Are you planning to pursue engineering in Tamil Nadu?
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024 has released its latest rankings of engineering colleges across India. Tamil Nadu is home to some of the country’s most prestigious engineering institutions, offering world-class academic infrastructure, experienced faculty, and excellent placement opportunities.
In this article, we present the top engineering colleges in Tamil Nadu as per NIRF 2024. This comprehensive list will help aspiring students make informed decisions while applying through TNEA 2025 counselling, JEE, or other admission processes.
Colleges like IIT Madras, NIT Trichy, Anna University, VIT, and others continue to maintain their reputation for engineering excellence.
Why Choose Engineering Colleges in Tamil Nadu?
Tamil Nadu is a hub for technical education, offering:
- World-class infrastructure
- Highly qualified and experienced faculty
- Robust placement opportunities with top recruiters
Institutions like IIT Madras, NIT Trichy, and Anna University consistently rank among India’s best, attracting students from across the globe. Whether you’re aiming for Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or emerging fields like AI and Robotics, Tamil Nadu’s colleges offer diverse programs to match your career goals.
Top Engineering Colleges in Tamil Nadu – NIRF 2024 Rankings
| College Name | Location | NIRF Score | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) | Chennai | 89.46 | 1 |
| National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli (NIT Trichy) | Tiruchirappalli | 66.88 | 9 |
| Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) | Vellore | 66.22 | 11 |
| S.R.M. Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) | Chennai | 65.41 | 13 |
| Anna University | Chennai | 65.34 | 14 |
| Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham | Coimbatore | 61.29 | 23 |
| Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education | Srivilliputhur | 58.20 | 36 |
| Shanmugha Arts Science Technology and Research Academy (SASTRA) | Thanjavur | 57.97 | 38 |
| Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering (SSN) | Kalavakkam | 55.01 | 46 |
| Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences | Chennai | 52.85 | 53 |
| Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology | Chennai | 50.05 | 66 |
| PSG College of Technology | Coimbatore | 49.92 | 67 |
| Sri Krishna College of Engineering and Technology | Coimbatore | 46.53 | 83 |
| Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R & D Institute of Science and Technology | Chennai | 46.23 | 86 |
Note: IIT Madras and NIT Trichy admit students through JEE Advanced and JEE Main respectively, not through TNEA counselling.
Explore the official | NIRF India Rankings 2024 for Engineering >>
Why Refer to NIRF Rankings Before Applying?
The NIRF ranking, released annually by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, is based on five key parameters:
- Teaching, Learning, and Resources (TLR)
- Research and Professional Practice (RP)
- Graduation Outcomes (GO)
- Outreach and Inclusivity (OI)
- Perception (PR)
These metrics ensure a holistic evaluation of institutions, making NIRF a trusted source for students and parents.
Important Admission Note:
While most colleges in Tamil Nadu accept admissions through TNEA counselling (based on Class 12 marks), please note the following:
- IIT Madras admits students through JEE Advanced.
- NIT Trichy admits students through JEE Main.
- Other colleges like VIT and SRM conduct their own entrance exams (VITEEE, SRMJEEE).
- Colleges like Anna University, SSN College, PSG College admit via TNEA.
For a complete step-by-step guide on the TNEA 2025 online counselling procedure, check out our detailed TNEA Counselling Guide here
Tips for Choosing the Right Engineering College:
While the NIRF ranking is a significant indicator of quality, consider the following factors when making your decision:
- Specific Engineering Branch: Ensure the college offers the specific engineering specialization you are interested in.
- Faculty and Research: Look into the qualifications and experience of the faculty and the research opportunities available.
- Infrastructure and Facilities: Check for well-equipped laboratories, libraries, and other essential facilities.
- Placement Record: Review the college’s placement statistics and the companies that recruit from the institution.
- Location and Campus Environment: Consider the college’s location and the overall campus life, including extracurricular activities and student support services.
- Fees and Scholarships: Understand the fee structure and the availability of scholarships or financial aid.
Explore the official TNEA 2024 lowest cutoffs and highest ranks by college and branch to make informed choices on the TNEA Cutoff Portal.
How to Use the NIRF Ranking Effectively
The NIRF Ranking 2024 offers a valuable starting point to shortlist colleges.
After shortlisting:
- Visit official college websites
- Connect with current students or alumni
- If possible, visit campuses to experience the environment
Also check: TNEA Application Form 2025 (Out): Date, How to Apply Online
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the NIRF Ranking?
A: The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) is a methodology adopted by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, to rank higher education institutions in India based on various parameters such as teaching, learning & resources, research and professional practice, graduation outcomes, outreach and inclusivity, and perception.
Which is the top-ranked engineering college in Tamil Nadu according to the NIRF 2024?
A: According to the NIRF Ranking 2024, the top-ranked engineering college in Tamil Nadu is the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras).
How often is the NIRF ranking released?
A: The NIRF ranking for different categories of educational institutions, including engineering, is typically released annually.
Is the NIRF ranking the only factor to consider when choosing a college?
A: While the NIRF ranking is a significant indicator of quality, it’s essential to consider other factors such as the specific engineering branch you are interested in, faculty expertise, infrastructure, placement record, location, and your personal preferences.
Where can I find the complete list of NIRF rankings for engineering colleges in India?
A: The complete list of NIRF rankings for all categories of institutions is available on the official website of the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), usually under the Ministry of Education’s domain.
Do private engineering colleges also participate in the NIRF ranking?
A: Yes, both government and private engineering colleges that meet the eligibility criteria can participate in the NIRF ranking process.
How is the NIRF score calculated?
A: The NIRF score is calculated based on a weighted average of scores obtained across the five broad parameters mentioned earlier: Teaching, Learning & Resources (TLR), Research and Professional Practice (RPP), Graduation Outcomes (GO), Outreach and Inclusivity (OI), and Perception (PR).
Will the NIRF rankings change in future years?
A: Yes, the NIRF rankings are released annually, and the rankings of institutions may change based on their performance in the evaluation parameters for that particular year.
Can I get admission to IIT Madras through TNEA counselling?
A: No. Admission to IIT Madras is through JEE Advanced, not TNEA counselling.
How is NIT Trichy ranked in NIRF 2024?
A: National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli (NIT Trichy) is ranked 9th in India and 2nd in Tamil Nadu among engineering colleges.
What is TNEA counselling?
A: Tamil Nadu Engineering Admissions (TNEA) is a centralized counselling process conducted by Anna University for undergraduate engineering admissions based on Class 12 marks (without an entrance exam).
Tamil Nadu remains a preferred destination for engineering aspirants due to its diverse range of top-ranked institutions.
Whether you’re applying via TNEA counselling 2025, JEE, or private university entrance exams, this NIRF 2024 ranking will guide you to the best-fit colleges aligned with your career goals.
Stay tuned to our website for the latest updates on TNEA application process, counselling dates, cutoffs, and more.