Hindu College of Design, Architecture & Planning

Hindu College of Design, Architecture & Planning (HCDAP), located in the educational hub of Sonepat, Haryana, continues to be a premier institution for architectural studies in the Delhi-NCR region for the academic year 2026. Established by the Sonepat Hindu Educational and Charitable Society (SHECS), the college is committed to producing socially responsible and technically proficient architects.

• Affiliation: Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology (DCRUST), Murthal.
• Approvals: Council of Architecture (COA), New Delhi.
• Campus: Sprawling green campus with state-of-the-art design studios and digital labs.
• Location Advantage: Situated in Sonepat, providing easy access to the architectural landmarks of Delhi and the industrial growth of the Kundli-Sonipat corridor.
• Focus: Sustainable design, urban planning, and traditional Indian architectural values integrated with modern technology.

The college is primarily recognized for its rigorous professional programs that blend creative arts with engineering principles. The most sought-after programs for 2026 include:

• Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch): A 5-year full-time degree program focusing on design theory, building construction, and professional practice.
• B.Voc in Interior Design: A skill-based program for students looking to specialize in spatial aesthetics and functional design.

The B.Arch program remains the flagship course, attracting students from across Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh due to its strong clinical approach to design problems.

Admission to HCDAP for the 2026 session is strictly based on merit and performance in national-level entrance exams. The process is facilitated through the Haryana State Technical Education Society (HSTES) counseling.

Candidates must have passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics or a 10+3 Diploma with Mathematics as a compulsory subject. A valid NATA or JEE Main Paper 2 score is mandatory for B.Arch admissions.

Student feedback highlights the college's conducive learning environment and the expertise of the faculty. Common themes in reviews include:

• Academic Rigor: "The studio culture is intense but prepares you well for the actual industry demands in Delhi-NCR firms."
• Faculty Support: "Professors are practicing architects who bring real-world projects into the classroom."
• Infrastructure: "The library is well-stocked with international journals, and the CAD labs are updated with the latest BIM software."
• Campus Life: "Being in Sonepat, the environment is peaceful, though students often travel to Delhi for weekend site visits and workshops."

The 2026 cutoffs are determined by the difficulty of the entrance exams and the volume of applications. For B.Arch, the merit list is typically prepared by giving 50% weightage to the entrance exam score (NATA/JEE) and 50% to the qualifying examination (10+2).

• NATA Cutoff: Expected to be around 85-100 for general category applicants.
• HSTES Rank: Candidates within the top 500 state rank generally secure a seat in the first round of counseling.

Note: Cutoffs for reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC of Haryana) are significantly lower as per state government norms.

HCDAP maintains its reputation as a top-tier private architecture college in Northern India. For 2026, it is ranked:

• Top 5 Private Architecture Colleges in Haryana.
• Top 50 Architecture Institutes in India by various regional education surveys.
• Recognized for its high pass percentage and university rank holders under DCRUST.

The placement cell at HCDAP bridge the gap between academia and the professional world. The 2025 placement season saw successful recruitment by leading architectural firms and real estate developers.

Many students also opt for self-employment or pursue higher studies in Urban Planning or M.Arch from prestigious institutes like SPA Delhi or CEPT Ahmedabad.

HCDAP offers several financial aid options to ensure that meritorious students from all backgrounds can access quality education:

• Merit Scholarship: Awarded to university toppers and students with high NATA scores.
• Post-Matric Scholarship: Available for SC/ST and BC students of Haryana as per state government schemes.
• Sibling Discount: Provided to students whose siblings are currently studying or have graduated from any SHECS institution.
• Economic Weaker Section (EWS) Support: Fee waivers for eligible candidates under the HSTES guidelines.

While the college is a specialist in Architecture, it offers a niche set of courses designed to meet industry needs:

• B.Arch (Bachelor of Architecture): The primary 5-year professional degree.
• Interior Design Certification: Short-term courses for skill enhancement.
• Workshops: Regular certificate workshops on Sustainable Building Materials and Climate Responsive Architecture.

The fee structure for the 2026 academic session is designed to be competitive while maintaining high-quality infrastructure.

Note: Additional charges for hostel, university examination fees, and development funds may apply. Fees are subject to revision by the State Fee Committee, Haryana.

When comparing HCDAP with other institutions in the region:

• HCDAP vs. Gateway College of Architecture: HCDAP benefits from the legacy of the Hindu Educational Society, which has a century-old history in Sonepat, whereas Gateway is known for its modern infrastructure.
• HCDAP vs. DCRUST (Main Campus): While DCRUST is a government university with lower fees, HCDAP offers more personalized studio attention and specialized guest lectures from Delhi-based practitioners.
• Location Advantage: Unlike colleges in deeper parts of Haryana, HCDAP's proximity to the Delhi border allows students to easily attend architectural fests and internships in the capital.

The application process for 2026 is primarily online:

1. Visit the official HCDAP website to fill out the inquiry form.
2. Register on the HSTES (Haryana State Technical Education Society) portal for centralized counseling.
3. Upload required documents: 10th & 12th Marksheets, NATA/JEE Scorecard, and Haryana Domicile certificate (if applicable).
4. Participate in the online choice filling, selecting Hindu College of Design, Architecture & Planning as the first preference.
5. Upon allotment, visit the campus for physical document verification and fee payment.

The infrastructure at HCDAP is designed to foster creativity and technical learning:

• Design Studios: Spacious, well-lit studios where every student has a dedicated drafting table.
• Model Making Workshop: Equipped with tools for wood, clay, and plastic modeling to bring designs to life.
• Computer Lab: High-end workstations equipped with AutoCAD, Revit, Rhino, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Hostel: Separate residential facilities for boys and girls with 24/7 security and Wi-Fi.
• Exhibition Hall: A dedicated space to showcase student work and host juries.

The academic structure is divided into specialized departments to ensure focused learning:

• Department of Architecture: Oversees the B.Arch curriculum and core design studios.
• Department of Building Sciences: Focuses on structures, climatology, and construction technology.
• Department of Humanities and Design: Covers history of architecture, sociology, and visual arts.

To complement their degree, students at HCDAP often pursue these online certifications:

• BIM (Building Information Modeling) Professional: Highly recommended for modern architectural practice.
• Sustainable Architecture: Courses through NPTEL or Coursera focusing on LEED and GRIHA standards.
• Urban Planning Fundamentals: Useful for students aiming for M.Plan.
• Parametric Design: Learning Grasshopper and Rhino for complex geometry.

The faculty at HCDAP consists of a mix of academic scholars and industry veterans. Many professors hold Master's degrees from prestigious institutions like IITs and SPAs. The core team includes experts in Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, and Structural Engineering, ensuring a holistic education for the students.

While HCDAP is primarily a regular on-campus college, it integrates digital learning through:

• SWAYAM/NPTEL: Students are encouraged to take credit-based online courses as per DCRUST guidelines.
• Virtual Studios: Utilizing digital platforms for collaborative design reviews and international guest webinars.

Alumni of HCDAP are making significant contributions to the built environment. They are currently employed in:

• Top-tier firms like Hafeez Contractor and RSP Architects.
• Government sectors such as HUDA (Haryana Urban Development Authority).
• Entrepreneurial ventures, running successful architectural practices in Sonepat, Panipat, and Delhi.