Kerala, known for its high literacy rate and progressive education policies, offers excellent opportunities for students aspiring to pursue engineering. The state houses reputed institutions like IIT Palakkad, NIT Calicut, and a number of government and private engineering colleges affiliated with APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU).
This article provides a detailed overview of the top engineering colleges in Kerala, along with annual fees, admission process, and expected cutoff ranks.
1. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Palakkad
Location: Palakkad
Established: 2015
Type: Institute of National Importance
Admission: JEE Advanced
Courses & Fees:
| Program | Annual Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| B.Tech (All Streams) | ₹2,28,600 |
Expected Cutoff (2024 – General Category):
| Branch | Opening Rank | Closing Rank |
|---|---|---|
| CSE | 1900 | 3000 |
| EE | 3700 | 5200 |
| ME | 4800 | 6500 |
Highlights:
- One of the newer IITs with growing reputation.
- Research-focused environment and modern campus.
- International collaboration and good placement growth.
2. National Institute of Technology (NIT) Calicut
Location: Kozhikode
Established: 1961
Type: Institute of National Importance
Admission: JEE Main + JoSAA
Courses & Fees:
| Program | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| B.Tech (All Streams) | ₹1,49,000 |
Expected JEE Main Cutoff (2024 – General Category):
| Branch | Closing Rank |
|---|---|
| CSE | 7000 – 8500 |
| ECE | 10000 – 12000 |
| ME | 13000 – 16000 |
Highlights:
- Among top 20 NITs in India.
- Strong alumni and recruiter network.
- Excellent infrastructure and academic culture.
3. Government Engineering College, Thrissur (GEC Thrissur)
Location: Thrissur
Established: 1957
Type: Government
Admission: KEAM
Courses & Fees:
| Program | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| B.Tech | ₹8,000 (Govt Quota) |
Expected KEAM Cutoff (2024 – OC):
| Branch | Closing Rank |
|---|---|
| CSE | 450 – 750 |
| ECE | 700 – 1200 |
| ME | 1000 – 1500 |
Highlights:
- One of the oldest and most reputed colleges in Kerala.
- Consistent top choice under KEAM.
- Excellent placements and faculty.
4. Government Engineering College, Barton Hill (GECBH), Thiruvananthapuram
Location: Trivandrum
Established: 1999
Type: Government
Admission: KEAM
Courses & Fees:
| Program | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| B.Tech | ₹8,000 |
Expected KEAM Cutoff:
| Branch | Closing Rank |
|---|---|
| CSE | 600 – 1000 |
| ECE | 900 – 1300 |
| IT | 1100 – 1500 |
Highlights:
- Centrally located with great industry connectivity.
- Known for academic discipline.
- Excellent record in placements.
5. College of Engineering, Trivandrum (CET)
Location: Thiruvananthapuram
Established: 1939
Type: Government
Admission: KEAM
Courses & Fees:
| Program | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| B.Tech | ₹8,000 (Govt Quota) |
Expected Cutoff (2024 – KEAM):
| Branch | Closing Rank |
|---|---|
| CSE | 300 – 600 |
| ECE | 600 – 900 |
| ME | 800 – 1200 |
Highlights:
- Oldest engineering college in Kerala.
- Highly reputed in both academia and placements.
- High preference among toppers.
6. Rajagiri School of Engineering & Technology (RSET), Kochi
Location: Kakkanad, Kochi
Established: 2001
Type: Private Self-Financed
Admission: KEAM / Management
Courses & Fees:
| Program | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| B.Tech | ₹85,000 (Govt Quota), ₹1.25 L (Mgmt) |
Expected KEAM Cutoff:
| Branch | Closing Rank |
|---|---|
| CSE | 3500 – 5500 |
| ECE | 5000 – 7000 |
| IT | 4000 – 6000 |
Highlights:
- NAAC A+ accredited private institution.
- Excellent infrastructure and industry training.
- Strong placement assistance and career services.
7. Model Engineering College (MEC), Kochi
Location: Thrikkakara, Kochi
Established: 1989
Type: Government
Admission: KEAM
Courses & Fees:
| Program | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| B.Tech | ₹25,000 |
KEAM Expected Cutoff:
| Branch | Closing Rank |
|---|---|
| CSE | 700 – 1000 |
| ECE | 1000 – 1300 |
| AE | 1500 – 2000 |
Highlights:
- Premier government-run college for electronics and CS.
- Great exposure and industry tie-ups.
- Urban location with startup ecosystem nearby.
8. Federal Institute of Science and Technology (FISAT), Angamaly
Location: Ernakulam
Established: 2002
Type: Private
Admission: KEAM / Management
Courses & Fees:
| Program | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| B.Tech | ₹85,000 (KEAM), ₹1.2 L (Mgmt) |
KEAM Cutoff (Expected 2024):
| Branch | Closing Rank |
|---|---|
| CSE | 5000 – 7000 |
| ECE | 6000 – 8500 |
Highlights:
- Recognized for quality placements.
- Well-equipped labs and campus.
- Focus on technical and soft skill training.
