With the admission season approaching, students aspiring to build a career in architecture and planning are actively seeking institutions that offer not just quality education but also professional recognition. For architecture education in India, recognition by the Council of Architecture (COA) is mandatory under the Architects Act, 1972. In Delhi, a handful of reputed institutions offer COA-approved undergraduate and postgraduate programs in architecture and planning. This article offers a comprehensive overview of such institutes in Delhi for the academic session 2025–2026.
Table of Contents
Understanding COA Approval
Before diving into the list, it’s essential to understand why COA approval matters. The Council of Architecture (COA) is the statutory body responsible for regulating architectural education and the practice of the profession in India. Any degree in architecture (B.Arch) not recognized by the COA is invalid for registration and practice.
The Council of Architecture, established under the Architects Act of 1972, plays a pivotal role in maintaining standards in architectural education and practice. It sets minimum eligibility criteria, approves syllabi, monitors institutions, and maintains the Register of Architects in India. For any student aspiring to become a professional architect, it is mandatory to complete the B.Arch degree from a COA-recognized institute.
Degrees from unapproved institutions are not valid for registration, and graduates from such programs cannot legally practice as architects. Hence, verifying COA approval is the first step in making an informed choice
List of COA-Approved Architecture & Planning Institutes in Delhi (As of 2025)
Below is a curated list of prominent COA-approved institutes in Delhi offering admission for the upcoming academic session:
1. School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), New Delhi
- Status: Deemed University, MHRD
- Programs Offered: B.Arch, B.Plan, M.Arch, M.Plan, Ph.D.
- Intake: ~80 (B.Arch), ~35 (B.Plan)
- Admission Mode: Through JEE Main (Paper 2)
- Website: www.spa.ac.in
- Remarks: SPA is one of the premier institutes in India for architecture and planning. It holds a national reputation and excellent placement records. India’s most prestigious architecture and planning institute, offering cutting-edge academic training and research opportunities. It has excellent placement records, and many of its alumni are leading architects and planners globally.
2. Jamia Millia Islamia – Faculty of Architecture and Ekistics
- Status: Central University
- Programs Offered: B.Arch, M.Arch (various specializations), B.Plan
- Intake: ~80 (B.Arch)
- Admission Mode: Through JEE Main (Paper 2)
- Website: www.jmi.ac.in
- Remarks: Known for its architectural legacy and vibrant campus life. It is also NAAC A++ accredited. own for its focus on research and heritage-sensitive design education, Jamia offers holistic training in architecture and planning. The campus atmosphere fosters inter-disciplinary interaction and has consistently been ranked among the top in India.
3. Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women (IGDTUW)
- Status: State Govt. University (for women)
- Programs Offered: B.Arch
- Intake: ~40
- Admission Mode: Through JEE Main (Paper 2)
- Website: www.igdtuw.ac.in
- Remarks: A dedicated technical university for women with a growing architecture faculty. The only women-only government technical university in Delhi. It promotes gender diversity in the architecture profession and offers a secure and enriching learning environment.
4. Delhi Technical Campus (Affiliated to GGSIPU)
- Status: Private Institute, GGSIPU Affiliated
- Programs Offered: B.Arch
- Intake: Varies (~40–60)
- Admission Mode: Through NATA
- Website: www.delhitechnicalcampus.ac.in
- Remarks: Offers decent infrastructure and industry exposure under the IP University umbrella. Though technically located in Greater Noida, it serves Delhi-NCR aspirants
5. MBS School of Planning and Architecture
- Status: Private Institute, GGSIPU Affiliated
- Programs Offered: B.Arch
- Intake: ~40
- Admission Mode: Through NATA
- Website: www.mbsspaa.in
- Remarks: Known for its focus on sustainable architecture, climate-responsive design, and live project exposure. Situated in Dwarka, it provides accessible options for West Delhi residents.
6. Vastu Kala Academy
- Status: Private, COA-approved, Affiliated to GGSIPU
- Programs Offered: B.Arch
- Intake: ~40
- Admission Mode: Through NATA
- Website: www.vkastu.com
- Remarks: One of Delhi’s earliest private architecture schools. Offers a traditional approach with updated facilities and mentorship from industry experts.
Admission Highlights for 2025–2026
- B.Arch Admission Criteria:
- Mandatory qualification in JEE Main Paper 2 or NATA.
- Minimum of 50% marks in PCM and overall 50% at 10+2 level or 10+3 Diploma (Mathematics required).
- Portfolio or Interview may be required for some institutes.
- Application Timeline:
- JEE Main 2025 (Session 1 & 2): Results expected by April.
- NATA 2025: Conducted in multiple phases; applications open from March.
- Counselling for GGSIPU/SPA/Jamia: Begins by June–July 2025.
Final Thoughts
Delhi remains a hub of architectural education, blending historical context with modern design innovations. For students serious about pursuing architecture or planning as a career, enrolling in a COA-approved institute is not just a legal necessity—it’s a step towards professional credibility and holistic development.
As the landscape of architecture evolves with sustainability, technology, and urbanism at its core, these institutions provide a solid foundation for the next generation of architects and planners.
We encourage aspiring students to keep track of individual college admission portals and central counselling announcements. Choosing the right institute is not just about rankings—it’s about the right environment to nurture your design thinking and technical skills.