School of Engineering, Cochin University of Science and Technology: Admission 2026, Courses, Fees, Ranking & Ernakulam Campus Life

About Cochin University of Science and Technology, School of Engineering Thrikkakara Ernakulam

Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), School of Engineering, Thrikkakara, Ernakulam, Kerala, was established in 1978 as a constituent department of CUSAT, a state government-owned autonomous university founded in 1971. Located on a sprawling 180-acre campus in Thrikkakara, it operates under the aegis of CUSAT, offering engineering education with a focus on research and innovation.

The School of Engineering holds NBA accreditation for all its undergraduate and three postgraduate programs until December 2028 and contributes to CUSAT’s strong academic profile. CUSAT ranks 6th among State Public Universities and 50th overall in the NIRF 2025 rankings. It offers a wide range of engineering courses with a student strength of several hundred and a robust faculty team, noted for its research output and industry collaborations.

Key Highlights

Overview

Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), School of Engineering, Thrikkakara, Ernakulam, Kerala, was established in 1978 as a constituent department of CUSAT, a state government-owned autonomous university founded in 1971. Located on a sprawling 180-acre campus in Thrikkakara, it operates under the aegis of CUSAT, offering engineering education with a focus on research and innovation.

The School of Engineering holds NBA accreditation for all its undergraduate and three postgraduate programs until December 2028 and contributes to CUSAT’s strong academic profile. CUSAT ranks 6th among State Public Universities and 50th overall in the NIRF 2025 rankings. It offers a wide range of engineering courses with a student strength of several hundred and a robust faculty team, noted for its research output and industry collaborations.

Key Highlights

Admission Dates 2026

The admission cycle for Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) School of Engineering, Thrikkakara, for 2026 primarily revolves around the CUSAT Common Admission Test (CUSAT CAT). This entrance exam is mandatory for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate engineering programs. The application process starts early in the year, followed by the exam in May, and counselling in June.

Admission Process

Admission to Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), School of Engineering Thrikkakara, is primarily through the CUSAT Common Admission Test (CAT) for undergraduate B.Tech programmes. Postgraduate admissions consider scores from national exams like GATE or CUET along with university-specific procedures. Candidates must participate in counselling and document verification to confirm their seats.

B.Tech Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Register online at the official CUSAT admission portal and complete the application form for CUSAT CAT.
2. Download and print the CAT 2025 admit card and appear for the computer-based CUSAT CAT exam on the scheduled date.
3. Check the CUSAT CAT results and rank list published on the official website.
4. Participate in the online counselling process by filling in preferred courses and campuses, including the School of Engineering Thrikkakara.
5. Attend the document verification session at the Seminar Complex, Thrikkakara campus, on the allotted date with all original certificates.
6. Pay the admission fee online to confirm the seat after seat allotment.

M.Tech Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Apply online through the CUSAT admission portal for M.Tech programmes.
2. Submit GATE or DAT scores as applicable for the chosen M.Tech programme.
3. Attend the centralized admission and document verification session at the Thrikkakara campus on the scheduled date.
4. Participate in the allotment process based on rank and reservation category.
5. Complete fee payment online to confirm admission.

Eligibility Criteria & Fees

Documents Required

• CAT 2025 Admit Card and Online Application Registration Confirmation Page
• 10th Standard (SSLC) Mark List and Pass Certificate
• 12th Standard Mark List and Pass Certificate (or equivalent)
• Migration Certificate (for candidates from outside Kerala)
• Transfer Certificate and Conduct Certificate from the last institution attended
• Proof of Keralite status (if applicable for state merit seats)
• Community and Non-Creamy Layer Certificate (for SEBC candidates)
• Community Certificate issued by Tahsildar (for Kerala SC/ST candidates)
• Four passport size photographs
• Two sets of self-attested copies of all original documents
• Proof for special reservations if applicable (NRI, EWS, etc.)

Cutoff 2025

The CUSAT CAT 2025 cutoff ranks for the School of Engineering at Thrikkakara show a competitive trend with Computer Science Engineering having the lowest closing ranks, indicating high demand. Cutoffs vary significantly across branches and categories, with reserved categories having higher closing ranks. The cutoff ranks generally range from single digits to several thousands depending on the course and category.

Placements 2025

The School of Engineering at Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) Thrikkakara achieved a placement rate of approximately 25% in 2025, with 160 students placed out of 640 graduates. The highest package offered was ₹80 LPA, and the average package stood at ₹11 LPA, reflecting strong recruitment from IT, consulting, and core sector companies.

Placement Statistics

Top Recruiters

IT: TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Amazon, Cisco

Consulting: EY

Core: GAIL, Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, Oil India Limited, ONGC, HP, CPCL, Petronet LNG Limited, BHEL

Branch-wise Placement

Rankings & Accreditations

Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), including its School of Engineering at Thrikkakara, holds strong national rankings with an overall NIRF rank around 50-51 in 2025 and notable positions in university and management categories. It is recognized among the top engineering institutions in Kerala and India, with consistent rankings by NIRF and Outlook. The university also holds NAAC accreditation with a high grade.

NIRF 2025

Other Rankings

Accreditations

• NAAC: A++ Grade (Valid till 2027)
• NBA: Accredited for various engineering programmes at the School of Engineering

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), School of Engineering Thrikkakara offers various scholarships based on merit, financial need, and reservation categories. These include institute-specific scholarships, government-sponsored schemes for minorities and economically weaker sections, and alumni-funded awards. Students can also access scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal and Kerala state government portals.

