Arts Colleges in Kerala 2026

University College, Thiruvananthapuram is a distinguished government college established in 1866 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Notably, the University College, Thiruvananthapuram has been ranked 81st by NIRF 2023 under the Colleges category, a significant achievement for this institution. The UC Thiruvananthapuram offers a total of 65 courses across various disciplines, a non-private college member. This institute has 3500 students enrolled in various programs, focusing primarily on Arts & Humanities and Science (with numerous specializations available). Further, this top-ranked premium institute (University College, Thiruvananthapuram) operates through more than 16 specialized departments, supported by over 226 faculty members. University College, Thiruvananthapuram is truly committed to academic excellence, recognized by appropriate regulatory bodies (often referred to as a premier college), and affiliated with the University of Kerala. This makes UC Thiruvananthapuram a key educational hub.

Mar Ivanios College is a distinguished autonomous institution established in 1949 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The Mar Ivanios College offers a total of 42 courses across various disciplines, a non-private college member. MIC is renowned; the institute has 2666+ students enrolled in diverse programs like MTTM, B.Sc. Botany, and BA Economics, among others, with fees for some B.Sc. programs ranging from ₹8,030 ₹1.13 Lakhs per entire duration. This top-ranked premium institute (Mar Ivanios College) operates through more than engineering, management specialized departments. Mar Ivanios College has been ranked 50th by KIRF 2023 in Arts and Science Colleges, and also 45th by NIRF 2023 (Colleges category), though it moved to 66th in 2024. MIC is committed to academic excellence and is recognized by appropriate regulatory bodies (often referred to as a premier college), with a campus spread over 25 acres.

Kristu Jyoti College of Management and Technology is a distinguished institute established in 1998 in Kottayam, Kerala. The Kristu Jyoti College of Management and Technology offers a total of 9 courses across various disciplines, a non-private institution member. KCMT (Kristu Jyoti College of Management and Technology) is quite renowned; further, the college provides various programs in Management, IT, Commerce, and vocational fields across its departments. This top-ranked premium institute, Kristu Jyoti College of Management and Technology, operates through more than 4 specialized departments, affiliated with Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam. Kristu Jyoti College is committed to academic excellence and is recognized by appropriate regulatory bodies (often referred to as a premier college).

Sacred Heart College, an autonomous institution, was established in 1944 in Ernakulam, Kerala. This college offers 42 courses across various disciplines; it's a non-private member. SHC is quite renowned, with 3313 students across programs like Engineering and other specialized fields. This top-ranked premium institute (Sacred Heart College) operates through engineering, management departments with 68 faculty members, maintaining a 1:49 faculty-student ratio. The Sacred Heart College is committed to academic excellence. Recognised by appropriate regulatory bodies (often referred to as a premier college), the institute has been ranked 48th by NIRF in 2024 (under the Colleges category). Further, SHC was ranked 1st by EducationWorld for Autonomous Colleges Kerala in 2025, also 24th by Outlook for Arts in 2024.

Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, a non-private institution affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi University, was established in 1955 in Ernakulam, Kerala. This distinguished college offers 23 courses across 10 departments, supporting 1421 students with 73 faculty (a 1:10 ratio). RCSS is a top-ranked premium institute, notably securing 1st in Social Work (India Today MDRA Survey 2023) and 10th for BBA. The Rajagiri campus covers 29 acres. Further, for Management, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences was ranked 101-125 by NIRF 2023 and 46th by Outlook I-CARE India MBA Ranking 2023. RCSS also has international tie-ups.

Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), a distinguished Deemed University, was established in 2007 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The institute, spanning 100 acres, offers a total of 32 courses, including B.Tech, M.Tech, and Ph.D programs, a non-private college member. IIST Thiruvananthapuram is home to 1179 students, operating through more than 7 specialized departments with over 100 faculty members. This top-ranked premium institute was notably ranked 14th by IIRF 2024 for its B.Tech programs. Further, IIST secured 51st in Engineering by NIRF 2024, with its Overall and University rankings placed in the 101-150 band. The college also boasts 4 international collaborations, underscoring its commitment to academic excellence. Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology is recognized by appropriate regulatory bodies (often referred to as a premier college).

