Accepted entrance exams
About Master of Planning [M.Plan] (Urban Planning)
The Master of Planning (M.Plan) in Urban Planning at Government Engineering College Thrissur (GECT) is a 2-year, 4-semester postgraduate professional programme offered under the Architecture Department, affiliated to APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU). The programme has an approved intake of 18 seats and is offered in full-time on-campus mode. The total fees for the programme are approximately Rs. 19,340 for the entire 2-year duration, making it one of the most affordable M.Plan programmes in Kerala. Admission is through the MCAP (M.Tech/M.Plan Common Admission Process) conducted by the Directorate of Technical Education (DTE), Kerala, primarily based on GATE scores. The M.Plan programme is designed for graduates in Architecture, Planning, or related fields who wish to specialize in urban planning, land use planning, housing, transportation planning, and sustainable urban development.
Admissions for the 2026-27 batch have been completed. For the 2027-28 batch, the MCAP process is expected to begin tentatively in May-June 2027, with admissions in July-August 2027. GATE 2027 was conducted on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2027, and results were declared on March 19, 2027. Candidates with valid GATE scores are eligible to apply. Non-GATE candidates may also be considered for spot admissions if seats remain vacant after the regular allotment process.
Key Points
- Offered under the Architecture Department, focusing on urban planning, land use, housing, transportation, and sustainable development
- Admission is primarily through GATE scores via the MCAP (M.Plan Common Admission Process) by DTE Kerala
- Non-GATE candidates may be considered for spot admissions if seats remain vacant
- Affiliated to APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU)
- Intake is limited to 18 seats, making it a highly specialized and competitive programme
- M.Plan is a professional planning degree distinct from M.Tech, recognized by planning bodies
GECT M.Plan Fees
The M.Plan (Urban Planning) programme at GECT Thrissur is highly affordable as a government institution. The total fee for the entire 2-year programme is approximately Rs. 19,340 for general category students. SC/ST and OEC candidates are eligible for fee concessions as per government norms. Fees are paid semester-wise.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee Component | Year 1 (Rs.) | Year 2 (Rs.) | Total (Rs.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | ~5,085 | ~9,170 | ~14,255 |
| Registration Fees | ~1,000 | - | ~1,000 |
| Examination Fees | ~2,000 | ~2,085 | ~4,085 |
| Total Academic Fees | ~10,170 | ~9,170 | ~19,340 |
| Hostel Fees (if availed) | Variable | Variable | 1,080 - 4,430 per year |
| Total Fees (without hostel) | ~10,170 | ~9,170 | ~19,340 |
- Fees are approximate and subject to revision as per Government of Kerala and KTU orders.
- SC/ST and OEC candidates are eligible for fee concession/waiver under government schemes.
- Hostel fees are not mandatory; applicable only if the student opts for hostel accommodation.
- Fees are paid semester-wise; no EMI option is available.
GECT M.Plan Admission 2026
Admission to M.Plan (Urban Planning) at GECT Thrissur is through the MCAP (M.Tech/M.Plan Common Admission Process) conducted by the Directorate of Technical Education (DTE), Kerala. Candidates with valid GATE scores are given priority. The 2026-27 admissions have been completed. For 2027-28, the MCAP process is expected to begin in May-June 2027, with admissions in July-August 2027. GATE 2027 results were declared on March 19, 2027.
College Admission Dates
| Event | 2026-27 (Actual/Reference) | 2027-28 (Tentative) |
|---|---|---|
| MCAP Application Start | May 2026 | May 2027 |
| MCAP Application Last Date | June 2026 | June 2027 |
| Rank List / Merit List Publication | June-July 2026 | June-July 2027 |
| First Allotment & Joining | July 2026 | July 2027 |
| Second Allotment | July-August 2026 | July-August 2027 |
| Spot Admission (if seats vacant) | August 13, 2026 | August 2027 |
| Batch Commencement | August 2026 | August 2027 |
Entrance Exam Dates
| Exam | Conducting Body | Mode | 2027 Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| GATE 2027 (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) | IIT Guwahati | Online (CBT) | Feb 7, 8, 14, 15, 2027 |
| GATE 2027 Result | IIT Guwahati | - | March 19, 2027 |
GATE score is the primary criterion for M.Plan (Urban Planning) admission at GECT Thrissur through MCAP. The relevant GATE paper is AR (Architecture and Planning). Non-GATE candidates may be considered for spot admissions if seats remain vacant after the regular MCAP allotment.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Bachelor's degree in Architecture (B.Arch), Planning (B.Plan), or equivalent from a recognized university with minimum 50% marks (45% for reserved category candidates)
- Valid GATE score (preferred); non-GATE candidates may be considered for spot admissions
- Candidates must satisfy the eligibility norms as prescribed by KTU and DTE Kerala
Admission Process
- Appear for GATE 2027 (AR - Architecture and Planning paper) and obtain a valid score
- Register for MCAP through the DTE Kerala portal during the application window
- Submit application with GATE scorecard, academic documents, and other required certificates
- Receive allotment through the MCAP process based on GATE rank and options submitted
- Remit the prescribed fee and report to GECT Thrissur on the notified joining date with all original documents
GECT M.Plan Scholarships 2026
Students admitted to M.Plan (Urban Planning) at GECT Thrissur can avail various government scholarships. As a government institution with very affordable fees, students from economically weaker sections can benefit significantly from state and central government scholarship schemes.
