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Kerala boasts some of the finest government and private engineering institutions that attract aspiring engineers every year. In 2025, the state has notable top-tier colleges, including NIT Calicut, IIT Palakkad, IIST Thiruvananthapuram, and the College of Engineering Trivandrum, which ranked 1st by the KIRF ranking 2024 parameters.
Kerala’s top five engineering colleges include prestigious government institutions such as NIT Calicut, IIST, IIT Palakkad, and the College of Engineering, Trivandrum. NIT Calicut stands out for maintaining strong NIRF rankings at positions 31, 23, and 25 in 2022, 2023, and 2024, respectively.
Top engineering colleges in Kerala offer different fee structures and placement opportunities. Students pay anywhere from INR 25,200 at TKMCE Kollam to INR 11.96 lakh at IIIT Kottayam. The placement packages vary significantly, with average packages starting from INR 3.05 LPA at MBCET Nalanchira, Thiruvananthapuram, and reaching INR 13.93 LPA at IIT Palakkad. MEC Thrikkakara Kochi’s highest placement package of INR 52 LPA shows the excellent career opportunities available to graduates.
Highlights of Engineering Colleges in Kerala
Given below are the highlights of the best engineering colleges in Kerala.
| Details | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Total Engineering Colleges | 273 |
| Number of BTech Colleges in Kerala | 197 |
| Number of Government Colleges in Kerala | 104 (Total) 57 (BTech) |
| Number of Private Colleges in Kerala | 158 (Total) 134 (BTech) |
| Top BTech/MTech College | NIT Calicut |
| Top Specialisations (BTech) | Computer Science, Electronics & Communication, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical, Information Technology |
| Total Fees Range (BTech) | INR 25,200 in TKMCE Kollam to INR 11.96 lakh in IIIT Kottayam |
| Accepted Entrance Exam | (BTech) – KEAM, JEE Main JEE Advanced, CUSAT (MTech) – GATE, ICAR AIEEA PG, JELET |
Top Engineering Colleges in Kerala with NIRF Ranking 2024
Students who want to choose the best engineering college in Kerala should consider various ranking systems. These rankings provide valuable insights into each institution’s quality, academic standards, and future career prospects.
| College Name | NIRF 2024 |
| NIT Calicut Ranking | 25 |
| Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Ranking | 51 |
| IIT Palakkad Ranking | 64 |
Top Engineering Colleges in Kerala with KIRF Ranking 2024
Kerala’s premier engineering institutions have been ranked in the Kerala Innovation and Research Foundation (KIRF) 2024, spotlighting those excelling in academic rigor, research output, and industry relevance.
Given below is the KIRF 2024 ranking of the top 5 colleges.
| College Name | District | KIRF Rank |
| College of Engineering Trivandrum | Thiruvananthapuram | 1 |
| Government Engineering College, Thrissur | Thrissur | 2 |
| TKM College of Engineering, Kollam | Kollam | 3 |
| Rajagiri School of Engineering & Technology (Autonomous), Ernakulam | Ernakulam | 4 |
| Mar Athanasius College of Engineering, Kothamangalam, Ernakulam | Ernakulam | 5 |
| Saintgits College of Engineering, Kottayam | Kottayam | 6 |
| NSS College of Engineering, Palakkad | Palakkad | 7 |
| Federal Institute of Science and Technology, Ernakulam | Ernakulam | 8 |
| Amal Jyothi College of Engineering, Kottayam | Kottayam | 9 |
| St. Joseph’s College of Engineering and Technology, Palai, Kottayam | Kottayam | 10 |
Top Government Engineering Colleges in Kerala: Fees, Accepted Exams
Kerala is home to a prestigious selection of government engineering colleges, renowned for their academic excellence, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and strong industry linkages. Kerala’s engineering education landscape shows striking differences between government-run and private institutions. Students must weigh these differences carefully when choosing their academic path. Each type of institution brings its own strengths in terms of cost, educational quality, and future career opportunities. The table below lists the top Government Engineering colleges in Kerala, along with their total tuition fees, the entrance exams accepted for admission, and seat intake.
