Ritik Kumar · September 5, 2025 
Introduction
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), developed by the Ministry of Education, ranks India’s higher education institutions every year. The Architecture & Planning category highlights institutions excelling in design education, research, teaching quality, graduation outcomes, and inclusivity.
The NIRF 2025 rankings also factor in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing social impact and responsibility alongside academic excellence.
Top 10 Architecture & Planning Institutions – NIRF 2025
Here’s the official list of the top institutions in India for architecture & planning education:
| Rank | Institution Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) |
| 2 | National Institute of Technology Calicut (NIT Calicut) |
| 3 | Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT Kharagpur) |
| 4 | Indian Institute of Engineering Science & Technology, Shibpur (IIEST Shibpur) |
| 5 | Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi (JMI) |
| 6 | Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology University |
| 7 | National Institute of Technology Rourkela |
| 8 | School of Planning and Architecture New Delhi |
| 9 | National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli |
| 10 | Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur |
For complete list, click here: NIRF 2025 Architecture Ranking
NIRF 2024 vs 2025: Architecture Ranking Comparison
| Rank | Institution Name | 2025 Rank | 2024 Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | IIT Roorkee | 1 | 1 |
| 2 | NIT Calicut | 2 | 3 |
| 3 | IIT Kharagpur | 3 | 2 |
| 4 | IIEST Shibpur | 4 | 4 |
| 5 | JMI | 5 | 7 |
| 6 | SPA Delhi | 8 | 5 |
| 7 | NIT Trichy | 9 | 8 |
| 8 | SPA Bhopal | 11 | 12 |
| 9 | VNIT Nagpur | 10 | 10 |
| 10 | SRM IST, Chennai | 18 | 11 |
Click on the below links for complete list:
Highlights of the Top 3 Institutions
1. IIT Roorkee
Oldest architecture program in India with global reputation.
Focus on urban planning, design innovation, and sustainability.
Strong research ecosystem and international collaborations.
Alumni network in top global firms and government projects.
2. NIT Calicut
Known for its School of Architecture & Planning with state-of-the-art studios.
Offers exposure to real-world design projects and competitions.
Excellent placement opportunities with architecture firms and design consultancies.
3. IIT Kharagpur
Houses one of the largest Architecture & Regional Planning departments in Asia.
Focus on heritage conservation, smart cities, and sustainable design.
- Industry partnerships give students internship and research opportunities.
Application Guidance for Architecture Aspirants
If you’re aiming for these top institutions, here’s what you should know:
- Entrance Exams:
- Most IITs/NITs admit students via JEE Main + JoSAA counselling (for B.Arch).
- SPA and central universities often consider NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture).
- Most IITs/NITs admit students via JEE Main + JoSAA counselling (for B.Arch).
- Eligibility:
- 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
- Good drawing and spatial visualization skills help.
- 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
- Tips to Choose the Right College:
- Look beyond rankings—consider location, faculty expertise, and specialization areas.
- Check placement records and alumni achievements.
- Ensure the college is CoA-approved (Council of Architecture).
- Look beyond rankings—consider location, faculty expertise, and specialization areas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which is the No.1 architecture college in India as per NIRF 2025?
IIT Roorkee retains the top spot in 2025.
Q2: Is NATA mandatory for admission to top architecture colleges?
Yes, NATA is required for most SPAs and private institutions, while IITs/NITs use JEE Main (B.Arch).
Q3: Do rankings change drastically every year?
While IIT Roorkee remains stable at the top, several institutions move in and out of the top 10 each year, reflecting evolving performance.
Q4: Which NITs are among the top 10 architecture colleges in 2025?
NIT Calicut, NIT Rourkela, NIT Trichy, and VNIT Nagpur made it to the top 10 list in 2025.
Q5: How does SPA Delhi rank in 2025 compared to 2024?
SPA Delhi slipped from rank 5 in 2024 to rank 8 in 2025, reflecting changes in research and inclusivity scores.
Q6: What skills are important for success in architecture studies?
Strong drawing ability, spatial visualization, creativity, and analytical thinking are key skills for architecture students.
Q7: Where can I check the official NIRF 2025 Architecture rankings?
The full rankings are available on the official NIRF website.
Q8: Do NIRF rankings affect architecture placements?
Yes, higher-ranked colleges usually attract leading architecture firms and consultancies, leading to better internship and job opportunities.
Conclusion
The NIRF 2025 Architecture & Planning Rankings showcase a dynamic mix of IITs, NITs, SPAs, and universities excelling in design and planning. For aspirants, these rankings offer valuable insights, but the right choice should also align with your personal career goals and design interests.
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