Schools of Planning and Architecture
The Schools of Planning and Architecture (SPAs) are three premier public institutions of national importance in India, specializing in higher education, research, and professional training in architecture, urban and regional planning, landscape architecture, and related design disciplines, with campuses in New Delhi, Bhopal, and Vijayawada.[1][2][3] Established under the Schools of Planning and Architecture Act of 2014, these institutes operate autonomously under the Ministry of Education and are designated as centrally funded technical institutions focused on addressing India's urban development challenges through specialized curricula.[4] The flagship SPA in New Delhi traces its origins to 1941 as the Department of Architecture within Delhi Polytechnic, evolving into the School of Town and Country Planning in 1955 and adopting its current name in 1959, before gaining deemed university status in 1979.[4] In contrast, the SPAs in Bhopal and Vijayawada were founded in 2008 to expand national capacity in these fields amid rapid urbanization.[2][3] The SPAs collectively offer undergraduate programs such as Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) and Bachelor of Planning (B.Plan), postgraduate degrees including Master of Architecture (M.Arch), Master of Planning (M.Plan), and Master of Landscape Architecture, alongside doctoral research opportunities, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to sustainable habitat design and policy.[5] Admissions are highly competitive, primarily through national entrance exams like JEE Main for undergraduates and GATE/CEED for postgraduates, drawing top talent and producing graduates who contribute to government planning bodies, private firms, and international projects.[3] Notable achievements include pioneering India's formal education in town planning post-independence and influencing urban policies, though the institutions have faced critiques for limited intake relative to national demand for skilled professionals in architecture and planning.[4][3]Overview
Founding Purpose and Scope
The Department of Architecture, precursor to the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), was established in 1941 under the Delhi Polytechnic to address the acute shortage of trained architects following India's independence, enabling contributions to national reconstruction through professional education in architectural design and building practices.[4] The First Five-Year Plan (1951-1956) explicitly recommended the creation of dedicated schools for planning and architecture to build capacity in urban and regional development, prompting the Government of India to found the School of Town and Country Planning in Delhi in 1955 as the nation's inaugural institution for such specialized training.[6] In 1959, this planning school merged with the Department of Architecture, officially forming the School of Planning and Architecture, with its core purpose centered on imparting multidisciplinary education in town planning, architecture, and related fields to foster systematic physical infrastructure development amid rapid urbanization and industrial growth.[4] This founding aimed at producing skilled professionals capable of tackling challenges in rural, urban, and regional planning, emphasizing practical problem-solving for India's evolving built environment needs.[7] The initial scope encompassed undergraduate programs in architecture and planning, alongside foundational research initiatives, but evolved to include postgraduate studies, doctoral research, and consultancy services by the 1970s, reflecting a broader mandate for innovation in design, environmental sustainability, and policy formulation.[4] Subsequent establishments of additional SPAs in Bhopal and Vijayawada extended this framework nationally, formalized under the School of Planning and Architecture Act, 2014, which declared the institutions as of national importance to advance education, research, and training in architectural sciences, urban design, landscape architecture, and industrial design for holistic habitat improvement.[8]Current Campuses and Enrollment
The Schools of Planning and Architecture (SPAs) currently comprise three autonomous institutes designated as Institutions of National Importance: SPA New Delhi, established in 1941 and located on a 30-acre campus in New Delhi; SPA Bhopal, established in 2008 in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, on a 75-acre campus; and SPA Vijayawada, established in 2008 in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, spanning approximately 12 acres across suburban and urban sites.[1][2][3] Enrollment across the SPAs totals approximately 3,000 students, with variations by campus reflecting differences in program scale and maturity. SPA New Delhi, the flagship institution, reports over 845 undergraduate students, more than 550 postgraduate students, and over 140 PhD scholars as of 2025.[9] SPA Bhopal has around 777 students enrolled across its undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs.[10] SPA Vijayawada enrolls approximately 679 students, including about 556 in architecture-related undergraduate programs alone.[11][12]| Campus | Approximate Total Enrollment | Breakdown (where available) |
|---|---|---|
| SPA New Delhi | 1,535+ | 845+ UG, 550+ PG, 140+ PhD |
| SPA Bhopal | 777 | UG/PG/PhD combined |