Mahatma Gandhi University is a distinguished university, established in 1983 in Kottayam, Kerala. The Mahatma Gandhi University offers a total of 40 courses across various disciplines, a non-private college member. Notably, this institute has been ranked 19th by NIRF 2023 under the University category, and 31st overall. MGU Kottayam is quite renowned; the university has 1643 students enrolled in various programs, among others, including Arts, Business Administration, Computer Applications, Engineering, and Law across its departments. This top-ranked premium institute (Mahatma Gandhi University) operates through more than 31 specialized departments with over 107 faculty members, maintaining a faculty-student ratio of 12.4:1. MG University is committed to academic excellence and is recognized by appropriate regulatory bodies (often referred to as a premier college), situated on a 110-acre campus. Mahatma Gandhi University also has several international collaborations.

St. Thomas College is a distinguished autonomous institution established in 1918 in Thrissur, Kerala. The St. Thomas College offers a wide range of courses across various disciplines, including BA, B.Sc., B.Com, and M.Sc. programs. STC Thrissur is renowned; the institute has 3399 students enrolled in various programs across its 24 departments. This top-ranked premium institute (St. Thomas College), which spans a campus area of 28.87 acres, operates with over 175 faculty members. STC is committed to academic excellence and is recognized by appropriate regulatory bodies (often referred to as a premier college), notably ranked 57th by NIRF in 2024 under the Colleges category. The college also secured 93rd for Science by India Today in 2024.

St. Albert's College is a distinguished autonomous institution established in 1946 in Ernakulam, Kerala. The St. Albert's College offers a total of 46+ courses across various disciplines, operating as a non-private college member. SAC is quite renowned; the institute (St. Albert's College, that is) has various programs, including those in Engineering and other specialized fields, across its departments. This top-ranked premium institute (St. Albert's College) operates through more than the initially mentioned engineering, management specialized departments, boasting over 195 faculty members. SAC is committed to academic excellence and is recognized by appropriate regulatory bodies (often referred to as a premier college). Notably, this college was ranked 151-200 by NIRF in 2022 under the Overall category, and also secured the 44th position by The Week for Science.

The University of Calicut is a distinguished university established in 1968 in Malappuram, Kerala. This institution, often simply called Calicut University, offers a vast array of over 400 courses across various disciplines, operating as a non-private college member. Notably, the institute has been ranked 51-100 by NIRF University (2023), and also 101-150 overall in 2023, demonstrating its standing. UoC is renowned, with 2229 students enrolled in diverse programs like Engineering and other specialized fields within its 35 departments. This top-ranked premium institute (University of Calicut) further encompasses a large campus of 520 acres, supported by over 130 faculty members. Calicut University is committed to academic excellence and is recognized by appropriate regulatory bodies (often referred to as a premier college).

DC School of Management and Technology, Idukki Kerala, established in 2002, is a premier institution affiliated with Mahatma Gandhi University. Spanning 100 acres, it offers popular programs like MBA and MCA, fostering academic excellence and a vibrant campus ecosystem for future leaders.

St. Berchmans College is a distinguished Arts and Science college established in 1922 in Kottayam, Kerala. The institute has been notably ranked 54th by NIRF in 2023 under the College category, further demonstrating its standing. The St. Berchmans College offers a total of 53 courses across various disciplines, a non-private college member. SB College is renowned; the institute has 3008 students enrolled in various programs including Engineering and other specialized fields across its departments. This top-ranked premium institute (St. Berchmans College), also known as SB College, operates through more than engineering, management specialized departments with over 200 faculty members. Additionally, St. Berchmans College has multiple international collaborations. SB College is committed to academic excellence and is recognized by appropriate regulatory bodies (often referred to as a premier college).

St. Teresa's College is a distinguished institution, established in 1958 in Ernakulam, Kerala. The St. Teresa's College offers a total of Over 80 courses across various disciplines, functioning as a non-private college member. The institute is quite renowned; St. Teresa's College has 13282 students enrolled in various programs, which include Arts, Science, Commerce, and other specialized fields, across its 17 departments. This top-ranked premium institute (St. Teresa's College) operates with over 732 faculty members, maintaining a faculty-student ratio of 18.14:1. The college is committed to academic excellence, recognized by appropriate regulatory bodies (often referred to as a premier college). Notably, St. Teresa's College was ranked 44th by NIRF (Colleges, 2023) and secured the 1st position by GHRDC (Best BCA & Commerce, 2023). It also achieved 7th for BCA by India Today and 2nd for Arts and Science (All India) by The Week Hansa Survey in 2023.

Farook College is a distinguished institution, established in 1948 in Kozhikode, Kerala. The Farook College offers a substantial 53 courses across various disciplines, operating as a non-private college member. Farook College, often simply called FC, is quite renowned; this top-ranked premium institute (Farook College) operates through more than Arts, Commerce, Computer Science, Library Science, Management, Science, Social Work specialized departments. The college boasts over 176 (2021-2022) faculty members. FC is committed to academic excellence and is recognized by appropriate regulatory bodies (often referred to as a premier college). Further, the institute has been ranked 71st by NIRF in 2019 under the Colleges category, also securing 124th by India Today in 2021 for Overall performance.

