Overview
M.Arch is a two-year postgraduate degree for architects who want to specialise in areas such as urban design, landscape, conservation or sustainable architecture.
The M.Arch builds on the five-year B.Arch. Students pick one specialisation and spend four semesters on studios, theory, research methods and a thesis.
Common specialisations at the Schools of Planning and Architecture include Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, Architectural Conservation and Sustainable Architecture. Admission to the SPAs is through the JAAP-PG process, which looks at qualifying marks, GATE/CEED score where applicable, an interaction and work experience.
Who is it for?
B.Arch graduates who want deeper expertise in one area of architecture. It suits those aiming at specialist practice, government projects or teaching.
Eligibility
You qualify if you match any one of these:
COA norm
- Studying in: UG
- Enrolled in: Bachelor of Architecture
- At least 50% marks in UG
- B.Arch or equivalent
- reservation relaxations as per Central or State Government policy
SPA Vijayawada
- Studying in: UG
- Enrolled in: Bachelor of Architecture
- At least 60% marks in UG
- or CGPA 6.5 for General/OBC
SPA Vijayawada SC/ST
- Studying in: UG
- Enrolled in: Bachelor of Architecture
- Category: SC, ST
- At least 55% marks in UG
- or CGPA 6.0
Colleges may set higher cut-offs or require an entrance test. Check each college's page.
What you study
| Urban Design | History and theory of urban form, urban design and site planning studios, transport and planning theory, urban conservation, housing, thesis |
|---|---|
| Landscape Architecture | Landscape technology, landscape history and theory, water management, climatology, land economics, research methods, professional practice, thesis |
| Architectural Conservation | Conservation theory and philosophy, traditional and scientific methods, heritage management, heritage laws, live projects, summer training |
Typical subjects. Each university sets its own syllabus.
Skills you build
- Design research
- Heritage conservation
- Landscape planning
- Studio design
- Thesis writing
- Urban design
Where it leads
Careers
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Higher study after M.Arch
Colleges offering M.Arch
| College | Location | Fee per year | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anna University | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | — | — |
| Babu Banarasi Das University | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh | — | — |
| Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology | Sonipat, Haryana | — | — |
| Faculty of Architecture and Ekistics, Jamia Millia Islamia | New Delhi, Delhi | — | — |
| Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University | New Delhi, Delhi | — | — |
| IET Bhaddal Technical Campus, Ropar | Rupnagar, Punjab | — | — |
| Integral University Lucknow | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh | — | — |
| Jamia Millia Islamia | New Delhi, Delhi | — | — |
| Malaviya National Institute of Technology Jaipur | Jaipur, Rajasthan | — | — |
| Manipal University Jaipur | Jaipur, Rajasthan | — | — |
| Rajasthan Technical University | Kota, Rajasthan | — | — |
| School of Planning and Architecture Bhopal | Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh | — | — |
| Sunderdeep Group of Institutions | Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh | — | — |
| Sushant University | Gurugram, Haryana | — | — |
| University School of Architecture and Planning, GGSIPU | New Delhi, Delhi | ₹1,80,700 2026–27 | 20 |
By location
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for M.Arch?
Council of Architecture norms ask for a B.Arch or equivalent with at least 50% aggregate marks, with relaxations as per government reservation policy. Individual institutes may set higher marks.
How long is the M.Arch?
Two years. The SPAs run it over four semesters.
How do the SPAs admit M.Arch students?
Through JAAP-PG, using qualifying marks, a valid GATE/CEED/UGC-NET (JRF) score where applicable, a physical interaction and work experience. Candidates without a GATE/CEED score can also apply.
Sources
Information verified on 10 Oct 2026
- Norms of Council of Architecture for imparting M.Arch. course (Annexure A, 2026-27), Goa College of Architecture · Official notice, accessed 10 Oct 2026
- Post Graduate Degree Programs - School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi · Official site, accessed 10 Oct 2026
- Courses Offered - School of Planning and Architecture, Vijayawada · Official site, accessed 10 Oct 2026
- Post Graduate programmes - School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal · Official site, accessed 10 Oct 2026
- Joint Admission for Architecture and Planning - Post Graduate (JAAP-PG) 2026 · Official notice, accessed 10 Oct 2026
- National Higher Education Qualifications Framework (UGC, 2023) · Official notice, accessed 10 Oct 2026
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