Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, not only showcases scenic beauty but also houses reputed educational institutions. Engineering colleges in Thiruvananthapuram deliver high-quality technical education, employ experienced faculty, and maintain impressive placement records with top recruiters like ISRO, Infosys, and TCS. From IIST Trivandrum to the College of Engineering Trivandrum, the city houses some of the best government and private engineering colleges in South India.
This article lists the top 10 engineering colleges in Thiruvananthapuram with complete details, including their annual fees, courses offered, admission procedures, and contact information. Whether you’re an engineering aspirant looking to pursue engineering in a government institution or a private college with excellent placement records, this guide will help you choose the best engineering college in Thiruvananthapuram.
Top 10 Engineering Colleges in Thiruvananthapuram
1. Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram (IIST)
Established as Asia’s first space university in 2007, IIST is one of the top 10 engineering colleges in India. ISRO established the institute under the Department of Space. The UGC and AICTE have approved the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, which currently holds the 51st rank in the NIRF list of engineering colleges in the country. The institute offers UG, PG, and doctoral programs relating to space, including space applications, space technology, and space sciences. IIST has signed MOUs with various renowned international universities, including the University of Cambridge, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, and the University of Caltech.
- Courses offered: IIST offers B.E., M.E., and PhD programs.
- Total tuition fees: Approximately ₹6.25 lakhs for B.E. programs.
- Admission: Admissions to B.E. programs are based on JEE Advanced ranks.
- Phone: +914712568418
- Email: academics@iist.ac.in
- Address: Valiamala Road, Valiamala, Kerala 695547
2. College of Engineering, Trivandrum (CET Trivandrum)
Affiliated with the A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technological University, the College of Engineering Trivandrum is one of the best engineering colleges in Thiruvananthapuram. CET was founded in 1939 and was earlier affiliated with the University of Kerala. The College of Engineering is one of the oldest technical institutions in Kerala and is ranked by various organizations as one of the top engineering colleges in India. CET is currently ranked 108th in the NIRF list of engineering colleges. The institute offers more than 50 courses at different levels, and admission to UG programs is through the Kerala Engineering Architecture Medical Entrance Examination (KEAM). CET has one of the best infrastructures among the top 10 engineering colleges in Thiruvananthapuram and includes hostels, a technical library, an innovation center, an open-air theatre, an indoor stadium, labs, etc.
- Courses offered: CET offers BTech, MTech, and doctoral programs.
- Total tuition fees: Approximately ₹34.6k for BTech programs.
- Admission: Admission to the BTech programs is through the Kerala Engineering Architecture Medical (KEAM) entrance examination.
- Phone: 04712598370
- Email: principal@cet.ac.in
- Address: Sreekaryam-Kulathoor Road, Sreekariyam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695016
3. Mar Baselios College of Engineering and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram (MBCET)
One of the top 10 engineering colleges in Kerala, Mar Baselios College of Engineering and Technology, was founded in 2002. The institute is affiliated with A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technological University and is approved by AICTE and accredited by NAAC with an A grade. Mar Baselios College of Engineering and Technology has an exceptional placement record, with students from various courses getting placed at top companies. Some of the top recruiters include TCS, Infosys, Genpact, Siemens, Accenture, Microsoft, TATA ELXSI, Wipro, Nest Developers, etc.
- Courses offered: B.E., M.E., and PhD programs.
- Total tuition fees: ₹3-₹3.67 lakhs for B.E. programs.
- Admission: Admissions to the BTech programs are primarily through the KEAM entrance examination.
- Phone: +914712545866
- Email: mbcet@mbcet.org
- Address: Mar Ivanios Vidyanagar, Nalanchira, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695015
4. Sree Chitra Thirunal College of Engineering, Thiruvananthapuram (SCTCE)
Founded by the Government of Kerala in 1995, Sree Chitra Thirunal College of Engineering and Technology is the first engineering college in South India to offer automobile engineering. The institute is not only ranked as one of the top engineering colleges in Kerala but also in India. SCTCE is affiliated with A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technological University and offers B.E., M.E., and doctoral programs. Admission to BTech programs in Sree Chitra Thirunal College of Engineering is based on marks obtained in the KEAM entrance examination. Cognizant, TCS, Wipro, Oracle, IBM, etc., are the top recruiters.