| Public/Government Colleges | Total Tuition Fee/Seat Intake | Entrance Exams Accepted |
| NIT Calicut | INR 5 lakh BTech Seats: 1,182 MTech Seats: 537 | JEE Main, DASA UG |
| Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology | INR 6 lakh BTech Seats: 164 MTech Seats: 238 | JEE Main, JEE Advanced |
| IIT Palakkad Admission | INR 8 lakh BTech Seats: 200 | JEE Main, JEE Advanced |
| College of Engineering Trivandrum Admission | INR 28,000 BTech Seats: 840 MTech Seats: 540 | KEAM, JEE Main |
| Government Engineering College Thrissur Admission | INR 35,000 BTech Seats: 840 MTech Seats: 369 | KEAM |
Top Private Engineering Colleges in Kerala: Fees, Accepted Exams
The table below lists the top private Engineering colleges in Kerala, along with their total tuition fees and the entrance exams accepted for admission.
| Private Colleges | Total Tuition Fee | Entrance Exam |
| Amrita School of Engineering Admission | INR 12 lakh- INR 24 lakh | JEE Main, AEEE |
| AWH Engineering College Admission | INR 2 lakh | KEAM |
| RSET Admission | INR 3 lakh | KEAM |
| Saintgits College of Engineering Admission | INR 4 lakh | KEAM |
| FISAT Admission | INR 2 lakh | KEAM |
| Adi Shankara Institute of Engineering and Technology Admission | INR 3 lakh | JEE Main, KEAM |
Top 10 Engineering Colleges in Kerala: Courses and Fees
Kerala’s engineering aspirants can choose from a variety of specializations at various institutions. Students have access to both classic engineering disciplines and state-of-the-art technological fields that align with their interests and the needs of employers. Given below are the 10 top engineering colleges in Kerala 2025, along with the popular courses and fees.
| College Name | Popular Courses Offered | Approximate Total Course Fee (INR) |
| National Institute of Technology (NIT) Calicut | CSE, Mechanical, ECE, Civil, Electrical, etc. | ₹11,16,000 |
| Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), Thiruvananthapuram | Aerospace, Electronics, Physics-based Engineering | ₹1,72,000 |
| Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Palakkad | CSE, ECE, Mechanical, Civil, Electrical | ₹6,00,000 (approx) |
| College of Engineering Trivandrum (CET) | CSE, Mechanical, Civil, Electrical | ₹85,600 |
| TKM College of Engineering, Kollam | CSE, ECE, Mechanical, Civil | ₹25,200 |
| Government Engineering College Thrissur | CSE, Mechanical, Civil, Electrical | ₹33,600 approx |
| Mar Athanasius College of Engineering | CSE, ECE, Mechanical, Civil | ₹70,000 per year (approx ₹2,80,000 total) |
| Saintgits College of Engineering | CSE, ECE, Mechanical, Civil | ₹70,000 per year (approx ₹2,80,000 total) |
| NSS College of Engineering, Palakkad | CSE, ECE, Mechanical, Civil | ₹70,000 per year (approx ₹2,80,000 total) |
| Model Engineering College, Ernakulam | CSE, ECE, Mechanical, Civil | ₹1,60,000 approx |
Emerging Fields: AI, Data Science, Cybersecurity
Kerala’s engineering education has evolved to accept new ideas in technology. Top engineering colleges in Kerala now put great emphasis on Artificial Intelligence and Data Science programmes.
BTech in AI and Data Science gives students a complete foundation in advanced areas like deep learning, natural language processing, and data visualization. Students learn about machine learning, big data analytics, cloud computing with AI, and data mining. These programmes combine core computer science concepts with advanced AI techniques and data analytics.
Cybersecurity has become another crucial specialization. B.Tech degrees take four years, while some schools offer three-year B.Sc. programmes in Computer Science & Cyber Security. Students can also opt for shorter diploma and certification courses that last between three months and one year.
