School of Architecture, Planning and Design

The School of Architecture, Planning and Design (SAPD) in Ghaziabad stands as a premier hub for built-environment education in the Delhi-NCR region. For the 2026 academic year, the school continues to integrate sustainable urban planning with modern architectural aesthetics. Located in the industrial and residential heart of Uttar Pradesh, SAPD benefits from its proximity to the rapidly developing corridors of Noida and Greater Noida.

• Location: Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh (Part of Delhi-NCR).
• Accreditation: Approved by the Council of Architecture (CoA), India.
• Campus: State-of-the-art design studios and digital fabrication labs.
• Industry Linkages: Strong ties with real estate giants in Ghaziabad and Noida.
• Focus Areas: Sustainable Urbanism, Smart City Planning, and Interior Design.

The school offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs designed to meet global standards. The most sought-after programs for 2026 include:

• Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch): A 5-year flagship program focusing on design theory and technical proficiency.
• Bachelor of Design (B.Des): Specialized tracks in Interior Design and Product Design.
• Master of Planning (M.Plan): Focuses on Urban and Regional planning, highly relevant to the Uttar Pradesh state development goals.
• Bachelor of Planning (B.Plan): Aimed at creating professionals for smart city initiatives.

Admissions for the 2026 session are primarily entrance-based. Candidates must ensure they meet the CoA guidelines for B.Arch admissions.

Applicants must have completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks.

Students consistently highlight the practical exposure provided by the school. A common theme in reviews is the vibrant studio culture and the advantage of being near Delhi's architectural heritage. Many students appreciate the guest lectures from practicing architects in the NCR region. However, some reviews mention the rigorous workload and the competitive atmosphere common in architecture schools. The proximity to the Ghaziabad metro link is frequently cited as a major convenience for day scholars.

The 2026 cutoffs are determined by the volume of applicants and the difficulty level of national exams. For B.Arch, a NATA score of 120+ or a JEE Main Paper 2 percentile of 92+ is generally required for general category students. For M.Plan, preference is given to GATE-qualified candidates. State-level quota seats for Uttar Pradesh residents follow the specific reservation norms of the state government.

In 2026, the School of Architecture, Planning and Design continues to climb the regional rankings:

• Regional Rank: Top 5 Architecture Schools in Uttar Pradesh.
• NCR Ranking: Top 15 private architecture institutions in Delhi-NCR.
• Innovation Rank: Recognized for 'Sustainable Design Research' by regional academic bodies.

The 2025 placement season saw a significant uptick in demand for urban planners and interior designers. Major recruiters include architectural firms, construction companies, and government urban bodies.

• Highest Package: INR 12 LPA (International placement/Senior role).
• Average Package: INR 5.5 LPA.
• Top Recruiters: L&T Construction, DLF, Hafeez Contractor, Somaya & Kalappa Consultants, and various UP-based real estate developers.
• Internship Rate: 100% placement for the mandatory 6-month internship in the 4th year.

The institution offers financial aid to deserving students through various schemes:

• Merit Scholarship: Up to 50% tuition fee waiver for students with 95%+ in 10+2 or top NATA scores.
• UP Government Scholarship: Available for SC/ST/OBC and EWS students as per state norms.
• Sibling Discount: A 10% waiver for siblings of current students or alumni.
• Special Grants: For students representing the state or country in sports or national-level design competitions.

While B.Arch remains the most popular, the B.Des in Interior Design has seen a 30% increase in applications due to the booming luxury housing market in Ghaziabad and Noida. The M.Plan (Urban Planning) is also highly sought after by professionals looking to work with the Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) or Noida Authority.

Note: Fees are subject to a nominal annual increase and include library and lab charges.

When compared to other institutions in the NCR like Amity School of Architecture or Galgotias University, SAPD Ghaziabad offers a more localized focus on the Uttar Pradesh urban landscape. While SPA Delhi remains the gold standard, SAPD provides a more accessible entry point with comparable infrastructure and strong industry placement records in the private sector. Its location in Ghaziabad offers lower cost of living compared to Noida or Delhi, making it a cost-effective choice for many families.

The application process for 2026 is fully digital:

1. Visit the official college website and register.
2. Fill out the application form with academic details and entrance exam scores (NATA/JEE).
3. Upload required documents: 10th/12th marksheets, Portfolio (for B.Des), and ID proof.
4. Pay the application fee of INR 1,200 online.
5. Shortlisted candidates will be called for a physical or virtual interview round.

The campus is designed as a living laboratory for architecture students. Key facilities include:

• Design Studios: Large, well-lit spaces with individual drafting boards.
• Model Making Lab: Equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, and woodworking tools.
• Climatology Lab: For environmental impact analysis.
• Library: An extensive collection of architectural journals, site maps, and digital resources.
• Hostels: Separate on-campus housing for boys and girls with Wi-Fi and mess facilities.

The school is organized into three primary departments:

• Department of Architecture: Oversees the B.Arch and M.Arch programs.
• Department of Design: Manages Interior, Product, and Graphic design courses.
• Department of Urban Planning: Focuses on B.Plan and M.Plan, emphasizing sustainable regional growth.

To supplement their degrees, students often pursue certifications in:

• BIM (Building Information Modeling): Highly valued by international recruiters.
• Revit and Rhino 3D: Essential for modern architectural workflows.
• LEED Green Associate: For those interested in sustainable building practices.
• GIS (Geographic Information Systems): Critical for planning students.

The faculty consists of a mix of academic scholars and industry practitioners. Over 40% of the faculty members hold PhDs, while others are active members of the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA). Many professors run their own firms in Ghaziabad and Delhi, providing students with direct links to real-world projects and site visits.

In 2026, the school offers several certificate-level online courses for working professionals:

• Smart City Infrastructure: A 6-month online diploma.
• Interior Styling: A short-term weekend course.
• Sustainable Urbanism: Offered in collaboration with international design universities.

The alumni network of SAPD is spread across the globe. Notable mentions include:

• Ankit Sharma: Lead Architect at a top firm in Dubai.
• Priya Verma: Urban Planner for the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).
• Siddharth Gupta: Founder of a leading sustainable design startup in Noida.