Chadalawada Aruna School of Architecture

Chadalawada Aruna School of Architecture (CASA) is a premier institution for architectural education located in the spiritual and educational hub of Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. Established under the aegis of the Krishna Teja Group, the college is dedicated to fostering creative and technical excellence in young architects.

The institution is primarily known for its rigorous professional undergraduate program. The curriculum is designed to balance theoretical knowledge with hands-on studio practice, reflecting the evolving needs of the Indian construction industry.

• Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch): A 5-year full-time program. The course emphasizes sustainable design, urban planning, and vernacular architecture, which is highly relevant to the diverse climatic zones of Andhra Pradesh.
• Special Interest Groups: While the primary degree is B.Arch, students often engage in specialized workshops for Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, and Digital Fabrication.

Admissions for the 2026 academic session are strictly based on merit and compliance with Council of Architecture (CoA) norms. Candidates must qualify for national-level entrance exams to be eligible for the counseling process conducted by the Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE).

• Eligibility: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) or 10+3 Diploma with Mathematics as a compulsory subject.
• Entrance Exams: NATA 2026 (National Aptitude Test in Architecture) or JEE Main Paper 2.
• Counseling: AP Architecture Admissions (SAR) conducted by APSCHE.

Tentative Dates for 2026:

• NATA Registration: March - April 2026
• JEE Main Session 1: January 2026
• AP Architecture Counseling: July - August 2026

Students at CASA often highlight the supportive environment and the accessibility of the faculty. The college's location in Tirupati provides a unique cultural backdrop for architectural study.

• Pros: Excellent studio spaces, well-stocked library, and regular site visits to nearby heritage sites like Chandragiri Fort and modern developments in Tirupati.
• Cons: Some students feel the placement cell could be more aggressive for architecture-specific internships compared to the engineering departments.
• Overall Vibe: A mix of traditional values and modern design thinking, benefited by the larger campus ecosystem of the Chadalawada group.

The cutoff for 2026 will depend on the difficulty level of NATA and the number of applicants in the state counseling. Generally, students need a valid NATA score (minimum qualifying marks as per CoA) and a good rank in the AP state merit list.

Note: These are estimates based on previous years' trends in Andhra Pradesh architecture admissions.

CASA is steadily climbing the regional rankings within Andhra Pradesh. In 2026, it is recognized as a significant private architecture college in the Rayalaseema region.

• Regional Rank: Top 10 Architecture Colleges in Andhra Pradesh.
• JNTUA Ranking: Consistently recognized for maintaining high academic standards and CoA compliance within the university's affiliated colleges.
• Student Choice: Preferred destination for students from Tirupati, Chittoor, and Nellore districts.

Architecture placements differ from engineering; they usually involve students joining reputed architectural firms as Junior Architects or interns. The 2025 batch saw successful placements in several leading design firms across South India.

• Average Starting Salary: INR 3.5 LPA to 5 LPA for Junior Architects.
• Top Recruiter Locations: Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and local firms in Tirupati/Amaravati.
• Internships: 100% of students secured mandatory internships in the 4th year, with many receiving pre-placement offers.
• Industries: Real Estate, Urban Planning, Interior Design, and Construction Management.

The college facilitates various state and central government scholarship schemes to support students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.

• Jagananna Vidya Deevena (JVD): Full tuition fee reimbursement for eligible students from Andhra Pradesh.
• Jagananna Vasathi Deevena: Financial assistance for hostel and mess charges for eligible students.
• Merit Scholarships: Internal rewards for top performers in university examinations.
• Central Sector Schemes: Support for SC/ST and Minority students through the National Scholarship Portal.

While the B.Arch is the mainstay, the institution focuses on several core areas of study that are popular among the students:

• Architectural Design Studios: The heart of the curriculum, focusing on residential, commercial, and institutional projects.
• Building Construction & Technology: Emphasis on modern construction materials and traditional methods.
• Climatology & Sustainable Design: A critical course given the hot and humid climate of coastal and southern Andhra Pradesh.
• Computer Applications in Architecture: Training in AutoCAD, Revit, Rhino, and BIM software.

