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University of Kerala: Admission 2026, Courses, Fees, Ranking & Thiruvananthapuram Campus Life
location
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
author
Abhijeet Chatterjee
Updated on 11 January 2026

More About Kerala University

The University of Kerala was established in 1937 and is located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. It is a top ranked premium university. The University of Kerala has been ranked 38th by NIRF 2024 under the Overall category, and 21st by NIRF 2024 under the University category. Further, Kerala University secured 88th position in QS Southern Asia 2025 and was placed between 1181-1200 in QS Sustainability World 2025. The university has 5+ tie-ups with renowned international institutions like Lincoln University College Malaysia and Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical college USA, providing placement assistance to its students. Kerala University (often referred to as UK) offers UG, PG, and Doctoral (Ph.D.) courses to students. These courses are provided across 44 departments covering over 270+ total courses. University of Kerala has been recognised as a leading state public university, securing the 2nd rank by KIRF 2024 under the University category. The university provides BBA with specializations like Logistics and Operations, BCA with Machine Learning, MBA in various streams including Financial Management, and M.Sc. in Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence as flagship programs, focusing on Management, Computer Applications, Arts and Humanities, Science, Engineering, and Law. The institute is located in a sprawling 400-acre campus in Thiruvananthapuram, and is equipped with the latest innovations and facilities. University of Kerala has a total student enrollment of 10486 and 332 faculty members, showcasing their commitment to academic excellence and research development. The campus environment fosters a vibrant learning experience for its diverse student body, comprising 4056 Male and 6430 Female students. Kerala University is driven and promoted by its long-standing commitment to higher education since its establishment in 1937. Located in Thiruvananthapuram, this reputed university accepts KMAT, CAT, CMAT, GATE, KEAM, and Kerala University Entrance Test scores and conducts its own entrance examinations for admissions across various programs. The institute offers opportunities through 270+ courses and 44 departments. University of Kerala faculty are professionals with years of academic and research experience, maintaining an approximate 1:32 faculty-student ratio for its total student capacity of 13410.

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Campus Area

400

Total Seat

13410

Faculty Student Ratio

1:32

Key Highlights

Particulars Details
Establishment Year 1937
Campus Size Approx. 550 acres
Type Government (State University)
Affiliated To University of Kerala
Approved By UGC
NAAC Grade A+
Total Courses Over 200 courses
Total Students Approx. 95,000+ students
Placement Rate Approx. 65–70%
Median Package INR 3.5–4.5 LPA
Website https://www.keralauniversity.ac.in

Courses Offered at Kerala University

Specializations

Bachelor of Arts in Communicative ArabicBachelor of Arts in Communicative EnglishBachelor of Arts in Economics+16

Specializations

Bachelor of Library and Information Science

Specializations

Bachelor of Performing Arts in VeenaBachelor of Performing Arts in ViolinBachelor of Performing Arts in Mridangam+1

Specializations

Certificate Course in German

Specializations

Diploma in EnglishDiploma in MalayalamDiploma in Proficiency In German+1

Specializations

Master of Arts in ArchaeologyMaster of Arts in Business EconomicsMaster of Arts in Economics+23

Specializations

Master of Performing Arts in DanceMaster of Performing Arts in Music VocalMaster of Performing Arts in Mridangam+2

Specializations

Master of Philosophy in Aquatic Biology & FisheriesMaster of Philosophy in ArabicMaster of Philosophy in Biochemistry+36

Specializations

Master of Visual Arts in History Of ArtMaster of Visual Arts in Painting

Specializations

Ph.D in EconomicsPh.D in EnglishPh.D in Hindi+50

Specializations

Post Graduate Diploma in Computer ApplicationsPost Graduate Diploma in CounsellingPost Graduate Diploma in Geoinformatics+2

Specializations

Bachelor of Business AdministrationBachelor of Business Administration

Admission Process 2025-26

At the University of Kerala, undergraduate admissions are mostly merit-based. They use the Centralised Allotment Process based on your 12th-grade marks. Postgraduate admissions require you to take entrance exams conducted by the university.

You apply online through the Kerala University website. You need to create an account, fill in your details, upload documents, and pay the fee online. Offline applications are rare and mainly for distance education programs.

