School Of Architecture & Interior Design, SRM Institute of Science and Technology ,Kattankullathur - KANCHEEPURAM DISTRICT

The School of Architecture & Interior Design (SAID) at SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankullathur, continues to be a premier destination for design education in 2026. Located in the bustling educational hub of Chengalpattu district, the school benefits from its proximity to Chennai's architectural heritage and rapid urban development.

• Accreditation: Approved by the Council of Architecture (CoA) and part of a NAAC A++ accredited university.
• Campus: Located within the sprawling 250-acre Kattankullathur campus.
• Global Reach: Active Semester Abroad Programs (SAP) with partner universities in Europe and the USA.
• Ranking: Consistently ranked among the top 20 private architecture schools in India by NIRF.
• Industry Interface: Strong ties with the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) and the Institute of Indian Interior Designers (IIID).

The school offers a range of Council of Architecture (CoA) approved programs that blend traditional design principles with modern technology like BIM and Computational Design.

• Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch): A 5-year flagship program focusing on sustainable urbanism and architectural design.
• Bachelor of Design (B.Des) - Interior Design: A 4-year program emphasizing spatial planning, material science, and ergonomics.
• M.Arch (Architectural Design): A 2-year postgraduate program for advanced specialization in contemporary design methodologies.
• Ph.D. in Architecture: Research-oriented programs focusing on sustainable built environments and urban planning.

Admission for the 2026 academic year is primarily merit-based, considering both entrance exam scores and academic performance.

For B.Arch, candidates must qualify for NATA 2026 or have a valid JEE Main Paper 2 score. For B.Des, the university conducts its own entrance test, SRMJEED.

Students generally praise the school for its vibrant studio culture and state-of-the-art facilities. Many highlight the 24/7 studio access during jury weeks as a major advantage.

• Infrastructure: "The design studios are spacious and well-ventilated, providing a great environment for long hours of drafting and model making."
• Faculty: "The professors are approachable and often bring real-world projects into the classroom, which helps us understand site constraints better."
• Campus Life: "Being in Kattankullathur means we are close to Chennai's architecture firms while enjoying a self-contained campus life with amazing food and sports facilities."

The cutoff for 2026 is determined by a combination of the 10+2 aggregate marks and the NATA/JEE score. While exact cutoffs vary, the following are the expected trends:

• B.Arch: A NATA score above 120/200 and an aggregate of 60% in PCM is typically required for a seat in the first round of counseling.
• B.Des: Selection is based on the SRMJEED rank, with top 500 ranks usually securing admission in the first phase.
• M.Arch: Preference is given to candidates with a valid GATE score or high marks in their B.Arch undergraduate degree.

SRMIST consistently features in national and international rankings, reflecting its commitment to quality education.

• NIRF 2026 (Architecture Category): Expected to maintain a position within the Top 15-20 nationally.
• India Today: Ranked among the top 10 private architecture colleges in India.
• QS World University Rankings: SRMIST is recognized for its employer reputation and faculty-student ratio in the Southern Asia region.
• Outlook-ICARE: Consistently ranked as one of the best professional colleges in Tamil Nadu.

Placements for the 2025 batch saw strong participation from top architectural firms and design consultancies. Unlike engineering, architecture placements often involve portfolio-based recruitment.

• Top Recruiters: L&T Construction, Somaya & Kalappa Consultants, Oscar & Ponni Architects, and Christopher Charles Benninger Architects.
• Average Package: INR 4.5 LPA to 6 LPA for B.Arch graduates.
• Highest Package: INR 10 LPA for specialized roles in BIM and Urban Design.
• Local Ecosystem: Many students find placements in Chennai-based firms such as Nataraj & Venkat and CRN, leveraging the local industrial growth in the Chengalpattu-Kancheepuram belt.

SRMIST offers several scholarship schemes to support meritorious and deserving students in 2026.

• SRM Founder's Scholarship: 100% tuition fee waiver for top rankers in NATA or national level entrance exams.
• Merit Scholarship: Partial fee waivers for students maintaining a high CGPA (usually above 9.0) throughout their course.
• Socio-Economic Scholarship: Financial aid for students from economically weaker sections based on family income criteria.
• Scholarship for Physically Challenged: Dedicated support for students with disabilities to ensure inclusive education.

