
M-U-R-P in General at Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee


Haridwar, Uttarakhand
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About the Specialization
What is General at Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee Haridwar?
This Master of Urban and Rural Planning (M.U.R.P.) program at IIT Roorkee focuses on equipping professionals with comprehensive skills to address complex challenges in human settlements. It delves into sustainable urban growth, rural development, infrastructure planning, and environmental management within the Indian context, addressing rapid urbanization and the need for balanced regional development. The program emphasizes integrated approaches to create livable, resilient, and equitable spaces.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for civil engineers, architects, planners, and graduates from social sciences (Geography, Economics, Sociology) looking to specialize in spatial planning. It caters to fresh graduates aspiring for careers in urban/rural development authorities, government agencies, and consulting firms, as well as working professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in policy formulation, project management, and sustainable development practices in India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect robust career paths in India as urban planners, regional development specialists, policy analysts, project managers, and environmental planners. They are sought after by municipal corporations, smart city projects, state planning departments, private real estate developers, and international development agencies. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 6-10 LPA, growing significantly with experience, contributing to India''''s infrastructure and societal development.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Foundational Planning Concepts- (Semester 1)
Focus on building a strong theoretical base in urban economics, sociology, planning history, and spatial analysis. Engage actively in lectures, participate in discussions, and complete all assignments with meticulous attention to detail. Form study groups to discuss complex theories and case studies from Indian cities.
Tools & Resources
Core textbooks, Research papers on Indian urbanism, IIT Roorkee library resources, Online courses on urban studies
Career Connection
A strong theoretical foundation is crucial for policy analysis, strategic planning, and understanding the socio-economic dynamics essential for any planning role.
Excel in Planning Studio and Software Skills- (Semester 1)
Dedicate significant time to planning studio courses (e.g., UP-509 Settlement Planning) to develop practical planning and design skills. Simultaneously, gain proficiency in essential software like GIS (ESRI ArcGIS, QGIS), AutoCAD, and statistical tools. Actively seek feedback from faculty and peers to refine design and analytical outputs.
Tools & Resources
GIS software, AutoCAD, Google Earth, Statistical packages (R/Python), Studio equipment, Faculty office hours
Career Connection
Proficiency in planning software and practical studio experience are direct requirements for roles in planning firms, government planning departments, and urban development agencies.
Network and Explore Indian Planning Context- (Semester 1)
Attend guest lectures, workshops, and seminars organized by the Department of Architecture and Planning or related centers. Connect with alumni and faculty to understand various career paths in urban and rural planning in India. Read reports by NITI Aayog, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, and local planning bodies to grasp current challenges.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional conferences, Departmental events, Government reports, Planning journals specific to India
Career Connection
Early networking opens doors to internships and mentorship, providing insights into the diverse landscape of planning careers and the specific needs of the Indian market.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Applied Research and Elective Specialization- (Semester 2-3)
Proactively choose electives (UP-514, UP-609) that align with specific career interests, such as smart cities, transport planning, or disaster management. Begin working on your Dissertation Part I (UP-611) by identifying a relevant research problem, conducting thorough literature reviews, and developing a robust research methodology.
Tools & Resources
Research databases (Scopus, Web of Science), Academic journals, Statistical software, University research mentors, Elective course materials
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge from electives combined with strong research skills are highly valued for roles requiring policy analysis, consultancy, and academic pursuits.
Seek Industry Internships and Live Projects- (Semester 2-3)
Actively pursue summer internships or live projects with urban development authorities, government departments (e.g., municipal corporations, smart city SPVs), or leading planning/infrastructure consulting firms in India. Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios and build a portfolio of practical work.
Tools & Resources
Career Services office, Departmental contacts, Online internship portals (e.g., Internshala, LinkedIn), Professional networks
Career Connection
Internships provide invaluable practical experience, industry exposure, and often lead to pre-placement offers, significantly boosting employability upon graduation.
Develop Advanced Presentation and Communication Skills- (Semester 2-3)
Participate in planning competitions, present studio projects effectively, and hone technical writing skills for reports and research papers. Practice articulating complex planning ideas clearly and concisely, which is crucial for public consultations and stakeholder engagement.
Tools & Resources
Presentation software, Public speaking workshops, Technical writing guides, Peer feedback sessions, Mock presentations
Career Connection
Strong communication skills are essential for influencing policy decisions, leading project teams, and effectively engaging with diverse stakeholders in the planning sector.
Advanced Stage
Finalize Dissertation with Impact- (Semester 4)
Dedicate substantial effort to Dissertation Part II (UP-602), ensuring a high-quality research output that addresses a critical planning issue in India. Focus on robust data analysis, clear articulation of findings, and proposing actionable recommendations that can contribute to policy or practice.
Tools & Resources
Statistical software, Academic writing tools, Faculty supervisors, Proofreading services, Departmental review sessions
Career Connection
A well-executed dissertation showcases independent research capabilities and problem-solving skills, making graduates highly attractive for research-oriented roles or positions requiring deep analytical insights.
Master Interview Techniques and Placement Preparation- (Semester 4)
Engage in mock interviews, resume and cover letter workshops, and psychometric test preparation. Research potential employers thoroughly, focusing on their projects in India and their specific requirements. Prepare a strong portfolio showcasing studio work, internship projects, and dissertation findings.
Tools & Resources
Career Services, Alumni network, Online interview preparation platforms, Company websites, Professional portfolio tools
Career Connection
Effective placement preparation is critical to securing desired roles in top-tier planning organizations, government bodies, and consulting firms across India.
Cultivate Professional Development and Continuous Learning- (Semester 4)
Consider joining professional planning bodies in India (e.g., Institute of Town Planners, India). Stay updated with emerging trends like smart city technologies, climate-resilient planning, and rural digital transformation through webinars, online courses, and industry publications. Develop a long-term career plan.
