The Council of Architecture (CoA) has officially released the Information Brochure for the Post Graduate Entrance Test in Architecture (PGETA) 2026, outlining a national-level entrance examination for admission into Master of Architecture (M.Arch) programmes across India for the academic session 2026–27.
According to the brochure, PGETA 2026 will be conducted in a three-attempt format, giving candidates flexibility to improve their scores. The examination is scheduled on May 31, June 14, and June 28, 2026, with the best score among the attempts considered for final results.
Single-Window System to Streamline Admissions
The Council emphasized that PGETA acts as a single-window entrance test, aimed at reducing the burden on students who otherwise appear for multiple institutional exams. The test is aligned with the Minimum Standards of Architectural Education for Post-Graduate Degree Programme (2022) and is mandatory for admission into CoA-approved institutions.
Exam Pattern and Syllabus
PGETA 2026 will be conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) with a duration of two hours. The syllabus is divided into four key modules:
- Architecture and Design
- Building Sciences and Applied Engineering
- Professional Electives
- Professional Ability & Skill Enhancement
The examination assesses a wide range of competencies including architectural theory, urban design, climate-responsive architecture, construction systems, and research aptitude.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture (B.Arch) with at least 50% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA. Final-year students are also eligible to apply. Notably, there is no upper age limit for appearing in the examination.
Scholarships for Top Performers
In a significant initiative, the CoA has announced scholarships for the top 100 candidates. Each selected candidate will receive ₹50,000 over two years (₹25,000 per year), subject to admission in CoA-approved institutions and fulfillment of academic criteria.
Application and Fee Structure
The application process is fully online through the PGETA portal. The application fee per test is:
- ₹1750 for General/OBC (NCL)
- ₹1250 for SC/ST/EWS/PwD
- ₹1000 for Transgender candidates
Nationwide Test Centres
The exam will be conducted across multiple cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Lucknow, ensuring wide accessibility for candidates.
Key Dates
- Registration begins: April 21, 2026
- First test: May 31, 2026
- Final results (last test cycle): July 7, 2026
In the President’s foreword, CoA highlighted that PGETA aims to standardize postgraduate admissions and strengthen architectural education in India, enabling students to contribute toward sustainable, culturally sensitive, and globally competitive built environments.
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