Thiagarajar College of Engineering: Admission 2026, Courses, Fees, Ranking & Madurai Campus Life

About Thiagarajar College of Engineering - [TCE] Madurai

Thiagarajar College of Engineering (TCE), established in 1957, is a government-aided autonomous institution located in Thiruparankundram, Madurai, Tamil Nadu. Founded by philanthropist Karumuttu Thiagarajan Chettiar, it is affiliated with Anna University, Chennai, and approved by AICTE.

TCE holds an A++ grade from NAAC with a CGPA of 3.56 and is ranked in the 101–150 band in NIRF 2025 Engineering category, while securing 25th rank in Architecture and Planning. The college offers over 30 undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in engineering, architecture, and science, with a student strength of nearly 5,000 and around 300 faculty members. It is recognized for its strong industry linkages, research output, and placement records.

Key Highlights

Admission Dates 2026

Thiagarajar College of Engineering (TCE) Madurai admission for the 2026 cycle is based on merit and relevant entrance exams such as TANCET for MBA. The application process for UG and PG courses starts early in the year, with deadlines typically in December of the preceding year. Counselling and further admission updates are communicated via email.

Admission Process

Thiagarajar College of Engineering (TCE) Madurai admits students primarily through national and state-level entrance exams such as JEE Main, TNEA counselling for BTech, GATE/TANCET for MTech/MArch, and TANCET for MBA. Admissions involve online application, merit list publication, counselling, and fee payment.

BTech Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Visit the official TCE website and register for the BTech program.
2. Apply through Tamil Nadu Engineering Admissions (TNEA) counselling based on 10+2 PCM marks and JEE Main scores if applicable.
3. Check the merit list and cutoff scores published by TCE or Anna University.
4. Participate in counselling sessions as per TNEA guidelines.
5. Complete document verification at the college.
6. Pay the admission fee to confirm the seat.

MTech/MArch Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Apply online on the TCE official website for postgraduate engineering or architecture programs.
2. Appear for GATE or TANCET entrance exams as required.
3. Check merit lists based on entrance exam scores and academic records.
4. Attend counselling and document verification at TCE.
5. Pay the required fees to secure admission.

MBA Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Register and apply online on the Thiagarajar School of Management (TSM) website.
2. Submit valid scores of TANCET, CAT, MAT, CMAT, or other recognized entrance exams.
3. Meet minimum eligibility of 60% in graduation.
4. Participate in group discussion, personal interview, and written ability test rounds.
5. Check provisional admission status and complete fee payment.

Eligibility Criteria & Fees

Documents Required

• Class 10 and 12 mark sheets and passing certificates
• Graduation mark sheets and degree certificate (for PG courses)
• Entrance exam scorecard (JEE Main, GATE, TANCET, CAT, etc.)
• Identity proof (Aadhar card, passport, etc.)
• Category certificate (if applicable)
• Transfer Certificate (TC) and Migration Certificate
• Passport-size photographs

Cutoff 2025

The 2025 TNEA cutoff ranks for Thiagarajar College of Engineering (TCE) Madurai show a competitive trend, especially for Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), which had the toughest cutoff at rank 1581 in the general category. Compared to previous years, the cutoff for CSE has slightly relaxed from 924 in 2023 to 1581 in 2025, indicating a moderate decrease in competition. Other branches have wider cutoff rank ranges, reflecting varied demand and seat availability.

Placements 2025

Thiagarajar College of Engineering (TCE) Madurai achieved strong placement results in 2025 with a highest package of ₹29 LPA and an average package of ₹7.1 LPA. Approximately 809 students from UG and PG programs were placed, reflecting a placement rate above 90%. Top recruiters included Accenture, Capgemini, Cognizant, Infosys, and TCS.

Placement Statistics

Top Recruiters

IT: Accenture, Capgemini, Cognizant, Infosys, TCS, Microsoft, Amazon, Wipro, HCL

Consulting: Deloitte

Core: L&T, Honeywell, TVS, Saint Gobain, Hyundai, Titan, Qualcomm, TAFE

Branch-wise Placement

Rankings & Accreditations

Thiagarajar College of Engineering (TCE), Madurai, holds a strong position in national rankings, featuring prominently in NIRF 2025 with a rank of #33 in Architecture and a rank band of 101-150 in Engineering. It also appears in international rankings such as THE World University Rankings 2025 in the global band beyond 1500.

NIRF 2025

Other Rankings

Accreditations

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

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Thiagarajar College of Engineering (TCE), Madurai offers a variety of scholarships to support meritorious and economically disadvantaged students, including institute-funded merit-cum-means scholarships, government scholarships for reserved categories, and alumni-funded awards. These scholarships provide fee waivers and financial aid based on academic performance, family income (typically below ₹2 lakh), and category-specific criteria.

