Thejus College of Architecture

Thejus College of Architecture (TCA), established under the Cheruvathur Foundation, is a prominent center for architectural education located in Vellarakkad, Thrissur, Kerala. Known for its commitment to fostering creative and technical excellence, the college has become a preferred destination for aspiring architects in South India.

The college is situated in the cultural capital of Kerala, providing students with rich exposure to traditional Kerala architecture alongside modern urban design challenges found in nearby cities like Kochi and Kozhikode.

The core focus of Thejus College of Architecture is its undergraduate program, designed to blend theoretical knowledge with practical studio experience. The curriculum is aligned with the latest industry standards for 2026.

• Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch): A 5-year full-time professional degree program. The course includes 10 semesters, with one full year dedicated to professional training (internship) in leading architectural firms.
• Value Added Courses: In 2026, the college offers supplementary certifications in Building Information Modeling (BIM), Sustainable Architecture, and Parametric Design to enhance student employability.

The program is popular due to its high focus on hands-on learning through site visits, rural documentation camps, and workshops led by practicing architects from the Thrissur and Ernakulam design hubs.

Admission to Thejus College of Architecture for the 2026 academic year is primarily merit-based, considering both entrance exam scores and qualifying examination marks.

• Eligibility: Candidates must have passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, or a 10+3 Diploma with Mathematics. A minimum of 50% aggregate marks is typically required.
• Entrance Exam: A valid NATA 2026 score is mandatory. Students must also register for KEAM 2026 for the centralized allotment process in Kerala.

Important Dates (Tentative):

Student feedback for Thejus College of Architecture highlights the vibrant studio culture and the supportive faculty-student relationship. Many students appreciate the college's location, which is away from the city's hustle yet accessible enough for site visits.

• Pros: Excellent library resources, well-equipped computer labs with the latest CAD software, and frequent workshops by industry experts.
• Cons: Some students mention the rigorous workload typical of architecture courses and the limited public transport options directly to the campus gate.
• Campus Life: The annual college fest and NASA (National Association of Students of Architecture) activities are highly rated for fostering creativity and networking.

The cutoff for 2026 is determined by the Architecture Index Mark, calculated by combining the NATA score and the percentage of marks in the qualifying examination (10+2). While exact cutoffs vary yearly, the following are expected trends:

• General Category: An index score above 300 is usually competitive for merit seats.
• Management Quota: Candidates generally need a valid NATA score and a minimum of 50% in PCM.

Cutoffs are influenced by the difficulty level of NATA 2026 and the number of applicants opting for Thrissur-based colleges during the KEAM allotment phases.

As of 2026, Thejus College of Architecture maintains a strong standing among private architecture colleges in Kerala. While it may not feature in national NIRF rankings, it is recognized regionally for:

• Top 10 Private Architecture Colleges in Kerala: Consistently ranked for its infrastructure and academic results under KTU.
• NASA Participation: Recognized for active involvement and awards in Zonal and National NASA conventions.
• University Results: Frequently produces students in the top 15% of the University merit list.

In the field of architecture, traditional "campus placements" are rare; instead, the college facilitates Professional Practice and internships that often lead to full-time roles. For the 2025 batch:

• Internship Success: 100% of students secured internships in reputed firms across Kochi, Bangalore, Chennai, and Dubai.
• Top Recruiting Firms: Students have been placed in firms such as Stapati, Wallmakers, and various urban planning consultancies.
• Average Starting Salary: For junior architects, salaries range between ₹2.4 LPA to ₹4.5 LPA, depending on the firm's location and the student's portfolio.
• Freelancing: A significant number of graduates start their own practice or join family-owned construction businesses in the Thrissur real estate sector.