| SPA Vijayawada | 679 | ~556 in architecture UG; remainder PG/PhD |
Historical Development
Origins in Post-Independence India (1941-1959)
The Department of Architecture, serving as the foundational precursor to the Schools of Planning and Architecture, was established in 1941 within Delhi Polytechnic at Kashmiri Gate in northern Delhi.[4] This initiative, led by Walter George, responded to the heightened demand for architects and engineers during World War II, with W.W. Wood appointed as the first principal and Mr. Mirza as the inaugural head of the department.[4] The department affiliated with the University of Delhi, providing early training in architectural principles amid limited formal education options in North India at the time.[13] Post-independence in 1947, the department addressed acute shortages of qualified professionals essential for urban reconstruction and national development projects, such as the planning of Chandigarh.[4] The first cohort of students earned national diplomas in architecture in 1950, aligning with broader efforts to build institutional capacity for modernization.[4] India's First Five-Year Plan (1951–1956) underscored the necessity for specialized education in town planning to manage rapid urbanization and economic planning, prompting governmental focus on expanding such programs.[4] In 1955, the Government of India founded the School of Town and Country Planning in Delhi, operating initially from Kapurthala House, to emphasize rural, urban, and regional planning education.[4] Prof. V. Kamakshi Manickam served as the founder director, securing land at Indraprastha Estate for future expansion.[4] This entity separated the architecture department from Delhi Polytechnic, establishing it as an independent unit under the Ministry of Education.[13] By 1958, the Department of Regional Planning was introduced, and on May 26, foundation stone for the dedicated planning campus was laid by Prof. Humayun Kabir.[4][13] Culminating these developments, 1959 saw the integration of the School of Town and Country Planning with the Department of Architecture, resulting in the renaming to the School of Planning and Architecture as a fully autonomous institution under the Ministry of Education and recognized as a deemed university.[4][13] This merger formalized a comprehensive framework for architecture and planning education, positioning the institution as a central hub for professional training in post-colonial India's developmental priorities.[4]Institutional Autonomy and Expansion (1960-2012)
In 1979, the Government of India conferred deemed university status on the School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi, recognizing its specialized focus and enabling institutional autonomy from prior affiliations, such as with the University of Delhi.[14] This status empowered the institution to independently award degrees, develop curricula, and establish new academic departments, including those in urban design, industrial design, and architectural conservation, thereby broadening its scope in planning and architecture education.[4] To address the rising national demand for trained professionals amid rapid urbanization, the Ministry of Human Resource Development established two additional autonomous Schools of Planning and Architecture in 2008—one in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, and the other in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.[2][3] These new institutions were centrally funded and designed to replicate SPA Delhi's model of specialized higher education, with independent governance for day-to-day operations while aligned under national policy oversight. Through the early 2010s, the three SPAs exercised significant autonomy in faculty appointments, research initiatives, and program expansions, supported by central grants that facilitated infrastructure development and enrollment growth to meet evolving needs in urban planning and architectural practice. This period marked a decentralized yet coordinated expansion, enhancing India's capacity for evidence-based habitat design without compromising institutional independence.[15]Designation as Institutes of National Importance (2013-Present)
The School of Planning and Architecture Act, 2014 (Act No. 37 of 2014), received presidential assent on December 18, 2014, declaring the existing Schools of Planning and Architecture in New Delhi, Bhopal, and Vijayawada as institutions of national importance.[16][17] The legislation, introduced in the Lok Sabha on July 7, 2014, aimed to elevate these institutes' status to promote specialized education, research, and training in architecture, planning, and related fields, granting them powers comparable to other premier central institutions.[17] Under the act, the SPAs gained statutory autonomy, including the authority to award their own undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degrees without affiliation to external universities, establish off-campus centers, and formulate curricula tailored to national needs in urban development and design.[17][18] Each institute is governed by a Board of Governors appointed by the central government, responsible for academic policies, financial management, and strategic expansion, with the Minister of Education as the visitor overseeing compliance.[16] This framework ensures direct central funding, estimated at enhanced budgetary allocations post-2014, enabling infrastructure upgrades and research initiatives focused on sustainable urban planning.