
MCP in General at Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is General at Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur Paschim Medinipur?
This Master of City Planning program at IIT Kharagpur focuses on developing skilled professionals for urban and regional development challenges. Integrating engineering, social sciences, and design, it addresses the complex dynamics of Indian cities. The program emphasizes sustainable planning, governance, and the use of technology for efficient urban growth, preparing students for leadership roles in a rapidly urbanizing nation.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for architecture, civil engineering, geography, economics, and sociology graduates seeking to impact urban landscapes. It attracts fresh graduates aspiring to enter urban development, working professionals looking to upskill in strategic planning, and career changers aiming for roles in public policy, real estate, or environmental sustainability, typically requiring a strong analytical background.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in urban planning, policy formulation, infrastructure development, and real estate. They find roles in government bodies like ULBs, planning authorities, consulting firms, and NGOs. Entry-level salaries range from INR 6-10 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The program fosters analytical, design, and policy-making skills critical for India''''s urban future.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Cultivate a Multidisciplinary Perspective- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with diverse subjects like planning theory, socio-economics, and quantitative methods. Attend guest lectures and workshops by experts from varied fields to understand the interconnectedness of urban issues. Actively participate in discussions to broaden your understanding beyond textbooks.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminars, Institute-level interdisciplinary workshops, Case study analysis of Indian cities
Career Connection
Develops holistic problem-solving skills essential for complex urban challenges, making you a versatile planner for diverse roles in government or consulting.
Master Planning Software and Graphics- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate consistent time to developing proficiency in GIS, AutoCAD, and graphic design software. Utilize studio courses to experiment with these tools for mapping, data visualization, and preparing professional planning documents. Practice presenting your work effectively.
Tools & Resources
ArcGIS, QGIS, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, YouTube tutorials, Peer learning groups in the studio
Career Connection
Essential technical skills for planning roles, directly enhancing employability for roles requiring spatial analysis and professional presentations.
Proactive Engagement in Fieldwork and Surveys- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in any field visits, surveys, and data collection exercises organized for courses like Planning Techniques or Socio-Economic Aspects. Learn to interact with local communities, observe urban dynamics firsthand, and collect primary data effectively, understanding Indian ground realities.
Tools & Resources
Survey questionnaires, Mobile data collection apps, Local planning authorities for field support
Career Connection
Builds practical research skills and an understanding of grassroots issues, crucial for impactful planning interventions and policy formulation.
Intermediate Stage
Pursue Meaningful Internships- (After Semester 2, during Semester 3)
Secure summer or semester-long internships with government planning departments, urban local bodies, real estate developers, or consulting firms. Focus on gaining hands-on experience in project formulation, policy analysis, or urban design specific to Indian contexts.
Tools & Resources
Institute career cell, Departmental contacts, Professional networking events, LinkedIn
Career Connection
Provides crucial industry exposure, builds a professional network, and often leads to pre-placement offers or strong recommendations for future employment.
Specialize through Electives and Projects- (Semester 3)
Carefully choose electives that align with your career interests, whether it is transport planning, environmental management, or smart cities. Start identifying a dissertation topic early in Semester 3 that allows deep dive into your chosen specialization, possibly with an industry partner.
Tools & Resources
Faculty advisors, Research papers, Industry reports, Alumni network
Career Connection
Develops niche expertise highly valued by employers, positioning you as a specialist in a specific planning domain.
Participate in Planning Competitions and Workshops- (Semester 3)
Join national-level urban planning design competitions or hackathons, collaborating with peers. Attend workshops on advanced planning tools or emerging urban technologies to stay updated with industry trends and showcase your skills.
Tools & Resources
ITPI competitions, Smart City challenges, National planning conferences
Career Connection
Enhances problem-solving skills, provides networking opportunities, and adds impressive credentials to your resume, demonstrating practical application of knowledge.
Advanced Stage
Develop a High-Impact Dissertation- (Semester 4)
Focus on a research topic that addresses a critical urban problem in India, applying robust methodology and generating actionable recommendations. Present your findings effectively and explore opportunities for publication or presenting at conferences.
Tools & Resources
Academic databases, Statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R), Faculty guidance, Research grants
Career Connection
Showcases independent research capability, deep subject matter expertise, and potentially contributes to policy, making you a strong candidate for research-oriented or policy roles.
Network with Industry Leaders and Alumni- (Semester 4)
Actively connect with professionals in the planning and development sectors through alumni events, conferences, and online platforms. Seek mentorship and insights into career opportunities and industry expectations.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, IIT KGP alumni portal, National planning conferences (e.g., ITPI)
Career Connection
Opens doors to job opportunities, provides crucial career guidance, and helps you understand the nuances of the professional planning world.
Refine Communication and Interview Skills- (Semester 4)
Practice articulating your planning knowledge and project experiences clearly and concisely. Prepare for technical and behavioral interviews, focusing on how your skills align with specific job descriptions in the Indian market. Participate in mock interviews and group discussions.
