National Institute of Technology Calicut: Admission 2026, Courses, Fees, Ranking & Kozhikode Campus Life

About National Institute of Technology - [NITC] Calicut

The National Institute of Technology Calicut (NIT Calicut or NITC), established in 1961, is located in Kozhikode, Kerala. It is a centrally funded public technical university recognized as an Institute of National Importance under the NIT Act of 2007. Originally known as Calicut Regional Engineering College, it operates autonomously under the Ministry of Education, Government of India.

NIT Calicut holds a NAAC A+ grade and is ranked 21st among engineering institutes in the NIRF 2025 rankings. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in engineering, architecture, science, and management, with over 5,000 students and a strong faculty base. The institute is noted for its research output, with 155 patents filed in the last five years and a placement rate exceeding 90%.

Key Highlights

Overview

The National Institute of Technology Calicut (NIT Calicut or NITC), established in 1961, is located in Kozhikode, Kerala. It is a centrally funded public technical university recognized as an Institute of National Importance under the NIT Act of 2007. Originally known as Calicut Regional Engineering College, it operates autonomously under the Ministry of Education, Government of India.

NIT Calicut holds a NAAC A+ grade and is ranked 21st among engineering institutes in the NIRF 2025 rankings. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in engineering, architecture, science, and management, with over 5,000 students and a strong faculty base. The institute is noted for its research output, with 155 patents filed in the last five years and a placement rate exceeding 90%.

Key Highlights

Admission Dates 2026

Admissions at National Institute of Technology Calicut (NITC) for 2026 are based on national level entrance exams such as JEE Main for B.Tech/B.Arch, GATE for M.Tech, CAT for MBA, NIMCET for MCA, and IIT JAM for M.Sc. The admission process includes application submission, entrance exams, and counselling through JoSAA or respective bodies.

Admission Process

Admission to National Institute of Technology Calicut (NITC) is primarily through national-level entrance exams: JEE Main for undergraduate B.Tech and B.Arch programs, GATE for M.Tech/M.Plan, JAM for M.Sc., CAT for MBA, and NIMCET for MCA. Foreign nationals and NRIs can apply through the DASA scheme.

B.Tech Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Appear for JEE Main 2025 and secure a valid All India Rank.
2. Register online on the JoSAA counselling portal using JEE Main credentials.
3. Fill and lock choices/preferences for NIT Calicut and desired B.Tech branches.
4. Participate in multiple rounds of seat allotment conducted by JoSAA.
5. After seat allotment, accept the seat, upload required documents, and pay the seat acceptance fee.
6. Report physically to NIT Calicut campus for document verification and final admission confirmation JoSAA schedule.

M.Tech/M.Plan Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Qualify GATE exam with a valid score in the relevant discipline.
2. Apply through the centralized counselling process CCMT for seat allotment.
3. Participate in CCMT counselling rounds and select NIT Calicut as preferred institute.
4. Complete admission formalities at NIT Calicut after seat allotment.
5. Self-sponsored and sponsored candidates must apply separately institute guidelines.

M.Sc. Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Appear for JAM exam and obtain a valid score.
2. Apply through CCMN centralized counselling for M.Sc. admissions.
3. Choose NIT Calicut and preferred M.Sc. specialization during counselling.
4. Complete admission formalities after seat allotment.

MBA Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Appear for CAT exam and obtain a valid score.
2. Apply to NIT Calicut MBA program through the institute’s admission portal.
3. Attend personal interview as part of the selection process.
4. Complete admission formalities upon selection.

Ph.D. Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Check eligibility and research areas on NIT Calicut website.
2. Apply online through the institute’s research admission portal.
3. Appear for written test and/or interview conducted by NIT Calicut.
4. Submit required documents and complete admission formalities after selection.

Eligibility Criteria & Fees

Documents Required

• Class 10 and 12 mark sheets and certificates
• Entrance exam scorecard (JEE Main/GATE/JAM/CAT/NIMCET as applicable)
• Category certificate (if applicable)
• Passport size photographs
• Identity proof (Aadhaar, Passport, etc.)
• Provisional allotment letter from JoSAA/CCMT/CCMN or institute
• Degree certificates for PG and Ph.D. admissions
• Migration and transfer certificates (if applicable)

Cutoff 2025

The 2025 JEE Main cutoff ranks for NIT Calicut show a consistent trend of high competition for popular branches like Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), with closing ranks generally between 2600 and 9000 for the general category. Other core branches such as Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical, and Civil Engineering have wider cutoff ranges extending up to around 40,000 in the general category. Reserved categories have significantly relaxed cutoffs. The cutoffs vary across JoSAA counselling rounds, with the first round having the highest cutoffs and later rounds showing some relaxation due to seat availability and candidate preferences.