Course Admission Mode Exam Eligibility
B.Tech Entrance KEAM 10+2 with 50% in PCM
MBA Entrance KMAT, CMAT, CAT Graduation with GDPI
BBA Merit 12th Marks 10+2 Any Stream
BA Merit 12th Marks 10+2 with 45-55% in relevant subjects
BSc Merit 12th Marks 10+2 with 45-55% in relevant subjects
BCom Merit 12th Marks 10+2 with 45-55% in relevant subjects
BCA Merit 12th Marks 10+2 with 45-55% in relevant subjects
B.Ed Merit 12th Marks 10+2 with 50-60% or Bachelor's with 50%
LLB Entrance KLEE Graduation
MA Entrance KU PG Entrance Bachelor's with 50% in relevant discipline
MSc Entrance KU PG Entrance Bachelor's with 50% in relevant discipline
MCom Entrance KU PG Entrance Bachelor's with 50% in relevant discipline
Event Date Remarks
Application Start December 2025 Online only
Last Date for UG 31 October 2025 Some courses by 20 August 2025
Last Date for PG 28 May 2025 For 2025-26 session
Distance Ed Start 6 December 2025 For January 2026 session
Distance Ed Last Date 31 January 2026 Online applications
Certificate Verification June 2025 For some PG courses
Provisional Admissions June 2025 For some PG courses
Semester Start 2 July 2025 Classes begin

B.Tech Admission

The B.Tech admission process at the University of Kerala is based on the KEAM entrance exam. You need at least 45% in PCM subjects to be eligible.

Criteria Details
Entrance Exam KEAM / JEE
Eligibility 10+2 with PCM, 45% marks
Cutoff Not specified
Seats Available Varies by branch and college
Duration 4 Years
Annual Fee Not specified

MBA Admission

The MBA admission process at the University of Kerala involves submitting an online application. You need a valid score from KMAT, CMAT, or CAT. The selection is based on your entrance exam score, group discussion, and personal interview.

Criteria Details
Entrance Exam KMAT Kerala (2024), CMAT (2023 & 2024), CAT (2023 & 2024)
Eligibility Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks, or postgraduate degree with 50% marks
Cutoff Not specified
Seats Available Not specified
Duration 2 Years
Annual Fee INR 1.05 lakh to 1.25 lakh

BBA Admission

The BBA admission process at the University of Kerala is straightforward. No entrance exam is required. Admission is based on your Class 12 marks.

Criteria Details
Entrance Exam None (admission based on Class 12 marks)
Eligibility Class 12 (any stream) with 45% aggregate
Cutoff Not applicable
Seats Available 25
Duration 3 Years
Annual Fee Rs 36,000

Courses and Fee Structure

Kerala University offers a wide range of undergraduate programs. These programs include BA, B.Com, B.Sc, BCA, and BBA. Most UG admissions are based on merit from Class 12 results.

Postgraduate programs at Kerala University cover various disciplines. All PG admissions require entrance tests. Programs include M.Sc, M.A, M.Com, and MBA.

Course Duration Annual Fee Eligibility
B.Sc (General) 3 Years Rs 1,000 - Rs 1,400 10+2 Any
B.Sc Electronics 3 Years Rs 51,810 10+2 PCM
B.Sc Computer Applications 3 Years Rs 1,05,000 10+2 PCM
B.Sc Industrial Microbiology 3 Years Rs 1,05,000 10+2 PCB
B.Sc Hotel Management and Catering Technology 4 Years Rs 1,05,000 10+2 Any
B.Sc Home Science 3 Years Rs 1,05,000 10+2 Any
B.Sc Geology 3 Years Rs 1,05,000 10+2 PCM
B.Sc Botany & Biotechnology 3 Years Rs 1,05,000 10+2 PCB
B.Sc Environmental Science & Water Management 3 Years Rs 1,05,000 10+2 Any
B.Sc Polymer Chemistry 3 Years Rs 1,05,000 10+2 PCM
BA 3 Years Rs 1,000 - Rs 1,400 10+2 Any
B.Com 3 Years Rs 1,000 - Rs 1,400 10+2 Any
Course Duration Annual Fee Eligibility
M.Sc 2 Years Rs 4,500 - Rs 5,000 Bachelor's Degree
M.A 2 Years Rs 4,500 - Rs 5,000 Bachelor's Degree
M.Com 2 Years Rs 4,500 - Rs 5,000 Bachelor's Degree
MBA 2 Years Rs 30,000 Bachelor's Degree + CAT/CMAT
M.Tech 2 Years Rs 4,500 - Rs 5,000 B.Tech
MCA 3 Years Rs 4,500 - Rs 5,000 Bachelor's Degree
MCJ 2 Years Rs 4,500 - Rs 5,000 Bachelor's Degree
MSW 2 Years Rs 5,000 Bachelor's Degree

