![Sir JJ College of Architecture - [SJJCA]](https://img.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/143019786211223scsxc.jpg?h=71.7&w=71.7&mode=stretch)
Sir J.J. College of Architecture (SJJCA), Mumbai is a government architecture college established in 1913, making it the oldest architecture school in Asia. It is affiliated to the University of Mumbai and is an autonomous institution under the Government of Maharashtra. The college originated from a Draftsman’s Class set up in 1896 within the Sir J.J. School of Art and was reorganised as a full-fledged architecture programme in 1913.
SJJCA does not participate in the NIRF Architecture rankings. The Week 2025 ranked SJJCA #1 Architecture College in India out of 31 colleges surveyed.
The campus is located in the Fort area of downtown Mumbai, within the heritage precinct of the Sir J.J. Complex. The college shares the historic JJ campus with the Sir J.J. School of Art and the Sir J.J. School of Applied Art.
- Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) - 5 years, 67 seats. Total fees are INR 1,28,550 (General) and INR 28,920 (OBC / SC / ST)
- Master of Architecture (M.Arch) - 2 years. Total fees are INR 1,04,000 (General)
The total programme fee for B.Arch (General category) is INR 1,28,550 for the full 5-year course. OBC, SC, and ST category students pay INR 28,920 for the full programme. M.Arch (General) fees are INR 1,04,000 for the 2-year course.
SJJCA alumni include Pritzker Prize laureate Balkrishna Doshi and noted architect Achyut Kanvinde, reflecting the college’s institutional depth and long-standing influence on Indian architecture.
SJJCA Admission Dates 2026
SJJCA B.Arch admissions for the 2026-27 batch have concluded. The cycle was governed by NATA 2026 (conducted by the Council of Architecture) and JEE Main Paper 2 (B.Arch) 2026 (conducted by NTA), followed by Maharashtra state CAP counselling. The 2027-28 admission cycle will follow the same pattern, opening from January 2027.
| Event | Status (2026-27 Cycle, Concluded) |
|---|---|
| NATA 2026 (Multiple sessions) | Conducted April to August 2026 |
| JEE Main Paper 2 (B.Arch) 2026 | Conducted January and April 2026 |
| Maharashtra MH-AAC CAP Counselling | Concluded (June to August 2026) |
| 2026-27 Batch Commencement | Completed |
| Next Cycle (2027-28) NATA Registration | Expected January 2027 |
The table below shows the entrance exams accepted across SJJCA programmes.
| Programme | Entrance Exam | Counselling |
|---|---|---|
| B.Arch | NATA or JEE Main Paper 2 | Maharashtra MH-AAC CAP (CET Cell) |
| M.Arch | Valid GATE score or University of Mumbai PG entrance | Direct / University counselling |
SJJCA Courses and Fees
SJJCA offers two architecture programmes: the 5-year B.Arch and the 2-year M.Arch. Both are government-fee regulated, making them among the most affordable professional architecture programmes in Maharashtra. The total programme fees (including all years) are as follows.
| Programme | Duration | Seats | Total Fees (Full Programme) |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Arch (General) | 5 years | 67 | INR 1,28,550 |
| B.Arch (OBC) | 5 years | Within 67 | INR 28,920 |
| B.Arch (SC / ST) | 5 years | Within 67 | INR 28,920 |
| M.Arch (General) | 2 years | Limited seats | INR 1,04,000 |
Eligibility for B.Arch: Class 12 (or equivalent) with Mathematics as a compulsory subject and a minimum 50% aggregate. A valid score in NATA or JEE Main Paper 2 (B.Arch) is also required. The college does not offer undergraduate programmes other than B.Arch.
SJJCA Admission Process
B.Arch (5 years)
B.Arch admissions at SJJCA for Maharashtra state-domicile students go through the centralized MH-AAC (Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test - Architecture) CAP process, conducted by the State CET Cell. This process uses NATA or JEE Main Paper 2 marks combined with Class 12 marks for a composite merit score.
- Eligibility: Class 12 (or equivalent) with Mathematics as a subject. Minimum 50% aggregate marks for General category (45% for reserved categories)
- Entrance: Valid NATA score (conducted by Council of Architecture in multiple sessions) or valid JEE Main Paper 2 (B.Arch) score (conducted by NTA)
- Selection: Composite merit (50% weight to qualifying exam marks + 50% to NATA/JEE Paper 2) determines CAP allotment rank. Candidates register on the Maharashtra CET Cell portal, fill preferences, and receive allotment letters
SJJCA being a premium government college, the NATA/JEE Paper 2 cutoff for the first merit list is among the highest in Maharashtra. Aspirants typically require a NATA score above 115 to 120 out of 200 for a competitive chance, though cutoffs vary each year with the applicant pool.
M.Arch (2 years)
M.Arch admissions are based on a GATE score (Architecture and Planning) or the University of Mumbai postgraduate entrance examination. Applicants must hold a B.Arch or equivalent professional degree. The University of Mumbai regulates the PG admission process, and seat allocation is merit-based on entrance performance. Contact the college directly for current M.Arch admission notifications.
