Top 10 NIRF-Ranked Architecture and Planning Colleges/Universities in 2025
Dreaming of designing iconic skylines or shaping the future of smart cities? If yes, then a degree in Architecture and Planning could be your gateway. But choosing the right college is the first big step.
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025, released by the Ministry of Education, India, serves as a reliable guide for students. It ranks universities and colleges based on teaching standards, research, graduation outcomes, inclusivity, and overall reputation.
For students aiming to enter the competitive field of Architecture and Planning, these rankings highlight the best institutes with strong academic records, modern facilities, and excellent placement support.
With India’s rapid urbanization and the growing need for sustainable design, a career in Architecture and Planning promises not only creativity but also stability and global opportunities.
Overview of NIRF Rankings 2025
The NIRF Rankings 2025 evaluate colleges and universities across India using five key parameters:
- Teaching, Learning & Resources (TLR): Quality of faculty, infrastructure, and academic resources.
- Research & Professional Practice (RPC): Publications, projects, and industry collaborations.
- Graduation Outcomes (GO): Student success in exams, placements, and higher studies.
- Outreach & Inclusivity (OI): Diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunities for students.
- Perception (PR): Reputation among peers, employers, and the general public.
For Architecture and Planning institutions, these criteria are highly significant. They highlight which colleges excel not only in academic teaching but also in practical exposure, innovation, and industry readiness factors that directly shape the career prospects of future architects and planners.
Top 10 NIRF-Ranked Architecture and Planning Colleges/Universities in 2025
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee (Rank 1)
- City/State: Roorkee, Uttarakhand | Score: 83.95
- Programs Offered: IIT Roorkee provides B.Arch, M.Arch, and advanced Planning specializations, making it one of the most comprehensive institutes for architecture education in India.
- Highlights: Established in 1847, it is India’s oldest technical institute, consistently excelling in teaching and research. The institute boasts state-of-the-art studios, strong global academic collaborations, and excellent placement records with leading national and international firms.
National Institute of Technology (NIT) Calicut (Rank 2)
- City/State: Kozhikode, Kerala | Score: 77.89
- Programs Offered: NIT Calicut offers B.Arch at the undergraduate level and M.Plan at the postgraduate level, catering to both design and planning aspirants.
- Highlights: The institute is known for its modern design and simulation labs, strong focus on sustainable and eco-friendly architecture, and well-structured curriculum. With reputed recruiters such as top architecture firms and government agencies, students enjoy strong placement opportunities alongside exposure to real-world projects.
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur (Rank 3)
- City/State: Kharagpur, West Bengal | Score: 77.38
- Programs Offered: IIT Kharagpur offers B.Arch, M.Arch, and PhD in Architecture & Planning, covering both design and advanced research areas.
- Highlights: With a long legacy of excellence, the institute is backed by a highly experienced faculty and advanced research centers. It is especially noted for its contributions to urban and rural planning, sustainable design, and innovative construction techniques, making it one of the most sought-after choices for architecture aspirants.
Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST), Shibpur (Rank 4)
- City/State: Howrah, West Bengal | Score: 68.37
- Programs Offered: The institute provides B.Arch and M.Plan, focusing on design, planning, and sustainable development.
- Highlights: Known for its strong academic foundation in architecture and planning, IIEST Shibpur benefits from government collaborations on urban and regional projects. With modern studios, research facilities, and advanced infrastructure, it continues to prepare students for both industry and public sector roles.
Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) (Rank 5)
- City/State: New Delhi, Delhi | Score: 67.15
- Programs Offered: JMI offers B.Arch and M.Arch, combining core architectural studies with practical exposure in urban design.
- Highlights: Recognized with NAAC A++ accreditation, the Faculty of Architecture & Ekistics at JMI is known for its blend of traditional and modern design approaches. Students gain strong exposure to urban planning projects, supported by experienced faculty and industry collaborations, making it a top choice in Delhi.
CEPT University (Rank 6)
- City/State: Ahmedabad, Gujarat | Score: 65.73
- Programs Offered: B.Arch, M.Arch, M.Plan, and PhD in architecture and planning disciplines.
- Highlights: CEPT is renowned for its excellence in planning and design education, with a strong global reputation and international collaborations. It emphasizes sustainability and innovation, making it one of the most respected private universities for architecture in India.
National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela (Rank 7)
- City/State: Rourkela, Odisha | Score: 65.72
- Programs Offered: B.Arch and Planning courses tailored to industry and research needs.
- Highlights: NIT Rourkela focuses on practical design learning with well-equipped architecture labs. Its growing placement network and exposure to real-world projects make it an emerging hub for architecture education.
