Satish Misal Educational Foundation -BRICK School of Architecture

The Satish Misal Educational Foundation's BRICK School of Architecture, located in the cultural and educational hub of Pune, continues to be a premier destination for aspiring architects in 2026. Affiliated with the Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) and approved by the Council of Architecture (CoA), the institute is known for its innovative pedagogy and industry-integrated learning.

• Establishment: 2013
• Location: Undri, Pune, Maharashtra
• Affiliation: Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU)
• Approval: Council of Architecture (CoA), New Delhi
• Campus: State-of-the-art sustainable campus with award-winning design
• Focus: Hands-on learning, design thinking, and environmental consciousness
• Core Values: Belief in the 'Studio Culture' and collaborative learning environments.

In 2026, BRICK School of Architecture remains focused on its core strengths in design and environmental planning. The following programmes are highly sought after by students across Maharashtra and neighboring states:

• Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch): A five-year full-time undergraduate programme focusing on design fundamentals, building technology, and professional practice.
• Master of Architecture (Environmental Architecture): A two-year postgraduate specialisation catering to the growing demand for sustainable urban development and green building consultants in the Pune-Mumbai corridor.

The curriculum for these programmes is updated regularly to reflect the latest trends in BIM (Building Information Modeling), Parametric Design, and Climate-Responsive Architecture.

Admission to BRICK School of Architecture for the 2026 academic year is primarily conducted through the Centralised Admission Process (CAP) by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra.

• Eligibility (B.Arch): Candidates must have passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics or a 10+3 Diploma with Mathematics as a compulsory subject. A valid NATA or JEE Main Paper 2 score is mandatory.
• Eligibility (M.Arch): B.Arch degree with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) and a valid MAH-M.Arch-CET score.

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 the difficulty level of NATA and the volume of applications received through the DTE Maharashtra CAP rounds. While official cutoffs are released post-counseling, historical trends suggest the following targets:

• B.Arch (General Category): A NATA score above 120 and a combined merit score (12th % + NATA %) of approximately 145-155 is usually required for a seat in the initial rounds.
• B.Arch (Reserved Category): Merit scores typically range between 130-140.
• M.Arch: Competitive MAH-CET scores with a focus on previous academic performance and portfolio strength for institutional rounds.

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

In the field of Architecture, 'placements' typically refer to successful internships and associate roles in reputed design firms. The 2025 placement cycle saw strong engagement from the Pune and Mumbai design ecosystems.

• Top Recruiters: Christopher Charles Benninger Architects (CCBA), Panchshil Realty, Morphogenesis, and various boutique firms in Pune.
• Average Package (Entry Level): INR 3.5 LPA to 5.0 LPA for Junior Architects.
• Internship Success: 100% of the 2025 batch secured mandatory professional training placements in firms across India, Dubai, and Singapore.
• Hiring Ecosystem: Being in Pune, students benefit from the presence of large real estate developers and urban planning consultancies.

SMEF's BRICK provides several financial aid options to ensure inclusive education. For the 2026 academic year, students can avail:

• Government Scholarships: Support via the MAHADBT portal for SC, ST, OBC, and VJNT categories.
• EBC Scholarship: Financial assistance for students from Economically Backward Classes (General category with income limits).
• Merit-based Awards: Institutional waivers for toppers in NATA or University examinations.
• SMEF Trust Scholarships: Special considerations for students from rural backgrounds or those with exceptional design portfolios.

The most popular courses at BRICK are characterized by their blend of theory and practical execution:

• B.Arch (Bachelor of Architecture): Known for its rigorous studio-based learning where students tackle live projects and urban design challenges.
• M.Arch (Environmental Architecture): Popular due to the increasing legislative focus on carbon-neutral buildings and the ECBC (Energy Conservation Building Code) in Maharashtra.
• Certificate Courses: Short-term modules in Interior Design and Landscape Architecture are often offered as value-added programs.

The fee structure is subject to approval by the Fees Regulating Authority (FRA), Maharashtra. Estimated fees for 2026 are as follows:

Note: Fees exclude hostel charges, university examination fees, and material costs for studio work.

The application process for 2026 involves the following steps:

1. Entrance Exam: Register and appear for NATA 2026 or JEE Main Paper 2.
2. DTE Registration: Register on the Maharashtra State CET Cell website for the CAP rounds.
3. Option Entry: List SMEF's BRICK School of Architecture as your first preference during the choice filling period.
4. Allotment: If allotted, visit the college for document verification.
5. Institutional Seats: For management quota or vacant seats, apply directly through the college website with your entrance scores and portfolio.

The infrastructure at BRICK is designed to act as a pedagogical tool itself. Key features include:

• Design Studios: Large, well-ventilated spaces where students have dedicated workstations for the entire year.
• Library: An extensive collection of national and international journals, books on urbanism, and digital resources.
• Material Lab: A workshop space for model making and exploring building materials like wood, clay, and concrete.
• Amphitheater: Used for open-air lectures, cultural events, and jury presentations.
• Digital Lab: Equipped with high-end workstations and software like AutoCAD, Revit, Rhino, and Grasshopper.

The academic structure is divided into specialized departments to ensure focused learning:

• Department of Architectural Design: Oversees the core design studios from years 1 to 5.
• Department of Building Technology & Management: Focuses on construction techniques, structures, and project management.
• Department of Environmental Architecture: Manages the postgraduate program and sustainability research.
• Department of Humanities & Allied Sciences: Covers history of architecture, sociology, and professional communications.