- Courses offered: BTech, MTech, and doctoral programs.
- Total tuition fees: Approximately ₹1.4-₹3.01 lakhs
- Admission: Admission is based on marks obtained in the KEAM.
- Phone: +919497165348
- Email: cgpu@sctce.ac.in
- Address: NH 66, CTO Colony, Pappanamode, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695018
5. Government Engineering College, Barton Hill, Thiruvananthapuram (GEC-BH)
The Kerala government established Government Engineering College, Barton Hill, in 1999. Affiliated with A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technological University, the college ranks among the top engineering institutions in Thiruvananthapuram. The university ranked GEC-BH 3rd among its affiliated colleges. Previously affiliated with the University of Kerala, GEC-BH stands out as one of the best engineering colleges in South India.
4oThe institute has an auditorium, canteen, technical library, labs, seminar halls, hostels, etc.
- Courses offered: GEC-BH offers BTech, MTech, and PhD programs.
- Total tuition fees: ₹34.6k for B.E. programs.
- Admission: Admission is through the KEAM entrance examination.
- Phone: 0471-2300485
- Email: principal@gecbh.ac.in
- Address: Barton Hill, Barton Hill Colony, Kunnukuzhy, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695035
6. ACE College of Engineering, Thiruvananthapuram
Established in 2013, ACE College of Engineering is an institution affiliated with A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technological University. It is ranked as one of the best engineering colleges in Thiruvananthapuram and is approved by AICTE. The college offers BTech in various specializations, including computer science, aeronautical engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, etc. ACE College of Engineering has a training and placement cell to assist students with campus placements. Top recruiters of students from ACE College are TCS, Infosys, Keltron, UST Global, etc.
- Courses offered: BTech
- Total tuition fees: ₹2 lakhs
- Admission: Admission is through the KEAM entrance examination.
- Phone: +918281711677
- Email: info@acetvm.com
- Address: Thiruvallam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695027
7. Marian Engineering College, Thiruvananthapuram
Marian Engineering College is a premier engineering college founded in 2001. The institute is affiliated with the A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technological University and offers B.E. programs in five specializations. Admission is based on the Kerala Engineering Architecture Medical (KEAM) entrance examination conducted by the Commissioner of Entrance Exams. The college has a placement cell to assist students with placements. The institute has a good placement record, with top recruiters being Accenture, TATA ELXSI, Hyundai, BOSCH Ltd., Cognizant, etc.
- Courses offered: BTech and MTech.
- Total tuition fees: ₹3 lakhs
- Admission: Admission is based on the score in the KEAM entrance examination.
- Phone: +919495707111
- Email: mail@marian.ac.in
- Address: Menamkulam, Kazhakuttom, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695582
8. LBS Institute of Technology for Women, Thiruvananthapuram
Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Technology for Women, also known as LBS Institute of Technology, is the first women’s engineering college in Kerala. LBS Institute was established in 2001. It is one of the top 10 engineering colleges in Thiruvananthapuram. Approved by AICTE, LBS Institute of Technology is affiliated with A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technological University. The institute offers more than 14 courses, including B.E., M.E., and diploma. The institute has a placement rate of over 75%, and companies visiting the LBS campus include Siemens, Dell, Samsung, Capgemini, ABB, Reliance, TATA ELXSI, HP, TCS, E&Y, Accenture, etc.
- Courses offered: BTech, MTech, and diploma.
- Total tuition fees: ₹45.65-₹2.6 lakhs
- Admission: Admission is through the Kerala Engineering Architecture Medical (KEAM) entrance examination.
- Phone: 0471-2349232
- Email: principal@lbt.ac.in
- Address: Poojapura, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695012
9. College of Engineering Attingal (CEAL)
The College of Engineering Attingal (CEAL), established in 2004 under the Institute of Human Resources Development (IHRD), is a government institution located in Attingal, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Affiliated with A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technological University and approved by AICTE, the institute offers various undergraduate programs. The institute was earlier affiliated with the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT).
