Nehru College of Architecture

Nehru College of Architecture (NCA), situated in the scenic landscape of Lakkidi, Palakkad, is a premier institution under the Nehru Group of Institutions (NGI). Established with a vision to nurture creative minds, NCA has become a significant hub for architectural education in Kerala.

The college is strategically located near the Palakkad-Coimbatore highway, providing students with exposure to both the cultural heritage of Kerala and the rapid urban development of Coimbatore.

The core focus of Nehru College of Architecture remains its undergraduate program, which is highly sought after by students across South India.

• Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch): A 5-year full-time professional degree program. The curriculum is designed to balance theoretical knowledge with intensive studio work.
• Value Added Courses: In 2026, NCA has integrated specialized modules in Sustainable Urbanism and BIM (Building Information Modeling) to enhance the employability of its students.

The B.Arch program at NCA is known for its emphasis on tropical architecture, catering specifically to the climatic conditions of Kerala and the Western Ghats region.

Admission to NCA for the 2026 academic year is strictly based on merit, following the guidelines set by the Council of Architecture and the Government of Kerala.

• Eligibility: Candidates must have passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics or a 10+3 Diploma with Mathematics as a compulsory subject.
• Entrance Exam: A valid NATA 2026 score or JEE Main Paper 2 score is mandatory.
• Selection Process: Admission is conducted through the KEAM (Commissioner for Entrance Examinations, Kerala) counseling process for government-allotted seats and through the Management quota for others.

Important Dates (Tentative):

• NATA 2026 Registration: February - March 2026
• KEAM 2026 Application: March 2026
• NCA Management Seat Application: April - June 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 is determined by a combination of the candidate's NATA score and their 10+2 aggregate marks (50:50 weightage). While exact cutoffs fluctuate, the following trends are expected:

Note: A minimum of 50% marks in 10+2 and a qualifying score in NATA are non-negotiable prerequisites for ranking.

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

In the architecture field, 'placements' primarily refer to successful internships and recruitment by design firms. The 2025 batch saw significant success:

• Internship Placement: 100% of the students secured internships in reputed firms across India.
• Top Recruiting Hubs: Kochi, Bangalore, Coimbatore, and Chennai.
• Average Starting Salary: ₹3.5 LPA to ₹5.5 LPA (for Junior Architects).
• Prominent Firms: Students have been placed or interned with firms like Wallmakers, Stapati, and various urban planning consultancies in the Middle East.

NCA offers several financial aid options to support meritorious and underprivileged students in 2026:

• NGI Merit Scholarship: Based on 10+2 marks and NATA scores. High achievers can get up to 50% tuition fee waivers.
• Vigyan Scholarship: Special incentives for students from Kerala who excel in state-level entrance exams.
• Government Scholarships: Support for SC/ST/OBC students through the E-Grantz portal of the Kerala Government.
• Single Parent/Ex-Servicemen Quota: Special fee concessions are provided as part of the Nehru Group's social commitment.

The primary offering at NCA is the Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch). This program is popular due to its comprehensive curriculum including:

• Architectural Design Studios: The heart of the course, focusing on residential to complex urban structures.
• Building Construction & Materials: Hands-on learning about traditional and modern materials.
• Landscape Architecture: Integrating nature with the built environment.
• Interior Design: Elective courses focusing on spatial aesthetics and functionality.

The fee structure for 2026 follows the guidelines of the Kerala State Fee Regulatory Committee for self-financing colleges.

*Fees are subject to change based on government notifications. Additional costs include University fees, PTA fund, and caution deposits.

Applying to NCA for the 2026 session involves a multi-step process:

1. Register for NATA: Visit the official NATA website and clear the exam.
2. KEAM Registration: Apply through the CEE Kerala portal for the Architecture rank list.
3. College Application: Visit the Nehru Group of Institutions website to fill out the enquiry form for Management seats.
4. Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates must visit the Lakkidi campus with original documents (10th, 12th marks, NATA scorecard, and Transfer Certificate).
5. Admission Confirmation: Pay the token fee to secure the seat.

The infrastructure at NCA is designed to foster creativity and collaboration:

• Design Studios: Large, well-ventilated studios with individual drafting tables for every student.
• Library: An extensive collection of national and international journals, books on history, design, and technology.
• Computer Lab: Equipped with the latest CAD, Revit, Rhino, and SketchUp software.
• Workshops: Model-making workshops and carpentry units for physical prototyping.
• Hostels: Separate, secure hostels for boys and girls with mess facilities serving Kerala and South Indian cuisine.

NCA functions through specialized academic departments that collaborate for the B.Arch program:

• Department of Architectural Design: Focuses on the core design process.
• Department of Building Technology: Covers structural engineering and construction techniques.
• Department of Humanities & Arts: Teaches architectural history, sociology, and fine arts.
• Department of Environmental Studies: Focuses on sustainable design and climatology.