Engineering Colleges in Chennai: Your Guide to Top Institutes

B. Tech or Bachelor of Technology is an undergraduate degree awarded to a person on completion of four years of study in the concerned field. Tens of thousands of students opt for B. Tech in India every year for the ample number of opportunities in this field and Chennai has emerged as one of the most prominent destinations for engineering in India. Read more to know about the top 15 reputed engineering colleges in Chennai.

Although in recent years, there are ample opportunities in all fields of study, for older millennials and their parents an engineering degree is still the ultimate dream. - A guaranteed job, decent salary and a chance to go abroad. Therefore, the lure of an engineering degree continues. Every year, since its inception on 29^th September 2015 the Ministry of Education, Govt of India ranks higher study institutions in the country with the help of a methodology called NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework). This was approved and launched by the Ministry of Human Resource Development. The below-mentioned colleges are the top-ranked engineering colleges in Chennai based on NIRF rankings.

In this article, we will discuss the top 15 engineering colleges in Chennai and all related details, including the best places to stay, so you can make an informed decision.

Top 15 Engineering Colleges in Chennai

Are you aspiring to become an engineer but confused about which college is the best for you? Your search ends here, with our curated list of top engineering colleges in Chennai:

Engineering College Name

Indian Institute of Technology

Anna University

SRM Institute of Science and Technology

SSNCE

Sathyabhama Institute of Science and Technology

Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R & D Institute of Science and Technology

Rajalakshmi Engineering College

Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science

Sri Sai Ram Engineering College

B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology

Panimalar Engineering College (PEC)

Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences

St. Joseph’s College of Engineering

Easwari Engineering College

KCG College of Technology

A Guide to the Best Engineering Colleges in Chennai

Read more to know about the top 15 reputed engineering colleges in Chennai.

1. Indian Institute of Technology, Madras

IIT Madra is hands down the best engineering college in Chennai. This is one of the many prominent IITs in India, this is the best public B.Tech college in Chennai. Founded in 1959, this is an internationally acclaimed institution for excellence in education, entrepreneurship and innovative research.

Courses Offered-B.Tech in Aerospace engineering, Chemical engineering, Civil engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical engineering, Engineering Physics, Mechanical engineering, metallurgy, Naval architecture and ocean engineering.

How to Apply

You can apply online through the official website at www.iitm.ac.in. However, the candidates must fill up the application form for JEE Advanced from the official website of the National Testing Agency (NTA) and MTech candidates should register through the official website of the Common Offer Acceptance Portal (COAP). 

Follow these Steps to Apply

• Visit www.iitm.ac.in
• Select your course and click on the Apply Online tab
• Register by filling in the required details
• Log in and fill out the application form
• Enter your academic qualifications
• Finally, pay the application fee and submit your application

Eligibility

Minimum 60% aggregate in class 12 board exam with 5% relaxation for SC/ST/PD.

Qualifying exams: JEE Mains and JEE Advanced

Location and Places to Live Nearby

IIT, Madras is located on Sardar Patel Road, Chennai. The institution is around 12 km away from Chennai Central Railway Station and 8 km away from Chennai Airport. Nearby residential areas are Velacherry, Adambakkam, Adyar, and Perungudi. 

2. Anna University

UGC-approved, NAAC ‘A’ accredited public university which has tie-ups with a lot of international universities that benefit students through student exchange programs.

Anna University is among the best colleges in Chennai for engineering. It offers 29 UG and 90PG programmes in various disciplines. For detailed information visit here.

How to Apply

Apply online on the official website of Anna University. However, you have to register for TNEA also. The application form is released from the first to the fourth week of May 2021. Pay the application fee online and submit your application

Eligibility

Must pass Higher Secondary from a recognised board with Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics with a minimum of 50% marks

Qualifying exams: TNEA counselling

Location and Places to Live Nearby

Anna University is located in Guindy, Chennai. The nearest railway station is Saidapet at a distance of 1.55 km and Chennai airport is 11.2 km away. Nearby residential localities are Adyar, R A Puram, Saidapet, and Nandanam.

3. SRM Institute of Science and Technology

A top-ranked deemed university that is a part of the SRM group of institutions. NAAC is accredited with ‘A+++’ and is UGC approved. Recently, they have signed up with Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University to perform training and research.

Courses Offered

Biotechnology, Chemical engineering, Nanotechnology, Civil engineering, Computer Science engineering, electrical engineering, electronics etc with the option to choose your path by combining a major subject with a specialisation in a related discipline. For more info visit here.

How to Apply

Click here to apply and follow all the steps mentioned there. Pay application fees and submit online. The last date to apply is March 31.

