Kerala University M.Plan : Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ans. Both M.Plan and M.Tech (Urban Planning) are 2-year postgraduate programmes offered at some KTU-affiliated colleges. The M.Plan is a professional planning degree focused on urban planning practice, policy, design, and governance, and is recognised by the Institute of Town Planners, India (ITPI). The M.Tech is more technology-oriented and is an engineering degree. For those aiming for careers in government planning departments, development authorities, or ITPI registration, M.Plan is the more appropriate choice. Both are admitted through the MCAP process using GATE scores.

Ans. You should appear for the AR (Architecture and Planning) paper in GATE. This is the relevant paper for M.Plan admission. Candidates with B.Arch or B.Plan degrees are eligible to appear for the AR paper. The GATE AR paper tests knowledge in architecture, planning, urban design, building technology, and related subjects. PGETA (Council of Architecture Postgraduate Entrance Test) is also accepted as an alternative to GATE for M.Plan admissions in Kerala.

Ans. GATE score is the primary criterion for admission through the MCAP process, and candidates with valid GATE scores are given priority in the rank list. However, non-GATE candidates may be considered for spot admissions if seats remain vacant after the regular MCAP allotment process. PGETA 2026 is also accepted as an entrance exam. It is strongly recommended to have either a valid GATE or PGETA score for a better chance of securing admission, especially at popular colleges like CET Trivandrum.

Ans. Graduates can pursue careers as urban planners, town planners, and planning consultants in government agencies such as the Town and Country Planning Department (Kerala), TCPO (Town and Country Planning Organisation), HUDCO, development authorities, and municipal corporations. They can also work in Smart City mission offices, real estate and infrastructure firms, NGOs focused on urban development, and international development organisations. The M.Plan degree from a KTU-affiliated government institution is recognised for ITPI registration, which is often required for senior planning positions in government.

Ans. The M.Plan programme is offered in the following specialisations at Kerala University affiliated colleges: Housing (at CET Trivandrum), Regional Planning (at CET Trivandrum), and Urban Planning (at GEC Thrissur). Each specialisation focuses on different aspects of planning - Housing covers housing policy, design, and management; Regional Planning covers regional development, infrastructure, and spatial planning; Urban Planning covers city planning, land use, transportation, and urban design. Candidates should select their preferred college-specialisation combination during the MCAP option registration.

Ans. At the time of reporting to the allotted institution, candidates must produce: Transfer Certificate and Conduct Certificate from the last attended institution, original mark lists and degree/provisional certificate of the qualifying examination, GATE scorecard or PGETA scorecard, nativity/nationality certificate, community certificate (for SC/ST/SEBC/OEC candidates), Non-Creamy Layer certificate (for SEBC/OEC candidates), EWS certificate (if applicable), Differently-Abled certificate (if applicable), acknowledgement of fee payment through the MCAP portal, allotment memo issued by DTE Kerala, and a declaration against ragging. Candidates should also carry the MCAP datasheet and all uploaded documents in original.