Anant National University’s School of Architecture (SOA) has received approval from the Council of Architecture (COA) to increase the annual intake for its flagship five-year Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) programme to 120 students from the 2026–27 academic session. The approval places the university among a select group of architecture schools in India permitted to admit students at this scale.
The expansion reflects the university’s continued investment in strengthening academic infrastructure, including upgraded design studios, workshop facilities and faculty recruitment to support a curriculum aligned with contemporary architectural practice.
With the enhanced intake, Anant National University is set to accommodate a larger and more diverse student cohort from across the country while maintaining its focus on experiential learning, interdisciplinary education and personalised mentorship. Admissions to the programme will continue through recognised pathways, including the Admission Committee for Professional Courses (ACPC) and the National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) conducted by the Council of Architecture.
Commenting on the approval, Dr. Sanjeev Vidyarthi, Provost of Anant National University, said the expansion represents an important milestone for the School of Architecture and reinforces the institution’s commitment to quality architectural education. He noted that as India continues to urbanise, there is an increasing need for architects capable of addressing complex social, environmental and urban challenges through thoughtful and sustainable design.
Over the past decade, the School of Architecture has developed an interdisciplinary curriculum that combines design thinking, sustainability, emerging technologies and studio-based learning. The university says the increased capacity will allow it to extend these opportunities to more aspiring architects without compromising the quality of education.
The institution has also earned recognition for its academic standards. It received a five-star rating in Architecture under the Gujarat State Institutional Rating Framework (GSIRF) 2023–24, reflecting its continued emphasis on excellence in architectural education.
Anant National University, based in Ahmedabad, is recognised for its multidisciplinary approach to design and architecture education. Through its DesignX pedagogy, the university integrates design with liberal arts, emerging technologies and community engagement to equip students with the skills needed to address real-world challenges. Its academic offerings span design, architecture, climate action and visual arts, with a focus on innovation, sustainability and research.
The expansion of the BArch programme is expected to strengthen the university’s contribution to developing the next generation of architects equipped to respond to India’s rapidly evolving built environment and growing demand for sustainable urban development.
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