KEA Changes Postgraduate Architecture Admissions: PGETA Scores to Replace KEA Exam

This change aims to streamline the admission process by aligning Karnataka with national standards set by the CoA, the apex body regulating architectural education in India under the Ministry of Education.

In a significant update for architecture aspirants in Karnataka, the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) has announced that it will no longer conduct its own entrance examination for postgraduate architecture (MArch) admissions. Instead, admissions will now be based on scores obtained in the national-level Postgraduate Entrance Test in Architecture (PGETA), conducted by the Council of Architecture (CoA).

The announcement was made via an official post on X by KEA (@KEA_karnataka) on April 24, 2025, tagging Karnataka Chief Minister (@CMofKarnataka) and Health Minister Dr. MC Sudhakar (@drmcsudhakar).

Details of the Announcement

The decision marks a shift towards a unified national framework for postgraduate architecture admissions in Karnataka. The KEA stated, “#PGArchitecture ಪ್ರವೇಶಕ್ಕೆ ಇನ್ನು ಮುಂದೆ #KEA ಪರೀಕ್ಷೆ ನಡೆಸಲ್ಲ‌‌. ಬದಲಿಗೆ ಕೌನ್ಸಿಲ್ ಆಫ್ ಆರ್ಕಿಟೆಕ್ಚರ್ ನಡೆಸುವ ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರ ಮಟ್ಟದ #PGETA ನಲ್ಲಿ ಗಳಿಸಿದ ಅಂಕಗಳ ಆಧಾರದ ಮೇಲೆಯೇ ಸ್ನಾತಕೋತ್ತರ ಆರ್ಕಿಟೆಕ್ಚರ್ ಪದವಿಗೆ ಪ್ರವೇಶ ನೀಡಲು ನಿರ್ಧರಿಸಲಾಗಿದೆ,” which translates to: "For #PGArchitecture admissions, #KEA will no longer conduct its own exam. Instead, admissions to postgraduate architecture programs will be granted based on scores obtained in the national-level #PGETA conducted by the Council of Architecture."

This change aims to streamline the admission process by aligning Karnataka with national standards set by the CoA, the apex body regulating architectural education in India under the Ministry of Education.

About the PGETA Exam

The Postgraduate Entrance Test in Architecture (PGETA) is a computer-based test (CBT) conducted by the Council of Architecture at designated centers across India. According to the CoA’s official website (www.pgeta.in), PGETA 2025 will be held from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with a duration of 2 hours. Candidates can appear for up to three attempts, and the best score will be considered for evaluation. Test centers are allocated based on the preferred cities selected during registration, which is currently open for PGETA 2025.

The exam assesses candidates on core architectural knowledge and professional skills, adhering to the CoA’s Minimum Standards 2020 for Postgraduate Education. The syllabus, available on the PGETA website, includes four modules covering architectural principles, design, and related competencies, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of aspirants.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for PGETA 2025, candidates must meet the following requirements:

Educational Qualification: A Bachelor’s degree in Architecture (B.Arch) or an equivalent qualification recognized by the Council of Architecture.

Minimum Marks: At least 50% CGPA (or equivalent percentage) in the qualifying degree, as per CoA guidelines.

Additional Requirements: There are no specific age or domicile restrictions, making the exam accessible to all eligible candidates across India.

Interested candidates are encouraged to visit www.pgeta.in for detailed information on the syllabus, registration process, and exam guidelines.

Courses Covered

The PGETA scores will facilitate admission to Master of Architecture (MArch) programs and other postgraduate architecture courses offered by CoA-accredited institutions. These programs typically span two years and include specializations such as:

Urban Design

Landscape Architecture

Architectural Conservation

Sustainable Architecture

Interior Architecture

The specific courses available may vary depending on the institution.

Where Admissions Will Happen

Admissions based on PGETA scores will apply to CoA-approved architecture colleges in Karnataka. There are 45 CoA-approved architecture colleges in the state. These institutions include reputed colleges offering postgraduate programs in architecture, ensuring a merit-based selection process for candidates. Some notable colleges in Karnataka include those affiliated with Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) and other autonomous institutes recognized by the CoA.

The centralized admission process will eliminate the need for a separate KEA-conducted exam, reducing the burden on students and ensuring a standardized evaluation for all applicants seeking MArch seats in Karnataka.

Additional Context and Implications

The move to adopt PGETA scores is seen as a step towards uniformity in architectural education across India. By relying on a national-level exam, KEA aims to ensure fairness and transparency in the admission process while aligning with CoA’s standards. This change also benefits students by reducing the need to prepare for multiple entrance exams, allowing them to focus on a single, standardized test.

For further details, candidates can refer to the official PGETA website (www.pgeta.in) or the CoA portal (www.coa.gov.in) for updates on the exam schedule, registration deadlines, and preparation resources. This development is expected to enhance the quality of postgraduate architecture education in Karnataka while providing aspirants with a clearer pathway to their academic and professional goals.

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