Tools & Resources
Career development workshops, Mock interview sessions, Online interview preparation platforms
Career Connection
Ensures you can effectively present your qualifications and land desired positions in competitive job markets.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s Degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Planning, or Master of Science in Geography, Economics, Sociology, or related disciplines. GATE qualification is typically required for admission.
Duration: 4 semesters (2 years)
Credits: 159 Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AR60001 | Theory of Planning | Core | 6 | Evolution of Planning Thought, Planning Models and Theories, Urban Movements, Sustainable Development, Land Use Planning, Planning Standards |
| AR60002 | Planning Techniques | Core | 6 | Data Collection and Analysis, Survey Methods, Population Projection, Economic Base Analysis, Locational Analysis, Network Analysis |
| AR60003 | Socio-Economic Aspects of Planning | Core | 6 | Social Structure and Stratification, Demographic Dynamics, Poverty and Inequality, Social Impact Assessment, Community Participation, Urban Sociology |
| AR60004 | City and Metropolitan Planning | Core | 6 | Urbanization Trends, City Systems, Metropolitan Governance, Master Plans, Zonal Development Plans, Urban Renewal |
| AR60005 | Planning Studio I: Planning Graphics and Presentation Techniques | Lab/Studio | 6 | Graphic Communication, Map Making and Cartography, Presentation Skills, Digital Tools for Planning, Report Writing |
| AR60006 | Quantitative Methods in Planning | Core | 6 | Statistical Methods, Probability and Distributions, Regression Analysis, Hypothesis Testing, Sampling Techniques, Decision Making Models |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AR60007 | Regional Planning | Core | 6 | Regional Development Theories, Regionalization, Growth Pole Concept, Multi-level Planning, Regional Disparities, Rural-Urban Linkages |
| AR60008 | Housing and Community Planning | Core | 6 | Housing Policies and Programs, Housing Finance, Slum Redevelopment, Affordable Housing, Community Facilities, Housing Typologies |
| AR60009 | Urban and Regional Economics | Core | 6 | Urban Economic Theories, Location Theory, Land Markets, Urban Labor Markets, Regional Economic Disparities, Public Finance |
| AR60010 | Planning Studio II: Site Planning and Design | Lab/Studio | 6 | Site Analysis, Contour Mapping, Site Layout and Design, Landscaping Principles, Building By-laws, Environmental Considerations |
| AR60011 | Infrastructure Planning | Core | 6 | Water Supply Systems, Sanitation and Drainage, Solid Waste Management, Transportation Networks, Power Supply Infrastructure, Public Utilities Planning |
| AR60012 | Environmental Planning & Management (Example Elective) | Elective | 6 | Environmental Impact Assessment, Sustainable Development, Ecological Footprint, Pollution Control, Climate Change Adaptation, Environmental Legislation |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AR60013 | Planning Studio III: Urban Planning | Lab/Studio | 9 | Urban Design Principles, Development Control Regulations, Zoning and Land Use, Master Plan Preparation, Heritage Conservation, Public Space Design |
| AR60014 | Planning Legislation and Professional Practice | Core | 6 | Town Planning Acts, Land Acquisition Laws, Environmental Laws, Building By-laws and Codes, Professional Ethics and Conduct, Arbitration and Dispute Resolution |
| AR60015 | Remote Sensing and GIS in Planning | Core | 6 | Remote Sensing Principles, GIS Data Models, Spatial Analysis Techniques, Image Interpretation, GPS Applications, Urban Information Systems |
| AR60016 | Transport Planning (Example Elective) | Elective | 6 | Transportation System Analysis, Traffic Surveys and Data, Travel Demand Forecasting, Public Transportation Planning, Road Network Design, Intelligent Transport Systems |
| AR60017 | Disaster Management & Planning (Example Elective) | Elective | 6 | Hazard Identification and Analysis, Vulnerability Assessment, Disaster Risk Reduction, Emergency Preparedness, Post-Disaster Reconstruction, Climate Resilience |
| AR69001 | Dissertation Part I | Project | 12 | Research Methodology, Literature Review, Problem Identification, Data Collection Strategies, Analytical Framework Development, Initial Report Writing |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AR60018 | Urban Management and Finance | Core | 6 | Urban Governance Structures, Municipal Finance and Budgeting, Property Taxation, Public-Private Partnerships, Project Appraisal Techniques, E-governance in Urban Areas |
| AR69002 | Dissertation Part II | Project | 24 | Data Analysis and Interpretation, Discussion of Results, Policy Recommendations, Thesis Writing and Structuring, Oral Presentation and Defense, Research Publication Strategies |
| AR60019 | Rural Planning & Development (Example Elective) | Elective | 6 | Rural Settlement Patterns, Agrarian Economy and Livelihoods, Rural Infrastructure Development, Micro-planning Approaches, Poverty Alleviation Programs, Sustainable Rural Livelihoods |
| AR60023 | Smart Cities and Urban Governance (Example Elective) | Elective | 6 | Smart City Concepts and Models, Digital Infrastructure, Urban Data Analytics, Participatory Governance, Technology Integration in Cities, Sustainable Urban Systems |




