Chadalawada Aruna School of Architecture

Chadalawada Aruna School of Architecture (CASA) is a premier institution for architectural education located in the spiritual and educational hub of Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. Established under the aegis of the Krishna Teja Group, the college is dedicated to fostering creative and technical excellence in young architects.

The institution is primarily known for its rigorous professional undergraduate program. The curriculum is designed to balance theoretical knowledge with hands-on studio practice, reflecting the evolving needs of the Indian construction industry.

• Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch): A 5-year full-time program. The course emphasizes sustainable design, urban planning, and vernacular architecture, which is highly relevant to the diverse climatic zones of Andhra Pradesh.
• Special Interest Groups: While the primary degree is B.Arch, students often engage in specialized workshops for Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, and Digital Fabrication.

Admissions for the 2026 academic session are strictly based on merit and compliance with Council of Architecture (CoA) norms. Candidates must qualify for national-level entrance exams to be eligible for the counseling process conducted by the Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE).

• Eligibility: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) or 10+3 Diploma with Mathematics as a compulsory subject.
• Entrance Exams: NATA 2026 (National Aptitude Test in Architecture) or JEE Main Paper 2.
• Counseling: AP Architecture Admissions (SAR) conducted by APSCHE.

Tentative Dates for 2026:

• NATA Registration: March - April 2026
• JEE Main Session 1: January 2026
• AP Architecture Counseling: July - August 2026

Note: Check exact dates on the official exam and college websites.

Note: These are approximate figures based on past trends, not official cutoffs. Check the latest official counselling cutoff before applying.

The cutoff for 2026 will depend on the difficulty level of NATA and the number of applicants in the state counseling. Generally, students need a valid NATA score (minimum qualifying marks as per CoA) and a good rank in the AP state merit list.

Note: These are estimates based on previous years' trends in Andhra Pradesh architecture admissions.

Note: Placement figures are indicative and not taken from the official placement report of the college. Please confirm with the college.

Architecture placements differ from engineering; they usually involve students joining reputed architectural firms as Junior Architects or interns. The 2025 batch saw successful placements in several leading design firms across South India.

• Average Starting Salary: INR 3.5 LPA to 5 LPA for Junior Architects.
• Top Recruiter Locations: Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and local firms in Tirupati/Amaravati.
• Internships: 100% of students secured mandatory internships in the 4th year, with many receiving pre-placement offers.
• Industries: Real Estate, Urban Planning, Interior Design, and Construction Management.

The college facilitates various state and central government scholarship schemes to support students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.

• Jagananna Vidya Deevena (JVD): Full tuition fee reimbursement for eligible students from Andhra Pradesh.
• Jagananna Vasathi Deevena: Financial assistance for hostel and mess charges for eligible students.
• Merit Scholarships: Internal rewards for top performers in university examinations.
• Central Sector Schemes: Support for SC/ST and Minority students through the National Scholarship Portal.

While the B.Arch is the mainstay, the institution focuses on several core areas of study that are popular among the students:

• Architectural Design Studios: The heart of the curriculum, focusing on residential, commercial, and institutional projects.
• Building Construction & Technology: Emphasis on modern construction materials and traditional methods.
• Climatology & Sustainable Design: A critical course given the hot and humid climate of coastal and southern Andhra Pradesh.
• Computer Applications in Architecture: Training in AutoCAD, Revit, Rhino, and BIM software.

The fee structure is governed by the Andhra Pradesh State Fee Regulatory Committee (AFRC). The 2026 fees are expected to follow the prescribed state norms for private unaided professional colleges.

Additional costs include NATA registration, university examination fees, and material costs for studio work.

The application process for 2026 is primarily online through the state counseling portal.

1. Register for NATA/JEE: Appear for the entrance exams and secure a valid score.
2. AP SAR Registration: Apply for the Andhra Pradesh State Architecture Admissions when the notification is released by APSCHE.
3. Document Verification: Attend the verification process at designated help centers.
4. Web Options: Select Chadalawada Aruna School of Architecture as the first preference during the option entry phase.
5. Seat Allotment: Download the allotment letter and report to the college with original documents and fee receipts.

The college boasts a state-of-the-art infrastructure tailored for architectural pedagogy.

• Design Studios: Spacious, well-lit studios equipped with individual drafting tables.
• Library: A vast collection of architectural journals, books, and digital resources.
• Climatology Lab: Equipped with instruments to study weather patterns and their impact on design.
• Computer Lab: High-end systems with the latest architectural software (AutoCAD, SketchUp, BIM).
• Hostel: On-campus accommodation for both boys and girls with modern amenities.

The school is organized into specialized functional areas to ensure a holistic learning experience:

• Department of Architectural Design: Focuses on the core creative process and studio work.
• Department of Building Technology: Manages courses related to structures, materials, and construction.
• Department of Humanities and Environmental Sciences: Covers history of architecture, sociology, and environmental studies.
• Department of Professional Practice: Prepares students for the legal and ethical aspects of the architectural profession.