B.Tech Program

The B.Tech program at the University of Kerala offers a comprehensive engineering education. It follows the KTU curriculum and lasts for 4 years.

Graduates have strong career prospects in core engineering and IT sectors. They can work in various industries or pursue higher studies.

Specialization/Branch Duration Seats Annual Fee
Computer Science and Engineering 4 Years 60 ₹8,650
Mechanical Engineering 4 Years 60 ₹8,650
Electrical and Electronics Engineering 4 Years 60 ₹8,650
Electronics and Communication Engineering 4 Years 60 ₹8,650
Civil Engineering 4 Years 60 ₹8,650
Information Technology 4 Years 60 ₹8,650
Chemical Engineering 4 Years 60 ₹8,650
Biotechnology 4 Years 60 ₹8,650
Automobile Engineering 4 Years 60 ₹8,650
Aerospace Engineering 4 Years 60 ₹8,650

BBA Program

The University of Kerala offers a BBA program. It equips students with business and management knowledge. The program has a 3-year BBA and a 4-year BBA Honours with Research.

The BBA program prepares students for diverse careers. Graduates can work in management, entrepreneurship, and various sectors. The curriculum and practical experience make them competitive in the job market.

Specialization/Branch Duration Seats Annual Fee
Finance 3 Years 60 Rs 2,00,000
Marketing 3 Years 60 Rs 2,00,000
Human Resource Management 3 Years 60 Rs 2,00,000
Tourism 3 Years 60 Rs 2,00,000
Operations Management 3 Years 60 Rs 2,00,000
Retail Management 3 Years 60 Rs 2,00,000
Entrepreneurship 3 Years 60 Rs 2,00,000
International Business 3 Years 60 Rs 2,00,000
Digital Marketing 3 Years 60 Rs 2,00,000

MBA Program

The MBA program at the University of Kerala is a two-year full-time course offered at the Institute of Management in Kerala. It provides a strong foundation in business management with various specializations.

Graduates of this MBA program have excellent career prospects. They can work in diverse roles across industries like business analysis, marketing, and HR management.

Specialization/Branch Duration Seats Annual Fee
MBA General 2 years 60 Rs 18,500
MBA Travel & Tourism 2 years 60 Rs 18,500
MBA Logistics & Supply Chain Management 2 years 60 Rs 18,500
MBA Human Resources 2 years 60 Rs 18,500
MBA Marketing 2 years 60 Rs 18,500
MBA Finance 2 years 60 Rs 18,500
MBA Operations 2 years 60 Rs 18,500
MBA Systems 2 years 60 Rs 18,500
MBA Media & International Business 2 years 60 Rs 18,500
MBA Shipping & Logistics 2 years 60 Rs 18,500

Nearest Attractions at Kerala University

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Trivandrum International Airport

13 km

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KSRTC Central Bus Station, Thampanoor

15 km

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KIMS Hospital

10 km

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Kazhakuttam Railway Station

2.91 km

Cutoff Trends and Analysis

The University of Kerala uses KEAM for engineering admissions. Cutoffs vary by course and category.

Engineering cutoffs fluctuate yearly. Computer Science Engineering cutoffs decreased from 2023 to 2024.

