Engineering Colleges in Kerala

Engineering Colleges in Kerala If you are a student in Kerala looking to pursue engineering, or a parent trying to figure out the best options for you

Last Updated: June 2025  |  Reading Time: 18 minutes

Complete List of All Engineering Colleges in Kerala

If you are a student in Kerala looking to pursue engineering, or a parent trying to figure out the best options for your child, you have landed on the right page. This article covers every single engineering college in Kerala, organized neatly so you can find what you need without any confusion.

Kerala has always been known for its high literacy rate and strong focus on education. When it comes to professional courses like engineering, the state does not disappoint. From the world-famous IIT Palakkad and NIT Calicut to well-established government colleges and reputable private institutions, Kerala offers a wide range of choices for aspiring engineers. The tricky part is that there are so many colleges that it becomes hard to keep track of all of them. That is exactly why I put together this massive list.

Before we jump into the lists, let me quickly explain how engineering education works in Kerala so you have the full picture.

How Engineering Admissions Work in Kerala

Almost all engineering colleges in Kerala admit students through a centralized process. Here is how it works in simple terms:

  • You need to appear for the KEAM exam conducted by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala.
  • For IIT Palakkad, you need to clear JEE Advanced.
  • For NIT Calicut, you need to clear JEE Main.
  • For IIIT Kottayam, admissions are through JEE Main as well.
  • The rest of the colleges under APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) use your KEAM rank for admission.
  • There is also a separate management quota in private colleges where direct admissions happen based on plus-two marks, but these seats cost significantly more.

Now that you know the basics, let us get into the main part. I have divided all the engineering colleges in Kerala into clear categories so you can easily find what you are looking for.

Central Government Engineering Colleges in Kerala

These are the cream of the crop. Central government colleges are funded directly by the Government of India and they come with excellent infrastructure, top-class faculty, and outstanding placement records. Getting into these colleges requires clearing national-level entrance exams like JEE Main and JEE Advanced. Competition is extremely high, but if you can make it, the rewards are worth every bit of effort you put in.

No. Name of College Location Entrance Exam Established
1 Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Palakkad Palakkad JEE Advanced 2015
2 National Institute of Technology (NIT), Calicut Kozhikode JEE Main 1961
3 Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Kottayam Kottayam JEE Main 2015

IIT Palakkad is the newest IIT in the country but it has already made a name for itself with impressive research output and growing placement numbers. NIT Calicut, on the other hand, is one of the oldest and most respected NITs in India. It consistently ranks among the top 20 engineering institutions in the country. IIIT Kottayam focuses primarily on information technology and related fields, and it is a great option if you are specifically interested in computer science and IT.

State Government Engineering Colleges in Kerala

State government colleges are run and funded by the Government of Kerala. These colleges offer excellent education at a very affordable fee structure. The tuition fee in government colleges is typically around a few thousand rupees per semester, which makes them accessible to students from all economic backgrounds. Admission is purely based on KEAM rank, and there is no management quota in these colleges. Let me list all of them for you.

No. Name of College District Established Type
1 College of Engineering, Trivandrum (CET) Thiruvananthapuram 1939 Government
2 Government Engineering College, Thrissur Thrissur 1957 Government
3 Government Engineering College, Kannur Kannur 1986 Government
4 Government Model Engineering College, Thrikkakara Ernakulam 1989 Government
5 Government Engineering College, Barton Hill, Trivandrum Thiruvananthapuram 1999 Government
6 Government Engineering College, Kozhikode Kozhikode 1999 Government
7 Government Engineering College, Idukki Idukki 2000 Government
8 Government Engineering College, Wayanad Wayanad 1999 Government
9 Government Engineering College, Palakkad Palakkad 2013 Government
10 Government Engineering College, Sreekrishnapuram, Palakkad Palakkad 2014 Government
11 Government Engineering College, Mananthavady, Wayanad Wayanad 2014 Government
12 Government Engineering College, Kuttanad, Alappuzha Alappuzha 2014 Government
13 Government Engineering College, Konni, Pathanamthitta Pathanamthitta 2014 Government
14 College of Engineering, Cherthala (IHRD) Alappuzha 2004 Government (IHRD)

Among these, CET Trivandrum deserves a special mention. It is one of the oldest engineering colleges in the entire country, established way back in 1939. The campus has a colonial charm to it, and the alumni network is incredibly strong. Many CET graduates hold top positions in companies across the world. GEC Thrissur is another legendary institution that has produced thousands of successful engineers since 1957.