Available Scholarships
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Amount | Offered By |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-Grantz Scholarship | SC/ST/OEC and backward community students with annual family income below Rs. 1 lakh | Full tuition fee reimbursement (up to Rs. 15,000/year) | Government of Kerala |
| Post-Matric Scholarship (SC/ST) | SC/ST students | Full tuition fee + maintenance allowance | Government of India / State Government |
| Central Sector Scholarship | Top 20 percentile in 12th standard, family income below Rs. 8 lakh | Rs. 10,000/year (PG level) | Ministry of Education, Govt. of India |
| Merit Cum Means (MCM) Scholarship for Minorities | Minority community students with family income below Rs. 2.5 lakh | Up to Rs. 30,000/year | Ministry of Minority Affairs, Govt. of India |
| SAFE Scholarship (Alumni) | Financially backward students with good academic record | Rs. 10,000/year | GECT Alumni Association |
| Prime Minister's Scholarship | Wards of ex-servicemen/ex-coast guard personnel | Rs. 3,000/month (girls), Rs. 2,500/month (boys) | Ministry of Defence, Govt. of India |
- E-Grantz applications are submitted online through the Kerala government portal each academic year.
- SC/ST students are eligible for fee concession at the time of allotment itself.
- Scholarship amounts and eligibility criteria are subject to revision by the respective authorities.
GECT M.Plan FAQs
Ques. What is the difference between M.Plan (Urban Planning) and M.Tech (Urban Planning) at GECT Thrissur?
Ans. GECT Thrissur offers both M.Plan (Urban Planning) and M.Tech (Urban Planning) under the Architecture Department. The M.Plan is a professional planning degree focused on urban planning practice, policy, and design, while the M.Tech is more technology-oriented. Both are 2-year programmes affiliated to KTU. Admission to both is through MCAP/GATE. Students should choose based on their career goals.
Ques. Is GATE mandatory for M.Plan (Urban Planning) admission at GECT Thrissur?
Ans. GATE score is the primary criterion for admission through the MCAP process. However, non-GATE candidates may be considered for spot admissions if seats remain vacant after the regular allotment. It is strongly recommended to have a valid GATE score for a better chance of admission.
Ques. Which GATE paper should I appear for M.Plan (Urban Planning) at GECT Thrissur?
Ans. Candidates should appear for the AR (Architecture and Planning) paper in GATE. This is the relevant paper for M.Plan (Urban Planning) admission. Candidates with B.Arch or B.Plan degrees are eligible to appear for the AR paper.
Ques. What is the total fee for M.Plan (Urban Planning) at GECT Thrissur?
Ans. The total fee for the entire 2-year M.Plan programme is approximately Rs. 19,340 for general category students. This is significantly lower than private planning colleges. SC/ST and OEC students are eligible for fee concessions. Hostel fees are additional and optional.
Ques. What career opportunities are available after M.Plan (Urban Planning) from GECT Thrissur?
Ans. Graduates can pursue careers as urban planners, town planners, and planning consultants in government agencies (TCPO, HUDCO, development authorities), municipal corporations, real estate firms, and infrastructure companies. They can also work in NGOs focused on urban development, or pursue research and academic careers. Kerala's Smart City projects and urban development initiatives create significant demand for qualified planners.
Ques. Is M.Plan (Urban Planning) from GECT Thrissur recognized for government planning jobs?
Ans. Yes, M.Plan from a KTU-affiliated government institution like GECT Thrissur is recognized for government planning positions. Graduates can apply for positions in the Town and Country Planning Department, Kerala, as well as central government planning bodies. The degree is also recognized for registration with the Institute of Town Planners, India (ITPI).