The Integrated Programme in Planning at Sushant University offers dual Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in 5 years through industry-oriented, studio-based learning. With live projects, experienced faculty, and interdisciplinary exposure, the programme prepares students for careers in urban planning, consultancy, governance, research, and sustainable development.

ITPI approved programme

Why Urban Planning Matters

India is urbanising at an unprecedented pace. According to the Census of India, more than 31% of the population already lives in urban areas, contributing nearly 65% of the national GDP. By 2036, India’s urban population is expected to cross 600 million. Rapid urban growth has intensified challenges related to housing, mobility, infrastructure, climate resilience, environmental degradation, heritage conservation, and equitable access to resources.

Urban Planning plays a critical role in shaping sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready cities. It enables the efficient management of land, infrastructure, transport systems, public spaces, environment, and urban services while improving the quality of life for communities. From Smart Cities and Transit-Oriented Development to climate adaptation and digital governance, planners today contribute directly to nation-building and policy implementation.

India’s urban missions such as Smart Cities Mission, AMRUT, PMAY, Swachh Bharat Mission, HRIDAY, and National Urban Livelihood Mission have further expanded the need for skilled urban planners. UNESCO estimates that India will require nearly 3 lakh planners in the coming decade, highlighting the growing demand for professionals in this field.

Career Opportunities in Urban Planning

Urban Planning offers diverse career pathways across public, private, and research sectors. Graduates can work as:

Urban and Regional Planners
Transport and Mobility Planners
GIS and Spatial Data Analysts
Infrastructure and Development Consultants
Environmental and Sustainability Consultants
Policy Advisors and Researchers
Urban Designers and Development Professionals
Housing and Community Development Experts
Smart City and Technology Consultants
Academicians and Researchers

Urban planners are employed by government departments, development authorities, municipal corporations, consultancy firms, NGOs, think tanks, research organisations, international agencies, and private developers.

The discipline also provides a strong foundation for competitive examinations and public policy careers, including UPSC, state planning services, urban governance, and administrative roles. Skills in analytical thinking, report writing, spatial analysis, policy formulation, and stakeholder engagement make planning graduates highly adaptable across sectors.

Department of Planning, School of Art and Architecture, Sushant University

Established in 2013, the Department of Planning at Sushant University has been at the forefront of planning education in the Gurugram region. The department was founded with the vision of preparing future planners capable of addressing contemporary urban challenges through innovation, sustainability, and community engagement.

Key Strengths

ITPI Recognised Programme
The programme in Urban Planning is recognised by the Institute of Town Planners India (ITPI), ensuring academic credibility and professional relevance.

Strong Industry and Institutional Collaborations
The department has collaborated with reputed national and international institutions including Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), Karo Sambhav .

Live Studio and On-Ground Learning
The curriculum emphasises hands-on learning through field-based studio projects, community engagement, live case studies, and interactions with planning agencies and local stakeholders.

Experienced Faculty and Interdisciplinary Pedagogy
Students are guided by experienced academicians and practitioners with expertise in urban planning, sustainability, transport, policy, geospatial technologies, and built environment studies.

Strong Alumni Network
Alumni of the department are working across government organisations, private consultancies, NGOs, research institutions, and international academic platforms.

Future-Oriented Curriculum
The programme integrates emerging themes such as smart cities, climate resilience, geospatial technologies, mobility planning, urban analytics, sustainability, and policy innovation.

The Department aims to nurture planners who can critically engage with urban transformations while creating equitable, resilient, and sustainable environments for future generations.

Eligibility Criteria

Four-year Bachelor’s or Five-year Dual Degree Programme approved by ITPI Senior Secondary Examination (12th grade) with Mathematics and English with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST) in aggregate.

10+3 Diploma in any stream having Mathematics and English as courses and recognized by the Central/State Government with 50% (45% for SC/ST) marks in aggregate. Any other examination recognized as equivalent.

Projects

1. Site Planning

2. Area Appreciation

3. Master Plan

4. Transport Plan

5. Regional Plan

6. Infrastructure Plan

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