Architecture is the planning, designing, and construction of buildings and cities that are safe, elegant, and attractive. Architecture colleges are in demand because a developing nation like India needs architects for urban development, heritage preservation, with sustainable design. Those who are interested in designing and shaping spaces and cities can pursue architecture. Learners need to learn the principles of engineering, mathematics, and material science. In addition to that, they have to be aesthetic while designing the spaces and buildings. If anyone wants to learn architecture from the best in the country can apply for the top NIRF ranking colleges in India.
A Brief Overview of NIRF(National Institutional Ranking Framework)
NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework) is an annual ranking system that ranks top colleges and universities based on the infrastructure and quality of higher education offered to learners. The aim of ranking the territory's educational institutions is that learners can choose and prepare for the top universities and colleges for their higher education, so they get the best exposure to learn advanced skills in demand in the market.
NIRF Rankings are released by the MHRD (Minister of Human Resource Development). The framework has drafted a methodology to rank institutes all over the country. The methodology has been developed after recommendations from the core committee, and also welcomes insights, suggestions, and experience of esteemed professors in the field to identify broad parameters for ranking educational institutes in the field of Architecture. In this blog, a list is shared of the top 10 NIRF Ranking Architecture Colleges in India.
List of Top 10 NIRF Ranking Architecture Colleges in India 2025
Here is the list of the NIRF Ranking Architecture Colleges in India 2025 for the guidance of the learners who want to study from the best colleges:
|
Name |
City |
State |
Score |
Rank |
|
Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee |
Roorkee |
Uttarakhand |
83.95 |
1 |
|
National Institute of Technology Calicut |
Kozhikode |
Kerala |
77.89 |
2 |
|
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur |
Kharagpur |
West Bengal |
77.38 |
3 |
|
Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur |
Howrah |
West Bengal |
68.37 |
4 |
|
Jamia Millia Islamia |
New Delhi |
Delhi |
67.15 |
5 |
|
Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology University |
Ahmedabad |
Gujarat |
65.73 |
6 |
|
National Institute of Technology Rourkela |
Rourkela |
Odisha |
65.72 |
7 |
|
School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi |
New Delhi |
Delhi |
65.11 |
8 |
|
National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli |
Tiruchirappalli |
Tamil Nadu |
64.30 |
9 |
|
Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur |
Nagpur |
Maharashtra |
61.22 |
10 |
NRIF Ranking 2025: Top Architecture Institutes and Colleges Details
NIRF Ranking 2025 will help learners to choose the best colleges, and they can prepare for the entrance exam to get admission.
1. Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee
IIT Roorkee is one of Asia’s oldest technical institutions, and the institute introduced architecture education in 1956. Its B.Arch program is the finest blend of engineering precision with creative design, supported by advanced labs and heritage campus architecture. The program is unique because of its integration of sustainable design research and strong industry collaborations; it remains a top choice for aspiring architects.
|
Particulars |
Detail |
|
Foundation Year |
1847 |
|
Program |
|
|
Admission Criteria |
|
|
B.Arch Fees |
₹10 lakh* |
2. National Institute of Technology Calicut
The Department of Architecture at NIT Calicut was set up in 1997. Today, the department is offering B.Arch, M.Plan, and research programs to interested learner,s which provide exposure through field studies and design studios. The program emphasizes sustainable planning, with a unique location advantage in Kerala’s rich architectural landscape. But the institute is known for its focus on tropical architecture and climate-responsive design.
|
Particulars |
Detail |
|
Foundation Year |
1961 |
|
Program |
|
|
Admission Criteria |
|
|
B.Arch Fees |
₹8.69 lakh* |
3. Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur
IIT Kharagpur introduced architecture education in India by providing the country’s first Department of Architecture and Regional Planning in 1952. It offers B.Arch, M.Arch, and doctoral programs. These programs are known for their design in integrating technology, which is crucial for urban planning and sustainable development.
|
Particulars |
Detail |
|
Foundation Year |
1951 |
|
Program |
|
|
Admission Criteria |
|
|
B.Arch Fees |
N/A |
4. Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur
IIEST is India’s oldest architecture school offering the Town and Regional Planning program under the Department of Architecture. The core of the program is to introduce the architectural design, planning and heritage conservation. Also, the program is focusing on teaching modern techniques that produce architects skilled in designing urban spaces with cultural understanding.