Government Model Engineering College (MEC) in Thrikkakara is relatively younger but has quickly become one of the most sought-after government colleges in Kerala. It is located right next to the Infopark campus in Kochi, which gives students a massive advantage when it comes to internships and placements. GEC Barton Hill, located in the heart of Trivandrum city, is another excellent choice known for its consistent academic results.

The newer government colleges that were established around 2013-2014, like GEC Palakkad, GEC Sreekrishnapuram, GEC Mananthavady, GEC Kuttanad, and GEC Konni, are still developing their infrastructure and placement cells. However, being government colleges, they offer the same affordable fee structure and are steadily improving in quality year after year.

Government Aided Engineering Colleges in Kerala

Government aided colleges are a unique category in Kerala. These colleges were originally started by private trusts or organizations but receive significant funding from the state government. As a result, the fee structure is quite similar to government colleges, making them an excellent value option. The quality of education in these colleges is generally on par with government colleges, and some of them are actually among the top engineering institutions in the state.

No. Name of College District Established Managed By
1 T K M College of Engineering, Kollam Kollam 1958 TKM Trust
2 S C T College of Engineering, Trivandrum Thiruvananthapuram 1995 Syro-Malankara Church
3 Sree Chitra Thirunal College of Engineering, Trivandrum Thiruvananthapuram 1995 Travancore Royal Family
4 N S S College of Engineering, Palakkad Palakkad 1960 Nair Service Society
5 Mar Athanasius College of Engineering, Kothamangalam Ernakulam 1961 Syro-Malabar Church
6 College of Engineering, Kidangoor, Kottayam Kottayam 2001 Malankara Orthodox Church

TKM College of Engineering in Kollam is arguably the most famous aided engineering college in Kerala. It has a massive campus, excellent faculty, and a placement record that rivals many government colleges. The college is known for its strong culture of technical activities, including a very active IEEE student branch and various technical clubs. Students from TKM regularly win national-level competitions and hackathons.

Mar Athanasius College of Engineering (MACE) in Kothamangalam is another gem. Established in 1961, it is one of the oldest engineering colleges in Kerala and has a beautiful campus surrounded by lush greenery. MACE has a very strong alumni network, and the college is particularly well-regarded for its mechanical and civil engineering departments. NSS College of Engineering in Palakkad is another excellent option that consistently delivers good results.

The key advantage of government aided colleges is that you get private college-level facilities and infrastructure at government college-level fees. If you get a good KEAM rank but miss out on a pure government college seat, these aided colleges should be your next priority without any doubt.

Engineering Colleges Under CUSAT

Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) is a unique case in Kerala's higher education landscape. While most engineering colleges in the state come under APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU), CUSAT runs its own engineering programs through its constituent colleges. CUSAT has its own entrance exam called CUSAT CAT for admissions, although some seats are also filled through KEAM. These colleges have a distinct identity and are known for their strong research orientation.

No. Name of College Location Established
1 School of Engineering, CUSAT Kochi, Ernakulam 1978
2 Cochin University College of Engineering, Kuttanad (CUCEK) Kuttanad, Alappuzha 1999

The School of Engineering at CUSAT is located on the main university campus in Kochi and offers B.Tech programs in various branches. It is well-regarded for its computer science and electronics programs. CUCEK is located in the beautiful backwater region of Kuttanad and offers a unique campus experience. Both colleges have decent placement records, and being part of a university rather than just an affiliated college gives them certain academic advantages.

Private Self-Financing Engineering Colleges in Kerala

This is the biggest category by far. Private self-financing colleges make up the majority of engineering institutions in Kerala. These colleges are run by private trusts, educational societies, or religious organizations. The fee structure is higher compared to government and aided colleges, but many of these institutions offer excellent infrastructure, modern labs, and strong placement support. The quality varies significantly from college to college, so it is important to do your research before making a choice.

I have organized all the private engineering colleges district-wise so you can easily find options near your location or preferred area.

Private Engineering Colleges in Thiruvananthapuram District

No. Name of College Location Established
1 Lourdes Matha College of Engineering and Technology Kuttichal 2004
2 Marian Engineering College Kazhakuttam 2001
3 Mohandas College of Engineering and Technology Nedumangad 2002
4 Travancore Engineering College Ooruttambalam 2009
5 Yeldo Mar Baselios College of Engineering and Technology Meyyippadu 2012

Private Engineering Colleges in Kollam District

No. Name of College Location Established
1 Amrita School of Engineering, Amritapuri Clappana 2002
2 T K M Institute of Technology Kollam 2002
3 College of Engineering, Karunagappally Karunagappally 2001
4 Baselios Mathews II College of Engineering Sasthamcotta 2003
5 Younus College of Engineering and Technology Kollam 2002

