Master of Architecture [M.Arch]

The Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) at Jamia Millia Islamia University (JMI), New Delhi, is a 2-year full-time postgraduate programme offered by the Faculty of Architecture and Ekistics, one of India's most reputed architecture schools ranked 5th nationally by NIRF 2025. The programme spans 4 semesters and allows students to specialize in Architecture Pedagogy, Ekistics, Energy and Sustainability, or Recreational Architecture, with specialization determined through elective choices in Semesters II, III, and IV along with a thesis project. The total course fee is approximately Rs. 1,16,250 for the entire duration, making it one of the most affordable postgraduate architecture programmes in India. Admission is based on a JMI Entrance Test, and the programme is aligned with NEP 2020, preparing graduates for careers in academia, urban planning, sustainability consultancy, and architectural practice.

Admissions for the 2026-27 session are currently in progress. The application window was open from February 20 to March 25, 2026, and was subsequently extended to April 2, 2026. The JMI Entrance Test for M.Arch. is scheduled to commence from April 26, 2026 onwards. Candidates who have already applied should keep checking the official admission portal at admission.jmi.ac.in for admit card release (expected from April 17, 2026 onwards) and further updates on result declaration and counselling.

Key Points

• The M.Arch. programme at JMI is offered by the Faculty of Architecture and Ekistics, which holds NIRF Rank 5 in Architecture (2025) and is NAAC A++ accredited at the university level.
• Specialization is not fixed at admission; students choose their stream through electives in Semesters II, III, and IV, offering flexibility to explore before committing.
• The Ekistics specialization is uniquely offered at JMI and focuses on the scientific study of human settlements, drawing on the interdisciplinary framework of C.A. Doxiadis.
• The programme is structured in alignment with NEP 2020, integrating research, studio practice, and professional training.
• The Faculty of Architecture and Ekistics has state-of-the-art research facilities and high-end research software, supporting advanced design and technical work.
• JMI's central campus location in New Delhi provides students access to a rich urban context for fieldwork, studio projects, and professional networking.

JMI M.Arch. Fees

The M.Arch. programme at JMI is highly affordable compared to most private architecture schools in India. The total tuition fee for the 2-year programme is approximately Rs. 1,16,250, payable at roughly Rs. 57,925 in Year 1 and Rs. 58,325 in Year 2. This makes JMI one of the most cost-effective options for postgraduate architecture education in the country. Hostel accommodation is optional and available on campus at a nominal charge.

Fee Structure

• Hostel fee for new allotment is Rs. 15,350 per year (includes room rent, electricity/water, hostel maintenance, common room, development, kitchen maintenance, and caution money of Rs. 500 refundable).
• Hostel fee for renewal is Rs. 12,550 per year.
• Mess charges are approximately Rs. 13,000 for 5 months per semester and are charged separately.
• Caution money of Rs. 500 (hostel) and Rs. 2,000 (mess) are refundable at the time of vacating the hostel.
• Physically challenged students whose parents' annual income does not exceed Rs. 1.50 lakhs are exempted from room rent.
• All fees are subject to revision from year to year as per JMI norms.
• No EMI option is officially mentioned; fees are payable at the time of admission/semester registration.

JMI M.Arch. Admission 2026

Admissions to the M.Arch. programme at JMI for 2026-27 are based on a university-conducted entrance test. The application process opened on February 20, 2026, and was extended to April 2, 2026. The entrance test is scheduled to begin from April 26, 2026 onwards, with admit cards expected to be issued from April 17, 2026. Candidates must have a B.Arch. degree with at least 50% marks to be eligible.

Important Dates

Entrance Exam Dates

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in Architecture (B.Arch.) from a recognized university.
• Minimum 50% marks in the qualifying degree (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates as per JMI norms).
• Candidates appearing in the final year of B.Arch. may also apply provisionally; final result must be submitted by October 31, 2026.

Admission Process

• Register and fill the online application form at admission.jmi.ac.in.
• Pay the application fee (Rs. 1,000 for Faculty of Architecture and Ekistics).
• Download admit card from April 17, 2026 onwards.
• Appear for the JMI Entrance Test (written/design-based test).
• Merit list is prepared based on entrance test performance, subject to JMI reservation policy.
• Selected candidates complete admission formalities and pay fees within the stipulated deadline.
• Reservation: 50% seats reserved for Muslim Minority candidates; additional reservations for SC/ST/OBC/PwD/Kashmiri Migrants/NCC/NSS/Outstanding Players as per JMI norms.

