The India Rankings 2025, released under the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) by the Ministry of Education, have once again spotlighted the leading institutions in the field of Architecture & Planning. These rankings underline the progress, research contributions, and academic excellence of institutions that are shaping the future of design, cities, and sustainable development in India.
At the top of the list, IIT Roorkee has secured the first position for the fifth consecutive year (2021–2025). With its Department of Architecture & Planning established in 1956, IIT Roorkee has consistently set benchmarks in sustainable design, smart city research, and planning innovations, making it the most sought-after institute in this field. Following closely is NIT Calicut, which has developed a strong reputation since establishing its Department of Architecture & Planning in 1996. The institute focuses heavily on heritage conservation, urban design, and green building technologies, strengthening its position as a leader in South India.
IIT Kharagpur holds the third rank, carrying forward its legacy as the first IIT to introduce an architecture program in 1952. The institute is well-regarded for its pioneering work in regional planning, housing studies, and transportation planning. Ranking fourth is IIEST Shibpur, one of India’s oldest engineering institutions established in 1856, whose Architecture Department has carved a niche in urban planning, sustainable landscapes, and infrastructure design, especially in Eastern India. Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, at fifth position, stands out for its Faculty of Architecture and Ekistics, which blends traditional and modern approaches and is recognized for impactful research in housing policy, urban regeneration, and community-based development projects.
At sixth place, the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), New Delhi, remains one of the premier specialized institutions in the country. Established in 1959, SPA Delhi is a pioneer in urban planning, transport systems, and innovative design practices, with many alumni influencing India’s urban growth. Its counterparts, SPA Bhopal and SPA Vijayawada, rank seventh and eighth respectively. Both established in 2008, these institutions have rapidly gained recognition for their contributions to sustainable development, regional planning, landscape design, and smart city initiatives, catering especially to students from central, eastern, and southern regions of India.
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The ninth position is held by Birla Institute of Technology (BIT), Mesra, which introduced its architecture program in 1993. Known for its industry-oriented curriculum and focus on sustainable design, BIT Mesra continues to attract students who value both academic rigor and practical exposure. Completing the top 10 is SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, an emerging institution that has gained recognition for its technology-driven design programs, smart infrastructure projects, and innovation labs, making it a strong competitor in the private education sector.
Introduced in 2018, the Architecture & Planning category in NIRF rankings has been vital in highlighting the role of institutions that are driving innovation in architecture, urban planning, and sustainable development. With India facing rapid urbanization and climate-related challenges, these top institutions are equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to design the future of Indian cities and the built environment.
For the complete rankings across all categories, visit: India Rankings 2025