[19] The INI designation has facilitated greater integration of the SPAs into national policy frameworks, such as contributing to schemes under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs for smart cities and habitat missions, by producing skilled professionals and conducting applied research.[18] As of 2024, the three SPAs continue to operate under this act, with no expansions to additional campuses enacted, though the legislation permits future growth to meet evolving demands in architectural education.[20] This status underscores their role in addressing India's urbanization challenges through evidence-based planning, distinct from state-level or private architecture schools lacking similar central oversight and resources.[19]Governance and Organization
Central Governing Bodies
The Schools of Planning and Architecture are overseen by a central Council, established under Section 33 of the School of Planning and Architecture Act, 2014, which coordinates the activities of the three institutes in New Delhi, Bhopal, and Vijayawada.[21] This body serves as the apex authority for policy coordination, ensuring alignment with national objectives in architecture and planning education.[22] The Council is chaired ex officio by the Union Minister responsible for technical education in the Ministry of Education, Government of India.[16] The primary functions of the Council include advising the Central Government on matters such as the establishment of new courses, conferment of degrees, and admission policies across the SPAs; reviewing periodic development plans submitted by the institutes; and recommending the creation of additional Schools of Planning and Architecture.[23] It also facilitates coordination among the SPAs to promote research, innovation, and standardization in urban planning and architectural curricula, while maintaining their status as Institutes of National Importance.[17] The Council's composition comprises 25 members, blending government officials, academic representatives, and experts to ensure balanced oversight:- Ex officio Chairperson: Union Minister for technical education.
- Two Members of Parliament, nominated by the Speakers of the Lok Sabha and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
- Ex officio members: Secretary (technical education), Chairpersons of the Boards of Governors of all SPAs, Director of each SPA, Chairperson of the University Grants Commission, President of the Council of Architecture, President of the Institute of Town Planners India, Chairman of the Indian Institute of Architects, President of the Institution of Surveyors of India, Secretaries of Urban Development and Defence.
- Nominated members: Chairperson of the All India Council for Technical Education, three experts (including at least one woman) nominated by the Visitor (President of India), two Secretaries of technical education from states where SPAs are located, and the Financial Adviser of the Ministry of Human Resource Development.
- Member-Secretary: Joint Secretary (technical education).[16]
Campus-Level Administration and Faculty Structure
Each School of Planning and Architecture (SPA) campus maintains its own administrative hierarchy, headed by a Director appointed by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, who oversees academic, operational, and strategic functions at the institutional level.[24][25] The Director is supported by a Registrar handling administrative, financial, and personnel matters, ensuring compliance with central directives while managing campus-specific operations.[26] This structure promotes operational efficiency across the Delhi, Bhopal, and Vijayawada campuses, established respectively in 1941, 2008, and 2008.[1][2][3] The Director is assisted by multiple Deans, typically five in number, each responsible for specialized portfolios to decentralize decision-making. These include the Dean (Academics), who coordinates curriculum development, examinations, and faculty appointments; Dean (Research), focusing on funding, projects, and publications; Dean (Student Affairs), managing admissions, hostels, and extracurriculars; Dean (Faculty Welfare), addressing professional development and grievances; and Dean (Planning and Development), handling infrastructure, collaborations, and resource allocation.[27][28][29] For instance, at SPA Vijayawada, the Dean (Academic) is Dr. Lilly Rose A., an Associate Professor in Architecture, exemplifying the practice of appointing serving faculty to these rotational roles.[28] This dean-based model, uniform across campuses since their designation as Institutes of National Importance in 2013, facilitates specialized oversight while aligning with the SPA Council's central policies.[30] Faculty at each campus are organized into core departments such as Architecture, Planning, and ancillary areas like Building Engineering or Environmental Planning, with a Head of Department (HoD) leading each—often a senior Professor.[31][32] Faculty ranks follow standard academic hierarchies: Professors (requiring Ph.D. and significant research/output), Associate Professors, and Assistant Professors, recruited via national-level selections emphasizing qualifications from bodies like the Council of Architecture.[33] As of recent records, SPA Bhopal employs around 8 Professors, 10 Associate Professors, and 30 Assistant Professors, reflecting a faculty-student ratio geared toward specialized mentorship in design and planning disciplines.[33] Departmental committees and boards of studies, chaired by HoDs, handle curriculum updates and research initiatives, ensuring integration of practical training with theoretical instruction.[1] This structure supports interdisciplinary collaboration, with faculty often holding dual expertise in architecture and urban planning to address India's post-independence developmental needs.[3]Academic Programs and Curriculum