Admission will be based on the online entrance exam conducted by the University from 11th to 16^th June 2021.

Eligibility

For 4-year B.Sc program, a minimum 50% aggregate in PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) in Higher Secondary examination or Physics and Mathematics as compulsory along with one of the following subjects- Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Biology, Technical Vocational subject, Computer Science, Information Technology, Informatics Practices, Agriculture, Engineering Graphics, Business Studies as major subjects in regular stream from any state board within India. For more detailed eligibility criteria visit here.

Qualifying exam: SRM University does not accept JEE rankings. Admission is based on the aptitude exam (SRMJEEE) conducted by the university itself

Location and Places to Live Nearby

SRM Institute of Science and Technology is located in SRM Nagar, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu. The nearest railway station is Potheri which is nearly 1.2 km away while the Chennai Airport is 20 km away. Ideal residential areas are Travancore Residency, Arun Excello Estancia, VGN Tranquil, and Chandralok Housing Society in SRM Nagar. 

4. SSNCE, Chennai

Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering or SSN College of Engineering is an autonomous college affiliated with Anna University. Founded by Dr Shiv Nadar, the founder chairman of HCL Technologies this institute is a premier for higher learning and excellence.

Courses Offered

Electrical and electronics, Electronics and Communication, Computer Science, Civil, Mechanical Chemical and Biochemical engineering

How to Apply

Visit here and apply by registering and filling out all your required details. Pay the application fee online.

Admissions will be based on merit i.e. your PCM results in Class 12 and a subsequent TNEA counselling.

Qualifying exam: Accepts JEE Mains marks.

Location and Places to Live Nearby

SSNCE is situated on Old Mahabalipuram Road, Kalavakkam, Tamil Nadu. Guduvancheri Railway Station is at a distance of 12 km and Chennai International Airport is 40.6 km away. Some of the closest ideal residential areas are Marg Pushpadruma, Alta Apartment, Lata Veeda, and Lotus Bound.

5. Sathyabhama Institute of Science and Technology

One of the best Btech colleges in Chennai is Sathyabhama Institute of Science and Technology. Founded in 1987 and received its deemed to be university status in 2001, the institute was developed under Sec3 of the UGC Act, 1956 and is NAAC ‘A’ accredited. Dynamic faculty and excellence matching international standards are the main plus points.

Courses Offered

Electronics, Electrical engineering, Mechanical, Chemical engineering, Biochemical engineering etc. For more information, visit here.

How to Apply

Simply visit the official website of the institute and register using the required details. You can then apply online by paying the application fee and submitting your application.

Admissions are based on your scores in SAEEE, the entrance exam held by the institute itself

Qualifying exam: Does not accept JEE marks. You have to clear the SAEEE conducted by the institute to be eligible.

Location and Places to Live Nearby

Established in Rajiv Gandhi Salai, OMR Road, Chennai, Sathyabama University is at a distance of 21 km from Kamaraj International Airport and 7 km from Velachery Railway Station. Nearby residential areas are Semmancheri, Sholinganallur, and Chemmencheri.

6. Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R & D Institute of Science and Technology

Situated in Avadi, Chennai this is a premier R&D Institute. Has international tie-ups with 390 institutes around the world and has entered into an MOU with 120 institutes for student-exchange programmes.

Courses Offered

Aeronautical Engineering, Information Technology, Electronics, Electrical engineering, Mechanical, Chemical engineering, Biochemical engineering etc. For more information, visit https://www.veltech.edu.in/vel-tech-profile/

Eligibility

Has to pass 10+2 or its equivalent exam. Has to appear and pass the VTUEEE 2021. For more info visit https://www.veltech.edu.in/btech-admissions/

How to Apply

Simply visit the official site and register with the required details. Click here https://www.veltech.edu.in/btech-admissions/and follow all the guidelines after which pay the application fee and submit the application.

You can also apply offline.

Qualifying exam- This college accepts both JEE and VTUEEE scores for admission.

Location and Places to Live Nearby

Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr Sagunthala R and D Institute of Science and Technology are located in Vel Nagar, Chennai. Avadi Railway Station is about 7 km away and Chennai International Airport is about 35 km away. Nearby residential areas are Ramapuram, Sri Ram Samaj Nagar, Vel Nagar, and New Vellanur.

7. Rajalakshmi Engineering College

An autonomous institution affiliated with Anna University was founded in 1997 and has been progressing towards development ever since. This institution is NAAC ‘A ‘certified and attained 12(b) status from UGC. Equipped with well-respected faculty and research facilities, this can be a good option for your B.Tech

Courses Offered

Aeronautical Engineering, B.E. Computer Science and Engineering, Electronics and Communication, Electrical, Mechanical, Biotechnology and more. For better information, you can visit the official site.