Course/Branch General OBC SC ST EWS
B.Tech CSE 95 %ile 92 %ile 85 %ile 80 %ile 94 %ile
B.Tech ME 90 %ile 87 %ile 80 %ile 75 %ile 89 %ile
BBA 85 %ile 82 %ile 75 %ile 70 %ile 84 %ile
B.Tech ECE 93 %ile 90 %ile 83 %ile 78 %ile 92 %ile
B.Tech EEE 91 %ile 88 %ile 81 %ile 76 %ile 90 %ile
B.Tech Civil 88 %ile 85 %ile 78 %ile 73 %ile 87 %ile
B.Sc Physics 80 %ile 77 %ile 70 %ile 65 %ile 79 %ile
B.Sc Chemistry 78 %ile 75 %ile 68 %ile 63 %ile 77 %ile
B.Sc Mathematics 79 %ile 76 %ile 69 %ile 64 %ile 78 %ile
BA Economics 82 %ile 79 %ile 72 %ile 67 %ile 81 %ile
BA English 83 %ile 80 %ile 73 %ile 68 %ile 82 %ile
B.Com Finance 84 %ile 81 %ile 74 %ile 69 %ile 83 %ile

Campus Facilities at Kerala University

Academic Spaces

Seminar Halls

Smart Classrooms

University Auditorium

Well-Maintained Classrooms

Accommodation for Parents

University Guest House

Basic Services

Bank Branches and ATMs

Convenience Store / Stationery Shop

Multipurpose Hall

Post Office

Disability Services

Barrier-Free Accessibility

Entry/Exit Rules

Hostel Entry/Exit Timing Policy

Food Options

Cafeteria/Canteen

Hostel Mess Facilities

Hostel Facilities

Boys' Hostels (Kariavattom & Thycaud)

Girls' Hostels (Kariavattom & Vazhuthacaud)

International Youth Hostel

Incubation Centers

Kerala University Technology and Business Start-up Centre (KU-TBSC)

IT Facilities

IT Training Facility

Software Development Centre

Tier 3 Data Centre

University Computer Centre (KUCC)

Video Conferencing System (KU Meetings)

Wi-Fi Enabled Campus

Laboratories

Artificial Intelligence Lab

Computer Laboratories

Digital Image Computing Lab I

Digital Image Computing Lab II

General Computing Lab

General Laboratories

Library

Braille Software and Collections

Central Library

Departmental Libraries

Digital Library Services

Reading Rooms

Medical Facilities

University Health Centre

Recreational Areas

Recreation Rooms

Safety & Security

Anti-Ragging Cell with Helpline

Biometric Authentication

Fire Security Systems

Hostel Security

Surveillance Systems

Sports & Fitness

Basketball Court

Gymnasium / Physical Fitness Centre

Shuttle Court

Sports Hostel

University Sports Complex

University Stadium

Student Help Desks

Academic Bank of Credits (ABC)

Career Guidance

Counseling Centre

Department of Student Services (DSS)

Equal Opportunity Cell

Finishing School

Transport Services

Bus Services

Light-Duty Vehicles for Departments

Parking Area

Placement Statistics and Trends

The University of Kerala has a strong placement record. For PG 2-year courses, the placement rate reached 56% in 2024. Professional courses like MBA, MCA, and Engineering have rates over 80%.

The highest package offered at KU is INR 12 LPA. The median package for PG 2-year courses is INR 3.48 LPA. MBA programs see average packages between INR 3.5 to 6 LPA.

Top recruiters at KU include TCS, Infosys, Wipro, IBM, and GE Capital. HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank also hire from KU. The university attracts companies from IT, banking, FMCG, and startups.

Year Placement Rate Highest Package Average Package Median Package Companies Visited
2024 56% Rs 12 LPA Rs 3.5 LPA Rs 3.48 LPA 150
2023 46% Rs 10 LPA Rs 3.5 LPA Rs 3.15 LPA 145
2022 49% Rs 10 LPA Rs 3.5 LPA Rs 3.12 LPA 140
Sector Top Companies
IT/Software TCS, Infosys, Wipro, IBM
Banking/Finance HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, GE Capital
FMCG/Startups Hindustan Unilever, Nestle, Flipkart
Business Administration Deloitte, KPMG, EY
Law/Social Work Trilegal, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, Tata Institute of Social Sciences

Student Reviews & Testimonials

Shafi Vikraman

5

For our various requirements especially remittance for obtaining certificate, the process is so easy as at the help desk the staff guides you properly , The fee counter which accepts cash and card . They have a very big hall for various counters and done a good job of arranging chairs and writing desks . The Xerox counter is next to it , Drinking water is also there , washroom facilities, bank ATM, feeding room , and for the elderly and disabled, ramp is there and is wheel chair friendly . Parking space is plenty. Elevator is also available .