9. TKM College of Engineering, Kollam
Location: Kollam
Established: 1958
Type: Government-Aided
Admission: KEAM
Courses & Fees:
| Program | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| B.Tech | ₹15,000 – ₹25,000 |
Expected KEAM Cutoff:
| Branch | Closing Rank |
|---|---|
| CSE | 900 – 1200 |
| ECE | 1000 – 1500 |
| Civil | 1500 – 2000 |
Highlights:
- Known for excellence in civil and mechanical.
- Strong reputation across South India.
- High placement in core companies.
10. Amal Jyothi College of Engineering, Kanjirappally
Location: Kottayam
Established: 2001
Type: Private
Admission: KEAM / Management
Courses & Fees:
| Program | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| B.Tech | ₹85,000 (KEAM), ₹1.2 L (Mgmt) |
KEAM Expected Cutoff:
| Branch | Closing Rank |
|---|---|
| CSE | 7000 – 9000 |
| ME | 8000 – 10000 |
Highlights:
- ISO certified and NBA-accredited programs.
- Excellent campus and hostel facilities.
- Good placements in software & core.
Summary Table – Top Engineering Colleges in Kerala
| College | Type | Annual Fee | Admission | CSE Cutoff |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IIT Palakkad | Govt | ₹2.28 L | JEE Adv | 1900–3000 |
| NIT Calicut | Govt | ₹1.49 L | JEE Main | 7000–8500 |
| CET Trivandrum | Govt | ₹8,000 | KEAM | 300–600 |
| GEC Thrissur | Govt | ₹8,000 | KEAM | 450–750 |
| GEC Barton Hill | Govt | ₹8,000 | KEAM | 600–1000 |
| MEC Kochi | Govt | ₹25,000 | KEAM | 700–1000 |
| RSET Kochi | Pvt | ₹85K–1.25L | KEAM | 3500–5500 |
| TKM Kollam | Govt-Aided | ₹25K | KEAM | 900–1200 |
| FISAT | Pvt | ₹85K–1.2L | KEAM | 5000–7000 |
| Amal Jyothi | Pvt | ₹85K–1.2L | KEAM | 7000–9000 |
Final Thoughts
Kerala provides a wide range of engineering colleges suited to every merit level and budget. Government colleges like CET Trivandrum, GEC Thrissur, and MEC Kochi are the top preferences for KEAM aspirants due to their low fees and excellent placements. Meanwhile, NIT Calicut and IIT Palakkad are top-tier institutions via national-level entrance exams.
If you are preparing for KEAM 2025, ensure that you:
- Understand your category-wise cutoff trends
- Explore management quota only if required
- Check for placement statistics and internships
- National Institute of Technology, Calicut
- Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram
- Government Engineering College, Thrissur
- Cochin University of Science and Technology, Ernakulam
- MES College of Engineering, Kuttippuram
- Nehru College of Engineering & Research Centre, Pampady
- Government Model Engineering College, Thrikkakara
- TKM College of Engineering, Kollam
- College of Engineering, Thiruvananthapuram
- N.S.S. College of Engineering, Palakkad
- Govt. College of Engineering, Kannur
- Government Engineering College, Kozhikode
- College of Engineering, Adoor
- College of Engineering, Munnar
- Mar Athanasius College of Engineering, Kothamangalam
- Government Engineering College, Sreekrishnapuram
- Sree Chitra Thirunal College of Engineering, Thiruvananthapuram
- Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology, Kottayam
- Rajagiri School of Engineering and Technology, Ernakulam
- College of Dairy Science and Technology, Mannuthi, Thrissur
- College of Engineering, Chengannur
- Federal Institute of Science & Technology, Angamaly
- Govt. Engineering College, Idukki
- Government Engineering College, Wayanad
- College of Engineering, Thalassery
- LBS Institute of Technology for Women, Thiruvananthapuram
- SCMS School of Engineering and Technology, Ernakulum
- College of Engineering, Kidangoor
- LBS College of Engineering, Kasargod
- College of Engineering, Perumon
- College of Engineering Kottarakkara
- College of Engineering, Attingal
- Amrita School of Engineering, Amritapuri
- College of Engineering, Trikaripur
- College of Engineering, Cherthala
- College of Engineering, Kallooppara
- Viswajyothi College of Engineering & Technology, Muvattupuzha
- College of Engineering, Karunagappally
- Adi Shankara Institute of Engineering & Technology, Mattoor, Kalady
- Calicut University Institute of Engineering & Technology (CUIET), Tenhipalam
- IES College of Engineering, Chittilappilly
- Kelappaji College of Agril. Engineering & Technology, Tavanur
- Saintgits College of Engineering, Pathamuttom
- Sree Narayana Gurukulam College of Engineering, Kolencherry
- St. Joseph’s College of Engineering and Technology, Palai
- PRS College of Engineering and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram
- Vidya Academy of Science & Technology, Thalakkottukara
- AWH Engineering College, Kuttikkattoor
- KMCT College of Engineering at Mukkam
- Mangalam College of Engineering, Ettumanoor
- Mar Baselios College of Engineering and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram