Jindal School of Design and Architecture

The Jindal School of Design and Architecture (JSDA) is a premier constituent school of O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU), an Institution of Eminence located in the Rajiv Gandhi Education City, Sonipat, Haryana. For the academic year 2026, JSDA continues to lead with its interdisciplinary approach to design education.

• Established: 2017
• Campus Location: Sonipat, Haryana (Delhi-NCR)
• Accreditation: Council of Architecture (CoA) approved B.Arch programme
• Faculty: International faculty from prestigious institutions like Harvard, AA, and CEPT
• Industry Interface: Strong ties with the Delhi-NCR design hub, offering students access to top architectural firms and fashion houses in Gurugram and New Delhi.
• Global Exposure: Semester exchange programmes and dual-degree options with partner universities in the UK, USA, and Australia.

JSDA offers a range of undergraduate programmes that blend creative practice with theoretical rigor. The most sought-after programmes for 2026 include:

• Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch): A 5-year professional degree focusing on sustainable urbanism and innovative building technologies.
• Bachelor of Design (B.Des) - Interior Design: A 4-year programme emphasizing spatial aesthetics and functional planning.
• Bachelor of Design (B.Des) - Community Design: A unique programme focusing on social impact and participatory design processes.
• B.A. (Hons.) Built Environment Studies: A liberal arts-based approach to understanding cities and spaces, ideal for those looking at urban policy or research.

The admission process for 2026 is designed to evaluate both creative aptitude and academic merit. Candidates must go through a multi-stage selection process.

Admission is based on scores from NATA, UCEED, NID-DAT, or NIFT entrance exams, followed by a portfolio review and a personal interview conducted by JSDA faculty.

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.

Cutoffs for JSDA are determined by a combination of entrance exam performance and the quality of the creative portfolio. While specific scores vary annually, the following are the expected benchmarks for 2026:

• B.Arch: Minimum NATA score of 80/200 or a valid JEE Paper 2 rank (typically within the top 20,000 for competitive consideration).
• B.Des: UCEED percentile above 70 or a high score in the JSAT (Jindal Scholastic Aptitude Test).
• Portfolio: A minimum of 60% weightage is given to the portfolio and interview performance for non-B.Arch courses.

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

The 2025 placement season saw strong demand for JSDA graduates across various sectors of the built environment and creative industries.

• Highest Package: INR 12.5 LPA
• Average Package: INR 6.8 LPA
• Top Recruiters: DLF, Hafeez Contractor, Morphogenesis, FabIndia, and various boutique design studios in Gurugram.
• Internships: 100% of students secured internships in 2025, with many working on prestigious urban development projects in the Haryana region and smart city initiatives.

JSDA offers generous scholarships to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder talented students from pursuing design education.

• Savitri Jindal Merit-cum-Means Scholarship: Based on family income and academic performance.
• Shallu Jindal Outstanding Women Scholarship: Aimed at supporting female students in the field of architecture and design.
• NATA/UCEED Topper Scholarship: Awarded to students with exceptional ranks in national-level entrance exams.
• Haryana Domicile Scholarship: As per state government norms, a percentage of seats is reserved with fee concessions for meritorious students from Haryana.

JSDA's curriculum is constantly evolving to meet the demands of the 2026 industry. Popular courses include:

• Urban Ecology & Sustainability: Focusing on the environmental challenges of the NCR region.
• Digital Fabrication & Robotics: Utilizing the school's advanced lab facilities.
• History of World Architecture: A global perspective on built forms.
• Fashion Communication: Bridging the gap between design and marketing.
• Furniture Design: A hands-on course involving wood and metal work.

The fee structure for the 2026 academic session reflects the premium infrastructure and global faculty provided by the school.

Note: Residential and dining charges are additional and typically range between INR 2.8 Lakhs to 3.2 Lakhs per annum.

The application process for the 2026 intake is entirely digital:

1. Online Registration: Visit the official JGU admissions portal and register for JSDA.
2. Form Completion: Fill in academic details and upload relevant documents (Class 10 & 12 marksheet, ID proof).
3. Entrance Score: Upload NATA, UCEED, or register for the JSAT exam.
4. Portfolio Upload: Submit a digital portfolio showcasing creative works (drawings, models, photography, etc.).
5. Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online or in-person interview.
6. Admission Offer: Successful candidates receive a provisional offer letter.

JSDA is housed within the 80-acre JGU campus in Sonipat, which is one of the most modern university campuses in India.

• Design Studios: Large, naturally lit studios equipped with individual workstations.
• Fabrication Lab: Includes 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machines.
• Global Library: Access to over 50,000 books and a vast digital repository of architecture journals.
• Residential Facilities: Fully air-conditioned hostels with modern dining halls and recreational areas.
• Sports: Olympic-size swimming pool, cricket ground, and indoor sports complex.

JSDA functions through specialized departments that collaborate on interdisciplinary projects:

• Department of Architecture: Managing the CoA-approved B.Arch programme.
• Department of Design: Overseeing Interior, Community, and Fashion Design pathways.
• Department of Built Environment: Focusing on urban studies, history, and theory.
• Digital Media Lab: A cross-departmental facility for communication design and visualization.