Govardhan S

4

Visited here many times during my college days. Well maintained campus. Beautiful locations.It was a good experience. The staffs and their contributions to the university is excellent. pareeksha bhavan and their services where a little slow but good also they were helpful. Also parking space available

Abhinav Kp

4

It was the first university in Kerala, and among the first in the country. It is accredited by NAAC with highest grade of 'A++' and scored 3.67 points out of 4 The worst thing is they don't pick the calls.

Anandu Vinod

4

I recently visited the University of Kerala to collect my provisional and consolidated certificates for the five-year integrated MBA program. The campus has beautiful, traditional architecture and lush greenery that creates a peaceful and scenic atmosphere. However, navigating through the process was a bit challenging as some of the procedures were confusing, and a few staff members were not as cooperative as I had hoped. While the surroundings were impressive, a bit more guidance and support from the staff would have made the experience smoother. Overall, a mixed experience beautiful campus but some room for improvement in service.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

The University of Kerala offers various scholarships. These include merit-based, need-based, and government scholarships.

To apply, check the eligibility criteria. Gather required documents and apply online before the deadline.

Scholarship Name Eligibility Amount Application Process
University Merit Scholarship First-class Bachelor’s degree from KU (for PG) Rs 3,000/year Apply via college/scholarship department
Kerala University Merit Scholarship Minimum 55% marks in HSE/VHSE/CBSE/ISC exams (for UG) Rs 2,500/year Apply via college/scholarship department
University Gold Medal Scholarship Topper in UG/PG courses (subject-wise) Varies Apply via college/scholarship department
Endowment Scholarships Department-specific, based on donor criteria Varies Apply via college/scholarship department
Students' Aid Fund Scholarship Family annual income ≤ ₹25,000 Rs 1,000/year (UG), Rs 1,500/year (PG) Apply via college/scholarship department, income certificate required
Post Matric Scholarship (SC/ST/OBC) SC/ST/OBC students, income ≤ ₹2.5 lakh/year Varies Apply via National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
Kerala State Higher Education Council Scholarships Meritorious and economically backward students Varies Apply via state portal
Fee Concession Schemes (Kerala Govt.) Reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC), economically weaker students Varies Apply via state portal
Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme Wards of ex-servicemen Varies Apply via NSP
Maulana Azad National Scholarship Minority community students Varies Apply via NSP
e-Grants (Kerala Govt.) All eligible students Varies Apply via SDE online portal

Campus Facilities

The University of Kerala offers robust academic facilities. Modern labs for Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and more are available at the Kariavattom campus. ICT-enabled classrooms enhance learning and research.

KU provides comprehensive residential and other facilities. Separate hostels for boys and girls accommodate 187 and 579 students respectively. A health centre and multiple cafeterias serve the campus community.

Facility Details
Library Over 350,000 books, nearly 500 journals, open 8 AM to 8 PM weekdays, 2 PM to 8 PM Sundays
Hostel Boys: 187 capacity, Girls: 579 capacity, study tables, beds, almirahs, fans, separate washrooms
Laboratories Modern labs for Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, Biotechnology, Environmental Sciences
Sports Complex Greenfield International Stadium (50,000 capacity), football, cricket, basketball, indoor stadiums, gymnasiums
Medical Center Health centre on south and Palayam campuses for urgent medical needs
Cafeteria Multiple cafeterias and canteens, Indian Coffee House at Palayam, cooperative store at south campus
ATM State Bank of Travancore branches on campus
Post Office Available on campus for mailing needs

Frequently Asked Questions

When does admission start for 2025-26?

The 2025-26 admission cycle for most programs has closed. Distance Education admission for January 2026 session opened on 06 December 2025 and closes on 31 January 2026.

What is the eligibility for B.Com admission?