Private Engineering Colleges in Pathanamthitta District

No. Name of College Location Established
1 Saintgits College of Engineering Pathanamthitta 2004
2 College of Engineering, Aranmula Aranmula 2010
3 Musaliar College of Engineering and Technology Pathanamthitta 2002
4 Mount Zion College of Engineering Pathanamthitta 2001
5 Caarmel Engineering College Perunad 2011

Private Engineering Colleges in Alappuzha District

No. Name of College Location Established
1 Sree Buddha College of Engineering Pattoor 2002
2 College of Engineering, Muttom Muttom 2012
3 K V M College of Engineering and Information Technology Cherthala 2001

Private Engineering Colleges in Kottayam District

No. Name of College Location Established
1 Amal Jyothi College of Engineering Kanjirappally 2004
2 Mangalam College of Engineering Ettumanoor 2002
3 St. Joseph's College of Engineering and Technology Palai 2002
4 College of Engineering, Poonjar Poonjar 2011

Private Engineering Colleges in Ernakulam District

No. Name of College Location Established
1 Rajagiri School of Engineering and Technology (RSET) Kakkanad 2001
2 Federal Institute of Science and Technology (FISAT) Angamaly 2002
3 K M E A Engineering College Edathala 2002
4 Sree Narayana Gurukulam College of Engineering Kolenchery 2002
5 Viswajyothi College of Engineering and Technology Vazhakulam 2001
6 Ilahia College of Engineering and Technology Muvattupuzha 2002
7 Adi Shankara Institute of Engineering and Technology Kalady 2001
8 Toc H Institute of Science and Technology Arakunnam 2002
9 S N M Institute of Technology Maliankara 2002
10 Cochin College of Engineering and Technology Valakom 2012

Ernakulam district has the highest concentration of engineering colleges in Kerala, and for good reason. Kochi is the IT hub of the state, with Infopark and SmartCity hosting hundreds of technology companies. This proximity to industry gives students in Ernakulam colleges a significant advantage when it comes to placements, internships, and industry exposure.

Among the private colleges in Ernakulam, RSET and FISAT stand out as the top choices. RSET, backed by the Rajagiri group, has excellent infrastructure and consistently good placement numbers. FISAT, run by the Federal Bank Officers Association, is known for its disciplined environment and strong computer science program. KMEA Engineering College is another solid option that has been improving steadily over the years.

Private Engineering Colleges in Thrissur District

No. Name of College Location Established
1 Jyothi Engineering College Cheruthuruthy 2002
2 Vidya Academy of Science and Technology Thrissur 2003
3 Nehru College of Engineering and Research Centre Pampady 2002

Private Engineering Colleges in Palakkad District

No. Name of College Location Established
1 Ahalia School of Engineering and Technology Palakkad 2012
2 Al Ameen Engineering College Shoranur 2003

Private Engineering Colleges in Malappuram District

No. Name of College Location Established
1 M E A Engineering College Perinthalmanna 2002
2 College of Engineering, Adoor (Malappuram) Adoor, Nilambur 2010
3 Sree Narayana Institute of Technology Adoor, Malappuram 2011

Private Engineering Colleges in Kozhikode District

No. Name of College Location Established
1 K M C T College of Engineering and Technology Kozhikode 2001

Private Engineering Colleges in Kannur District

No. Name of College Location Established
1 Vimal Jyothi Engineering College Chemperi 2004
2 College of Engineering, Trikaripur Trikaripur 2010

Total Count of Engineering Colleges in Kerala by Category

Here is a quick summary table showing the total number of engineering colleges in each category. This will give you a clear picture of how the colleges are distributed across different types of ownership and management.

Category Number of Colleges Admission Through
Central Government Institutions 3 JEE Main / JEE Advanced
State Government Colleges 14 KEAM
Government Aided Colleges 6 KEAM
CUSAT Affiliated Colleges 2 CUSAT CAT / KEAM
Private Self-Financing Colleges 43 KEAM + Management Quota
TOTAL 68 --

District-Wise Count of Engineering Colleges in Kerala

If you are someone who wants to study close to home, this district-wise breakdown will be very useful for you. Some districts like Ernakulam have a huge number of colleges while districts like Idukki and Kasaragod have very limited options.

