IIT Kharagpur has one of the most reputed Architecture departments in India, and now, anyone interested in the built environment can learn from their top professors — for free. Through the NPTEL platform, there are several excellent online courses from IITs on topics like urban design, heritage conservation, architectural acoustics, and sustainable infrastructure, which are available for architecture students, planning professionals, or curious learners. advertise
- 2 courses have open enrolments for 2025
- 8 courses are available anytime for self-paced learning
- Enrolment deadline for the current session: August 18, 2025
- Exam date for certificate seekers: November 2, 2025
- Certificate fee (optional): ₹1,000
These courses are taught by IIT Kharagpur’s Architecture and Planning Department, known for its academic excellence and industry relevance. Anyone — from students to professionals — can learn directly from experienced professors.
1. Accessible and Inclusive Public Spaces Design
Instructors: IIT Kharagpur Faculty
- Learn universal design principles for barrier-free environments
- Covers accessibility for people with disabilities
- Includes Indian and global guidelines, case studies, and best practices
- Duration: Aug–Sep 2025
- Enrolment: May 15–Aug 18, 2025
2. Architectural Acoustics
Instructors: Prof. Sumana Gupta, Prof. Shankha Pratim Bhattacharya
- Understand sound physics, room acoustics, and noise control
- Learn design approaches for lecture halls, auditoriums, and public spaces
- Duration: Aug–Oct 2025
- Enrolment: May 15–Aug 18, 2025
3. Landscape Architecture and Site Planning – Basics
Instructor: Prof. Uttam Kumar Banerjee
- Fundamentals of planting design and site management
- Solutions for urban flooding and soil erosion
- Case studies on climate-resilient landscapes
4. Architectural Conservation and Historic Preservation
Instructor: Prof. Sanghamitra Basu
- Heritage preservation strategies for towns and cities
- Indian and international conservation guidelines
- Policy and planning integration
5. Environmental Soil Chemistry
Instructor: Prof. Somsubhra Chakraborty
- Soil composition, pollutants, and remediation techniques
- Useful for planners and designers working with land development
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6. Building Materials and Composites
Instructor: Prof. Sumana Gupta
- From traditional materials like bricks and timber to modern composites
- Covers sourcing, properties, and installation methods
7. Structural System in Architecture
Instructor: Prof. Sankha Pratim Bhattacharya
- Simplified structural concepts for architects
- Selecting and understanding structural systems for building projects
8. Urban Land Use and Transportation Planning
Instructor: Prof. Debapratim Pandit
- Smart city planning, transport modelling, and land pricing
- Covers trends like shared mobility and activity-based planning
9. Urban Services Planning
Instructor: Prof. Debapratim Pandit
- Solid waste management, fire safety, and service mapping
- Tools for policy and service gap assessment
10. Urban Utilities Planning – Water, Sanitation, and Drainage
Instructor: Prof. Debapratim Pandit
- Water-sensitive planning for cities
- Design of drainage, water supply, and sanitation systems
Are these courses free?
Yes. All NPTEL courses are free to access. You can watch lectures, download notes, and complete assignments without paying anything. The only cost is for the optional certificate exam, which is ₹1,000.
- Enrolment Window: May 15–August 18, 2025
- Exam Date: November 2, 2025
- Platform: NPTEL
