs) for Architecture

1. IIT Roorkee – Indian Institute of Technology

Indian Institute of Technology, popularly known as IIT Roorkee, is one of the largest architectural institutes in India. It was founded in 1847. The Department of Architecture and Planning at IIT Roorkee is considered the best in the country.

Roorkee Institute’s main campus covers 365 acres. It offers the best infrastructure and facilities, including lecture rooms, faculty offices, software laboratories, a library, and a computer centre that encourages students to pursue their careers correctly. It is consistently ranked #1 in Architecture by NIRF.

Fee Structure: Approx. ₹ 10.71 Lakh (Total Course Fee)
Average Salary: ₹ 10.00 – 12.00 Lakh PA

2. NIT Calicut

The National Institute of Technology Calicut (NITC) is one of the finest institutes. It is a public technical university founded in 1961. The campus is 22 kilometers northeast of Kozhikode.

If you seek to pursue your studies but cannot find the best institute, go for NITC. It is one of the ideal institutes where students can opt for all the necessary facilities to fulfill their dreams. Besides its dedicated faculty staff, it also provides hostel facilities to students.

Fee Structure: Approx. ₹ 6.78 Lakh (Total)
Average Salary: ₹ 4.80 – 6.00 Lakh PA
NIRF Rank (Architecture): Rank 2 (Latest Ranking)

3. IIT Kharagpur – Indian Institute of Technology

Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, also known as IIT Kharagpur, is a public research university established in 1951. It is recognized as an Institute of National Importance.

IIT Kharagpur’s top-notch educational facilities attract students from across the nation. Hence, if you are willing to build your career in the architecture field, this institute is a premier choice.

Fee Structure: Approx. ₹ 10.39 Lakh (Total)
Average Salary: ₹ 9.00 – 12.00 Lakh PA
NIRF Rank (Architecture): Rank 3 (Latest Ranking)

4. SPA Delhi – School of Planning and Architecture

School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi (SPA Delhi) is a specialized university dedicated solely to architecture and planning. It is an Institute of National Importance.

Famous for its excellent architecture course and archive, this institute has given amazing results. SPA New Delhi’s main objective is to provide quality architecture and physical planning education.

Fee Structure: Approx. ₹ 2.50 Lakh (Total) – Highly Affordable
Average Salary: ₹ 6.00 Lakh PA
NIRF Rank (Architecture): Rank 5 (Latest Ranking)

5. NIT Trichy

Established in 1964, NIT Trichy is an autonomous university. Its Department of Architecture is highly acclaimed. Admission to this course is granted based on JEE Main Paper 2 scores.

Fee Structure: Approx. ₹ 7.07 Lakh
Average Salary: ₹ 6.00 – 8.00 Lakh PA
NIRF Rank (Architecture): Rank 4 (Latest Ranking)

6. SPA Vijayawada

SPAV was established in 2008 by the Ministry of Human Resource Development. It is an autonomous institute that offers courses such as B.Arch, B.Plan, M.Arch, M.Plan, and Ph.D. The campus is spread over 10 acres of land.

Fee Structure: Approx. ₹ 2.79 Lakh
Average Salary: ₹ 4.32 Lakh PA
NIRF Rank (Architecture): Rank 7 (Latest Ranking)

7. SPA Bhopal

SPA Bhopal is an Institute of National Importance founded by the MHRD in 2008. It offers various design, architecture, and planning courses. The main course is B.Arch, offered based on the candidate’s merit in JEE Mains (Paper 2).

Fee Structure: Approx. ₹ 2.50 Lakh
Average Salary: ₹ 4.00 – 5.00 Lakh PA
NIRF Rank (Architecture): Rank 6 (Latest Ranking)

8. IIEST Shibpur

It is one of the oldest engineering institutes in India, established in 1856. Its Department of Architecture Town and Regional Planning is one of the oldest in the country. Admission is done through JEE Main.

Fee Structure: Approx. ₹ 3.43 Lakh
Average Salary: ₹ 4.00 Lakh PA
NIRF Rank (Architecture): Rank 10 (Latest Ranking)

9. Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT), Bhopal

Established in 1960, MANIT Bhopal is also known as NIT Bhopal. The Department of Architecture and Planning here is very reputed.

Fee Structure: Approx. ₹ 7.05 Lakh
Average Salary: ₹ 5.50 Lakh PA

10. VNIT, Nagpur

VNIT is one of the top-rated institutions in India. Apart from B.Tech, this institute offers a B.Arch program. The college offers excellent placement opportunities.

Fee Structure: Approx. ₹ 6.85 Lakh
Average Salary: ₹ 4.40 Lakh PA

11. National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur

NIT Hamirpur offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degree programs in Architecture. NIT’s main aim is to help aspirants develop a solid knowledge base.

Fee Structure: Approx. ₹ 8.57 Lakh
Average Salary: ₹ 6.00 Lakh PA

Top Private Universities & Deemed Colleges for B.Arch

1. CEPT University, Ahmedabad

Established in 1962, CEPT University (formerly Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology) is a premier private institution. It focuses on understanding, designing, planning, constructing, and managing human habitats. It is often considered the best private architecture college in India.

Fee Structure: Approx. ₹ 16.00 Lakh (Total)
Average Salary: ₹ 5.50 – 7.00 Lakh PA

2. Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra

BIT Mesra is a deemed university. It was one of the first institutes to establish a Department of Architecture in 1993. Admission is done through JEE Main (Paper 2).

