Chembur Trombay Education Society, CTES College of Architechture

Chembur Trombay Education Society (CTES) College of Architecture, established under the aegis of a trust with a legacy dating back to 1945, has emerged as a significant institution for architectural education in Mumbai. For the academic year 2026, the college continues to focus on blending traditional architectural values with modern urban challenges.

• Affiliation: University of Mumbai.
• Approval: Council of Architecture (CoA), New Delhi, and Directorate of Technical Education (DTE), Maharashtra.
• Location: Strategically located in Chembur, providing easy access to both the Harbour and Central suburbs of Mumbai.
• Focus Area: Sustainable urban development and climate-responsive architecture.
• Campus Life: A vibrant mix of academic rigor and cultural activities, reflecting Mumbai's cosmopolitan spirit.

The flagship program at CTES College of Architecture is the Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch), which is highly sought after by students in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The curriculum is designed to evolve with the changing landscape of the construction industry.

• Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch): A 5-year full-time degree program focusing on design theory, building construction, and professional practice.
• Value-Added Certifications: The college often introduces short-term modules in Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Sustainable Design to complement the degree.

Admissions for the 2026 session follow the centralized process mandated by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra. Eligibility is primarily based on entrance exam scores and academic performance in 10+2.

Candidates must have passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) or a 10+3 Diploma with Mathematics as a compulsory subject. A valid NATA or JEE Main Paper 2 score is mandatory.

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 is expected to remain competitive, influenced by the overall performance of candidates in NATA and the Maharashtra state board exams. The merit score is typically a combination of 50% entrance exam score and 50% academic marks.

• Open Category (Home University): Expected Merit Score range of 145-160.
• OBC/SC/ST Categories: Relaxations as per Maharashtra government norms.
• OMS (Outside Maharashtra State): Higher cutoffs generally apply, often exceeding 165.

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

Architecture placements function differently than engineering; students typically secure internships and jobs through portfolios. In 2025, the placement cell assisted students in securing positions at reputable firms across Mumbai and Pune.

• Top Recruiting Firms: Local architectural practices, interior design firms, and urban planning consultancies.
• Average Starting Salary: ₹3.5 LPA to ₹5 LPA for junior architects.
• Internship Opportunities: 100% assistance for the mandatory 9th-semester internship.
• Roles Offered: Junior Architect, Site Supervisor, BIM Modeler, and Interior Designer.

The college facilitates various government scholarships to ensure financial constraints do not hinder education. Students can apply through the MahaDBT portal.

• Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Fee Reimbursement: For EBC students.
• Caste-based Scholarships: Full or partial tuition fee waivers for SC/ST/VJNT/OBC categories.
• Minority Scholarships: Available for students from notified minority communities.
• Merit-based Awards: Instituted by the CTES trust for toppers in university examinations.

The primary focus remains on the professional degree, with a curriculum that balances aesthetics with structural engineering.

• B.Arch (Bachelor of Architecture): The core 5-year program. It includes subjects like Building Materials, Environmental Studies, History of Architecture, and Professional Practice.
• Elective Courses: During the final years, students can choose electives in Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, or Project Management.

The fee structure is regulated by the Fees Regulating Authority (FRA) of Maharashtra. The figures below are estimates for the 2026 academic year.

Note: Security deposits and university exam fees are extra. Fees are subject to change based on FRA approvals.

The application process is primarily online through the DTE Maharashtra portal. For institutional quota seats, students may need to apply directly to the college.

1. Register for NATA or JEE Main Paper 2.
2. Apply for the Centralized Admission Process (CAP) on the State CET Cell website.
3. Fill in the option form, listing CTES College of Architecture as a preferred choice.
4. Verify documents at a designated Scrutiny Center (SC).
5. If allotted, report to the college with original documents and the prescribed fee.

Despite being in a dense urban area like Chembur, the college provides comprehensive facilities for architectural study.

• Design Studios: Large, well-lit spaces equipped with drafting tables.
• Computer Lab: Updated with latest architectural software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp.
• Library: A collection of over 3,000 books, journals, and digital resources.
• Workshop Area: Space for model making and carpentry work.
• Seminar Hall: Used for guest lectures and presentations by industry experts.

The academic structure is divided into specialized wings to handle the multifaceted nature of architecture:

• Department of Architectural Design: Focuses on core studio projects.
• Department of Technology & Construction: Deals with building materials and structural systems.
• Department of Humanities & Arts: Covers history, sociology, and visual arts.
• Department of Environmental Studies: Focuses on sustainable practices and climatology.