|
Particulars |
Detail |
|
Foundation Year |
1856 |
|
Program |
|
|
Admission Criteria |
|
|
B.Arch Fees |
₹6.25 lakh* |
5. Jamia Millia Islamia
In 2001, Jamia Millia Islamia introduced the Faculty of Architecture & Ekistics to provide programs such as B.Arch, M.Arch, and planning programs. The Architecture School is distinctive for its interdisciplinary approach, integrating architecture with social sciences and urban studies to resolve the issues related to human settlements.
|
Particulars |
Detail |
|
Foundation Year |
1920 |
|
Program |
|
|
Admission Criteria |
|
|
B.Arch Fees |
N/A |
6. Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology University
CEPT University’s School of Architecture is recognized for its design innovation and urban studies globally. Its B.Arch program promotes hands-on learning and encourages learners to experiment in urban research. As a result, the program enables creativity while addressing real-world challenges, which makes it a hub for architectural excellence in India.
|
Particulars |
Detail |
|
Foundation Year |
1962 |
|
Program |
|
|
Admission Criteria |
|
|
B.Arch Fees |
₹22.75 lakh* |
7. National Institute of Technology Rourkela
NIT Rourkela's School of Architecture and Planning has been providing a 5-year B.Arch program since 1993. The institution is located in Odisha, hence it takes inspiration and learning from the region, and combines learning with contemporary architecture, thus equipping students to deal with global as well as local problems in the discipline. The architecture program offered by NIT Rourkela is focused on sustainable, green design and town planning.
|
Particulars |
Detail |
|
Foundation Year |
1961 |
|
Program |
|
|
Admission Criteria |
|
|
B.Arch Fees |
₹6.25 lakh* |
8. School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi
The School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, was established as an independent institution in 1959 to provide courses in architecture to students. SPA is primarily concerned with architecture and planning education, promoting innovation, urban design excellence, and research-based policy studies. Students can enroll for programs like B.Arch, M.Arch, and doctoral programs if they are interested in architecture and want to apply for the SPA.
|
Particulars |
Detail |
|
Foundation Year |
1941 |
|
Program |
|
|
Admission Criteria |
|
|
B.Arch Fees |
₹5.22 lakh* |
9. National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli
NIT Trichy set up its Department of Architecture in 1980 to offer programs such as B.Arch and M.Arch in Energy Efficient and Sustainable Architecture. The program is unique for its emphasis on green building research and sustainable technologies. Not only does this campus rank well in NIRF Rankings 2025, but it also provides learners with industrial connections to learn from experts. It focuses on teaching architects knowledge in contemporary and sustainable design techniques.
|
Particulars |
Detail |
|
Foundation Year |
1964 |
|
Program |
|
|
Admission Criteria |
|
|
B.Arch Fees |
N/A |
10. Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur
VNIT Nagpur’s Department of Architecture and Planning started in 1964, and the department is offering B.Arch, M.Tech in Urban Planning, and Ph.D. programs. The department is unique for its consultancy services in urban planning and regional development.
|
Particulars |
Detail |
|
Foundation Year |
1960 |
|
Program |
|
|
Admission Criteria |
|
|
Fees |
₹6.25 lakh* |
*Fees may vary, so candidates are advised to confirm the fees from the university/colleges before enrolling for the program.
Parameters of NIRF Ranking 2025 in India
To rank Indian colleges, the parameters are broadly classified as teaching, learning, resources, faculty, graduation outcomes, outreach and inclusivity, and perception.
Below is the Summary of Ranking Parameters and Weightages- 2025 (Architecture & Planning)
|
Paramaters |
Marks |
Weightage |
|
Teaching, Learning & Resources |
100 |
0.40 |
|
Research and Professional Practice |
100 |
0.20 |
|
Graduation Outcomes |
100 |
0.20 |
|
Outreach and Inclusivity |
100 |
0.10 |
|
Perception |
100 |
0.10 |
Why NIRF Ranking Crucial?
NIRF Ranking motivates educational institutes to upgrade education in India. Below are the reasons why the NIRF Ranking is essential for learners in India:
- Transparency: NIRF provides a consistent evaluation across institutions annually.
- Guidance for Students: Helps students make informed decisions based on performance metrics like teaching, research, and placements.
- Policy & Improvement: Institutional performance in NIRF often guides funding, improvement efforts, and benchmarking.
