About Manipal School of Architecture & Planning
Manipal School of Architecture and Planning (MSAP) is the architecture department of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) — established in 1978 on the multi-disciplinary MAHE campus in Manipal, Udupi district. MAHE holds Institution of Eminence (IoE) status — one of only 20 institutions nationally — alongside NAAC A++ accreditation. MSAP offers BArch and MArch programmes within this world-class university environment.
Quick Facts
| Founded | 1978 |
|---|---|
| Location | Manipal, Udupi District, Karnataka (MAHE Campus) |
| Parent Institution | Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) |
| MAHE Status | Institution of Eminence (IoE), Deemed University |
| Accreditation | NAAC A++ (MAHE) |
| Admission | NATA / MAHE Entrance (not KCET) |
| Website | manipal.edu |
Programmes Offered
| Programme | Duration | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) | 5 years | NATA / MAHE Entrance |
| Master of Architecture (MArch) | 2 years | GATE / MAHE Entrance |
MSAP does not participate in KCET architecture quota — MAHE is a deemed university. Apply through manipal.edu after qualifying NATA.
Fee Structure 2026-27
| Programme | Annual Fees (Approx) |
|---|---|
| BArch (Annual) | Rs 6–8 lakh per year |
| Total 5-Year BArch | Rs 30–40 lakh (approx) |
MAHE Institution of Eminence
MAHE's IoE status (2018, one of 20 in India) grants autonomy for international campuses, global academic partnerships and faculty recruitment. For MSAP students this means: international exchange programmes with architecture schools in Europe and the USA, visiting faculty from international practices, and research access across MAHE's multi-disciplinary campus (medicine, dentistry, engineering, pharmacy, business).
Manipal Campus — A Live Architecture Laboratory
Manipal is a purpose-built university town on the Western Ghats coastline. MAHE has designed and built an extensive campus township over decades. MSAP students study slope management, drainage design, coastal climate responses and sustainable building in the very campus where they live and learn — live project exposure unavailable in classroom-only programmes.
Career Scope
MSAP BArch graduates are recruited by leading Indian and international architecture firms. Bangalore, Mumbai and Hyderabad firms actively recruit from MSAP. Graduates targeting international practice find MAHE's partnerships facilitate connections to European and US firms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does MSAP Manipal accept KCET?
No. MAHE is a deemed university and does not participate in KEA's KCET architecture quota. Admission is through NATA and MAHE's own entrance process.
What is MAHE's Institution of Eminence status?
The Government of India awarded IoE status to MAHE in 2018 — one of only 20 institutions nationally, granting special autonomy for international campuses and global partnerships.