Eligibility

Minimum 50% general candidates and 45% and 40% for backward and most backward category candidates respectively. For SC/ST, you just simply need to pass the examination. For detailed info about lateral entry candidates and the required documents kindly go to https://www.rajalakshmi.org/admission-eligibility.php

How to Apply

Click on https://www.rajalakshmi.org/admission-application-forms.php

 to simply register yourself with the required details and pay the application fee to submit.

Qualifying Exam: B.Tech admissions are done by Anna University through Tamil Nādu Engineering Admissions (TNEA) counselling. This college does not accept JEE scores.

Location and Places to Live Nearby

Rajalakshmi Engineering College is situated in Rajalakshmi Nagar, Thandalam, Tamilnadu. Veppampattu Railway Station is at a distance of 20.6 km and Chennai International Airport is at a distance of 34.7 km. Nearby residential areas are Mevalurkuppam, Padur, and Nayapakkam.

8. Hindusthan Institute of Technology and Science

Hindusthan College of Engineering was conferred the university status by the UGC from the academic year of 2008-2009 under the new name of Hindusthan Institute of Technology and Science. More than 80% of students pass with distinction and are placed in multiple leading companies in India. This institute receives a lot of international students each year.

Courses Offered

You can complete your B.tech in a particular field with a specialisation in a related area. For example, you can attain a B.Tech in Aerospace engineering with a specialisation in Propulsion or Computational Fluid Dynamics. For complete information, kindly click https://hindustanuniv.ac.in/ugcourse_new.php

Eligibility

• The candidate should pass (10+2) or equivalent examination with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects along with one of the following- Chemistry / Bio-Technology / Biology Technical Vocational subject
• The candidate should score at least 50% marks (45% in case of candidate belonging to reserved category) in the above-mentioned subjects taken together with a minimum of 60% in Mathematics.
• Cambridge norms (General Certificate of Education – GCE)

Aspiring candidates should have studied the General Certificate of Education (GCE), Cambridge International Examinations and should obtain an ‘Advanced Level’ pass in Physics, Chemistry, Biology / Mathematics and English at AS level. 

How to Apply

For a complete guide on how to apply and pay for the application form, kindly click https://apply.hindustanuniv.ac.in. Simply follow the guidelines and submit your application. Kindly note that the last date for applying for HITSEE, the in-house entrance test is June 5, 2021.

For more important dates kindly visit https://apply.hindustanuniv.ac.in

Qualifying Exam: HITSEE (Hindusthan Institute of Technology and Science Entrance Exam is the aptitude test conducted by this university.

Location and Places to Live Nearby

Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science is located at Rajiv Gandhi Salai (OMR), Padur, Kelambakam, Chennai. Chennai Central railway station is at a distance of 46 km and Chennai International Airport is at a distance of 32.8 km. Nearby residential areas are Padappai, Athanancherry, Salamanglam.

9. Sri Sai Ram Engineering College

Established in 1995, this is a self-financed institute under Anna University. This college has been approved by the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and is NBA accredited. The NAAC accredited this college with an ‘A+’ and ranked 15 in the overall category of NIRF, 2020.

Courses Offered

This college offers 20 courses in both UG and PG levels. For detailed information on the courses and specialisations kindly visit https://sairam.edu.in/#

Eligibility

The candidate should pass (10+2) or equivalent examination with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects along with one of the following- Chemistry / Biotechnology / Biology Technical Vocational subject.

The candidate should score at least 50% marks (45% in case of candidate belonging to reserved category) in the above-mentioned subjects taken together with a minimum of 60% in Mathematics.

How to Apply

Visit the official website of the college for guidelines regarding how to apply and payment of the application fees.

For more important dates visit the above-mentioned site and stay updated.

Qualifying exam: Tamil Nadu Entrance Assessment (TNEA). Admissions are based on the TNEA counselling.

Location and Places to Live Nearby

Sri Sai Ram Engineering College is situated in Sai Leo Nagar, West Tambaram Poonthandalam, Village, Chennai. Perungulattur Railway Station is at a distance of 13 km and Chennai International Airport is at a distance of 17 km. There are plenty of houses for sale and rent available in West, East Tambaram, and Peerakankaranai. 

10. B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology

Located in Tambaram, this institution promises quality and security to you through its carefully curated programs to equip the future generation. The green campus provides the perfect ambience for a community learning experience.

Courses Offered

To access the full list of UG and PG courses offered by the institute kindly click this

Eligibility

Click here to check your eligibility.

How to Apply

You can visit the official website of the Institute and follow the guidelines on how to apply, pay and submit your application.

