Master of Planning
Master of Planning (M.Plan) is a two-year postgraduate programme focused on urban and regional planning, sustainable development, infrastructure, transportation, housing and environmental planning. The course combines planning theory with practical learning through design studios, field studies, GIS, data analysis, research and project work. It prepares students for professional careers in urban planning, regional development, transport planning, environmental planning, policy, infrastructure and related fields.
About Master of Planning
Master of Planning (M.Plan) is a two-year postgraduate programme focused on urban and regional planning, sustainable development, infrastructure, transportation, housing and environmental planning. The course combines planning theory with practical learning through design studios, field studies, GIS, data analysis, research and project work. It prepares students for professional careers in urban planning, regional development, transport planning, environmental planning, policy, infrastructure and related fields.
Why Choose M.Plan
Advanced, specialised planning skills
The programme builds deeper expertise in a chosen planning area, such as urban, regional or transport planning.
Strong fit with government planning roles
The degree supports roles in development authorities, town planning departments and infrastructure agencies that need specialised planners.
Opens research and academic paths
Graduates can move into planning research, policy work or teaching at planning schools.
Builds on an already professional degree
Since it follows a B.Plan, B.Arch or engineering background, graduates combine prior technical training with deeper planning specialisation.
Popular M.Plan Specialisations
Urban Planning
Focuses on the planning and design of urban areas, land use and city-level infrastructure.
Detailed Syllabus (4 semesters over 2 years)
Core Subjects
Elective Subjects
Eligibility Criteria
Basic Requirements
| Minimum Percentage | 50% in qualifying degree |
| Mandatory Subjects | B.Plan, B.Arch or a related bachelor's degree as the qualifying degree |
| Entrance Exams | GATE, CAT, CMAT, XAT, GMAT, MAT, CUET-PG |
| Minimum Age | No minimum age limit |
| Maximum Age | No upper age limit |
Admission Process
Complete a relevant bachelor's degree
Complete a bachelor's degree such as B.Plan, B.Arch or Civil Engineering, as accepted by the institute, with at least 50% aggregate marks in the qualifying degree.
Appear for an entrance exam
Register for and appear in GATE, CUET-PG, or a management entrance such as CAT, CMAT, XAT, GMAT or MAT, depending on which exams the institute accepts.
Apply to institutes
Fill the application form of the chosen institute or counselling authority and submit the required documents.
Counselling and seat allotment
Participate in counselling based on the entrance exam score or qualifying degree marks, and confirm seat allotment.
Admission confirmation
Complete document verification, pay the admission fee and complete enrolment formalities.
Required Documents
Important Notes
Estimated Fee Structure
| Government Institutions | ₹50,000 – ₹1,50,000 per year |
| Private Institutions | ₹1,00,000 – ₹3,50,000 per year |
Return on Investment
| Total Investment | ₹1 lakh – ₹7 lakh over 2 years |
| Average Starting Salary | ₹3–6 LPA |
| Payback Period | 2–5 years |
Figures are indicative and vary by institution, specialisation, location and individual career path; they are not a guarantee of placement or salary.
Scholarship Opportunities
| PM-USP Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students | Regular full-time PG students above the 80th percentile in their Class 12 board exam, with family income up to ₹4.5 lakh a year. | ₹12,000 per year (UG, first three years); ₹20,000 per year (PG, and years 4–5 of five-year courses) |
| Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST/OBC students | SC, ST or OBC students within the applicable income limit, applied for through the National Scholarship Portal or the relevant state portal. | Fees and a maintenance allowance; amounts set by the Centre and states |
Career Opportunities
Top Recruiters
Typical Salary Packages
| Urban/Regional Planner | Avg: ₹4.5 LPA | Range: ₹3.5–6.5 LPA |
| Transportation Planning Specialist | Avg: ₹4.5 LPA | Range: ₹3.5–6.5 LPA |
| Senior GIS Analyst | Avg: ₹4 LPA | Range: ₹3.2–5.5 LPA |
| Policy/Research Associate | Avg: ₹3.8 LPA | Range: ₹3–5.5 LPA |
| Infrastructure Planning Consultant | Avg: ₹5 LPA | Range: ₹4–7 LPA |
* These are indicative figures based on industry patterns; actual packages vary by employer, location and individual performance.
Career Pathway
Entry Level
0–2 yearsGraduates typically start as planning or research associates with consultancies, development authorities or research institutes.
Mid Level
2–5 yearsWith experience, planners take independent responsibility for specific planning projects or policy studies.
Senior Level
5–10 yearsExperienced planners lead planning teams or take on assistant director-level posts in development authorities.
Advanced
10+ yearsAt a senior level, planners may head a department's planning function or become partners in a planning consultancy.