A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Technological University: Admission 2026, Courses, Fees, Ranking & Thiruvananthapuram Campus Life

About APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University Thiruvananthapuram

APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (APJAKTU), established in 2014 and located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is a state public technological university. It was founded by the Government of Kerala and named after the renowned Indian scientist and former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in 2015. The university functions as both an affiliating and teaching institution with jurisdiction over technical education across Kerala.

The university holds approval from UGC and AICTE and has been accredited with a NAAC grade of A. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs primarily in engineering, technology, architecture, and management. With over 170 affiliated colleges and more than 160,000 students, APJAKTU is recognized for its academic rigor and contributions to technical education in Kerala.

Key Highlights

Overview

APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (APJAKTU), established in 2014 and located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is a state public technological university. It was founded by the Government of Kerala and named after the renowned Indian scientist and former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in 2015. The university functions as both an affiliating and teaching institution with jurisdiction over technical education across Kerala.

The university holds approval from UGC and AICTE and has been accredited with a NAAC grade of A. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs primarily in engineering, technology, architecture, and management. With over 170 affiliated colleges and more than 160,000 students, APJAKTU is recognized for its academic rigor and contributions to technical education in Kerala.

Key Highlights

Admission Dates 2026

APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) Thiruvananthapuram conducts admissions primarily through entrance exams such as KEAM for B.Tech, GATE for M.Tech, CMAT/CAT/MAT for MBA, and CEE Kerala entrance for MCA. The admission cycle includes application submission, entrance exams, merit list publication, counselling, and seat confirmation.

Admission Process

Admission to APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) Thiruvananthapuram is primarily entrance exam based for all programmes. Undergraduate admissions like BTech require JEE Main or KEAM scores, while postgraduate courses such as MTech and MBA require GATE or national-level management entrance exams like CAT/CMAT. PhD admissions involve a university entrance test and interview.

BTech Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Register and apply for the KEAM or JEE Main entrance exam through the official portals.
2. Appear for the entrance exam and obtain a valid score.
3. Check the merit list published by KTU based on entrance exam scores.
4. Participate in the counselling process conducted by the university for seat allotment.
5. Complete document verification and pay the admission fee to confirm the seat.

MTech Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Apply for the GATE exam and secure a valid score in the relevant engineering discipline.
2. Submit the application form on the KTU portal for MTech admission.
3. Shortlisted candidates based on GATE scores may be called for a personal interview.
4. Attend the interview and await the rank list published by the university.
5. Complete document verification and fee payment to confirm admission.

MBA Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Obtain a valid score in CAT, CMAT, or MAT entrance exams.
2. Apply online through the KTU official website or affiliated college portals.
3. Participate in the Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds conducted by the university or affiliated institutes.
4. Check the merit list and seat allotment results.
5. Complete document verification and pay the required fees to confirm admission.

PhD Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Ensure eligibility with a relevant master’s degree and minimum CGPA of 5.75 (5.25 for reserved categories).
2. Apply online for the PhD entrance test on the university portal.
3. Appear for the entrance test and secure at least 50% marks to qualify for the interview.
4. Attend the interview conducted by the university.
5. Complete document verification and fee payment after selection.

Eligibility Criteria & Fees

Documents Required

• Completed online application form
• Proof of Date of Birth (Class 10 certificate)
• Mark sheets and certificates of qualifying examinations
• Entrance exam scorecard (JEE Main/KEAM/GATE/CAT/CMAT as applicable)
• Transfer Certificate and Conduct Certificate from last institution
• Caste/Community certificate (if applicable)
• Non-Creamy Layer certificate for SEBC candidates (if applicable)
• Passport or Kerala origin certificate (for reservation quota)
• Undertaking Anti-ragging regulations

Cutoff 2025

The 2025 cutoff ranks for APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) show a competitive trend, especially for BTech courses through KEAM, with top branches like Computer Science and Engineering requiring ranks typically below 2000 for the general category. M.Tech admissions through GATE also maintain moderate cutoff scores around the 350-360 mark for popular specializations. The NATA cutoff for B.Arch remains very stringent, with general category ranks between 25 and 55.

Placements 2025

APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) achieved a strong placement performance in 2025 with over 85% of students placed across IT, manufacturing, consulting, and core engineering sectors. The highest package reached ₹30 LPA, with an average package around ₹6 LPA. Top recruiters included Oracle, Larsen & Toubro, Mahindra, Bosch, Amazon, Infosys, and Wipro.

Placement Statistics

Top Recruiters

IT: Amazon, Infosys, Wipro, Oracle, TCS, UST Global

Consulting: Larsen & Toubro, Cognizant, Mahindra

Core: Bosch, Reliance, Tata Elexsi, BEL, Terumo Penpol

Branch-wise Placement

Rankings & Accreditations

APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU), Thiruvananthapuram, is ranked 38th among universities in India by NIRF 2025, reflecting its strong academic and research performance. It is recognized primarily in the university category with no separate engineering or architecture rankings under its name in 2025.

NIRF 2025

Other Rankings

Accreditations

• NAAC: Grade A (Valid till 2027)
• NBA: Accredited for various engineering programs

Scholarships & Financial Aid

APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU), Thiruvananthapuram, students have access to various scholarships including institute-specific aid and government scholarships such as the Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Commonwealth Scholarship for international students. State government scholarships for Kerala students and national schemes via the National Scholarship Portal are also available to support eligible students financially.

