The Faculty of Architecture (FoA) at Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute, Chennai, is a premier institution offering a range of undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG), doctoral (PhD), and certification programs in architecture and design. For the 2025-2026 academic year, admissions are merit-based, often requiring qualifying examinations and minimum academic thresholds to ensure candidates are well-prepared for rigorous, industry-aligned curricula emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and practical skills. Eligibility criteria vary by program but generally prioritize strong foundational knowledge in relevant subjects like mathematics, physics, and design principles. Below is a comprehensive, program-wise breakdown of the detailed eligibility requirements, drawn from official sources. All candidates must meet the specified academic qualifications, and where applicable, entrance exam scores. Reservations and scholarships may apply as per university policies for meritorious or category-based applicants.
Table of Contents
Dr MGR Chennai Undergraduate (UG) Programs
FoA's UG programs build core competencies in architecture and design through hands-on studios and interdisciplinary projects. Eligibility focuses on secondary education completion with science or equivalent streams.
Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) - 5 Years
This flagship program prepares students for professional architectural practice, requiring a strong STEM background.
| Criterion | Details |
| Academic Qualifications | Passed 10+2 (Higher Secondary) examination from a recognized board with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects. OR - Passed 10+3 Diploma examination with Mathematics as a compulsory subject. |
| Minimum Marks | 50% aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics subjects. - 50% aggregate marks overall in the qualifying examination. |
| Entrance Exam | Qualification in NATA 2024 (National Aptitude Test in Architecture) is mandatory. Scores must meet the minimum threshold set by the Council of Architecture. |
| Age Limit | No specific age limit mentioned. |
| Other Requirements | Candidates must submit proof of qualifying exam results and NATA scorecard during application. Relaxations in minimum marks (up to 5%) may apply for SC/ST/OBC candidates as per government norms. |
Bachelor of Design (B.Des) - 4 Years
Offered in specializations such as Interior Design, Communication Design, Industrial & Product Design, and Apparel & Lifestyle Design, this program fosters creative problem-solving.
| Criterion | Details |
| Academic Qualifications | Passed 10+2 examination from a recognized board in any stream. OR - Passed D.Voc. stream in the same or allied sector (e.g., design-related vocational courses). |
| Minimum Marks | At least 45% aggregate marks in the qualifying examination. |
| Entrance Exam | No specific entrance exam required; admissions based on merit in qualifying exam. |
| Age Limit | No specific age limit mentioned. |
| Other Requirements | Portfolio submission may be considered during selection for creative aptitude assessment. Relaxations in minimum marks apply for reserved categories. Specializations do not alter base eligibility but may require aptitude tests at the institute level. |
Bachelor of Science(B.Sc) in Interior Design- 3 Years
This program emphasizes practical interior spaces, blending design theory with material science.
| Criterion | Details |
| Academic Qualifications | Passed 10+2 (Higher Secondary) or 10+3 Diploma from a recognized board. - Must have studied Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as core subjects. |
| Minimum Marks | Minimum pass marks (no specific percentage threshold mentioned beyond passing). |
| Entrance Exam | No entrance exam required. |
| Age Limit | No specific age limit mentioned. |
| Other Requirements | Proof of subject completion in the qualifying exam is essential. Suitable for students transitioning from science streams to design-focused careers. |
Dr MGR Chennai Postgraduate (PG) Programs
PG programs at FoA advance specialization in architecture, requiring a B.Arch foundation and focusing on research-oriented design.
Master of Architecture (M.Arch) Programs - 2 Years
Offered in Construction Project Management, Interior Architecture, and Landscape Architecture. All share core eligibility.
| Specialization | Criterion Details |
| Academic Qualifications | Bachelor's degree in Architecture (B.Arch) from a recognized university. |
| Minimum Marks | 50% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA in B.Arch. |
| Entrance Exam | No specific entrance exam mentioned; however, institute-level aptitude tests (e.g., PGETA) may apply based on prior guidelines. |
| Age Limit | No specific age limit. |
| Other Requirements | Relevant work experience preferred but not mandatory. Relaxations for reserved categories. Specializations require alignment with undergraduate focus (e.g., interiors for Interior Architecture). |
Dr. MGR Chennai Doctoral (PhD) Program
For the PhD Program, Dr. MGR offers 4-year courses in architecture covering advanced topics.
PhD in Architecture - Minimum 4 Years
This research-intensive program explores advanced topics like sustainable urbanism.
| Criterion | Details |
| Academic Qualifications | Master's degree (M.Arch or equivalent) in Architecture or allied fields from a recognized university. |
| Minimum Marks | Minimum 60% marks or equivalent CGPA in the master's degree. |
| Entrance Exam | University-conducted entrance test (details not specified; typically includes research methodology). |
| Research Proposal | Submission of a detailed research proposal outlining the proposed area of study, objectives, and methodology (not explicitly detailed but standard for PhD admissions). |
| Age Limit | No specific age limit. |
| Other Requirements | Interview with the research committee. Prior publications or professional experience in architecture enhances selection. NET/SLET/GATE qualification may exempt from entrance test. |