Newman College is a distinguished educational institution established in 1964 in Idukki, Kerala. The Newman College, specifically located in Thodupuzha, offers a total of 30 courses across various disciplines; it operates as a non-private college member. This institute is well-regarded, providing diverse programs including BCA, various BA and B.Sc. specializations (like Botany, Physics, Computer Science), alongside B.Com Finance & Taxation, MA, M.Sc., and M.Com options. This reputed college (Newman College) functions through more than 18 specialized departments. Newman College is committed to academic excellence and is recognized by appropriate regulatory bodies, being notably affiliated with Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam (often referred to as a premier college in the region). Further, the institute accepts MGU CAT for admissions into some of its postgraduate courses.

Thangal Kunju Musaliar College of Arts and Science, Kollam, established in 1965, is a premier institution affiliated with the University of Kerala. Accredited with an ''A'' grade by NAAC, it offers 19 diverse UG and PG programs across its sprawling 25-acre campus. The college is recognized for its academic excellence and vibrant student life in Kerala.

St. Joseph's College is a distinguished Arts and Science College established in 1956 in Kozhikode, Kerala. The St. Joseph's College (often known as Devagiri College), a non-private college member, offers a total of 46 courses across various disciplines. SJC is renowned; the institute has 2571 students enrolled in diverse programs spanning Arts, Science, Commerce, and Social Work across its departments. This top-ranked premium institute (St. Joseph's College) operates through more than 17+ specialized departments with over 101 faculty members. Notably, the college was ranked 59th by NIRF 2023 in the Colleges category, and 48th by India Today 2024 for Arts and Humanities. St. Joseph's College is committed to academic excellence and is recognized by appropriate regulatory bodies (often referred to as a premier college).

Fatima Mata National College, located in Kollam, Kerala, is a distinguished Arts and Science college established in 1951. This institution, often referred to as FMNC, offers a substantial 35 courses across diverse disciplines, functioning autonomously under the University of Kerala. The Fatima Mata National College is indeed quite renowned, with 3882 students currently enrolled in various undergraduate and postgraduate programs like Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts, and Bachelor of Commerce. Further, this top-ranked premium institute (Fatima Mata National College) operates through 7 specialized departments with a dedicated team of 107 faculty members, maintaining a 36:1 faculty-student ratio. Fatima College has also been ranked 201-300th by NIRF 2024 in the Colleges category, underscoring its commitment to academic excellence. The college campus spans 16.6 acres.

Oriental School of Hotel Management (OSHM), established in 1995 in Wayanad, Kerala, is a premier institution offering diverse programs in hotel management and culinary arts. Affiliated with the University of Calicut and NCHMCT, OSHM is recognized for its industry-focused curriculum and commitment to shaping hospitality professionals.

Christ College Irinjalakuda is a distinguished premier educational institution established in 1956 in Kerala, Kerala. The Christ College Irinjalakuda offers a total of 43 courses across various disciplines, a non-private college member. This esteemed institute, Christ College Irinjalakuda, has been ranked in the 151-200 band by NIRF in 2023 under the College category, with Christ College Irinjalakuda also recognized as a Band Performer (51-100) by ARIIA in 2021 for Overall performance. Further, CCI (Christ College Irinjalakuda) is renowned; it operates through more than Arts, Commerce, Computer Applications, Management, Media and Communication, Science, Social Sciences, Vocational specialized departments with over 186 faculty members. This top-ranked premium institute (Christ College Irinjalakuda) is committed to academic excellence and is recognized by appropriate regulatory bodies (often referred to as a premier college).

Bishop Vayalil Memorial Holy Cross College, a distinguished college located in Kottayam, Kerala, was established in 1995. The Bishop Vayalil Memorial Holy Cross College offers a substantial 18 courses across various disciplines. This institution, often known as BVM Holy Cross College (affiliated with Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam), is a non-private college member. Holy Cross College Kottayam provides diverse programs focusing on Arts, Science, Commerce, and Management, with options like BBA, B.Sc. Physics, and M.Com available. Further, the institute operates through more than 9 specialized departments. Bishop Vayalil Memorial Holy Cross College is committed to academic excellence; it's a premier college recognized by appropriate regulatory bodies. The Bishop Vayalil Memorial Holy Cross College continues its mission in education.