Placements 2025

National Institute of Technology Calicut (NITC) achieved a strong placement performance in 2025 with over 1,200 students registered and approximately 970 offers made, reflecting a placement rate close to 73%. The highest package reached ₹56.59 LPA for postgraduate students and ₹43.24 LPA for undergraduates, with an average package around ₹13-14 LPA. Top recruiters spanned IT, consulting, core engineering, and finance sectors, maintaining NITC’s reputation for robust industry connections and diverse opportunities.

Placement Statistics

Top Recruiters

IT: Google, Microsoft, Oracle, IBM, TCS Digital, Cisco, D.E. Shaw, Salesforce, Amazon

Consulting: Deloitte, EY, PwC, KPMG, Accenture

Core: L&T, Schlumberger, Tata Projects, Honeywell, Bosch, Cummins, Tata Motors

Branch-wise Placement

Rankings & Accreditations

National Institute of Technology Calicut (NITC) holds strong positions in national rankings for 2025, ranking 21st in engineering, 2nd in architecture, and 45th overall in India NIRF. It also features in management rankings and maintains recognized accreditations.

NIRF 2025

Other Rankings

Accreditations

• NAAC: A+ Grade (Valid till 2028)
• NBA: Accredited for multiple engineering programs including Computer Science & Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Electronics & Communication Engineering

Scholarships & Financial Aid

National Institute of Technology Calicut (NITC) offers a range of scholarships to support meritorious and financially needy students, including institute-level scholarships, state-specific schemes like E-Grantz for Kerala SC/ST/OBC students, and central government scholarships such as the Central Sector Top Class Scholarship for SC/ST students. Students can also access various scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) and benefit from education loans facilitated on campus.

Institute Scholarships

Government Scholarships

External Scholarships

• Foundation for Excellence (FFE): Financial aid for meritorious students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds
• SPDC Scholarship: For DASA/CIWG students at NIT Calicut
• Corporate Merit Scholarships: Awards based on academic excellence from various corporates
• NITC Aspire Scholarship (Alumni Funded): Financial support for needy NITC students

Comparison

National Institute of Technology Calicut (NITC) is compared with NIT Tiruchirappalli and NIT Karnataka Surathkal as they are among the top-ranked NITs in India, sharing similar government status, academic focus on engineering and technology, and strong national reputations in the NIRF 2025 rankings.

Key Strengths

• National Institute of Technology - [NITC] Calicut: Strong research focus with dedicated nanotechnology and supercomputing facilities, and a leading role in technical education quality improvement programmes.
• National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli: Consistently top-ranked NIT with excellent industry connections and high placement packages, known for strong academic and research output.
• National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal: Renowned for its scenic campus and strong engineering programs, with a balanced focus on academics and extracurricular development.

Campus & Infrastructure

National Institute of Technology Calicut (NITC) is situated about 22 km northeast of Kozhikode city, Kerala, nestled at the foothills of the Western Ghats. The sprawling residential campus covers approximately 300 acres (120 hectares) and features a lush green, eco-friendly environment with modern academic and recreational facilities.

Campus Details

Academic Facilities

• Library: Over 1.55 lakh books, 193 national and international journals, 4690+ online journals, 2117 e-books, 31674 e-databases, and capacity for 500 users simultaneously
• Labs: Multiple advanced labs including Chemistry, Computer, Electrical, Electronics, Language, Mechanical, Physics, VLSI, Environmental Research, CAAD, Heat Transfer, and Nanotechnology labs
• Classrooms: Modern, spacious smart classrooms equipped with projectors, digital whiteboards, and video conferencing tools

Hostel

Other Facilities

• Gymnasium with 25 stations and exclusive ladies’ fitness centre
• Swimming pool
• Sports grounds for football, cricket (Ranji Trophy standard), hockey, basketball, volleyball, tennis, badminton, roller skating
• Auditorium and open-air theatre
• Central Computer Centre with 190+ client machines and high-end servers
• Health Centre with doctors, nurses, ambulance, and tie-ups with top Kozhikode hospitals
• Wi-Fi enabled campus with 24x7 internet access
• Bank branches (State Bank of India, Canara Bank) and multiple ATMs
• Post office, co-operative store, cafeterias, and guest houses for visitors

Frequently Asked Questions

What entrance exams are required for admission to BTech programs at NIT Calicut?

