Likhith · November 5, 2025 
Introduction
Choosing the right engineering college is one of the most crucial decisions for aspiring engineers. With numerous options available, it can be overwhelming to identify institutions that offer quality education, robust infrastructure, and promising career opportunities. The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 provides a reliable benchmark, ranking colleges across India based on academic performance, research, and overall excellence.
Kerala, known for its high literacy rate and educational standards, hosts several prominent engineering colleges. This blog will walk you through the best engineering colleges in Kerala according to NIRF 2025, their academic offerings, campus facilities, placement opportunities, and what makes them stand out.
Top Engineering Colleges in Kerala
1. National Institute of Technology Calicut (NIT Calicut)
- NIRF Rank 2025: 21
- Location: Kozhikode, Kerala
Established in 1961, NIT Calicut is Kerala’s premier engineering institution, known for its rigorous academic curriculum and cutting-edge research initiatives. The institute offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across diverse engineering disciplines.
Academic Excellence:
NIT Calicut emphasizes innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry collaboration, equipping students with practical knowledge and technical expertise. The research labs are well-funded, focusing on emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Renewable Energy, and Robotics.
Campus Life:
With vibrant student clubs, cultural fests, and technical competitions, NIT Calicut promotes holistic development. The campus culture encourages leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, preparing students for global careers.
2. Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST)
- NIRF Rank 2025: 61
- Location: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Founded in 2007, IIST is a unique institution focused on space science and technology education. It is closely affiliated with ISRO, providing students with exposure to real-world space missions and research opportunities.
Academic Programs:
IIST offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs specializing in aerospace, electronics, and avionics engineering. Its curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical hands-on projects.
Research and Development:
Students have the opportunity to work on ISRO satellite missions, research projects, and internships, making IIST one of the most sought-after institutes for careers in space technology.
3. Indian Institute of Technology Palakkad (IIT Palakkad)
- NIRF Rank 2025: 64
- Location: Palakkad, Kerala
Established in 2015, IIT Palakkad is part of the prestigious IIT system. Despite its relatively recent inception, the institute has gained recognition for its research output and academic rigor.
Academic Excellence:
IIT Palakkad offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in core and emerging engineering disciplines. The institute encourages innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry collaboration.
Campus Life:
The campus promotes a vibrant student ecosystem with clubs, hackathons, technical fests, and cultural events, fostering creativity and leadership among students.
4. College of Engineering Trivandrum (CET)
- NIRF Rank 2025: 108
- Location: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Founded in 1939, CET is one of the oldest engineering colleges in India. It has a strong legacy of academic excellence and a consistent contribution to research, making it a preferred choice for students in Kerala.
Academic Programs:
CET offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in core and emerging engineering streams, including Computer Science, Electrical, Mechanical, and Civil Engineering.
Research and Development:
The college actively collaborates with industries and government agencies for applied research. Students participate in projects, workshops, and competitions to gain hands-on experience.
5. Amrita School of Engineering, Amritapuri (ASE)
- NIRF Rank 2025: Participated (Not in Top 100)
- Location: Kollam, Kerala
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri, is known for quality engineering education combined with ethical and holistic learning.
Infrastructure:
The campus offers advanced laboratories, digital classrooms, and libraries to enhance learning experiences. Practical training ensures students are well-prepared for industry demands.
Placements:
Amrita has a strong placement record with top recruiters in the software, electronics, and civil sectors. Internship programs provide early industry exposure.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Which is the best engineering college in Kerala?
A: According to NIRF 2025, the top engineering college in Kerala is NIT Calicut, ranked 21st nationally.
Q: How does IIT Palakkad compare to NIT Calicut?
A: While IIT Palakkad ranks 64th in NIRF 2025, it offers interdisciplinary programs and strong placement opportunities, making it a competitive choice.
Q: What is the ranking of IIST Thiruvananthapuram?
A: IIST Thiruvananthapuram holds the 61st position in NIRF 2025, specializing in space science and engineering education.
Q: Are private engineering colleges in Kerala competitive?
A: Yes, institutions like Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham and CUSAT Kochi are recognized for academic excellence and industry connections, though they are not in the NIRF top 50.
Q: What are the placement prospects at these colleges?
A: Colleges like NIT Calicut and IIT Palakkad have strong placement records, with median salaries around ₹9–10 lakh per annum, attracting top recruiters.
Q: How do fees compare across these institutions?
A: Government-funded colleges like NIT Calicut and IIT Palakkad have lower tuition fees (around ₹5–9 lakh), whereas private institutions may have higher fees.
Q: What are the admission processes for these colleges?
A: Admissions to NIT Calicut and IIT Palakkad are through JEE Main and JEE Advanced, respectively, while IIST Thiruvananthapuram conducts its own entrance exam.
Q: How do these colleges rank nationally?
A: In NIRF 2025, NIT Calicut is 21st, IIST Thiruvananthapuram 61st, and IIT Palakkad 64th among engineering institutions in India.
Conclusion
Kerala offers a mix of historic and modern engineering colleges that provide robust academic programs and excellent career opportunities. NIT Calicut, leading in the NIRF 2025 rankings, is ideal for students seeking research-driven and industry-relevant education. Colleges like CET, Amrita, Adi Shankara Institute, and GEC Kozhikode also offer quality education and holistic development opportunities.
Ultimately, the best college for you aligns with your interests, goals, and career aspirations. Explore options carefully, leverage expert guidance, and make a well-informed decision to set the foundation for a successful engineering career.