Beyond the core degrees, the school is known for its specialized electives and certificate courses that enhance employability.

• Sustainable Architecture: A popular elective focusing on LEED certification and green building materials.
• Building Information Modeling (BIM): Hands-on training in Revit and ArchiCAD, highly sought after by international firms.
• Landscape Architecture: Focusing on the integration of natural environments with urban structures.
• Furniture Design: A specialized track within the B.Des program focusing on bespoke manufacturing and craftsmanship.

The following is the estimated fee structure for the academic year 2026. Fees are subject to annual revision by the university management.

Note: Additional charges for hostel, mess, and transportation apply. A one-time non-refundable registration fee is also required at the time of admission.

When comparing SRM SAID to other institutions in Tamil Nadu like SAP (Anna University) or VIT, several factors stand out:

• Infrastructure: SRM offers superior private infrastructure, including 3D printing labs and extensive library resources, compared to many government-aided colleges.
• Flexibility: The interdisciplinary nature of SRM allows architecture students to collaborate with engineering and biotech departments for innovative research.
• Cost: While SRM is more expensive than Anna University (SAP), it provides better global exposure through its Semester Abroad Programs.
• Location: Its location in Kattankullathur provides a quieter academic environment than central Chennai, while still being accessible via the Suburban Railway (Potheri Station).

The application process for 2026 is entirely digital through the SRMIST admission portal.

1. Registration: Create an account on the official SRMIST website using a valid email and mobile number.
2. Fill Application: Enter academic details and upload the required documents (10th/12th mark sheets, NATA score card).
3. Fee Payment: Pay the application fee of approximately INR 1,200 online.
4. Counseling: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for online or offline counseling based on their entrance ranks.
5. Document Verification: Original documents must be produced at the time of final admission to the Kattankullathur campus.

The school boasts world-class infrastructure designed to foster creativity and technical skill.

• Design Studios: Large, individual drafting stations for every student with ample natural lighting.
• Material Museum: A curated collection of building materials, hardware, and finishes for hands-on learning.
• Climatology Lab: Equipped with tools to study solar paths, wind speeds, and thermal comfort.
• Computer Lab: High-end workstations pre-loaded with AutoCAD, Rhino, Grasshopper, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Model Making Workshop: Equipped with laser cutters, CNC machines, and traditional wood-working tools.

The school is organized into specialized departments to ensure focused academic delivery:

• Department of Architecture: Oversees the B.Arch and M.Arch programs, focusing on structural integrity and aesthetic design.
• Department of Interior Design: Manages the B.Des program, focusing on human-centric spatial design and commercial interiors.
• Research Cell: Facilitates doctoral research and industry-funded projects in urban planning and sustainable habitats.

Students are encouraged to supplement their degrees with certifications in emerging technologies:

• Revit for Architecture: Mastering BIM workflows for modern construction.
• Sustainable Design Foundations: Understanding LEED and IGBC rating systems.
• Parametric Design with Grasshopper: Learning algorithmic modeling for complex geometries.
• Project Management Professional (PMP): Essential for students looking to move into construction management.

The faculty at SAID consists of a mix of seasoned academicians and practicing architects. Many faculty members hold doctoral degrees from prestigious institutions like IITs and SPA Delhi.

• Expertise: Specializations range from Urban Conservation and Heritage to Digital Fabrication and Smart Cities.
• Mentorship: A low student-to-teacher ratio in studios ensures personalized feedback on design portfolios.
• Visiting Faculty: Prominent architects from Chennai and Bangalore regularly conduct masterclasses and guest lectures.

SRMIST integrates online learning through its partnership with platforms like Coursera and edX. Architecture students can access specialized modules on:

• Urban Sociology: Understanding the social impact of architectural interventions.
• Real Estate Finance: For those interested in the business side of property development.
• History of Art and Design: Comprehensive modules covering global architectural evolution.

Graduates of the school have gone on to make significant impacts in the field of design and beyond.

• Practicing Architects: Many alumni have established successful firms in Chennai, Bangalore, and Dubai.
• Higher Education: Alumni are currently pursuing post-graduation in Ivy League universities and top European design schools.
• Entrepreneurs: Several graduates have launched startups in sustainable building materials and interior decor technology.