Ramesh Phirodia College of Architecture

Ramesh Phirodia College of Architecture (RPCOA), located in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, continues to be a premier destination for architectural education in the region. Established under the Shanti-Nand-Harsh Educational & Charitable Trust, the college is dedicated to fostering creative and technical excellence.

• Affiliation: Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU).
• Approval: Council of Architecture (COA), New Delhi, and Directorate of Technical Education (DTE), Maharashtra.
• Location: Strategically positioned in Ahmednagar, offering a blend of historical context and modern urban development.
• Focus: A strong emphasis on sustainable design, vernacular architecture, and practical site exposure.
• Intake: Standardized intake for the B.Arch program as per COA norms.

The flagship program at RPCOA is the Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch). This five-year full-time degree is highly sought after by students in Western Maharashtra for its rigorous curriculum and hands-on approach.

• Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch): A comprehensive program covering design theory, building construction, structural mechanics, and professional practice.
• Value-Added Certifications: Short-term workshops in Building Information Modeling (BIM), 3D Visualization, and Green Building Rating systems to enhance employability.

The program is popular due to its affiliation with SPPU, which ensures a globally recognized syllabus and academic standard.

Admission to RPCOA for the 2026 academic year is primarily conducted through the Centralized Admission Process (CAP) managed by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra.

• Eligibility: Candidates must have passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) or a 10+3 Diploma with Mathematics.
• Entrance Exams: A valid score in NATA 2026 or JEE Main Paper 2 is mandatory.
• Key Dates: Registration typically begins in June 2026, with document verification and merit list declarations following in July 2026.
• Seat Allotment: Based on the combined merit of entrance exam scores and qualifying examination marks as per DTE guidelines.

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 2026 cutoffs for RPCOA will be determined by the volume of applicants and the difficulty level of NATA 2026. Historically, students require a competitive NATA score (typically above 80-90) and high PCM percentages to secure a seat through the CAP rounds.

Note: Merit scores are calculated as a combination of NATA/JEE scores and 12th-grade aggregates.

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

Placements in architecture focus heavily on internships and portfolio-based hiring. For the 2025 batch, RPCOA saw a successful placement season with students joining prestigious firms across Maharashtra.

• Highest Package: ₹4.5 LPA (for Junior Architect roles).
• Average Package: ₹2.4 - ₹3.0 LPA.
• Top Recruiting Hubs: Pune, Mumbai, Nashik, and local firms in Ahmednagar.
• Roles Offered: Junior Architect, Interior Designer, Site Supervisor, and CAD Technician.

Many students also choose to pursue entrepreneurship or higher studies in Urban Planning or Sustainable Design after graduation.

The college facilitates various Government of Maharashtra scholarships to ensure financial inclusivity for all students in 2026.

• MAHADBT Scholarships: Full or partial tuition fee waivers for SC, ST, VJNT, and OBC students.
• EBC (Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj) Scheme: 50% tuition fee waiver for students from Economically Backward Classes.
• Minority Scholarships: Dedicated schemes for students from religious minority backgrounds.
• Merit-Based Incentives: Occasional institutional waivers for top-performing students in university exams.

The institution is primarily known for its undergraduate architecture program, but it also integrates various skill-building modules.

• B.Arch (5 Years): The core program focusing on design, technology, and professional practice.
• Interior Design Workshops: Specialized modules for students interested in residential and commercial interiors.
• Landscape Architecture: Electives focusing on ecological design and site planning.
• Urban Design: Introductory courses for senior students interested in large-scale city planning.

The fee structure for 2026 is regulated by the Fees Regulating Authority (FRA), Maharashtra. The fees are subject to annual revisions.

The fees mentioned above typically include tuition and development fees. Other costs such as university eligibility, examination fees, and hostel charges are additional.

The application process for the 2026 session is entirely online via the State CET Cell portal. Follow these steps:

1. Entrance Exam: Register and appear for NATA 2026 or JEE Main Paper 2.
2. Registration: Visit the MAH-CET website and register for B.Arch admissions.
3. Document Verification: Visit a Facilitation Centre (FC) to verify original documents.
4. Option Entry: Fill the online preference form, selecting RPCOA as a top choice.
5. Reporting: If allotted, report to the college with the seat acceptance fee and original documents.

The infrastructure at RPCOA is designed to meet the creative needs of architecture students. The campus provides a serene environment conducive to long hours of studio work.

• Design Studios: Spacious, well-lit drafting halls with individual workspaces.
• Computer Lab: Equipped with the latest architectural software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp.
• Library: A rich collection of books, national/international journals, and digital resources.
• Workshop: Facilities for model making, carpentry, and material testing.
• Hostel: Safe and comfortable accommodation for outstation students with mess facilities.

The college operates through integrated academic departments that collaborate to provide a holistic education.

• Department of Architectural Design: The core department managing the design studios and theory of design.
• Department of Building Technology & Science: Focuses on construction materials, structures, and environmental science.
• Department of Humanities & Professional Practice: Covers history of architecture, sociology, and professional ethics.
• Department of Allied Arts: Manages workshops on sketching, model making, and photography.