Institute Scholarships

Government Scholarships

External Scholarships

• Malayalee Engineers Association (MEA) Scholarship: ₹40,000 for students with family income <₹1.5 lakh/year, KEAM rank <5000, NATA rank <100, and >85% in HS exams
• Hridayapaksham Scholarship (Alumni Funded): Financial aid for needy students (amount varies)

Comparison

Cochin University of Science and Technology, School of Engineering Thrikkakara Ernakulam is compared with National Institute of Technology Calicut and Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Thiruvananthapuram, as these are leading government engineering institutions in Kerala with strong academic reputations, NIRF rankings, and placement records, making them key choices for engineering aspirants in the region.

Key Strengths

• Cochin University of Science and Technology, School of Engineering Thrikkakara Ernakulam: Strong focus on diverse engineering disciplines with affordable fees and good industry connections in Kerala.
• National Institute of Technology Calicut: Premier NIT with top-tier research facilities, high NIRF ranking, and excellent placement packages.
• Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Thiruvananthapuram: Specialized institute focused on space science and technology with strong government backing and high placement packages in aerospace and related sectors.

Campus & Infrastructure

The Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) School of Engineering is located on the main Thrikkakara campus in Ernakulam, Kerala. The campus spans 180 acres and features traditional Kerala architecture amidst a green, sprawling landscape with modern academic and residential facilities.

Campus Details

Academic Facilities

• Library: Fully computerized central library with free internet access (exact number of books and e-journals not specified)
• Labs: Multiple state-of-the-art laboratories and workshops (exact number not specified)
• Classrooms: Smart classrooms (exact number not specified)

Hostel

Other Facilities

• Sports complex
• Auditorium
• Wi-Fi enabled campus
• Medical facilities
• State Bank of Travancore branch
• Miyawaki forest with over 1600 native saplings on 400 sq. m land
• Multiple canteens and coffee house (Triveni Coffee House)

Frequently Asked Questions

What entrance exams are accepted for BTech admission at CUSAT School of Engineering Thrikkakara?

BTech admissions primarily require the CUSAT CAT exam score. The university also accepts KEAM scores for some courses. For lateral entry, a separate university-level entrance test is conducted.

What is the minimum eligibility criteria for undergraduate engineering courses?

Candidates must have completed 10+2 with at least 50% marks in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry from a recognized board to be eligible for BTech admission.

What is the fee range for BTech courses at the School of Engineering, Thrikkakara?

The total BTech fee ranges from ₹75,600 to ₹7.36 lakhs depending on the specialization and duration of the course.

Are scholarships available for engineering students at CUSAT SOE Thrikkakara?

Yes, scholarships are offered based on academic merit, reserved categories, and financial need. Students must apply with required documents before deadlines.

What is the placement scenario and average package for CUSAT SOE graduates?

The placement rate is moderate with top recruiters from IT and core engineering sectors. Average packages range between ₹3 to ₹5 lakhs per annum, with some offers exceeding ₹10 lakhs.

Which companies frequently recruit from CUSAT School of Engineering?

Major recruiters include TCS, Infosys, Wipro, IBM, and local engineering firms. Internship opportunities are also facilitated through industry collaborations.

How is the curriculum structured for BTech programs at CUSAT SOE?

The curriculum follows a semester system with a blend of theory, practical labs, and project work. Specializations include Computer Science, Mechanical, Electrical, and Safety Engineering.

Does the School of Engineering have experienced faculty and research facilities?

Faculty members are mostly PhD holders with active research projects. The campus has dedicated labs and research centers supporting applied science and technology studies.

What hostel facilities are available for students at the Thrikkakara campus?

Separate hostels for boys and girls are available with basic amenities. Hostel accommodation is limited and allocated on a merit and distance basis.

How is the food quality and mess facility on campus?

The campus mess offers vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals with hygienic standards. Food quality is generally rated as satisfactory by students.

Are there active student clubs and cultural fests at CUSAT SOE?

Yes, the campus hosts technical clubs, cultural societies, and annual fests like 'Dyuthi' that encourage student participation in extracurricular activities.

What is the daily commute like for students living off-campus?

Thrikkakara is well connected by public transport. Many students use buses or two-wheelers; the campus is accessible within 30 minutes from central Ernakulam.

Is there a dress code or uniform requirement for engineering students?

There is no strict dress code; however, students are expected to maintain decent and professional attire, especially during labs and presentations.

Can students find part-time job opportunities while studying at CUSAT SOE?

Part-time jobs are limited but available in nearby areas, especially in tutoring, internships, and campus-related activities.

How does CUSAT SOE compare with other engineering colleges in Kerala?

CUSAT SOE is known for strong research orientation and industry connections, ranking among the top state universities, though KEAM-affiliated colleges may have higher intake.

What is the return on investment (ROI) for a BTech degree from CUSAT SOE?

With moderate fees and decent placement packages averaging ₹3-5 lakhs per annum, the ROI is considered good, especially for government-aided courses.

Does the university have a strong alumni network for career support?

CUSAT has an active alumni network that organizes mentorship programs and networking events to support current students and recent graduates.

Are MTech programs offered at the School of Engineering, Thrikkakara?

Yes, MTech courses are available in multiple specializations with admissions based on GATE scores or university entrance tests.

What documents are required during the admission process at CUSAT SOE?

Applicants must submit 10th and 12th mark sheets, entrance exam scorecards, category certificates if applicable, transfer and conduct certificates, and proof of identity.

Is there an application fee for admission to CUSAT SOE programs?

Yes, candidates must pay a non-refundable application fee online during the admission process, the amount varies by program but is typically around ₹1000.