Top Architecture Colleges in India such as Lovely Professional University (LPU), along with IIT Roorkee, NIT Calicut, IIT Kharagpur, and SPA Delhi, features among the top architecture colleges in India with admissions through JEE Main Paper-2 or JEE Advanced. Design-centric institutes such as CEPT University, Ahmedabad, and Sir J J College of Architecture, Mumbai primarily admit students via NATA, while Jamia Millia Islamia is recognized for quality architecture education at an affordable fee. while (LPU) stands out among private universities with multiple admission routes including NATA, JEE Main, and LPUNEST.
Top Architecture Colleges in India – Ranking, Fees & Admission
Explore the top architecture colleges in India with rankings, fees, and admission details. Compare IITs, NITs, SPA Delhi, CEPT, and LPU.
| Rank | College Name | Location | Approx. Annual Fee | Admission Process |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | IIT Roorkee | Uttarakhand | ₹3–4 lakh | JEE Main (Paper 2) + JoSAA |
| 2 | NIT Calicut | Kerala | ₹1.5–2 lakh | JEE Main (Paper 2) |
| 3 | IIT Kharagpur | West Bengal | ₹3–4 lakh | JEE Advanced / JEE Main |
| 4 | School of Planning & Architecture (SPA), Delhi | New Delhi | ₹1.5–2 lakh | JEE Main (Paper 2) |
| 5 | CEPT University | Ahmedabad | ₹3–4 lakh | NATA + University Test |
| 6 | Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) | New Delhi | ₹15,000–30,000 | JEE Main / University Test |
| 7 | NIT Rourkela | Odisha | ₹1.5–2 lakh | JEE Main (Paper 2) |
| 8 | Sir J J College of Architecture | Mumbai | ₹80,000–1 lakh | NATA + State Counseling |
| 9 | NIT Tiruchirappalli | Tamil Nadu | ₹1.5–2 lakh | JEE Main (Paper 2) |
| 10 | Lovely Professional University (LPU) | Punjab | ₹2.5–3 lakh | NATA / JEE Main / LPUNEST |
Top Architecture Courses in India
Architecture education in India is offered at undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and doctoral levels, focusing on design, planning, sustainability, and the built environment. These courses are approved by the Council of Architecture (CoA) and offered by IITs, NITs, SPAs, central universities, and leading private universities.
| Level | Course Name | Duration | Eligibility / Admission | Specializations / Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) | 5 Years | 10+2 with PCM | NATA / JEE Main Paper-2 | Architect, Urban Designer, Interior Designer |
| Undergraduate | Bachelor of Planning (B.Plan) | 4 Years | JEE Main Paper-2 | Urban Planner, Town Planner |
| Postgraduate | Master of Architecture (M.Arch) | 2 Years | B.Arch Degree | Sustainable Architecture, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, Conservation, Housing & Urban Planning |
| Postgraduate | Master of Planning (M.Plan) | 2 Years | B.Arch / Planning Degree | Regional Planning, Transport Planning, Infrastructure Planning |
| Diploma | Diploma in Architecture | 3 Years | 10th / 12th Pass (varies by institute) | Draftsman, Site Supervisor |
| Certificate | Certificate Courses in Architecture | 6 Months – 1 Year | Open / Institute Criteria | Interior Design, Landscape Design, BIM, Sustainable Design |
| Doctoral | PhD in Architecture / Planning | 3–5 Years | Postgraduate Degree + Entrance / Interview | Research, Teaching, Policy Planning |
Top Architecture Entrance Exams in India
Architecture admissions in India are based on national and university-level entrance exams that assess design aptitude, drawing skills, mathematics, and spatial awareness.
NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture)
NATA is the most widely accepted architecture entrance exam in India and is mandatory for admission to B.Arch programs in most private and state colleges.
JEE Main Paper 2 (B.Arch)
JEE Main Paper 2 is conducted by NTA and is required for admission to IITs, NITs, SPAs, and other centrally funded architecture institutions.
JEE Advanced – Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT)
Qualified JEE Advanced candidates can appear for AAT to secure admission to B.Arch programs at IIT Roorkee and IIT Kharagpur.
LPUNEST (Architecture)
LPUNEST is conducted by Lovely Professional University and offers admission through LPUNEST, NATA, or JEE Main scores.
Most Accepted Architecture Entrance Exams In India
The most commonly accepted architecture entrance exams in India include NATA, JEE Main Paper 2, JEE Advanced AAT, LPUNEST, and state-level counseling processes. Students should choose exams based on the colleges they wish to apply for.
Scope of Architecture in India
The scope of architecture in India is broad and expanding due to rapid urbanization, infrastructure growth, and increasing focus on sustainable and smart city development. Architecture graduates have diverse career opportunities across public and private sectors.
Career Opportunities in Architecture
Architects in India can work in residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects, government departments, urban planning agencies, interior and landscape design firms, and real estate companies.
Scope of Architecture in Government Sector
Architecture graduates can secure positions in CPWD, PWD, municipal corporations, smart city projects, and other public sector organizations.