Top Engineering Colleges in Kerala: Admission Process and Entrance Exams
Admission to the top engineering colleges in Kerala requires meeting specific eligibility criteria and passing entrance exams. The Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE) establishes clear guidelines to ensure a fair and merit-based selection process for the top engineering colleges in Kerala.
Eligibility Criteria for B.Tech. Admissions
Students who want to join top engineering colleges in Kerala must meet several requirements. They should be at least 17 years old by December 31, 2025, with no upper age limit. Students must pass Class 12 from Kerala or an equivalent board with a minimum of 45% marks. The requirement drops to 40% for SC/ST/SEBC or physically disabled students.
Subject choices matter a lot. Physics and Mathematics are must-have subjects, along with Chemistry as an optional subject. Students who haven’t studied Chemistry can use marks from Computer Science, Biotechnology, or Biology instead.
| Category | Minimum Marks Required | Mandatory Subjects | Age Requirement |
| General | 45% in PCM subjects | Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry* | 17 years by Dec 31, 2025 |
| SC/ST/SEBC/PD | 40% in PCM subjects | Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry* | 17 years by Dec 31, 2025 |
*Computer Science/Biotechnology/Biology can substitute Chemistry if not studied
Accepted Entrance Exams: KEAM, JEE Main, JEE Advanced
Candidates can enroll in the best engineering colleges in Kerala through various national and state-level entrance exams. Most students take the Kerala Engineering Architecture Medical (KEAM) examination, which is conducted by the CEE Kerala.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| KEAM Duration | 3 hours |
| KEAM Structure | Single paper: covers Physics (45 Qs), Chemistry (30 Qs), Mathematics (75 Qs) |
| Total Questions | 150 (Physics + Chemistry + Mathematics) |
| Exam Centres | Kerala, Mumbai, New Delhi, Dubai |
| JEE Main Accepted By | NIT Calicut, central institutions in Kerala |
| JEE Advanced Accepted By | IIT Palakkad (only considers JEE Advanced ranks) |
Also Check: KEAM Counselling 2025
Counselling Process and Seat Allotment
Students who clear the entrance exams must participate in the Centralised Allotment Process (CAP) conducted by CEE Kerala. This online counselling starts when students register on CEE’s official portal.
The steps include:
- Registration and preference filling: Students list their college and course choices
- First allotment: Students get seats based on merit and choices
- Second and third allotment rounds: These help students who missed round one or want better options
- Mop-up round: This fills empty seats
- Spot admissions: Private colleges handle these under CEE’s watch
Students must submit documents and pay fees on time. Private colleges offer seats under three quotas: Open, Christian, and NRI.
Best government engineering colleges in Kerala follow reservation rules that help SC/ST, OBC, and EWS candidates with lower cutoffs. CEE ensures that the entire process remains fair and transparent, prioritizing merit.
Top Engineering Colleges in Kerala: Fees and ROI
The cost of engineering education plays a crucial role in students’ decision-making process. The best engineering colleges in Kerala exhibit significant differences in their fee structures, which impact their return on investment. CET Trivandrum stands out among government colleges. Its students can earn up to 100 times their annual fee investment. Private institutions often demand higher upfront costs, but their graduates typically secure competitive salary packages that yield good returns over time.