SJJCA Placements and Career Outcomes
SJJCA does not operate a formal campus placement cell in the manner of engineering or management colleges. Architecture careers are typically self-directed, with graduates building portfolios and seeking roles at practices, studios, and government bodies. The college’s reputation and Mumbai location make it one of the strongest launchpads for architecture careers in India.
SJJCA graduates typically enter the following career pathways after completing B.Arch or M.Arch.
| Career Pathway | Typical Entry | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Private Architecture and Design Studios | Junior Architect / Design Associate | Mumbai’s dense design ecosystem offers abundant studio openings |
| Real Estate and Construction Companies | Project Architect / Site Architect | Large-scale residential and commercial projects in Mumbai metro |
| Government / Public Sector | CPWD, MMRDA, PWD, HUDCO | Competitive exams for government architect posts |
| Urban Planning Bodies | MCGM, SRA, MHADA | Urban redevelopment and planning roles in Maharashtra |
| Interior Design | Interior Design Firms | High demand in Mumbai’s commercial and hospitality sectors |
| Higher Education Abroad | Masters programmes (AA, Bartlett, Columbia, ETH) | Consistent track record of SJJCA graduates securing international PG admissions |
Starting salaries for B.Arch graduates at Mumbai studios range approximately from INR 25,000 to INR 50,000 per month depending on the firm, the graduate’s portfolio quality, and the role. Senior and international roles command significantly higher compensation.
SJJCA Rankings
SJJCA is consistently ranked among India’s top architecture colleges by major national ranking bodies. While the college does not participate in the NIRF Architecture rankings, it features prominently in The Week, India Today, and IIRF surveys.
| Ranking Body | Category | 2025 Rank | 2024 Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Week | Architecture (India) | #1 out of 31 | - |
| India Today | Architecture (India) | #8 out of 54 | #6 out of 45 |
| NIRF | Architecture | Does not participate | Does not participate |
SJJCA Campus and Infrastructure
SJJCA occupies a heritage campus in the Fort precinct of downtown Mumbai, within the Sir J.J. Complex that also houses the Sir J.J. School of Art and Sir J.J. School of Applied Art. The campus buildings include an Old Building and a New Building, workshop areas, studio spaces, and a college canteen. The setting in one of Mumbai’s oldest heritage areas gives the college a distinctive architectural character that shapes students’ sensibility from day one.
The college’s location in South Mumbai gives students direct access to Mumbai’s most active architecture and design district, proximity to the MCGM, MMRDA, and other planning bodies, and easy access to heritage walk zones, construction sites, and urban redevelopment projects that form part of the field study curriculum. The college does not operate a residential hostel on campus given its downtown urban setting.
SJJCA vs SPA Delhi vs CEPT University
Aspirants seeking admission to India’s top government and publicly-funded architecture schools often compare SJJCA with the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi (SPA Delhi) and CEPT University, Ahmedabad. All three are premier publicly-funded schools in major Indian cities.
| Parameter | SJJCA (Mumbai) | SPA Delhi | CEPT University (Ahmedabad) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Established | 1913 | 1941 | 1962 |
| Type | Government (Govt of Maharashtra) | Statutory body (Central Government) | Autonomous State University |
| NIRF Architecture 2025 | Does not participate | #8 (Score: 65.11) | #6 (CEPT University, Score: 65.73) |
| The Week 2025 Architecture | #1 | Top 5 | Top 5 |
| B.Arch Seats | 67 | Approx. 60 | Approx. 60 |
| B.Arch Total Fees (General) | INR 1,28,550 (5 yrs) | Government rates | Higher (autonomous university) |
| Admission Exam | NATA or JEE Paper 2 + Maharashtra CAP | JEE Main Paper 2 + SPA entrance | NATA + CEPT entrance |
SJJCA’s Mumbai location and government fees make it the top choice for Maharashtra-domicile aspirants. SPA Delhi draws the largest share of All-India Quota applicants given its central government status. CEPT University offers a broader urban design and planning programme alongside architecture, and is a strong choice for students seeking cross-disciplinary training. All three schools have produced internationally recognised architects.
SJJCA FAQs
Ques. What is the NATA cutoff for SJJCA admission?
Ans. The NATA cutoff for SJJCA varies each year based on the applicant pool and NATA session scores. Generally, aspirants need a strong NATA score of 115 to 120 out of 200 or above to be competitive for the first allotment list, particularly for the General category through the Maharashtra MH-AAC CAP process. Actual cutoffs are released by the State CET Cell after each CAP round.
Ques. Is JEE Main Paper 2 accepted for SJJCA BArch admission?
Ans. Yes. SJJCA accepts either a valid NATA score or a valid JEE Main Paper 2 (B.Arch) score for B.Arch admission. Both qualify for the Maharashtra MH-AAC CAP process conducted by the CET Cell.
Ques. What is the total B.Arch fee at SJJCA?