Undergraduate Degrees in Architecture and Planning
The Schools of Planning and Architecture (SPAs) in Delhi, Bhopal, and Vijayawada offer two primary undergraduate degrees: the Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.), a five-year professional program, and the Bachelor of Planning (B.Plan.), a four-year program.[34][35][36] These degrees prepare students for licensure and practice in their respective fields, with B.Arch. graduates eligible to register with the Council of Architecture upon completion.[37] The B.Arch. program spans ten semesters, structured in two stages: the initial six semesters focus on foundational studies including design studios, architectural history, building materials, structures, and environmental controls, while the latter stages emphasize advanced design projects, professional practice, and electives.[34][37] All three SPAs deliver this curriculum with a studio-based approach integrating theory, technical skills, and site-specific projects, typically admitting 40-50 students per campus annually through the Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) based on JEE Main Paper 2 scores.[6][38][39] The B.Plan. program, offered as a four-year, eight-semester course at Bhopal and Vijayawada, covers urban and regional planning, transportation systems, environmental planning, and socio-economic aspects of development, culminating in a thesis on real-world planning challenges.[35][39] At SPA Delhi, students admitted to B.Plan. have the option to pursue an integrated five-year Master of Planning degree, extending the program for advanced specialization.[40] Eligibility for both degrees requires completion of 10+2 education with at least 50% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, alongside a valid JEE Main rank; reservations apply per Government of India policies.[6][38]Postgraduate and Doctoral Offerings
The Schools of Planning and Architecture (SPAs) offer postgraduate programs primarily at the master's level, focusing on advanced specializations in architecture, planning, and allied design fields, typically spanning two years of full-time study. These include Master of Architecture (M.Arch) degrees with concentrations such as urban design, landscape architecture, and conservation; Master of Planning (M.Plan) programs in areas like urban and regional planning, environmental planning, and transport planning; Master of Building Engineering and Management (MBEM); and Master of Design (M.Des).[41][42][3] Admissions to these programs are coordinated through the Joint Admission for Architecture and Planning Postgraduate (JAAP PG) process, managed by the Council of Architecture, with eligibility requiring a relevant bachelor's degree and qualifying scores in national entrance exams like CEED or GATE.[43] At SPA Delhi, postgraduate offerings encompass M.Arch, M.Plan (with streams in urban planning and housing), MBEM, M.Des (industrial design), and Master of Landscape Architecture, emphasizing research-oriented curricula integrated with practical studios and interdisciplinary electives.[44][45] SPA Bhopal provides M.Arch specializations in conservation, landscape, and urban design; M.Plan in urban/regional, environmental, and transport planning; alongside M.Des and MBEM, with a focus on sustainable practices and regional development challenges.[42][46] SPA Vijayawada offers M.Arch in sustainable architecture, M.Plan in urban design, environmental planning, and infrastructure, tailored to address rapid urbanization in southern India.[3] Doctoral programs across the SPAs are research-intensive, leading to PhD degrees in architecture, planning, building engineering, and related disciplines, with durations typically ranging from three to five years depending on full-time or part-time enrollment. SPA Delhi admits PhD candidates twice annually (January and July semesters), requiring a master's degree in a relevant field, followed by an entrance test, research proposal evaluation, and interview; the program supports areas like architectural theory, urban policy, and design innovation.[44] SPA Bhopal's doctoral offerings align with its departments in architecture, conservation, landscape, and urban planning, fostering original contributions through supervised thesis work.[46] At SPA Vijayawada, rolling admissions for full-time and part-time PhDs occur year-round, targeting research in planning, architecture, and building engineering, with emphasis on empirical studies of infrastructure and environmental resilience. These programs prioritize thesis-based inquiry, often funded through fellowships from the Ministry of Education or external grants, and contribute to policy advisory roles in India's urban sector.[47]Integration of Research and Practical Training