JMI M.Arch. Scholarships 2026

JMI students, including M.Arch. candidates, can avail a range of scholarships from both the university and external bodies. The university's fees are already highly subsidized, and several merit-cum-means and minority scholarships are available to further reduce the financial burden. Students from minority communities, SC/ST/OBC backgrounds, and economically weaker sections are particularly well-supported.

Available Scholarships

• Scholarship applications are typically invited at the start of each academic year; students should monitor the JMI DSW notice board and official website.
• NSP scholarships require Aadhaar-linked bank accounts and biometric authentication.
• The university also facilitates access to state government scholarships for students from Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and other states.
• International scholarships (Turkiye Scholarships, Commonwealth Master's Scholarship, etc.) are also circulated through the DSW office for eligible students.

JMI M.Arch. Placement 2026

Placement data exclusive to the M.Arch. programme at JMI is not separately published. The Faculty of Architecture and Ekistics has a strong alumni network and industry connect, with graduates working across architecture firms, urban planning agencies, government bodies, sustainability consultancies, and academic institutions. Based on available data for the architecture programme overall, the median salary reported is approximately Rs. 8.4 LPA, with the highest packages reaching up to Rs. 22 LPA.

Placement Statistics

• The above figures are for the overall architecture programme at JMI and are not exclusive to M.Arch. Placement outcomes vary by specialization and individual performance.

According to an external review site Ranking 2025, Jamia Millia Islamia University ranks 11 out of 76 colleges in India and 2 in state Delhi NCR for its M.Arch program.

• 5 out of 54 under India Today Architecture Ranking 2025.
• 3 out of 31 under The Week Architecture Ranking 2025.
• 5 out of 40 under NIRF Architecture Ranking 2025.
• 6 out of 7 under Outlook Architecture Ranking 2023.
• 12 out of 48 under IIRF Architecture Ranking 2025.

Read more on Jamia Millia Islamia University Rankings here

JMI M.Arch. FAQs

Ques. Is the M.Arch. at JMI a full-time programme, and what are the class timings?

Ans. Yes, the M.Arch. at JMI is a full-time, on-campus programme. Classes are held Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Students are expected to be present on campus regularly for studio work, seminars, and thesis activities.

Ques. Can I choose my specialization at the time of admission, or is it assigned later?

Ans. Specialization is not fixed at the time of admission. Students choose their stream through elective subjects in Semesters II, III, and IV, along with their thesis project. This gives students time to explore different areas before committing to a specialization.

Ques. Is the JMI M.Arch. entrance test very competitive? What is the typical selection ratio?

Ans. The JMI M.Arch. programme has 24 seats per specialization (approximately 96 total across all four specializations). Given JMI's strong reputation and NIRF Rank 5 in Architecture, the programme is competitive. The university's overall demand ratio is approximately 1:19 across all programmes, and architecture programmes tend to attract strong applicants from across India.

Ques. Does JMI M.Arch. accept CEED or GATE scores for admission?

Ans. No. Admission to the M.Arch. programme at JMI is based solely on the JMI-conducted entrance test. CEED is relevant for M.Des. programmes, not M.Arch. Candidates must appear in the JMI entrance test specifically for M.Arch.

Ques. What is the scope of the Ekistics specialization, and is it available elsewhere in India?

Ans. The Ekistics specialization at JMI is unique and is not widely offered at other Indian architecture schools. It focuses on the scientific study of human settlements, integrating architecture, urban planning, ecology, economics, and governance. Graduates can pursue careers as city development specialists, housing policy analysts, sustainability consultants, GIS specialists, and urban researchers. It is particularly relevant for those interested in urban policy and smart city initiatives.

Ques. Is hostel accommodation guaranteed for M.Arch. students at JMI?

Ans. Hostel accommodation at JMI is not guaranteed and is subject to availability. Approximately 30% of JMI's student population gets hostel accommodation. Students are advised to apply for hostel allocation early after admission. The campus is located in Jamia Nagar, New Delhi, and there are private paying guest accommodations available in the vicinity for students who do not get hostel allotment.