Thejus College of Architecture supports meritorious and underprivileged students through various financial aid schemes in 2026:

• Merit Scholarship: Reduction in tuition fees for students with high NATA scores or top ranks in KEAM.
• E-Grantz: Available for students belonging to SC/ST/OBC and economically backward categories as per Kerala Government norms.
• Minority Scholarships: Central and State government scholarships for students from minority communities.
• Institutional Aid: Need-based scholarships provided by the Cheruvathur Foundation for students facing financial hardships.

The flagship and most popular course remains the B.Arch (Bachelor of Architecture). The popularity is driven by:

• Focus on Sustainability: Courses integrated with green building concepts.
• Digital Architecture: Training in Revit, Rhino, and Grasshopper.
• Vernacular Studies: Deep dives into Kerala's traditional 'Thachu Shastra' and its application in modern design.

The fee structure for 2026 is subject to the Kerala State Self-Financing Fee Regulatory Committee. Approximate costs are as follows:

Note: Additional costs include Caution Deposit, University Fees, and Studio Material expenses.

When comparing TCA with other institutions in the region:

• Vs. Govt. Engineering College (GEC), Thrissur: GEC has lower fees and higher prestige, but TCA offers more modernized studio facilities and a dedicated focus solely on architecture.
• Vs. IES College of Architecture: Both are competitive private colleges in Thrissur. TCA is often preferred for its specific faculty expertise in sustainable design.
• Vs. Avani Institute of Design: While Avani is known for its experimental pedagogy, TCA offers a more structured academic environment aligned closely with university examinations.

The application process for 2026 is primarily online:

1. NATA Registration: Apply at nata.in and appear for the exam.
2. KEAM Registration: Apply through the CEE Kerala website (cee.kerala.gov.in) to be considered for the state rank list.
3. College Application: Visit the official TCA website to fill out the expression of interest form for Management/NRI seats.
4. Document Verification: Submit 10th/12th mark sheets, NATA scorecard, and transfer certificates during the interview or allotment phase.

The campus is designed to inspire creativity. Key infrastructure highlights include:

• Design Studios: Spacious, well-lit studios with individual drafting tables.
• Library: A vast collection of architectural journals, rare books on Kerala history, and digital databases.
• Labs: Climatology lab, Surveying lab, and a Materials Museum.
• Hostels: Separate, secure accommodation for boys and girls with mess facilities serving local Kerala cuisine.
• Workshop: A carpentry and model-making workshop where students build scale models.

The college operates as a unified Department of Architecture, but faculty are specialized across various domains:

• Department of Architectural Design: Focuses on core design studios.
• Department of Building Technology: Covers structures, construction materials, and services.
• Department of Humanities and History: Covers the history of architecture and professional ethics.
• Department of Environmental Studies: Focuses on sustainable and climate-responsive design.

Architecture students at TCA are encouraged to supplement their learning with these online certifications:

• BIM Professional Certification: (Coursera/Autodesk) - Highly valued for 2026 placements.
• Sustainable Building Design: (edX/MIT) - Complements the college's focus on green design.
• Adobe Creative Suite for Architects: (LinkedIn Learning) - Essential for portfolio building.
• Urban Planning and Governance: (Swayam/NPTEL) - Useful for competitive exams and higher studies.

The faculty at TCA consists of a mix of experienced academicians and practicing architects. Many hold postgraduate degrees from prestigious institutions like IITs and NITs. The college maintains a healthy faculty-to-student ratio to ensure personalized attention during studio hours. Visiting professors from the Thrissur architectural circuit frequently conduct masterclasses.

While TCA is primarily a physical campus, it offers blended learning options in 2026:

• Webinar Series: Monthly online lectures by international architects.
• LMS Integration: Students access course materials, assignments, and recorded lectures via the college's Learning Management System.
• Digital Portfolio Workshops: Online sessions held during the internship semester to help students prepare for the job market.

TCA alumni are making significant marks in the industry. Many have gone on to pursue Masters in Europe and the USA, while others have established successful practices in Kerala. Notable mentions include junior partners at firms like Stapati and entrepreneurs who have launched sustainable design startups in the Thrissur-Kochi corridor.