Fee Structure: Approx. ₹ 17.32 Lakh
Average Salary: ₹ 5.00 Lakh PA

3. Manipal School of Architecture and Planning (MSAP)

MSAP has been a constituent of the Manipal Academy of Higher Education since 1978. It offers excellent infrastructure and admission is based on NATA scores.

Fee Structure: Approx. ₹ 19.45 Lakh (Total)

4. Chandigarh University (CU)

CU is a private university located in Mohali, Punjab. It received NAAC A+ accreditation. Admission to the B.Arch course is based on NATA/JEE Main Paper 2 scores.

Fee Structure: Approx. ₹ 8.00 Lakh
Average Salary: ₹ 4.50 Lakh PA

5. Lovely Professional University (LPU), Jalandhar

LPU is a massive private university in Punjab. The B.Arch program is Council of Architecture (COA) approved. Admission accepts NATA and JEE Main Paper 2 scores.

Fee Structure: Approx. ₹ 9.00 – 10.00 Lakh

6. Parul University, Vadodara

Located in Gujarat, Parul University offers B.Arch approved by COA. It provides a vibrant campus life and decent placement support.

Fee Structure: Approx. ₹ 5.00 – 6.00 Lakh

7. BMS College of Architecture, Bangalore

Established in 2010, BMS College of Architecture is a dedicated architecture school in Bangalore. Admission is based on NATA/KCET.

Fee Structure: Approx. ₹ 3.00 Lakh (Govt Quota) to Higher for Management Quota

Eligibility Criteria for B.Arch 2026

Important Note: As per Council of Architecture (COA) norms, no student can be admitted to B.Arch without clearing a valid aptitude test (NATA or JEE Main Paper 2).

Academic Qualification: Passed 10+2 scheme of examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) subjects.
Minimum Marks: At least 50% aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics and also at least 50% marks in aggregate of the 10+2 level examination.
Diploma Holders: Passed 10+3 Diploma Examination with Mathematics as a compulsory subject with at least 50% marks in aggregate.

NATA vs. JEE Main Paper 2: Which Exam to Take?

Feature	NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture)	JEE Main (Paper 2A – B.Arch)
Conducting Body	Council of Architecture (COA)	National Testing Agency (NTA)
Accepted By	Private Colleges, State Govt Colleges, CEPT, etc.	IITs, NITs, SPAs, and CFTIs
Frequency	Multiple attempts (usually 3 times a year)	Twice a year (Jan & April)
For IITs?	No. (IITs require JEE Advanced AAT)	Yes (For NITs/SPAs). IITs need AAT after JEE Adv.

Top 10 Private Architecture Colleges (NIRF & Reputed Ranking 2026)

Based on the latest data, here are the top private and deemed universities for architecture:

Rank	Institute Name	Location
1	CEPT University	Ahmedabad, Gujarat
2	Birla Institute of Technology (Mesra)	Ranchi, Jharkhand
3	Manipal Academy of Higher Education	Manipal, Karnataka
4	SRM Institute of Science and Technology	Chennai, Tamil Nadu
5	Chandigarh University	Mohali, Punjab
6	Lovely Professional University	Jalandhar, Punjab
7	BMS College of Architecture	Bangalore, Karnataka
8	Nirma University	Ahmedabad, Gujarat
9	M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology	Bangalore, Karnataka
10	RV College of Architecture	Bangalore, Karnataka

Admission Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Ensure you meet the PCM 50% eligibility criteria in Class 12.
Step 2: Register and appear for NATA (for private/state colleges) or JEE Main Paper 2 (for NITs/SPAs). For IITs, qualify JEE Advanced and then appear for AAT.
Step 3: Check results and download your scorecard.
Step 4: Apply for Counselling:
- JoSAA/CSAB: For NITs, SPAs, IIEST, and IITs.
- State Counselling: For state government colleges (e.g., REAP, HSTES, KCET).
- Institutional Level: Apply directly to private universities like CEPT or Manipal.
Step 5: Seat Allotment and Fee Payment. Verify documents and confirm admission.

Final Lines!

Importantly, architecture is an art that requires a lot of creativity and imagination. It is an inspiring profession that allows people to build their dreams. An Architecture College is a place where students learn the basics of architecture and learn more about the theories and concepts behind it. Architecture colleges in India are known for being a knowledge hub and are often considered the best in the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which college is best for architecture in India?

Based on NIRF 2024 rankings, IIT Roorkee is the #1 college for architecture in India, followed by IIT Kharagpur and NIT Calicut.

Which state is best for architecture in India?

States like Maharashtra, Delhi, Gujarat, and Karnataka are hubs for top architecture colleges, hosting prestigious institutes like Sir JJ College (Mumbai), SPA (Delhi), CEPT (Gujarat), and BMS (Bangalore).

Is there a B.Arch in IIT?

Yes, IIT Roorkee, IIT Kharagpur, and IIT BHU (Varanasi) offer B.Arch courses. Admission is through JEE Advanced followed by the AAT (Architecture Aptitude Test).

Does IIT accept NATA scores?

No. IITs do not accept NATA scores. They only accept JEE Advanced + AAT. However, NITs, SPAs, and most private colleges accept NATA or JEE Main Paper 2.

Is B.Arch expensive?

B.Arch fees vary widely. Government colleges (NITs/SPAs) are affordable (approx. ₹ 1-2 Lakhs per year), while Top Private Colleges like CEPT or Manipal can cost between ₹ 3 to 5 Lakhs per year.

Do architects get paid well in India?

A fresher architect can expect a starting salary of ₹ 3.5 to 5 Lakhs annually. However, graduates from top institutes like IITs or CEPT often secure packages of ₹ 8-10 Lakhs per annum.