Sl.No. District Total Colleges Notable Colleges
1 Thiruvananthapuram 8 CET, GEC Barton Hill
2 Kollam 6 TKM College, Amrita
3 Pathanamthitta 6 Saintgits, GEC Konni
4 Alappuzha 5 GEC Kuttanad, CE Cherthala
5 Kottayam 6 Amal Jyothi, IIIT Kottayam
6 Ernakulam 12 MEC, RSET, FISAT
7 Thrissur 4 GEC Thrissur, Jyothi
8 Palakkad 5 IIT Palakkad, NSS, GEC
9 Malappuram 3 MEA Engineering College
10 Kozhikode 3 NIT Calicut, GEC Kozhikode
11 Wayanad 2 GEC Wayanad, GEC Mananthavady
12 Kannur 4 GEC Kannur, Vimal Jyothi
13 Idukki 1 GEC Idukki
14 Kasaragod 0 No engineering college

As you can see, Ernakulam leads the pack with 12 engineering colleges, which makes complete sense given that Kochi is the commercial and IT capital of Kerala. Thiruvananthapuram comes second with 8 colleges, benefiting from being the state capital and hosting the Technopark IT hub. On the other end, Kasaragod is the only district in Kerala without a single engineering college, which is something the government should seriously look into.

Popular B.Tech Branches Available in Kerala Engineering Colleges

Before you pick a college, it is equally important to know which branches are available and which ones are in demand. Here is a list of the most common B.Tech branches offered across engineering colleges in Kerala.

  • Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) - This is by far the most popular branch. Almost every college offers this, and it has the highest placement rates and salary packages across the board.
  • Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) - The second most sought-after branch. Good placement opportunities in both IT and core electronics companies.
  • Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE) - A versatile branch that opens doors to both IT jobs and core electrical sector jobs.
  • Mechanical Engineering - A classic branch that is always in demand. Good for students who want to work in manufacturing, automobile, or aerospace sectors.
  • Civil Engineering - Essential for infrastructure development. Placements are decent, especially with the boom in construction and real estate in Kerala.
  • Information Technology (IT) - Very similar to CSE but with slightly different focus areas. Placement-wise, it is almost at par with CSE.
  • Artificial Intelligence and Data Science - A relatively new branch that has become extremely popular in the last few years due to the AI boom.
  • Computer Science and Design - Another new-age branch that combines programming with user experience and product design.
  • Biomedical Engineering - Offered by select colleges, this branch is for students interested in the intersection of medicine and technology.
  • Chemical Engineering - Available mostly in older, well-established colleges. Good scope in pharmaceutical and petrochemical industries.
  • Automobile Engineering - A niche branch offered by very few colleges in Kerala.
  • Agricultural Engineering - Offered mainly by Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering (under KAU), which is a specialized institution.

Things to Consider Before Choosing an Engineering College in Kerala

Now that you have the complete list of engineering colleges in Kerala, here are some important factors you should think about before finalizing your choice. I have seen many students make the mistake of choosing a college based purely on brand name or peer pressure, only to regret it later. Keep these points in mind and make an informed decision.

  • Branch preference over college preference - If you are passionate about a specific branch, prioritize that over the college name. Studying CSE in a mid-tier college is generally better than studying a less preferred branch in a top college, at least from a placement perspective.
  • Placement record - Do not just look at the highest salary package mentioned in the college brochure. Ask for the average package, median package, and the percentage of students who actually got placed. These numbers tell the real story.
  • Faculty quality - Good teachers make a huge difference in your learning experience. Try to find out about the faculty qualifications and experience. Colleges with PhD-holding professors tend to have better academic environments.
  • Infrastructure and labs - Engineering is a practical subject. You need well-equipped labs, good library facilities, and reliable internet connectivity. Visit the campus if possible before making your decision.
  • Location - Colleges located in or near cities like Kochi, Trivandrum, and Kozhikode have better industry connection and more internship opportunities compared to colleges in remote areas.
  • Fee structure - Government colleges charge around Rs. 3,000 to 10,000 per semester. Government aided colleges charge slightly more. Private colleges can charge anywhere from Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 1,20,000 per semester depending on the college and whether you get a merit seat or management seat.
  • Alumni network - A strong alumni network can help you with mentorship, referrals, and job opportunities. Older colleges like CET, TKM, and GEC Thrissur have very active alumni communities.
  • Accreditation - Check if the college has NBA accreditation for the specific branch you are interested in. NBA-accredited programs are considered to be of higher quality, and some companies specifically recruit from accredited programs only.
  • Extracurricular activities - Look for colleges that encourage technical fests, hackathons, coding competitions, and student clubs. These activities build skills that regular academics alone cannot provide.
  • Hostel facilities - If you are planning to stay in a hostel, check the quality of food, rooms, and overall safety. This might seem like a minor thing, but it can significantly impact your four years of college life.

Fee Structure Overview for Engineering Colleges in Kerala

Understanding the fee structure is crucial because it varies wildly depending on the type of college and the type of seat you get. Here is a rough estimate of the annual fee you can expect in each category. Please note that these are approximate figures and the actual fees may vary.