The curricula of the Schools of Planning and Architecture (SPAs) emphasize the fusion of research methodologies with hands-on practical components to equip students with skills applicable to real-world architectural and planning challenges. Undergraduate programs, such as the Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.), structure learning around design studios where theoretical research informs iterative design processes, including material testing and site analysis integrated directly into studio work.[37] This approach ensures that students apply empirical data from structural and environmental studies to practical outputs, fostering causal understanding of design impacts on built environments.[37] Practical training is embedded through mandatory internships and field engagements, typically following initial academic stages. In SPA Delhi's B.Arch. program, a dedicated practical training phase occurs after three years of full-time study, requiring students to document professional experiences in architecture firms, with evaluations based on logged hours, project involvement, and reflective reports on applied skills like surveying and construction oversight.[48] Similarly, SPA Vijayawada's five-year B.Arch. curriculum incorporates field trips to architectural sites for visualization and problem-solving practice, alongside workshops that bridge classroom theory with on-site execution.[49] These elements prioritize verifiable skill acquisition over abstract ideation, with assessments measuring tangible outcomes like model fabrication and site documentation. At the postgraduate and doctoral levels, integration deepens via research-oriented theses and sponsored projects that demand practical implementation. Students in M.Arch. and Master of Planning programs undertake research methodology courses, culminating in dissertations that test hypotheses through fieldwork, simulations, and policy prototyping, often in collaboration with government bodies on urban development.[6] Doctoral offerings across SPAs, including Bhopal and Vijayawada, focus on original contributions blending empirical research—such as data-driven urban modeling—with applied interventions, supported by interdisciplinary seminars that connect academic inquiry to professional practice.[50][35] Supporting infrastructure includes specialized laboratories for practical experimentation, such as SPA Delhi's Material Testing and Surveying facility, which serves both undergraduate hands-on training and postgraduate research in building systems and environmental analysis.[51] Sponsored research initiatives, spanning themes like city planning and governance, further enable students to participate in faculty-led projects, translating theoretical models into actionable prototypes and policy recommendations. This structured linkage counters potential disconnects between academia and industry by mandating evidence-based validation of practical outputs.Admissions and Selection
Entrance Examinations and Eligibility
Admission to the undergraduate Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) and Bachelor of Planning (B.Plan) programs at the Schools of Planning and Architecture (SPAs) in Delhi, Bhopal, and Vijayawada is primarily through the JEE Main Paper 2, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Paper 2A assesses candidates for B.Arch via sections on mathematics (numerical value and multiple-choice questions), aptitude test, and drawing test, while Paper 2B evaluates B.Plan aspirants on mathematics, aptitude test, and planning-based objective questions. Qualifying ranks from these papers determine eligibility for seat allocation under the Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) or Central Seat Allocation Board (CSAB) counselling processes, which distribute seats across the three SPAs.[52][35][53] Eligibility for these undergraduate programs mandates completion of 10+2 or equivalent examination from a recognized board, with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects, and a minimum aggregate of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD categories). Candidates must be Indian nationals, and mathematics must be studied at the 10+2 level with at least 50% marks in that subject for B.Plan admissions. There is no age limit imposed by the SPAs, though JEE Main participation follows NTA's criteria, typically allowing attempts for candidates appearing in their first or second year of 10+2.[54][39] For postgraduate programs such as M.Arch, M.Plan, and M.Des, admissions occur via the Joint Admission for Architecture and Planning (JAAP) process coordinated among the three SPAs. Eligibility requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline (e.g., architecture for M.Arch, planning for M.Plan) with at least 55% marks or 6.0 CGPA (50% or 5.5 CGPA for SC/ST/PwD categories) from a recognized university. Selection involves evaluation of qualifying degree performance, potentially supplemented by an entrance test or aptitude assessment specific to JAAP, followed by counselling.[55][56]Merit-Based Evaluation and Reservation Policies
