M.Arch Entrance
PGETA 2026 and 2027: The COA M.Arch Entrance, Decoded
PGETA 2027 dates are expected (official notice awaited), so this guide uses the 2026 schedule, pattern and fees until COA publishes the 2027 brochure. PGETA, also commonly searched as PGEAT, is the unified national-level entrance test for Master of Architecture (M.Arch) programs in India. Conducted by the Council of Architecture (COA), with three test dates and best-score-retained policy. Below: dates, eligibility, exam pattern, fees, scholarships, and accepting institutes.
PGETA 2026 at a glance
The short answer first: PGETA 2026 is a 2-hour CBT with three attempt windows in May and June 2026. Eligibility is a B.Arch with at least 50% marks. The best score across attempts is retained for admission.
- Exam
- PGETA 2026 (also searched as PGEAT)
- Conducted by
- Council of Architecture (COA)
- Eligibility
- B.Arch from COA-approved institute, 50% minimum
- Duration
- 2 hours (120 minutes)
- Mode
- Computer-Based Test (CBT) at designated centres
- Questions
- 100 across 4 modules
- Attempts
- Up to 3 per year, best score retained
- Score validity
- 1 academic year (2026-2027)
Eligibility for PGETA 2026
You need a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) from a COA-approved institution with at least 50% aggregate marks.
- B.Arch degree from a COA-approved institution.
- Minimum 50% aggregate marks (or equivalent CGPA).
- Final-year B.Arch students may apply, subject to passing their B.Arch.
- No upper age limit.
- COA registration is recommended for practising architects but not strictly required to attempt PGETA.
PGETA 2026 schedule, three attempts
You may attempt all three tests. The best score is automatically retained for admission. Each attempt requires a separate registration fee.
- Done: Registration opensOnline at the PGETA portalTuesday, April 21, 2026
- Done: Test 110:00 AM to 12:00 PMSunday, May 31, 2026
- Done: Test 210:00 AM to 12:00 PMSunday, June 14, 2026
- Done: Test 310:00 AM to 12:00 PMSunday, June 28, 2026
- Done: Final resultsBest score across attempts is retainedTuesday, July 7, 2026
PGETA 2026 exam pattern, 4 modules across 100 questions
CBT format, 2 hours, 100 questions in English. Architecture and Design carries the largest weight; the rest cover engineering bridges, electives, and research aptitude.
Architecture and Design
64 QArchitectural theory, history of architecture, urban design, design principles, contextual design, and aesthetics. The largest section by weight.
Building Sciences and Applied Engineering
14 QStructures, building services, climate-responsive design, materials, and construction technology. Bridges design intent with engineering reality.
Professional Electives
6 QSpecialisation electives covering urban design, sustainability, conservation, landscape, and other M.Arch streams.
Professional Ability and Skill Enhancement
16 QResearch aptitude, professional practice, ethics, and documentation. Tests readiness for graduate-level architectural work.
Fees and scholarships
Per attempt fees vary by category. The COA also funds a top-100 scholarship.
Registration fees, per attempt
- General / OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)
- Rs 1,750 per attempt
- SC / ST / EWS / PwD
- Rs 1,250 per attempt
- Transgender candidates
- Rs 1,000 per attempt
Payment online via debit card, credit card, or net banking.
COA scholarship for top 100 PGETA scorers
Rs 50,000 over 2 years (Rs 25,000 per year)
- Must secure admission in a COA-approved M.Arch institution
- Must meet academic criteria during the M.Arch program
- Disbursed in two annual instalments
Where is PGETA 2026 conducted?
PGETA 2026 is held at designated CBT centres across major Indian cities. PGETA is not a from-home online test. You select preferred cities during registration; the final centre is allocated by the conducting body.
- Delhi
- Mumbai
- Bengaluru
- Chennai
- Hyderabad
- Ahmedabad
- Kolkata
- Pune
- Lucknow
- Jaipur
- Bhopal
- Chandigarh
- Kochi
- Coimbatore
- + 60 more cities (selected during registration)
Participating M.Arch institutes
COA lists approximately 132 approved Master of Architecture programs (as of 2022-23). The full list is on the COA approved-institutions page. Notable accepting institutions include:
- Chandigarh College of Architecture
- KRVIA Mumbai (Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute of Architecture)
- Manipal School of Architecture and Planning (MSAP)
- Rizvi College of Architecture, Mumbai
- Institute of Architecture and Planning, Nirma University
- CEPT University, Ahmedabad (verify current acceptance)
- BMS College of Architecture, Bengaluru
- Sir J. J. College of Architecture, Mumbai (verify current acceptance)
PGETA vs NATA, what is the difference?
Both are COA exams but at different levels. NATA is for B.Arch (undergraduate). PGETA is for M.Arch (postgraduate).
PGETA 2026
- Postgraduate (M.Arch, 2 years)
- Eligibility: B.Arch with 50% minimum
- 2-hour CBT, 100 questions, 4 modules
- Architectural theory, building science, research aptitude
- Up to 3 attempts per year, best score
NATA 2026
- Undergraduate (B.Arch, 5 years)
- Eligibility: 12th pass with Mathematics
- Drawing offline + MCQ/NCQ online, 3 hours
- Drawing aptitude and design reasoning
- Up to 2 attempts in Phase 1, 1 in Phase 2
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PGETA 2026 (also known as PGEAT)
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