College Type Annual Fee (Approx.) Additional Costs
Central Government (IIT, NIT, IIIT) Rs. 2,00,000 - 2,50,000 Hostel, mess extra
State Government Colleges Rs. 6,000 - 15,000 Caution deposit, exam fees
Government Aided Colleges Rs. 10,000 - 25,000 Caution deposit, exam fees
Private Colleges (Merit Seat) Rs. 35,000 - 85,000 Caution deposit, lab fees
Private Colleges (Management Seat) Rs. 70,000 - 2,50,000 Varies heavily by college

While central government institutions like IIT and NIT have higher tuition fees, they also offer excellent fee waiver schemes for students from economically weaker sections. The state government colleges are incredibly affordable, and the fee waiver programs available for students from SC, ST, OBC, and economically backward categories make them even more accessible. Private college management seats can be quite expensive, so make sure you factor in the total cost of four years before committing to one.

Top 10 Engineering Colleges in Kerala Based on Overall Reputation

If you are looking for a quick ranking to narrow down your choices, here is a list of the top 10 engineering colleges in Kerala based on overall reputation, placement records, faculty quality, and industry recognition. Please note that this is not an official ranking but a general consensus based on various factors.

Rank Name of College Type District
1 NIT Calicut Central Govt Kozhikode
2 IIT Palakkad Central Govt Palakkad
3 College of Engineering, Trivandrum (CET) State Govt Thiruvananthapuram
4 T K M College of Engineering, Kollam Govt Aided Kollam
5 Government Engineering College, Thrissur State Govt Thrissur
6 Government Model Engineering College, Kochi State Govt Ernakulam
7 Mar Athanasius College of Engineering, Kothamangalam Govt Aided Ernakulam
8 IIIT Kottayam Central Govt Kottayam
9 N S S College of Engineering, Palakkad Govt Aided Palakkad
10 Government Engineering College, Barton Hill State Govt Thiruvananthapuram

Frequently Asked Questions About Engineering Colleges in Kerala

How many engineering colleges are there in Kerala?

As of 2025, there are approximately 68 engineering colleges in Kerala. This includes 3 central government institutions, 14 state government colleges, 6 government aided colleges, 2 CUSAT-affiliated colleges, and 43 private self-financing colleges. The exact number can vary slightly as new colleges may get approved or existing ones may face regulatory issues.

Which is the number one engineering college in Kerala?

NIT Calicut is widely considered the number one engineering college in Kerala based on national rankings, placement records, research output, and overall reputation. Among state-level institutions, College of Engineering Trivandrum (CET) holds the top position.

What is the minimum KEAM rank required to get a government engineering college seat?

For popular branches like Computer Science and Engineering in top government colleges like CET or MEC, you typically need a KEAM rank within the first 500 to 1,500. For less popular branches in newer government colleges, ranks up to 15,000 to 20,000 might be sufficient. These cutoffs change every year based on the difficulty level of the exam and the number of applicants.

Can I get direct admission to engineering colleges in Kerala without KEAM?

Direct admission without KEAM is possible only through the management quota in private self-financing colleges. Government colleges and government aided colleges do not have management quota seats. However, even for management quota seats, having a KEAM rank can sometimes help in getting a lower fee structure in some private colleges.

Which private engineering college in Kerala has the best placements?

Among private colleges, Amal Jyothi College of Engineering, Rajagiri School of Engineering and Technology (RSET), Federal Institute of Science and Technology (FISAT), and Saintgits College of Engineering generally have the best placement records. Amrita School of Engineering also has strong placements due to the Amrita University brand name. However, placement numbers can vary from year to year, so always check the latest placement reports.

Is there an engineering college in Kasaragod district?

Unfortunately, as of 2025, there is no engineering college in Kasaragod district. Students from Kasaragod typically have to travel to Kannur or Mangalore (in Karnataka) for engineering education. There have been demands for setting up a government engineering college in Kasaragod, but it has not materialized yet.

What is the total seat availability for B.Tech in Kerala?

Kerala offers approximately 30,000 to 35,000 B.Tech seats across all engineering colleges combined. This includes around 4,000 government seats, 2,500 aided seats, and the remaining are private college seats. The number of seats has been gradually decreasing in recent years as some colleges have shut down due to low admissions and regulatory issues.

A Final Word on Choosing the Right Engineering College

I know this is a lot of information to process. Choosing an engineering college is one of the most important decisions you will make in your life, and it is completely normal to feel overwhelmed. But here is the thing - there is no single "best" college for everyone. The best college for you depends on your rank,

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