PGETA Score to Determine MArch (PG Architecture) Admissions in Karnataka

The results of the national Postgraduate Entrance Test in Architecture (PGETA), administered by the Council of Architecture, will now be used by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) to determine admission to postgraduate architecture (MArch) programs in the State.

KEA has until now administered its own entrance exam (PGCET) and distributed seats according to test results. The rule has been changed as of this year; in order to participate in the local admission process, candidates must now appear for the national-level test, KEA executive director H. Prasanna said in a news release.

There were 136 spots available for this course last year, and 127 people applied. But only 28 applicants were admitted, he continued.

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.

While the majority of B. Arch seats are filled by elite universities, she added, mid-level schools have some openings, and some colleges have trouble recruiting 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," she added.