| Colleges | Course fees (BTech) | Median/Average Package (BTech) | ROI |
| MACE Kothamangalam | INR 32,900 | INR 10 LPA | 3039% |
| TKMCE Kollam | INR 25,200 | INR 6 LPA | 2380% |
| GECT Thrissur | INR 81,880 | INR 4.2 LPA | 513.44% |
| CET Thiruvananthapuram | INR 1.71 Lakh | INR 5.20 LPA | 304.09% |
| MEC Thrikkakara Kochi | INR 1.8 Lakh | INR 3.9 LPA | 216.66% |
| IIST Thiruvananthapuram | INR 6.89 Lakh | INR 10 LPA | 145.13% |
| IIT Palakkad | INR 9.07 Lakh | INR 12 LPA | 132.30% |
| NIT Calicut | INR 11.16 Lakh | INR 12.5 LPA | 112% |
| CUSAT Kochi | INR 7 Lakh. | INR 6.95 LPA | 99.28% |
| IIIT Kottayam | INR 11.96 Lakh | INR 6.7 LPA | 56.02% |
*ROI Ratio = Average Annual Package: Annual Fees
Top Engineering Colleges in Kerala: Placement Records and Recruiters
Kerala hosts some of India’s top engineering colleges that consistently achieve impressive placement outcomes. This overview highlights key placement statistics, the highest and average salary packages, and top recruiters from leading institutions in the state.
| College | Highest Package | Average Package | Top Recruiters | Placement % |
| NIT Calicut | ₹50.64 LPA | ₹12.41 LPA | Atlassian, Oracle, Nvidia, Salesforce | 99% |
| IIT Palakkad | ₹46.16 LPA | ₹13.93 LPA | Accenture, AMD, Arista Networks | 92% |
| MEC Thrikkakara | ₹52 LPA | ₹3.9 LPA | Amazon, Microsoft, Yahoo, LinkedIn | 83% |
| MACE Kothamangalam | ₹33.34 LPA | ₹3.9 LPA (Median) | Infosys, Wipro, TCS, IBM, Accenture, Cognizant | Not specified |
| MITS Kochi | ₹12 LPA | ₹5.08 LPA | Various tech companies | 80% |
Conclusion
Choosing the right engineering college is a life-changing decision for aspiring engineers in Kerala. Kerala has 273 engineering institutions, but they differ in education quality, fees, and job placements. Top Engineering Colleges in Kerala 2025 in the NIRF, including NIT Calicut, IIST Thiruvananthapuram, IIT Palakkad, and the College of Engineering, Trivandrum.
Government colleges are a great value. Top private colleges, such as TKM College of Engineering and Rajagiri School of Engineering & Technology, have built strong reputations despite charging higher fees.
Students gain admission to these top colleges through the KEAM, JEE Main, and JEE Advanced exams. They must meet specific academic scores and age requirements. A merit-based counselling system allocates seats fairly, adhering to reservation rules.
Students need to consider several factors when choosing a college, including its name, cost, courses, and job placement opportunities. Kerala offers engineering students numerous paths to successful careers, whether they opt for government colleges for their value or private ones for specialized programs. The state’s engineering schools continue to grow and evolve to meet today’s industry needs and tomorrow’s technological challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which engineering college in Kerala has the best placement record?
NIT Calicut consistently ranks among the top institutions for placements, boasting a 99% placement rate and an average package of INR 12.41 LPA. IIT Palakkad and MEC Thrikkakara also boast impressive placement statistics.
2. Are there any engineering colleges in Kerala offering 100% placement?
While a 100% placement rate is rare, some government colleges, such as NIT Calicut and IIST Thiruvananthapuram, come close with placement rates of 99% and above. However, placement success can vary year to year.
3. What are the specializations offered in the top engineering colleges in Kerala?
The specializations offered in the top engineering colleges in Kerala are Computer Science, Electronics & Communication, Mechanical Engineering, and Civil Engineering are the most widely offered specializations. Emerging fields like Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Cybersecurity are also gaining popularity.
4. How do government and private engineering colleges in Kerala compare with each other?
Government colleges generally offer better value for money with lower fees and higher placement rates. However, some top private institutions, such as TKM College of Engineering and Rajagiri School of Engineering & Technology, have established strong reputations and placement records.
5. What is the average salary package for graduates from the top Engineering Colleges in Kerala?
The average starting salary for engineering graduates in Kerala ranges from INR 3.7 LPA to INR 7 LPA, with top performers at premier institutions earning packages of INR 12 LPA or more. However, salaries can vary significantly based on the institution, specialization, and individual performance.