Admission to BTech courses at NIT Calicut is through the JEE Main exam, followed by JoSAA counseling. Eligibility requires clearing JEE Main with the required cutoff and meeting the 10+2 academic criteria.

What is the application process for MCA at NIT Calicut?

MCA admission is based on the NIMCET exam, followed by JoSAA counseling. The program is 3 years full-time with around 52–60 seats, and eligibility includes a BSc in Computer Science with Mathematics.

What is the approximate annual fee structure for undergraduate programs at NIT Calicut?

The total annual fee for BTech students is around ₹1.5 to ₹2 lakhs, including tuition, hostel, and other charges. Fee payment can be done online through the institute portal.

Are scholarships available for students at NIT Calicut?

Yes, NIT Calicut offers merit-based and need-based scholarships, including government scholarships and fee waivers for reserved categories and economically weaker sections.

What is the average placement package offered to NIT Calicut graduates?

The average package for BTech graduates is approximately ₹10–12 lakh per annum, with the highest packages reaching ₹40+ lakh in recent years, especially in core and IT sectors.

Which top recruiters visit NIT Calicut for placements?

Major recruiters include Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Intel, TCS, Infosys, and L&T, covering sectors like IT, core engineering, consulting, and finance.

How is the curriculum structured for engineering courses at NIT Calicut?

The curriculum follows the latest AICTE guidelines with a strong focus on core engineering subjects, electives, labs, and project work, along with opportunities for interdisciplinary research.

Does NIT Calicut have active research programs and faculty involvement?

Yes, NIT Calicut has active research centers and faculty engaged in funded projects across engineering, science, and technology, with publications in reputed journals and conferences.

What are the hostel facilities available for students at NIT Calicut?

The campus has 11 boys' hostels and 3 girls' hostels, offering single, double, triple, and quadruple occupancy rooms. Facilities include 24/7 water, electricity, Wi-Fi, mess with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, and sports amenities.

How is the food quality and mess system in NIT Calicut hostels?

There are 16 messes on campus, including two pure vegetarian ones. Students can switch messes monthly. Food quality is generally good, catering to diverse tastes with North and South Indian cuisines.

What extracurricular clubs and cultural activities are available on campus?

NIT Calicut hosts various clubs for robotics, coding, dance, music, and drama, along with annual cultural and technical fests like Tathva and Ragam, fostering a vibrant campus life.

Is the campus and city of Calicut safe for students?

The campus has CCTV surveillance and security personnel ensuring safety. Calicut city is generally safe with good connectivity, though students are advised to follow standard precautions.

Are there part-time job opportunities or internships available for students at NIT Calicut?

While on-campus part-time jobs are limited, many students secure internships during vacations through college placement cells and external companies, especially in IT and engineering sectors.

What are the recommended laptop specifications for NIT Calicut students?

Students are advised to have laptops with at least an Intel i5 processor, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, and a good battery life to handle programming, simulations, and project work efficiently.

Is there a dress code or any specific guidelines for students at NIT Calicut?

There is no formal dress code; however, students are expected to dress modestly and appropriately for academic and official events.

How does NIT Calicut compare with other NITs in terms of reputation and ROI?

NIT Calicut ranks consistently among the top 10 NITs in India, offering strong academics and placements, making it a good investment with a high return on investment due to competitive fees and placement packages.

What is the alumni network like at NIT Calicut?

The alumni network is active globally, with many graduates holding key positions in multinational companies, academia, and startups, facilitating mentorship and networking opportunities for current students.

Can students get single occupancy rooms in hostels at NIT Calicut?

Single occupancy rooms are generally available for final-year students and in some girls' hostels, while first-year students mostly share rooms with 3-4 occupants.

What is the campus commute like for students at NIT Calicut?

The campus is well-connected internally with shuttle buses and cycle paths. Most students prefer walking or cycling, and the campus is about 22 km from Calicut city center.

Are education loans easily available for NIT Calicut students?

Yes, most nationalized and private banks offer education loans for NIT Calicut students, often with subsidized interest rates and flexible repayment options due to the institute's reputation.