Salary and Growth Prospects
Architecture offers steady salary growth in India, with entry-level packages ranging from ₹3–6 LPA and higher earnings with experience, specialization, and private practice.
Future Scope of Architecture in India
The future scope of architecture in India is strong due to increasing demand for sustainable buildings, urban redevelopment, smart infrastructure, and advanced design technologies.
Career Options After Architecture
Architecture graduates have access to diverse career opportunities across design, planning, construction, sustainability, and academia. The table below highlights popular career options after completing an architecture degree.
| Career Option | Description | Key Skills Required | Average Salary (India) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | Design and plan residential, commercial, and public buildings | Design, CAD, creativity, technical knowledge | ₹3–8 LPA |
| Urban Planner | Plan cities, townships, and infrastructure projects | Urban design, planning, analytics | ₹4–10 LPA |
| Interior Designer | Design functional and aesthetic interior spaces | Space planning, materials, creativity | ₹3–7 LPA |
| Landscape Architect | Design outdoor spaces, parks, and green areas | Environmental design, planning | ₹4–9 LPA |
| Construction Project Manager | Manage construction projects, timelines, and budgets | Project management, coordination | ₹5–12 LPA |
| Sustainable / Green Building Consultant | Work on eco-friendly and energy-efficient buildings | Sustainability, environmental design | ₹5–15 LPA |
| Real Estate & Infrastructure Consultant | Advise on property development and infrastructure projects | Market analysis, planning | ₹6–15 LPA |
| Government Architect | Work in CPWD, PWD, municipal bodies, smart city projects | Public planning, compliance | ₹4–10 LPA |
| Academic / Professor | Teach architecture in colleges and universities | Research, teaching, specialization | ₹5–12 LPA |
| Entrepreneur / Independent Architect | Run own architecture or design firm | Business management, design, leadership | Income varies |
Why Choose LPU for Architecture Courses?
Lovely Professional University (LPU) is a preferred destination for architecture aspirants looking for a blend of creativity, technology, and industry-oriented education. The School of Architecture and Design at LPU offers Council of Architecture (CoA) approved programs that focus on studio-based learning, real-world exposure, and sustainable design practices.
CoA-Approved Architecture Programs
LPU offers Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) and Master of Architecture (M.Arch) programs approved by the Council of Architecture, ensuring national recognition and professional credibility.
Modern Infrastructure and Design Studios
The university provides advanced design studios, model-making workshops, material laboratories, and CAD/BIM labs that support hands-on architectural learning.
Industry-Oriented Curriculum
LPU’s architecture curriculum emphasizes sustainable architecture, urban planning, smart cities, and green building concepts aligned with current industry requirements.
Strong Industry Exposure
Students gain practical exposure through live projects, internships, site visits, design workshops, and guest lectures by practicing architects and industry experts.
Multiple Admission Pathways
Architecture admissions at LPU are offered through NATA, JEE Main Paper-2, and LPUNEST, providing flexible entry options for students.
Experienced Faculty and Mentorship
The architecture faculty at LPU includes experienced academicians and professionals who guide students in design thinking, research, and portfolio development.
Placements and Career Support
LPU offers dedicated placement and internship support, helping architecture graduates build careers in architecture firms, construction companies, and design consultancies.
Scholarships and Financial Support
Merit-based scholarships through LPUNEST and other categories make architecture education at LPU more accessible and affordable.
Architecture Colleges in India – FAQ
What are the top architecture colleges in India?
The top architecture colleges in India include IIT Roorkee, LPU, IIT Kharagpur, NIT Calicut, SPA Delhi, Jamia Millia Islamia, CEPT University, and leading private universities such as LPU and Manipal.
Which entrance exams are required for architecture admission in India?
Architecture admissions are mainly through NATA and JEE Main Paper-2 (B.Arch) and LPUNEST . Government institutes accept JEE Main, while private and state colleges usually accept NATA.
Is NATA mandatory for B.Arch admission?
Yes, NATA is mandatory for most private and state architecture colleges, while JEE Main Paper-2 is required for admission to NITs, IITs, and SPAs.
What is the eligibility for B.Arch in India?
Candidates must pass 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) and qualify the required architecture entrance exam.
What is the duration of the B.Arch course?
The Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) is a 5-year full-time professional degree.
What is the fee structure of architecture colleges in India?
Government colleges charge ₹50,000–₹1.5 lakh, NITs/IITs/SPAs charge ₹4–₹6 lakh, and private colleges charge ₹8–₹20+ lakh depending on the institute.
Which are the best government architecture colleges in India?
Top government architecture colleges include SPA Delhi, IIT Roorkee, IIT Kharagpur, NIT Calicut, Jamia Millia Islamia, and VNIT Nagpur.
Can I study architecture without Mathematics in Class 12?
No, Mathematics in Class 12 is compulsory for B.Arch admission in India.
Is architecture a good career option in India?
Yes, architecture offers strong career opportunities in architectural design, urban planning, interior design, construction management, and entrepreneurship.
Is drawing compulsory for architecture entrance exams?
Yes, drawing and design aptitude are compulsory components of NATA and JEE Main Paper-2.
