Architecture & planning competitive exam calendar 2026
This calendar lists key graduate-level exams for architects and town planners in India — GATE Architecture & Planning, central/state PSC recruitments, and related cycles. Dates change; always confirm on the official notification before planning travel or fees.
Last updated: 18 Oct 2026 · GATE 2027 dates from gate2027.iitm.ac.in; recruitment windows from official PSC/employer notices tracked on APJ
GATE AR 2027 (IIT Madras)
Organising institute: IIT Madras. Paper code for Architecture & Planning: AR. DigiLocker-verified registration is mandatory for Indian nationals. Syllabi have been revised for 2027 — check the official paper syllabus before planning study.
| Activity | Date | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| GOAPS registration opens | 14 Aug 2026 (Fri) | Important dates |
| Regular registration closes (no late fee) | 21 Sep 2026 (Mon) | gate2027.iitm.ac.in |
| Extended registration closes (with late fee) | 30 Sep 2026 (Wed) | Important dates |
| Application rectification | 14–21 Oct 2026 | Important dates |
| City allotment notification | 04 Jan 2027 | Important dates |
| Admit card download | TBA | GATE 2027 portal |
| GATE 2027 examinations | 6–7, 13–14 & 20–21 Feb 2027 | Important dates |
| Results | 19 Mar 2027 (Fri) | Important dates |
GATE AR exam guide · Syllabus summary · GATE AR cutoff · Last 60 days plan · Free GATE AR course · Previous year papers
Open recruitment applications (as of 18 Oct 2026)
These are live A&P recruitment windows currently tracked on APJ. September notices (SPA Delhi, NICDC, NIUA, EdCIL, IIT BHU, RITES RG/18/26 and RG/23/26) and the Mumbai Port Authority planning posts have closed. Apply only on the employer portal linked from each job page.
| Exam / recruitment | Window / next step | Who it is for | APJ listing |
|---|---|---|---|
| RITES DGM (Architect / Buildings) — VC RG/47/26 | Online apply 25 Sep – 19 Oct 2026; interview (100% weightage) | Full-time B.Arch + 11 years, including 9 years in the building types named in the notice | Job page |
| MSPHC Town Planner, Assistant Town Planner, Planning Assistant — Advt 3 | Email os@msphc.org and attend the walk-in interview on 22 Oct 2026, 12:00 noon, Worli, Mumbai | Architecture, planning, civil or equivalent degree (diploma for Planning Assistant) with at least 5 years of government or semi-government work; 11-month contract | Job page |
| SPA Vijayawada Emeritus, Adjunct and Visiting Professor — Ref 10/SPAV/EAV/Rect./2026-27 | Detailed CV by email to registrar@spav.ac.in by 22 Oct 2026 | Senior and retired academics and professionals in transportation planning, architectural conservation and urban design; contract of 6 months to 2 years | Job page |
| IIT Roorkee Assistant Professor (Architecture and Planning) — special drive, Advt IITR/FR-SRD/2026/19 | Apply online by 30 Oct 2026, 5:00 PM | SC, ST, OBC, EWS and PwD candidates with a Ph.D. in an appropriate branch; Grade-I also needs 3 years of experience | Job page |
| DMRC Supervisor, Engineer, Senior Engineer (Architecture) — Advt 235 | Email career@dmrc.org or Speed Post by 4 Nov 2026 | Serving or retired government, Railways, PSU or metro staff with architecture department experience; deputation or post-retirement contract | Job page |
Browse all open roles: Architecture & planning jobs
Recurring graduate exam cycles
| Exam / cycle | Typical window | Who it is for | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GATE AR — annual cycle | Register Aug–Sep · Exam Feb · Result Mar | B.Arch / B.Plan graduates for M.Arch, M.Plan, PSU shortlists | GATE portal |
| UPSC Engineering Services (CE) | Prelims Jan · Mains Jun · Interview winter (typical) | Engineering graduates including architecture-related roles where notified | upsc.gov.in |
| State PSC — Assistant Town Planner / Architect | Ad hoc notifications year-round | State-specific; eligibility varies by PSC | Respective state PSC portal (e.g. TGPSC, UPPSC, MPPSC, TNPSC) |
| CPWD / PSU architect recruitment | When vacancies notified (often GATE or degree + experience) | Architects / planners per notification | APJ jobs hub + employer site |
How to use this calendar
- Mark GATE GOAPS open/close (14 Aug / 21 Sep / 30 Sep 2026) — registration closes without informal extensions.
- Cross-check GATE AR syllabus against the revised 2027 official syllabus.
- Start PYQ work 8–12 weeks before exam — see GATE AR previous year papers.
- For job-linked exams, watch architecture & planning jobs for recruitment that specifies GATE or PSC scores.
FAQ
Does APJ list school-level exams like NATA or JEE?
No. APJ focuses on graduate exams and jobs for degree holders. School-level UG entrance exams are out of scope for this calendar.
Are these dates guaranteed?
No. GATE 2027 dates above are from the official IIT Madras important-dates page and remain liable to change. Recruitment windows come from official notices — always reconfirm before applying.
When does GATE AR 2027 registration open?
14 August 2026 on GOAPS via gate2027.iitm.ac.in. Regular close is 21 Sep 2026; extended close with late fee is 30 Sep 2026.
Where is the GATE AR syllabus for the current year?
On the official GATE portal each cycle. Our GATE AR syllabus page summarises sections and links to the free APJ course — confirm against the revised GATE 2027 syllabus PDF.
How often is this page updated?
Monthly when major dates shift, and within 48 hours after GATE or PSC notifications we track.