School of Planning and Architecture, Vijayawada
About
OfficialPremier centrally-funded institute for architecture and planning excellence since 2008.
- Established July 7, 2008 by Ministry of Education, Government of India
- Institute of National Importance (CFTI) under Ministry of Education
- 11 academic programmes across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels
- Two departments: Architecture and Planning
- Award-winning sustainable campus design (GRIHA 2018, Eurasian Prize 2018)
- Autonomous institution with focus on research and industry-academia collaboration
Academics
SPAV offers comprehensive programmes across Architecture and Planning disciplines. Undergraduate programmes include B.Arch (5 years, 94+14 intake) and B.Plan (4 years, 38+6 intake). Postgraduate offerings span M.Arch specializations in Sustainable Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Architecture Conservation, plus M.Plan programmes in Environmental Planning & Management, Urban & Regional Planning, and Tourism & Infrastructure Planning. The institute also offers MBEM and rolling PhD admissions in both departments. All programmes emphasize multidisciplinary curricula, research-based learning, and industry-academia interface.
Campus & Infrastructure
The 10-acre permanent campus in Vijayawada features award-winning sustainable architecture with iconic academic and administrative blocks (30,000 sqm), student housing (20,200 sqm accommodating 777 occupants), and dining/guest facilities (4,300 sqm). The campus incorporates innovative design elements including multi-level courtyards, natural lighting systems, and passive architecture principles. Sustainability features include 19,200 litres/day solar water heating capacity, 183 KW daily solar power generation, rainwater harvesting with ground water recharge pits, 100 KLD sewage treatment with recycling, and 60% softscape coverage. Facilities include modern laboratories (Computer, Geoinformatics, Art, Landscape, Material Testing, Surveying, Climatology, Conservation, Environmental Monitoring, Structural), smart classrooms, auditorium, open-air theatres, and sports facilities.
Admissions
Undergraduate admissions for B.Arch and B.Plan are conducted through JOSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority) and CSAB (Central Seat Allocation Board). Postgraduate admissions occur through JAAP-PG (Joint Admission for Architecture and Planning) with special rounds and spot rounds. PhD admissions are rolling, offered twice yearly (July and December sessions) for both full-time and part-time doctoral programmes. Eligibility for PG programmes requires B.Arch qualification with minimum CGPA 6.5 (6.0 for SC/ST) on 10-point scale.
Research & Innovation
The institute maintains active research programmes through the Institute Innovation Cell, A-CUPCB-SPAV research centre, and consultancy projects. Faculty and students engage in publications, international collaborations through MoUs, and specialized research initiatives. The campus hosts research facilities including environmental monitoring labs and conservation labs supporting interdisciplinary research in sustainable built environment and urban development.