The Architecture Course was instituted at the University during the year 1956-57, and an independent Department of Architecture was established in the year 1960. The B.Arch. Course was recognised by the Indian Institute of Architects in December, 1961. The Department had the singular distinction of being the first in India for instituting the Master's Degree course in Architecture in the year 1969-70. In the year 1974-75, name of the Department was changed to Department of Architecture and Planning to reflect the wider activities and academic programmes of the Department. The Department had recognised the importance of Ecology for Architects and Planners well ahead of time, and this idea was propagated through courses organised on Ecology and Physical Planning for in-service teachers.