Ans. The total government-regulated programme fee for B.Arch at SJJCA is INR 1,28,550 for the complete 5-year course (General category). OBC, SC, and ST category students pay INR 28,920 for the full programme, reflecting the heavily subsidised fee structure at this government college.
Ques. Is SJJCA the best architecture college in India?
Ans. SJJCA was ranked #1 Architecture College in India by The Week in 2025 out of 31 colleges surveyed. India Today ranked it #8 out of 54 in 2025 and #1 in Mumbai. Being Asia’s oldest architecture school (1913), it is consistently regarded as one of India’s premier institutions in the discipline. Ranking positions vary across surveys, and aspirants should review multiple surveys alongside NIRF standings for a complete picture.
Ques. Does SJJCA have hostel facilities?
Ans. No. SJJCA does not have on-campus hostel facilities. The college is located in the Fort area of downtown Mumbai, and most students arrange their own accommodation in the surrounding areas of South Mumbai or use the city’s suburban rail network to commute.
Ques. What are the career options after B.Arch from SJJCA?
Ans. B.Arch graduates from SJJCA can join private architecture and design studios, real estate and construction companies, government bodies such as CPWD or MMRDA, interior design firms, and urban planning organisations. Many SJJCA alumni also pursue postgraduate studies at leading international schools such as the AA London, ETH Zurich, and Columbia University. Starting salaries at Mumbai studios typically range from INR 25,000 to INR 50,000 per month.
Ques. What is the difference between SJJCA and SPA Delhi?
Ans. SJJCA (established 1913) is a Government of Maharashtra institution affiliated to University of Mumbai, making it the go-to choice for Maharashtra-domicile aspirants. SPA Delhi is a central government statutory body with All-India student intake. SJJCA is ranked #1 by The Week (2025) while SPA Delhi ranks #8 in NIRF Architecture 2025. Admission to SJJCA is through the Maharashtra MH-AAC CAP process using NATA or JEE Paper 2 marks, while SPA Delhi uses JEE Paper 2 plus its own aptitude test.
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The Sir JJ College of Architecture (SJJCA), Mumbai, offers B.Arch and M.Arch courses. For B.Arch, candidates need a 10+2 qualification with at least 50% aggregate (45% for reserved categories), and admission is based on scores from JEE Main (Paper-II), NATA, or MHT CET, followed by state counseling. For M.Arch, a B.Arch degree is required, with admission through MAH-M.Arch-CET. The application process involves downloading forms from the official website or visiting the admission office, with no direct admissions available.
If you missed the CAP round for Maharashtra, you can still try institute-level or spot admissions at Sir JJ College of Architecture. Visit the college website regularly, register directly when forms open, and keep documents ready. Also check if additional CAP rounds or vacancy rounds are announced by the state authority.
Last date of admission
Admission dates for Sir JJ College of Architecture in 2026 are not announced. B.Arch admission follows national exams like NATA (forms around Feb–Mar 2026) and JEE Main (April 2026), followed by Maharashtra CAP counselling from June–August 2026 for final seat allotment.
Sir JJ College of Architecture, Mumbai, does not offer direct admission to its Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) program based on a Diploma in Civil Engineering. Admission to the B.Arch program at Sir JJ College of Architecture is based on the following criteria:
Eligibility:
Entrance Exam:
Due to prestigious top ranking of this college, the preferred cut off in NATA is 170 out of 200.
The college offers UG and PG courses in the Department of Architecture. At the UG level, Sir JJ College of Architecture offers B.Arch. and M.Arc. at the PG level.
The college offers UG and PG courses in the Department of Architecture. At the UG level, Sir JJ College of Architecture offers B.Arch. and M.Arc. at the PG level.
Admissions have been concluded for the academic year 20023-24 at the Sir J. J. College of Architecture is an architecture college
You can raise your queries right here only and we’ll try to help you with it. You can also contact the college yourself by going through the information provided on the official website of the college.
Is college accept me in the end of December?
You may need to visit the SJJCA Mumbai for getting answer of your query as there are no admission details available on the college oficial website.
Admission into SJJCA is based on NATA scores. While NATA Phase 1 exams have already taken place, registration for phase 2 and 3 are currently on going. Candidates can apply by visiting the official website of NATA.
The first year fee for B.Arch at SJJCA Mumbai is INR 17,385.
The admission process for 2022 has been closed by Sir JJ College of Architecture on 22 October 2022. The new admission schedule for 2023 has not been released by the college.
To get admission in SJJCA Mumbai, candidates need to have 50% in 10+2 with PCM and then appear for NATA for B.Arch and MAH-AR-CET for M.Arch and the selection is done via counselling.
The complete college fee structure at SJJCA Mumbai is available at SJJCA Mumbai Courses & fees.
The fee structure is INR 17,000 for the open category and about 9,000 for students belonging to reserved castes. Yes, hostels for both boys and girls are available. The college is located in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The hostel fee for Sir JJ College Of Architecture is INR 7,000-12,000
Candidates can apply for the application online or offline mode(visit the campus with all the required documents/photos). For online mode: