By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 14: The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has approved a new degree course in Urban Planning at the College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tura, starting from the 2026-27 academic session.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma announced on Thursday that the program will have an intake capacity of 30 seats. The college is affiliated with the Captain Williamson Sangma State University (CWSSU).
Describing the approval as a significant milestone, the Chief Minister said the course would allow local students to pursue professional education in urban and regional planning within the state, fostering a skilled workforce for planned development.
The development comes as CWSSU enters its second year of operations.
After starting its first academic session in August 2025 with 568 students, the university now has 11 affiliated colleges—five from the Garo Hills and six from the Khasi and Jaintia Hills. Officials expect student strength to grow to approximately 1,360 by the July-August 2026 session.
Despite this growth, the university continues to face recruitment challenges. It is currently functioning with ad hoc and contractual staff on six-month rotations. While the Board of Management has recommended the creation of regular teaching and non-teaching positions, formal recruitment is pending government approval of the reservation roster.
On the infrastructure front, the master plan for the university’s permanent campus is in its final stages, with construction expected to begin later this year. (With PTI inputs)