School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), New Delhi (Rank 8)
- City/State: New Delhi, Delhi | Score: 65.11
- Programs Offered: B.Arch, B.Plan, M.Arch, and M.Plan across diverse planning and design specializations.
- Highlights: SPA Delhi is a premier architecture and planning institute under the Government of India, known for its expertise in urban, regional, and environmental planning. It has strong national recognition and a leading role in shaping planning policies.
National Institute of Technology (NIT) Tiruchirappalli (Rank 9)
- City/State: Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu | Score: 64.30
- Programs Offered: B.Arch with a focus on design fundamentals and innovation.
- Highlights: NIT Trichy offers a solid academic foundation, focuses on sustainable architecture, and has a well-connected alumni network that supports graduates in career growth.
Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT), Nagpur (Rank 10)
- City/State: Nagpur, Maharashtra | Score: 61.22
- Programs Offered: B.Arch and M.Plan with industry-oriented curriculum.
- Highlights: VNIT Nagpur is recognized for its industry collaborations, modern campus facilities, and focus on applied research. It prepares students for careers in both architectural design and planning sectors.
| Rank | Colleges & Universities | City | State | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee | Roorkee | Uttarakhand | 83.95 |
| 2 | National Institute of Technology Calicut | Kozhikode | Kerala | 77.89 |
| 3 | Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur | Kharagpur | West Bengal | 77.38 |
| 4 | Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur | Howrah | West Bengal | 68.37 |
| 5 | Jamia Millia Islamia | New Delhi | Delhi | 67.15 |
| 6 | Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology University | Ahmedabad | Gujarat | 65.73 |
| 7 | National Institute of Technology Rourkela | Rourkela | Odisha | 65.72 |
| 8 | School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi | New Delhi | Delhi | 65.11 |
| 9 | National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli | Tiruchirappalli | Tamil Nadu | 64.30 |
| 10 | Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur | Nagpur | Maharashtra | 61.22 |
Career Opportunities After Architecture & Planning
Graduates in Architecture and Planning have diverse career paths across industries:
- Design Firms & Construction Companies: Work as architects, interior designers, or project managers in private firms and multinational companies.
- Urban & Regional Planning: Roles in smart city projects, housing boards, and development authorities.
- Government Organizations: Opportunities in PWD, municipal corporations, town planning departments, and heritage conservation.
- Corporate & Real Estate Sector: Involvement in large-scale commercial, residential, and industrial projects.
Related Article: Top 10 NIRF-Ranked State Public Universities in India 2025
Average Salary After Completing Architecture and Planning Courses in India
- Fresh graduates: ₹4–6 LPA
- Mid-level professionals: ₹8–12 LPA
- Senior/experienced architects & planners: ₹15–25+ LPA depending on specialization and expertise.
Scope for Higher Studies After Completing Architecture and Planning Courses
Students can pursue M.Arch, M.Plan, or PhD in specialized areas like sustainable design, landscape architecture, and urban planning. Global opportunities for research and academic careers are also strong.
Tips for Choosing the Right Architecture & Planning College
- Accreditation: Ensure the institute is approved by bodies like NAAC, UGC, AICTE, and COA (Council of Architecture) for valid and recognized degrees.
- Faculty Expertise: Look for colleges with experienced faculty and industry professionals, as they provide real-world insights and strong academic guidance.
- Campus Infrastructure: A good architecture college should have modern design studios, labs, libraries, and digital tools to support creative learning.
- Industry Connections & Placements: Check if the college has a strong placement cell and collaborations with leading design firms, government bodies, and construction companies, which help in securing internships and jobs.
Conclusion
The NIRF 2025 rankings highlight India’s top 10 Architecture and Planning colleges, including IIT Roorkee, NIT Calicut, IIT Kharagpur, CEPT University, SPA Delhi, and others known for their academic excellence, research, and strong industry exposure. Each of these institutions offers unique strengths, be it modern infrastructure, global collaborations, or placement opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
What is NIRF ranking, and why is it important?
NIRF is the National Institutional Ranking Framework by the Ministry of Education. It helps students identify top colleges based on teaching quality, research, placements, and reputation.
Which college is best for Architecture in India as per NIRF 2025?
According to NIRF 2025, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee holds the top rank in Architecture and Planning.
Is B.Arch recognized by the Council of Architecture (COA)?
Yes, all B.Arch programs in India must be approved by the COA to be valid for professional practice.
What is the average fee for Architecture programs in India?
On average, B.Arch programs cost between ₹1.5–3 lakhs per year in government colleges and ₹3–6 lakhs per year in private universities.
What is the career scope after completing B.Arch or M.Arch?
Graduates can work in design firms, urban planning, construction companies, and government agencies. Career growth is strong, with salaries ranging from ₹4–25 LPA depending on experience and specialization.
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