IIT Kharagpur Launches Aviation-Focused Urban Design Course to Shape Future Cities

Designed to address the rapid growth of India’s aviation sector, which handled 16 million passengers in March 2025 alone, the course integrates sustainable airport design, urban air mobility (UAM), and smart city frameworks.

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur has introduced a course in aviation-focused urban design within its Master of Architecture (M.Arch) program, as announced in early April 2025. Designed to address the rapid growth of India’s aviation sector, which handled 16 million passengers in March 2025 alone, the course integrates sustainable airport design, urban air mobility (UAM), and smart city frameworks. With India aiming to expand its airport network to over 200 by 2030, this program equips students to tackle the challenges of aviation-driven urban planning, positioning IIT Kharagpur at the forefront of innovative architectural education.

The aviation-focused urban design course, a 4-credit elective offered in the second year of the M.Arch program, spans one semester and covers topics such as airport master planning, vertiport design for drones and eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) vehicles, and IoT-enabled smart infrastructure. Students explore parametric design tools like Grasshopper and simulation platforms for optimizing airflow, energy efficiency, and passenger flow in aviation facilities. The curriculum includes case studies of global airports and India’s UDAN scheme, alongside hands-on projects designing sustainable aviation hubs. Access to IIT Kharagpur’s state-of-the-art labs, including the Smart City Research Centre, enables students to simulate urban air mobility networks and test resilient infrastructure models. Guest lectures from aviation experts and urban planners, including representatives from the Airports Authority of India, enrich the learning experience.

Eligibility for the course requires M.Arch students to have completed their first-year core modules with a minimum CGPA of 7.0. Admission to the elective is competitive, with 25 seats available per semester, selected based on academic performance and a brief proposal outlining the student’s interest in aviation design. Applications for the July 2025 session must be submitted to the Department of Architecture and Regional Planning by May 2025. For the M.Arch program itself, candidates need a B.Arch degree with at least 60% marks and a valid GATE score in Architecture and Planning. Admission is processed through IIT Kharagpur’s centralized postgraduate admission portal, with interviews for shortlisted candidates.

This course aligns with IIT Kharagpur’s interdisciplinary ethos, blending architecture with engineering and urban studies to address India’s infrastructure needs. By preparing students to innovate in aviation and urban design, the institute contributes to building sustainable, connected cities for the future.

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