Tools & Resources
Professional associations, Industry magazines, Online learning platforms (e.g., Coursera, NPTEL for specialized topics), Professional development workshops
Career Connection
Continuous learning ensures relevance in a rapidly evolving field, fostering long-term career growth, leadership opportunities, and expertise in niche planning areas within the Indian context.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s Degree in Architecture/Planning/Civil Engineering/Architectural Engineering, or Master''''s Degree in Geography/Economics/Sociology/Environmental Science or other equivalent degree with a valid GATE/CEED/JAM score. Alternatively, for non-GATE candidates, a Bachelor''''s Degree in Architecture/Planning/Civil Engineering/Architectural Engineering or equivalent with 60% marks and relevant work experience. Minimum 60% marks or 6.0 CGPA for General/EWS/OBC, and 55% marks or 5.5 CGPA for SC/ST/PwD categories.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 84 Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UP-501 | Elements of Urban and Rural Planning | Core | 3 | Urbanization trends, Planning theories, History of planning, Planning process, Rural development, Urban governance |
| UP-503 | Socio-Economic Basis for Planning | Core | 3 | Social theories, Economic development, Demography and population dynamics, Housing issues, Poverty and inequality, Social exclusion |
| UP-505 | Fundamentals of Spatial Planning and Land Use | Core | 3 | Land use planning principles, Zoning regulations, Urban form and structure, Spatial organization theories, Sustainable land use practices, Urban sprawl and its impacts |
| UP-507 | Planning Techniques and Methods | Core | 3 | Survey methods in planning, Data collection and analysis, Statistical applications in planning, GIS applications, Remote sensing basics, Forecasting techniques |
| UP-509 | Urban and Rural Planning Studio I (Settlement Planning) | Studio | 4 | Site analysis and interpretation, Planning proposals development, Zoning plan preparation, Infrastructure design concepts, Master plan formulation, Report writing and presentation |
| UP-511 | Introduction to GIS and Remote Sensing | Lab | 2 | GIS principles and components, Spatial data models, Geospatial analysis techniques, Remote sensing fundamentals, Image processing, GIS software applications |
| UP-513 | Planning Legislation and Professional Practice | Core | 2 | Planning laws and acts, Legal frameworks for development, Environmental regulations, Professional ethics for planners, Planning organizations in India, Public participation in planning |
| UP-515 | Elective I | Elective | 3 | Selected advanced planning topic, Specialized methodologies, Policy applications, Emerging trends, Case studies, Future challenges |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UP-502 | Infrastructure and Basic Services Planning | Core | 3 | Water supply planning, Sanitation and wastewater management, Solid waste management, Energy infrastructure, Social infrastructure planning, Utilities and services |
| UP-504 | Regional Planning | Core | 3 | Regional planning theories, Regional development strategies, Resource region analysis, Growth poles and centers, Rural-urban linkages, Balanced regional development |
| UP-506 | Housing and Community Planning | Core | 3 | Housing policies and programs, Housing typologies, Slums and informal settlements, Resettlement and rehabilitation, Community development approaches, Participatory planning in housing |
| UP-508 | Environmental Planning and Management | Core | 3 | Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Climate change adaptation, Resource conservation, Pollution control strategies, Sustainable development goals, Environmental policies and regulations |
| UP-510 | Urban and Rural Planning Studio II (Regional Planning) | Studio | 4 | Regional analysis techniques, Development strategies formulation, Resource mapping and assessment, Regional policy formulation, Regional infrastructure planning, Presentation of regional plans |
| UP-512 | Transportation Planning | Core | 3 | Transportation systems and networks, Traffic surveys and data collection, Travel demand forecasting, Transport modeling and simulation, Public transport planning, Sustainable urban transport |
| UP-514 | Elective II | Elective | 3 | Selected advanced planning topic, Specialized methodologies, Policy applications, Emerging trends, Case studies, Future challenges |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UP-601 | Project Planning and Management | Core | 3 | Project life cycle, Feasibility studies, PERT/CPM techniques, Risk management in projects, Project finance and funding, Monitoring and evaluation |
| UP-603 | Urban and Regional Governance | Core | 3 | Local government and institutions, Decentralization and devolution, Planning institutions and agencies, Public-private partnerships, Citizen participation in governance, E-governance in planning |
| UP-605 | Planning for Urban and Rural Futures | Core | 3 | Future studies methodologies, Scenario planning techniques, Foresight in planning, Urban resilience and sustainability, Smart cities concepts, Digital transformation in planning |
| UP-607 | Urban and Rural Planning Studio III (Project Planning) | Studio | 4 | Project identification and selection, Detailed Project Report (DPR) preparation, Cost-benefit analysis, Land acquisition strategies, Implementation plans, Project presentation |
| UP-609 | Elective III | Elective | 3 | Selected advanced planning topic, Specialized methodologies, Policy applications, Emerging trends, Case studies, Future challenges |
| UP-611 | Dissertation Part I | Project | 4 | Research methodology, Literature review techniques, Problem definition and scope, Hypothesis formulation, Data collection strategies, Research proposal writing |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UP-602 | Dissertation Part II | Project | 12 | Data analysis and interpretation, Thesis writing and structuring, Presentation of research findings, Discussion of results, Conclusion and recommendations, Academic defense preparation |
| UP-604 | Elective IV | Elective | 3 | Selected advanced planning topic, Specialized methodologies, Policy applications, Emerging trends, Case studies, Future challenges |
| UP-606 | Elective V | Elective | 3 | Selected advanced planning topic, Specialized methodologies, Policy applications, Emerging trends, Case studies, Future challenges |