Institute Scholarships

Government Scholarships

External Scholarships

• Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Young Research Scholarship (TERRE Policy Centre): ₹50,000 for research students showing innovation and environmental focus
• Microsoft Imagine Cup Global Competition 2026: Full funding for design and technology projects, open to all nationals

Comparison

APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) Thiruvananthapuram is compared with College of Engineering Trivandrum (CET) and Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) Thiruvananthapuram as they are prominent government technical institutions in Kerala offering engineering education with strong academic and research profiles, attracting similar student demographics and industry recruiters.

Key Strengths

• APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University Thiruvananthapuram: State technical university with wide affiliation network, strong research focus, and comprehensive engineering programs.
• College of Engineering Trivandrum: Oldest engineering college in Kerala with established industry connections and strong alumni network.
• Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology: Specialized institute focused on space science and technology with direct ties to ISRO and high research output.

Campus & Infrastructure

APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University is headquartered in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, with a strategically located campus near premier research institutes. The university is developing a state-of-the-art learning centre at its Vilappilsala Campus to enhance academic and administrative facilities.

Campus Details

Academic Facilities

• Library: Specific number of books and e-journals not disclosed
• Labs: Number of labs not specified
• Classrooms: Smart classrooms planned at Vilappilsala Campus (exact number not provided)

Hostel

Other Facilities

• State-of-the-art learning centre under development at Vilappilsala Campus

Frequently Asked Questions

What entrance exams are accepted for B.Tech admission at APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University?

B.Tech admissions are primarily based on the Kerala Engineering Architecture Medical Exam (KEAM) and JEE Mains scores. KEAM is conducted offline annually, and admission is through centralized counselling based on merit ranks.

What is the eligibility criteria for postgraduate courses like M.Tech at KTU?

For M.Tech admission, candidates must have a relevant bachelor's degree in engineering with at least 50% marks and a valid GATE score. In absence of GATE, admission is through a university entrance test or interview.

How much is the tuition fee for B.Tech programs at APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University?

The annual tuition fee for B.Tech courses ranges approximately between ₹8,000 to ₹15,000 depending on the affiliated college and category of admission (government or management quota).

Are scholarships available for students at KTU?

KTU offers scholarships based on merit and reserved category status, with some affiliated colleges providing up to 75% scholarships. Financial aid is also available through government schemes for SC/ST and OBC students.

What is the average placement package for KTU graduates?

The average placement package varies by branch but generally ranges from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh per annum, with top recruiters offering packages up to ₹10 lakh. Placement rates are improving steadily across affiliated colleges.

Which companies frequently recruit from APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University?

Major recruiters include Infosys, TCS, Wipro, IBM, and various startups in IT and engineering sectors. Internship opportunities are also facilitated through industry collaborations.

How is the curriculum structured for engineering courses at KTU?

The curriculum is designed to be industry-relevant, combining theoretical knowledge with practical labs and project work. It includes core engineering subjects, electives, and mandatory internships.

Does KTU encourage research activities among students and faculty?

Yes, KTU promotes research through funded projects, collaborations with industries, and PhD programs. The university conducts entrance tests and interviews for research admissions.

What are the hostel facilities like at APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University?

Hostels provide shared rooms accommodating 2-3 students with basic amenities like electricity, Wi-Fi, and water supply. Separate hostels are available for boys and girls, with mess facilities offering vegetarian and non-vegetarian food.

Is there a dress code or uniform requirement at KTU?

There is no strict dress code or uniform mandated by the university; however, some affiliated colleges may have their own guidelines for decorum and attire.

How accessible is the campus in terms of public transport and commute?

The university campus in Thiruvananthapuram is well-connected by city buses and local transport. Many students use two-wheelers or public transit for daily commute.

Can students pursue part-time jobs while studying at KTU?

Part-time jobs are possible but limited due to academic workload. Many students engage in internships or project work related to their field instead of external part-time employment.

How does APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University compare with other engineering universities in Kerala?

KTU is recognized for its updated curriculum and industry focus, ranking among the top technical universities in Kerala. It has a strong alumni network and better research opportunities compared to older universities.

What is the return on investment (ROI) for a B.Tech degree from KTU?

With low tuition fees (₹8,000–₹15,000 per year) and average starting salaries around ₹3–5 lakh per annum, the ROI for KTU engineering graduates is considered favorable.

Are there active student clubs and cultural festivals at KTU?

Yes, the university and its affiliated colleges host various clubs for technical, cultural, and sports activities. Annual fests like Chakravyuh (sports) and Layatharang (arts) are popular among students.

What medical and sports facilities are available on campus?

KTU provides basic medical facilities and sports infrastructure including football, basketball courts, badminton, and indoor games to promote student health and fitness.

What documents are required during the admission process at KTU?

Applicants must submit 10th and 12th mark sheets, entrance exam scorecards, government ID proof, passport-size photos, and category/domicile certificates during document verification.

Is there a centralized counselling process for seat allotment at KTU?

Yes, seat allotment is conducted through a centralized counselling system based on entrance exam ranks and preferences, ensuring transparent and merit-based admissions.

What are the research admission criteria for PhD programs at APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University?

PhD candidates must have a relevant master's degree with minimum CGPA of 5.75 (5.25 for reserved categories) and clear an entrance test followed by an interview conducted by the university.

Are computer labs and internet facilities adequate for students at KTU?

The university has multiple air-conditioned computer labs with high-speed internet and latest software to support academic and research activities.