ANU College of Architecture & Planning

ANU College of Architecture & Planning (ANU CAP), established in 2009, is a constituent college of Acharya Nagarjuna University. Located on the Guntur-Vijayawada highway, it serves as a premier hub for architectural education in the Amaravati capital region. For the academic year 2026, the college continues to be a preferred choice for students in Andhra Pradesh due to its Council of Architecture (CoA) approval and state-of-the-art facilities.

The college is renowned for its design-centric curriculum that blends traditional aesthetics with modern technology. The most sought-after programs for 2026 include:

• Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch): A 5-year full-time professional degree focused on design, construction technology, and urban planning.
• Master of Architecture (M.Arch): Specializations in Sustainable Architecture and Urban Design are highly popular, catering to the evolving needs of the Andhra Pradesh infrastructure sector.
• Ph.D. in Architecture: For research scholars focusing on regional planning and sustainable development.

Admission to ANU CAP is strictly based on merit and national-level entrance examination scores. For the 2026 session, the following process applies:

• B.Arch Admission: Candidates must qualify for NATA 2026 or JEE Main Paper 2. Counseling is conducted by APSCHE through the AP EAPCET portal.
• M.Arch Admission: Selection is based on GATE scores or AP PGECET performance.

Tentative Dates 2026:

• NATA 2026 Registration: March - April 2026
• AP EAPCET Counseling: July 2026
• Class Commencement: August 2026

Students generally praise ANU CAP for its academic environment and the vast resources of the university campus. Common themes in reviews include:

• Academic Rigour: Faculty members are noted for their professional experience and focus on studio-based learning.
• Campus Life: Being part of a large university allows architecture students to interact with peers from diverse fields like engineering and arts.
• Location Advantage: Proximity to the developing capital region of Amaravati provides real-time case studies for urban planning.
• Hostel Facilities: While the campus is vast, some students suggest improvements in the speed of maintenance for older hostel blocks.

The cutoff for 2026 is determined by a combination of NATA scores (50% weightage) and 10+2 marks (50% weightage). For general category students, a NATA score above 110 and a state rank within the top 500 is typically required for a seat in the government-aided category.

While individual architecture college rankings vary, ANU College of Architecture & Planning consistently ranks among the top 5 architecture colleges in Andhra Pradesh. For 2026, it is recognized for:

• Regional Standing: Ranked #3 in Andhra Pradesh for Architectural Studies.
• University Excellence: Acharya Nagarjuna University is consistently ranked within the top 150 universities in India by NIRF.
• CoA Compliance: High marks for maintaining student-faculty ratios and studio infrastructure.

The 2025 placement season saw a significant uptick in demand due to the construction boom in Guntur and Vijayawada. Graduates secured roles in:

• Top Recruiters: L&T Construction, Hafeez Contractor (Mumbai), regional firms in Amaravati, and government urban development bodies.
• Average Package: INR 3.5 LPA to 5.5 LPA for freshers.
• Highest Package: INR 8.5 LPA for students with specialized skills in BIM and Revit.
• Internships: 100% of students secured mandatory internships in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities.

The college supports students through various state and central schemes:

• Jagananna Vidya Deevena: Full tuition fee reimbursement for eligible students from low-income backgrounds in Andhra Pradesh.
• Jagananna Vasathi Deevena: Financial assistance for hostel and mess charges.
• Merit Scholarships: Provided by the University for toppers in each academic year.
• National Scholarship Portal (NSP): Access to central government scholarships for SC/ST and minority students.

The academic portfolio focuses on core architectural competencies. Popular courses include:

• B.Arch: The foundation of the college, known for its focus on climate-responsive architecture.
• M.Arch (Sustainable Architecture): A specialized program focusing on green building technologies and LEED certification standards.
• Short-term Certificate Courses: Often offered in GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and Interior Design.

The fee structure at ANU CAP is highly competitive compared to private institutions in Guntur and Vijayawada.

Note: Fees are subject to government regulation and may vary based on category.

Comparing ANU CAP with other regional institutions:

The application process for 2026 is primarily online:

1. Visit the official APSCHE website for AP EAPCET/NATA counseling.
2. Register using NATA/JEE Main Paper 2 credentials.
3. Select ANU College of Architecture & Planning (College Code: ANUC) during web options entry.
4. Verify documents at designated help centers.
5. Pay the university admission fee upon seat allotment.

The college boasts specialized infrastructure suited for creative disciplines:

• Design Studios: Spacious, well-lit studios with dedicated drafting tables for every student.
• Computer Lab: Equipped with high-end workstations running AutoCAD, Revit, Rhino, and SketchUp.
• Material Museum: A collection of building materials and construction samples for hands-on learning.
• Climatology Lab: Tools to study weather patterns and their impact on building design.
• Library: Access to the massive ANU Central Library plus a departmental library with rare architectural journals.

The college is organized into functional academic departments to streamline learning:

• Department of Architecture: Oversees the B.Arch and M.Arch (General) programs.
• Department of Planning: Focuses on urban development and regional planning modules.
• Department of Environmental Design: Handles research into sustainable and green building practices.

To complement their degree, students at ANU CAP often pursue:

• BIM Management: Learning Revit and Navisworks for modern project delivery.
• Sustainable Design: Courses on LEED and GRIHA certification.
• Graphic Design: Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite for architectural presentation.
• GIS Mapping: Essential for students interested in urban planning.

The faculty at ANU CAP consists of a mix of seasoned academicians and practicing architects. Many hold Ph.D. degrees from prestigious institutions like IITs and SPAs. The faculty-to-student ratio is maintained as per CoA norms, ensuring personalized attention during studio hours. Guest lectures from prominent architects in the Vijayawada-Guntur region are a regular feature.

While the B.Arch degree is primarily offline, the college encourages students to utilize SWAYAM/NPTEL platforms. Students can earn credits for elective subjects by completing certified online courses in areas like 'History of Architecture' or 'Project Management'.

Alumni of ANU CAP have made significant contributions to the development of Andhra Pradesh. Many serve as:

• Lead Architects in regional firms contributing to the Amaravati capital project.
• Urban Planners in various Municipal Corporations across India.
• Independent practitioners who have won national design competitions.
• Academicians in leading architecture schools across South India.