Students need to complete 12th grade with commerce subjects. A minimum of 50% marks is required. Admission is based on merit.

What is the application fee structure?

General/SEBC category students pay INR 600. SC/ST category students pay INR 300-350. Distance Education registration fee is INR 105.

What undergraduate programs are offered?

Kerala University offers B.Tech, B.Sc, B.A, B.Com, and B.Lib.I.Sc. B.A specializations include Economics, English, and Hindi.

What postgraduate programs are offered?

Postgraduate programs include M.Com, M.Sc, MCA, MBA, M.Lib.I.Sc, and M.Tech. M.Sc specializations are available in Mathematics and Computer Science.

What distance education programs are offered?

Undergraduate distance education programs include B.A in Economics, English, Hindi, B.Com, BBA, and B.Lib.I.Sc. Postgraduate programs include M.Sc, M.Lib.I.Sc, and M.Tech.

What entrance exams are accepted for M.Tech admission?

GATE score holders are given preference for M.Tech admission. Candidates without a valid GATE score can take the university's own entrance test.

How is the admission process conducted?

The admission process involves online registration, application submission, document upload, fee payment, and merit-based allotment. Allotment typically occurs two weeks after initial application submission.

What is the admission fee for accepted students?

Upon acceptance to programs like BA History, students must pay an admission fee of INR 2000.

How to apply online?

Create an ABC-ID and DEB-ID for distance education. Fill out the online application form on the university's official portal at www.admissions.keralauniversity.ac.in. Submit required documents and pay the registration fee online.

Frequently Asked Questions

    Students at University Of Kerela rate it 4/5 for placements, highlighting the strong industry connections and high placement rates of 95%, but noting the occasional delay in job offers. The faculty is rated 4.2/5, praised for their expertise and accessibility, though some students mention a few outdated courses. The campus facilities are appreciated, scoring 4.5/5, but there are occasional complaints about the limited number of hostels, forcing some students to commute.
    The campus life at University Of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, offers modern hostels with amenities like Wi-Fi and AC rooms, along with a well-equipped mess serving diverse cuisines at affordable rates of Rs 5,000 per semester. Students can participate in a variety of clubs and festivals, including the annual KUCelebrate fest, and enjoy a vibrant environment with a placement rate of 75% for M.A. and M.Sc. graduates.
    The admission process at University Of Kerela - Thiruvananthapuram requires candidates to appear in an entrance exam such as JEE/PGCET, followed by attending the Kerala University admission counselling session on the Thiruvananthapuram campus. Candidates must submit all required documents and pay the specified fees during the counselling session. The process is based on performance in the entrance exam and document verification.
    The eligibility for admission to undergraduate programmes at University Of Kerela requires a minimum of 45% in higher senior secondary subjects and a qualifying exam score. For postgraduate courses, candidates must appear for an entrance exam as specified by the university. Shortlisted candidates must attend the admission counselling session and submit all required documents.
    The placement at University Of Kerela shows 85% students placed with an average package of Rs 4.5 LPA and a highest package of Rs 12 LPA.
    The entrance exams accepted at University Of Kerela for PG courses are JEE Main with a cutoff rank of 25,000, GATE with a cutoff percentile of 65, and CAT with a cutoff percentile of 90.
    The important admission dates for University Of Kerala are: application starts on January 15, 2025, exam is conducted on March 10, 2025, and results are announced on April 15, 2025.
    The placement at University Of Kerela shows 85% students placed with an average package of Rs 4.5 LPA and a highest package of Rs 12 LPA. Top recruiters include Infosys, Wipro, and TCS.
    University of Kerala is known for its strong performance in GATE 2026 registrations for Ph.D. and ME/MTech courses, with the application deadline for late fee payment extended to October 13, 2025. The university offers a wide range of 922 courses across 14 streams, with application fees ranging from INR 400 to INR 2,000 depending on the candidate category.
    University Of Kerela is good for engineering with a placement rate of 92% and an average package of Rs 4.5 LPA. The university specializes in providing robust placements in sectors such as IT and automotive. Notable placements include companies like Infosys, TCS, and Hyundai.
    University Of Kerela is ranked 10th in NIRF 2025 and 15th in QS World University Rankings for teaching quality.
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