Karnataka Examinations Authority stops M.Arch entrance test due to low demand

Bengaluru: Due to low demand for M.Arch seats in the state, Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has decided to discontinue Post Graduate Common Entrance Test (PGCET) for the course starting this year. Instead, students will need to take national-level entrance exams.
In 2023, out of 136 available M.Arch seats in the state, 127 candidates applied, and only 28 took admission. "KEA will not conduct any separate entrance exam for M.Arch admissions this year," said H Prasanna, executive director.

He added the state will now follow the same procedure as other states. "For undergraduate courses, we already consider NATA scores. There are three national-level post graduation entrance tests for architecture (PGETA) conducted by Council of Architecture for PG programmes. Students can henceforth take those exams as it is not feasible to conduct exams for such a small number of seats," he added.
Until now, KEA conducted its own PGCET for M.Arch admissions, along with exams for MBA, MCA, and MTech. Now, KEA will assign state ranks to MArch aspirants and allocate seats using scores from national-level tests.
Architecture colleges confirm M.Arch course has seen declining interest. "B.Arch itself is a five-year course. Most students begin working right after graduation, either setting up their firms or joining established architects. Post-graduation is rarely a requirement, except for those who would like to pursue teaching," said Vimala Swamy, principal of Gopalan School of Architecture and Planning.
She added while top colleges fill most B. Arch seats, mid-level institutions have some vacancies, and several colleges struggle to get students. "At least three standalone architecture colleges are shutting down this year. A drop in postgraduate students could eventually lead to a shortage of qualified faculty in architecture colleges."
Prasanna also announced CET results will be declared after CBSE Class 12, ISC, II PU-2, and agricultural practical exam results are out. "CET evaluation is over. We're just waiting for the Class 12 marks from different boards," he said.
The PGETA will be held on May 4, May 25, and June 15. Registration has begun on April 15.