The fee structure is governed by the Andhra Pradesh State Fee Regulatory Committee (AFRC). The 2026 fees are expected to follow the prescribed state norms for private unaided professional colleges.

Additional costs include NATA registration, university examination fees, and material costs for studio work.

When comparing CASA with other institutions like the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA) Vijayawada or SVU College of Engineering (Architecture Dept), students should consider several factors:

• Vs SPA Vijayawada: SPA is a national institute with higher competition; CASA offers a more localized, supportive environment for students from the Rayalaseema region.
• Vs SVU Tirupati: While SVU is a legacy university, CASA provides modern dedicated studios and a focus specifically on private-sector industry trends.
• Advantage CASA: Better proximity to the Chennai-Bangalore industrial corridor, which is beneficial for site visits and future employment.

The application process for 2026 is primarily online through the state counseling portal.

1. Register for NATA/JEE: Appear for the entrance exams and secure a valid score.
2. AP SAR Registration: Apply for the Andhra Pradesh State Architecture Admissions when the notification is released by APSCHE.
3. Document Verification: Attend the verification process at designated help centers.
4. Web Options: Select Chadalawada Aruna School of Architecture as the first preference during the option entry phase.
5. Seat Allotment: Download the allotment letter and report to the college with original documents and fee receipts.

The college boasts a state-of-the-art infrastructure tailored for architectural pedagogy.

• Design Studios: Spacious, well-lit studios equipped with individual drafting tables.
• Library: A vast collection of architectural journals, books, and digital resources.
• Climatology Lab: Equipped with instruments to study weather patterns and their impact on design.
• Computer Lab: High-end systems with the latest architectural software (AutoCAD, SketchUp, BIM).
• Hostel: On-campus accommodation for both boys and girls with modern amenities.

The school is organized into specialized functional areas to ensure a holistic learning experience:

• Department of Architectural Design: Focuses on the core creative process and studio work.
• Department of Building Technology: Manages courses related to structures, materials, and construction.
• Department of Humanities and Environmental Sciences: Covers history of architecture, sociology, and environmental studies.
• Department of Professional Practice: Prepares students for the legal and ethical aspects of the architectural profession.

Architecture students are encouraged to supplement their degree with digital skills. Popular online certifications include:

• Building Information Modeling (BIM): Courses on Revit and Navisworks.
• Sustainable Architecture: Certifications from platforms like Coursera or IGBC (Indian Green Building Council).
• Parametric Design: Learning Grasshopper for Rhino through online workshops.
• Project Management: PMP or specialized construction management courses on edX.

The faculty at CASA consists of experienced academicians and practicing architects. This blend ensures that students receive both theoretical foundations and practical insights.

• Core Faculty: Professors with decades of experience in JNTU-affiliated institutions.
• Visiting Faculty: Practicing architects from Chennai and Bangalore who bring real-world project experience into the studios.
• Faculty Ratios: The college maintains a healthy teacher-student ratio as per CoA norms to ensure personalized attention during studio hours.

While the B.Arch is a physical, studio-based course, the college integrates online learning through:

• NPTEL/SWAYAM: Students are encouraged to take elective courses through the government's digital platform.
• Internal Webinars: Regular online guest lectures by international architects.
• Digital Archives: Access to online repositories of architectural drawings and case studies for student research.

As a relatively young institution, CASA's alumni are making their mark in various sectors. Graduates have gone on to:

• Establish independent architectural firms in Tirupati and Nellore.
• Pursue Master’s degrees (M.Arch) in prestigious institutions in the USA, UK, and Australia.
• Work as Urban Designers and Planning Consultants for state government projects in Amaravati.
• Contribute to the sustainable housing sector in major metros like Bangalore and Hyderabad.