Admission to undergraduate programs at the Schools of Planning and Architecture (SPAs), including B.Arch and B.Plan, is conducted through the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main, specifically Paper 2A for architecture and Paper 2B for planning, followed by seat allocation via the Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) counseling process.[52][57] Merit evaluation relies on candidates' All India Ranks (AIR) derived from JEE Main scores, with eligibility requiring a minimum 50% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics at the 10+2 level or equivalent.[58][59] This standardized national exam ensures a merit-based selection prioritizing performance in aptitude, drawing, and core subjects relevant to architecture and planning.[6] Seat allocation under JoSAA incorporates reservation policies mandated by the Government of India for Institutes of National Importance, allocating quotas as follows: 15% for Scheduled Castes (SC), 7.5% for Scheduled Tribes (ST), 27% for Other Backward Classes-Non Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL), 10% for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), and a 5% horizontal reservation for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) across categories.[51][60] Additional supernumerary seats include 2% for candidates from Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and northeastern states, and specific provisions for children of defense/paramilitary personnel, such as one seat each for B.Arch and B.Plan reserved for wards of defense forces.[51] These policies apply uniformly across SPAs in Delhi, Bhopal, and Vijayawada, with cutoffs varying by category; for instance, in JoSAA 2025 Round 1, SPA Delhi's B.Arch closing ranks ranged from 158 (General) to higher thresholds for reserved categories.[61][62] For postgraduate admissions, merit is assessed via national exams like GATE for M.Plan programs or CEED for M.Arch/Urban Design, with subsequent counseling or institute-level interviews determining final selection.[59][43] Reservation quotas mirror undergraduate policies, including category-wise allocations and PwD provisions, ensuring compliance with central guidelines while prioritizing exam performance.[63] In cases of direct admissions or interviews, such as for certain M.Des seats, final merit lists integrate qualifying exam scores with interview evaluations, subject to the same reservation framework.Recognition and Performance Metrics
Accreditations and Regulatory Oversight
The Schools of Planning and Architecture (SPAs) in Delhi, Bhopal, and Vijayawada function as Institutes of National Importance under the School of Planning and Architecture Act, 2014 (No. 37 of 2014), which grants them statutory autonomy in academic administration, curriculum development, and financial operations while establishing the SPA Council—chaired by the Union Minister of Education—for strategic oversight and coordination across the institutions.[16][18] This framework ensures alignment with national higher education policies, including those from the University Grants Commission (UGC) for deemed university equivalents, though the SPAs exercise independent governance through boards of governors and academic senates.[47] Architectural education at the SPAs falls under the regulatory purview of the Council of Architecture (COA), established by the Architects Act, 1972, which mandates minimum standards for undergraduate and postgraduate programs leading to professional registration. The COA approves the Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) and Master of Architecture (M.Arch) degrees at all three SPAs, with SPA Delhi's programs explicitly recognized since their inception and Bhopal and Vijayawada's integrated post-2008 under ongoing compliance reviews via the COA's Approval Process Handbook.[64][65][6] These approvals require adherence to criteria such as faculty qualifications, infrastructure, and student intake limits, with periodic inspections to maintain eligibility for architect licensure.[66] Urban and regional planning programs at the SPAs, including Bachelor and Master of Planning degrees, operate without a singular statutory regulator akin to the COA; instead, professional recognition is provided by the Institute of Town Planners, India (ITPI), a voluntary body that validates qualifications for associate and full membership based on course equivalence to its standards.[67] The SPAs' planning curricula are structured to meet these ITPI benchmarks, facilitating graduates' entry into certified practice, though oversight relies on institutional autonomy under the 2014 Act rather than mandatory accreditation cycles.[68] This decentralized approach contrasts with architecture's formalized regulation, reflecting broader gaps in statutory frameworks for planning education as noted in policy analyses.[69]Domestic and Global Rankings
The Schools of Planning and Architecture (SPAs) are evaluated primarily through India's National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), administered by the Ministry of Education, which assesses institutions in the Architecture and Planning category based on parameters including teaching, learning, resources, research, graduation outcomes, outreach, and perception. In the NIRF 2025 rankings, released in September 2025, SPA New Delhi secured 8th position with a score of 65.11, reflecting strengths in perception and outreach but a decline from its 6th rank in 2024.[70][71] SPA Bhopal ranked 11th with 60.69, down from 8th in 2024, while SPA Vijayawada placed 19th with 58.49, lower than its 16th position the previous year.[70][71]| Institution | NIRF 2025 Rank | Score | NIRF 2024 Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPA New Delhi | 8 | 65.11 | 6 |
| SPA Bhopal | 11 | 60.69 | 8 |
| SPA Vijayawada | 19 | 58.49 | 16 |