- Courses offered: BTech
- Total tuition fees: ₹2.6 lakhs
- Admission: Admissions are based on the Kerala Engineering, Architecture Medical (KEAM) entrance examination.
- Phone: 0470-2627400
- Email: ceattingal.ihrd@gmail.com
- Address: Attingal, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695101
10. University College of Engineering, Kariavattom (UCEK)
Established in 2000, the University College of Engineering is a government engineering college located in Kariavattom. It is the only engineering college affiliated with the University of Kerala, as most others are affiliated with A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technological University. Approved by AICTE, the college offers UG and PG programs in various engineering disciplines.
- Courses offered: BTech, MTech, and doctoral programs.
- Total tuition fees: ₹2.73 lakhs
- Admission: Admission is based on the KEAM entrance examination.
- Phone: 0471-2308874
- Email: ucekprincipal@gmail.com
- Address: Golden Jubilee Building, Kerala University Campus, Kariavattom, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695581
Comparison of Top 10 Engineering Colleges in Thiruvananthapuram
| College Name | Established Year | Ownership | Affiliated To | Average Placement Package |
| IIST | 2007 | Government | Deemed University | ₹8-12 LPA |
| CET | 1939 | Government | KTU | ₹3-5 LPA |
| MBCET Thiruvananthapuram | 2002 | Private | KTU | ₹5-6 LPA |
| SCTCE | 1995 | Government | KTU | ₹4-5.2 LPA |
| GEC-BH | 1999 | Government | KTU | ₹4.5 LPA |
| ACE College of Engineering | 2013 | Private | KTU | ₹7.5 LPA |
| Marian Engineering College | 2001 | Private | KTU | ₹5 LPA |
| LBS Institute | 2001 | Government | KTU | ₹4.5-5.5 LPA |
| CEAL | 2004 | Government | KTU | ₹5 LPA |
| UCEK | 2000 | Government | University of Kerala | ₹2.5-3.5 LPA |
Read more about the Top Engineering Colleges in different cities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which is the top engineering college in Thiruvananthapuram?
The College of Engineering Trivandrum (CET) and IIST are widely regarded as the top engineering colleges in Thiruvananthapuram.
2. Engineering colleges in Thiruvananthapuram admit students based on the KEAM (Kerala Engineering Architecture Medical) entrance exam.
Most colleges accept KEAM for undergraduate programs and GATE for postgraduate programs.
3. What is the fee structure for engineering colleges in Thiruvananthapuram?
Fees vary depending on the college. Government colleges charge around ₹8,000 to ₹20,000 annually, while private colleges may charge ₹75,000 to ₹1.5 lakhs.
4. Are engineering degrees from these colleges recognized nationally?
The top engineering colleges in Thiruvananthapuram are affiliated with APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University.
5. Which college has the highest placement record in Thiruvananthapuram?
The College of Engineering Trivandrum (CET) typically has the highest placement record in the city.
6. Do the top 10 engineering colleges in Thiruvananthapuram provide hostel facilities?
Yes, most engineering colleges in Thiruvananthapuram offer well-maintained hostel facilities for boys and girls.
7. Do colleges have entrepreneurship or innovation cells?
Top engineering colleges like CET have innovation cells, IEDCs, and incubation centers.
8. Are scholarships available for economically backward students?
Government and institutional scholarships are available based on merit and income criteria.
9. Do engineering colleges in Thiruvananthapuram offer good placement opportunities?
Top engineering colleges in Thiruvananthapuram, like IIST, CET, and GEC Barton Hill, have excellent placement records.
10. Can students from other states apply for KEAM?
Yes, but they must check the eligibility criteria on the KEAM official site.
Conclusion
Thiruvananthapuram remains one of the top destinations for engineering education in South India. When selecting among the top engineering colleges in Thiruvananthapuram, students need to consider key factors like affiliation (KTU, CUSAT, or autonomous status), placement rate, faculty expertise, and campus facilities. Whether you are an engineering aspirant looking for a government college with affordable fees or a private institute with modern infrastructure and high placement, the above list will help you choose the right institution to shape your engineering career.
