Which will be better between SPA Delhi and CEPT University depending on the course you are choosing. If you want to pursue a B.Plan or B.Arch degree then SPA Delhi is a better choice. For a master’s degree, both of these colleges are decent options. However, the fee structure of the institutes is quite different. So, do your research on both institutes before choosing any of these institutes. 

To get admission at the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi for a bachelor's program in Architecture, you will need to clear the JEE Mains paper 2 (B.Arch). After the result is declared, the college will announce its cutoff. You can participate in their counseling if you score the required marks.  For PG courses, the admission is merit-based. You will need to apply online following the proper admission procedure. 

School of Planning and Architecture Delhi is the best architecture school in the country. To get selected for admission you will need to have a good rank. Securing a rank of around 400-500 should fetch you a seat at SPA Delhi. But you should keep in mind that the cutoff varies each year. In 2021, the opening cutoff for B.Arch was 212 (General).

One of my friends recently graduated from the School of Planning and Architecture Delhi. Here is some snippet of his experience. The campus is situated at the heart of the city. It is split into two blocks. There is hardly any space for extra-curricular activities. The faculty base is quite good and they also bring visiting professors, guest lecturers, etc. However, there is a lack of a research interface. The administration operates the same way as any other Govt. organization. Overall, you will have a unique experience on campus. 

For selection at SPA, Delhi marks are distributed in several criteria which are as follows. Your SOP Academics in UG Architecture Portfolio (or thesis project) Written test Interview performance Experience In the interview, they usually ask the following questions. Why SPA? Why the Delhi branch? Why this particular course? There can be questions from your thesis too.

School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal is definitely the better option. In Architecture, SPAs are equivalent to IITs. Since SPAs are operated under the Ministry of HRD, they offer better infrastructure, funds, and facilities for students. The placement opportunities offered to the students are quite good too. Students get internships ranging from INR 10,000 to INR 60,000.  CCA is a reputed name in the field of Architecture, but it has limited exposure. 

Rather than preparing to join SPA Delhi, you should prepare to be an Architect or Designer. Try to learn software such as sketch up, Revit, 3D max, etc. These are fun to learn. Also, make a habit of reading articles and publishings related to Architecture and Design. Practice sketching whatever you like. For a UG course at SPA Delhi, you will need to go through JEE Main (Paper 2). 

The choice of your institute depends on what you are expecting from it. For instance, if you are just after the brand name, then the IIT tag will come to your rescue. However, if you are on the lookout for quality education that will match your requirement to pursue a career in architecture, then SPA is a very good option. The only drawback is that there are no Institute placements and you need to have a good portfolio or Architectural background to get a good job. If you are after placements, IIT Kharagpur and Roorkee can guarantee you very good packages, sometimes even in crores. The issue with this option is that you will have to first clear JEE Advanced and then AAT, after which only you can get admission. I have told you the positive and negative implications of both the institute, make a wise decision.