Thejus College of Architecture

Thejus College of Architecture (TCA), established under the Cheruvathur Foundation, is a prominent center for architectural education located in Vellarakkad, Thrissur, Kerala. Known for its commitment to fostering creative and technical excellence, the college has become a preferred destination for aspiring architects in South India.

The college is situated in the cultural capital of Kerala, providing students with rich exposure to traditional Kerala architecture alongside modern urban design challenges found in nearby cities like Kochi and Kozhikode.

The core focus of Thejus College of Architecture is its undergraduate program, designed to blend theoretical knowledge with practical studio experience. The curriculum is aligned with the latest industry standards for 2026.

• Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch): A 5-year full-time professional degree program. The course includes 10 semesters, with one full year dedicated to professional training (internship) in leading architectural firms.
• Value Added Courses: In 2026, the college offers supplementary certifications in Building Information Modeling (BIM), Sustainable Architecture, and Parametric Design to enhance student employability.

The program is popular due to its high focus on hands-on learning through site visits, rural documentation camps, and workshops led by practicing architects from the Thrissur and Ernakulam design hubs.

Admission to Thejus College of Architecture for the 2026 academic year is primarily merit-based, considering both entrance exam scores and qualifying examination marks.

• Eligibility: Candidates must have passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, or a 10+3 Diploma with Mathematics. A minimum of 50% aggregate marks is typically required.
• Entrance Exam: A valid NATA 2026 score is mandatory. Students must also register for KEAM 2026 for the centralized allotment process in Kerala.

Important Dates (Tentative):

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 Architecture Index Mark, calculated by combining the NATA score and the percentage of marks in the qualifying examination (10+2). While exact cutoffs vary yearly, the following are expected trends:

• General Category: An index score above 300 is usually competitive for merit seats.
• Management Quota: Candidates generally need a valid NATA score and a minimum of 50% in PCM.

Cutoffs are influenced by the difficulty level of NATA 2026 and the number of applicants opting for Thrissur-based colleges during the KEAM allotment phases.

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, traditional "campus placements" are rare; instead, the college facilitates Professional Practice and internships that often lead to full-time roles. For the 2025 batch:

• Internship Success: 100% of students secured internships in reputed firms across Kochi, Bangalore, Chennai, and Dubai.
• Top Recruiting Firms: Students have been placed in firms such as Stapati, Wallmakers, and various urban planning consultancies.
• Average Starting Salary: For junior architects, salaries range between ₹2.4 LPA to ₹4.5 LPA, depending on the firm's location and the student's portfolio.
• Freelancing: A significant number of graduates start their own practice or join family-owned construction businesses in the Thrissur real estate sector.

Thejus College of Architecture supports meritorious and underprivileged students through various financial aid schemes in 2026:

• Merit Scholarship: Reduction in tuition fees for students with high NATA scores or top ranks in KEAM.
• E-Grantz: Available for students belonging to SC/ST/OBC and economically backward categories as per Kerala Government norms.
• Minority Scholarships: Central and State government scholarships for students from minority communities.
• Institutional Aid: Need-based scholarships provided by the Cheruvathur Foundation for students facing financial hardships.

The flagship and most popular course remains the B.Arch (Bachelor of Architecture). The popularity is driven by:

• Focus on Sustainability: Courses integrated with green building concepts.
• Digital Architecture: Training in Revit, Rhino, and Grasshopper.
• Vernacular Studies: Deep dives into Kerala's traditional 'Thachu Shastra' and its application in modern design.

The fee structure for 2026 is subject to the Kerala State Self-Financing Fee Regulatory Committee. Approximate costs are as follows:

Note: Additional costs include Caution Deposit, University Fees, and Studio Material expenses.

The application process for 2026 is primarily online:

1. NATA Registration: Apply at nata.in and appear for the exam.
2. KEAM Registration: Apply through the CEE Kerala website (cee.kerala.gov.in) to be considered for the state rank list.
3. College Application: Visit the official TCA website to fill out the expression of interest form for Management/NRI seats.
4. Document Verification: Submit 10th/12th mark sheets, NATA scorecard, and transfer certificates during the interview or allotment phase.

The campus is designed to inspire creativity. Key infrastructure highlights include:

• Design Studios: Spacious, well-lit studios with individual drafting tables.
• Library: A vast collection of architectural journals, rare books on Kerala history, and digital databases.
• Labs: Climatology lab, Surveying lab, and a Materials Museum.
• Hostels: Separate, secure accommodation for boys and girls with mess facilities serving local Kerala cuisine.
• Workshop: A carpentry and model-making workshop where students build scale models.

The college operates as a unified Department of Architecture, but faculty are specialized across various domains:

• Department of Architectural Design: Focuses on core design studios.
• Department of Building Technology: Covers structures, construction materials, and services.
• Department of Humanities and History: Covers the history of architecture and professional ethics.
• Department of Environmental Studies: Focuses on sustainable and climate-responsive design.