Meghalaya gets first urban planning institute; BPlan course to start this year with 30 student intake

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has granted approval for the establishment of the College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tura, Meghalaya, which will function as a constituent college of Captain Williamson Sangma State University (CWSSU).

The approval also allows the institution to begin an undergraduate degree course in planning from the 2026-27 academic session with an intake capacity of 30 students.

As per the AICTE approval order, the programme has been approved under the Eastern regional category and will remain affiliated with Captain Williamson Sangma State University. The approval will remain valid for two years for the purpose of obtaining affiliation and completing admission-related formalities under AICTE norms.

This will be the first institute in Meghalaya entirely dedicated to urban planning.

CAUP: Step towards urban development

Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K Sangma announced the development through a post on X, describing it as an important step for higher education and urban development in the state.

He wrote, “This is an important milestone for Meghalaya as it will create opportunities for our youth to pursue professional education in urban and regional planning within the State, while also building a skilled workforce to support sustainable and planned development across the state”

As per the AICTE document, the institution will have to comply with council norms regarding infrastructure, faculty appointments, admissions, reservation policies and financial disclosures.

As of 2026 India has a total of 50 to 60 AICTE-recognised planning institutions offering specialised programmes in urban and regional planning, town planning and related disciplines at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.