Institute Scholarships

Government Scholarships

External Scholarships

• Meenakshi Srinivasan Endowment: Merit-cum-means scholarship for deserving students funded by alumni trust
• TSK Memorial Scholarship: Alumni-funded scholarship for economically weak students
• Subramanian Scholarship: Alumni-funded merit-cum-means scholarship
• Shri Priya Mahesh Scholarship: Alumni-funded financial aid
• P V Shanmugam Scholarship: Alumni-funded scholarship for Mechanical Engineering students
• Urmila Mahendra Babu Scholarship: Alumni-funded scholarship for EEE students
• Pitchai Mahalingam Scholarship: Alumni-funded merit-cum-means scholarship

Comparison

Thiagarajar College of Engineering (TCE) Madurai is compared with two other reputed Tamil Nadu engineering colleges—PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, and National Institute of Technology (NIT) Tiruchirappalli—due to their similar autonomous status, strong engineering programs, and consistent presence in NIRF rankings, making them peer institutions for aspirants seeking quality technical education in South India.

Key Strengths

• Thiagarajar College of Engineering - [TCE] Madurai: Strong regional reputation with a focus on architecture and engineering, notable alumni in science and technology, and affordable fees for quality education.
• PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore: High NIRF ranking with excellent industry connections, strong research output, and robust placement records with top recruiters.
• NIT Tiruchirappalli: Premier central institute with top-tier faculty, extensive research facilities, and highest placement packages among peer institutions.

Campus & Infrastructure

Thiagarajar College of Engineering (TCE) is situated near Thirupparankundram on the outskirts of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, spread over a lush green campus of approximately 143 acres. The campus offers a serene, eco-friendly environment with modern infrastructure including smart classrooms, well-equipped labs, and extensive library facilities.

Campus Details

Academic Facilities

• Library: 89,989 books, 14,126 book bank books, 1,204 subscribed e-books, 114 journals, 500+ e-journals, 1,800+ e-conference proceedings
• Labs: Multiple state-of-the-art departmental labs including business labs, RAD lab, language lab, CS lab, SRCC lab, and specialized labs like Cloud Systems, Data Analytics, Cognitive Science, Honeywell IoT, and Machine Learning labs
• Classrooms: Over 90 spacious smart classrooms equipped with interactive digital boards, LCDs, audio-video recording, and Wi-Fi connectivity

Other Facilities

• Sports Complex with Basketball, Football, Volleyball, Badminton courts, Cricket ground, Athletic track
• Indoor Gymnasium
• Auditorium with advanced audio-visual equipment
• Cafeteria and Food Courts with hygienic vegetarian meals
• Medical Facilities including dispensary and first aid
• 24/7 High-speed Wi-Fi across campus and hostels
• Transport facility for students and staff

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the eligibility criteria for B.Tech admission at Thiagarajar College of Engineering?

Candidates must have passed 10+2 with at least 60% aggregate in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. Admission is based on TNEA counselling with cutoffs typically above 185 for general category candidates.

Which entrance exams are accepted for M.Tech and M.Arch admissions at TCE Madurai?

Admissions to M.Tech and M.Arch courses require qualifying GATE or TANCET exams, followed by application through the official college website and merit-based selection.

What is the approximate annual fee for B.Tech courses at Thiagarajar College of Engineering?

The annual fee for B.Tech courses ranges from ₹70,000 to ₹1,50,000 depending on the quota, with management quota fees around ₹1.5 lakh per year.

Are scholarships available for students at TCE Madurai?

TCE offers various scholarships based on merit and category, including government scholarships for reserved categories and merit-based financial aid to support students.

What is the average placement rate and highest package offered at Thiagarajar College of Engineering?

The placement rate is high, with many students placed annually. The highest packages offered by top recruiters can exceed ₹20 lakh per annum, especially in IT and core sectors.

Which companies are the major recruiters at TCE Madurai?

Major recruiters include Infosys, TCS, Wipro, Cognizant, Bosch, and L&T, covering IT, manufacturing, and core engineering sectors.

How is the curriculum structured for undergraduate engineering courses at TCE?

The curriculum follows Anna University guidelines with a focus on core engineering subjects, electives, labs, and project work, integrating theory with practical exposure.

Does Thiagarajar College of Engineering have active research programs?

Yes, TCE has dedicated research centers and labs supporting faculty and student research in areas like renewable energy, materials science, and computer science.

What are the hostel facilities and fees for students at TCE Madurai?

The college has separate hostels for boys and girls with rooms for 2-4 occupants. Annual hostel fees range from ₹33,000 to ₹67,000, including vegetarian meals and amenities like Wi-Fi and gym.

What student clubs and cultural activities are available on campus?

TCE hosts various technical clubs, cultural societies, sports teams, and organizes annual fests and symposiums encouraging student participation and leadership.

What transport facilities are available for commuting to TCE Madurai?

The college operates a fleet of around 10 buses covering major routes in Madurai, providing safe and convenient daily transport for students and staff.

How does TCE Madurai compare with other engineering colleges in Tamil Nadu?

TCE is among the top government-aided engineering colleges in Tamil Nadu, known for strong placements, quality faculty, and good infrastructure, often ranking within the top 50 nationally.

What is the return on investment (ROI) for engineering courses at Thiagarajar College?

With moderate fees and strong placement packages, the ROI is considered high, especially in IT and core engineering branches, making it a cost-effective choice.

Does TCE have a strong alumni network?

Yes, TCE has an active alumni association that supports current students through mentorship, networking events, and placement assistance.

What safety measures are in place on the TCE campus?

The campus has biometric entry for hostels, CCTV surveillance, and a dedicated security team ensuring a safe environment for students and staff.