Qualifying exam: Candidates will be selected based on their performance in the Crescent Institute Engineering Admission Test (CIEAT 2021).

Location and Places to Live Nearby

B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology is situated on Seethakathi Estate GST Road, Vandalur, Tamil Nadu. Chennai International Airport is at a distance of 15 km and Chennai Central Railway Station is at a distance of 37.8 km. Nearby residential areas are Urapakkam, Nanmangalam, and Guduvancheri.

11. Panimalar Engineering College (PEC)

In the year 2000, Panimalar Engineering College (PEC) in Chennai was founded. The Jaisakthi Educational Trust is in charge of the college and the All-India Council for Technical Education has given PEC its approval (AICTE). This is one of the top engineering colleges in Chennai.

Courses Offered

In several fields, the College provides undergraduate (BE) and postgraduate (ME, MBA) courses. The University Grants Commission has also recognised Panimalar Engineering College (UGC). Anna University is connected with PEC.

Eligibility

Panimalar Engineering College accepts students for BE, MBA, and ME programmes. BE students will be admitted based on their performance in the TNPCEE/CET test, which will be followed by a Tamil Nadu government-led counselling process, while ME candidates must pass the TANCET/GATE exam.

Location

PEC is located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, at Bangalore Trunk Road, Varadharajapuram, Nazarethpettai, Poonamallee. The College is 9.6 kilometres from Pattabiram Railway Station and 10.2 kilometres from Padurmedu Bus Stop. The Institute is 23.2 kilometres from Chennai International Airport. To go to Panimalar Engineering College, students can take a taxi or a bus.

12. Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences

In 2005, the Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences in Chennai was founded. The University of Georgia has recognised SIMTS Chennai and its previous name was Saveetha University. The Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences in Chennai is a 'Deemed to be University that is privately owned. The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) has awarded the university an 'A' rating.

Courses Offered

Admission is available to seven undergraduate and graduate programmes at Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences in Chennai. The university accepts students for studies in the following streams: sciences, medicine, and related sciences.

Eligibility

Admission to the Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences in Chennai is based on the university's entrance exams.

Location

SIMTS Chennai is located at 162, PH Road in Velappanchavadi, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The Chennai International Airport is the closest airport to the university, at a distance of 28.3 kilometres. The Velappanchavadi Railway Station is the closest railway station to the Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences Chennai, at a distance of 15.6 kilometres. The Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences Chennai is 2.9 kilometres from the nearest bus station.

13. St. Joseph's College of Engineering

The St. Joseph's Group of Institutions founded St. Joseph's College of Engineering in Chennai in 1994. Anna University in Chennai is the institute's parent institution. It is a private institute that has received an 'A+' rating from NAAC. The entire campus covers a total of 25 acres of land. In the NIRF Ranking 2021 for the Engineering category, St Joseph's College of Engineering, Chennai was ranked 183^rd and is one of the best engineering colleges in Chennai.

Courses Offered

Engineering, computer application, IT, management, business administration, and sciences are among the undergraduate and postgraduate courses offered by the institute. There are 308 teaching members in total at the institute, with a total student enrolment of 5400.

Eligibility

• B.E/B.Tech - 10+2 or it's equivalent with a combined score of at least 50% in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
• MBA Integrated - 10+2 from a recognised board with an aggregate of 45% (40% in the case of the SC/ST category).
• M.E/M.Tech - Bachelor's degree from a recognised university with a minimum of 50% on the qualifying exam.
• M.B.A - Bachelor's degree from a recognised university with a minimum of three years of study and a minimum of 50% on the qualifying examination.

Location

Old Mahabalipuram Road, Kamaraj Nagar, Semmancheri, Chennai, Tamil Nadu is where St Joseph's College of Engineering is located. The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport, which is 23.6 kilometres away, while the nearest train station is Perungudi Railway Station, which is 12.3 kilometres away from St Joseph's College of Engineering in Chennai. The university is around 3.1 kilometres from the nearest bus stop, Semmancheri Bus Stop.

14. Easwari Engineering College

The Easwari Engineering College in Chennai was founded in 1996. It is a private educational institution in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The institute was previously associated with the University of Madras, however, later that year it was transferred to Anna University in Chennai. The All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and the Tamil Nadu Government have approved Easwari Engineering College in Chennai.

Courses Offered

According to the NIRF Ranking 2021, the institute is placed 189th in the Engineering category. Engineering, computer application and IT, sciences, management and business administration students can choose from 11 undergraduate, six postgraduate, and six PhD programmes.

Eligibility

• B.E/B.Tech - 10+2 with Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry as three of the four topics studied in Part III, or any examination recognised by the Syndicate of Anna University from any other university or authority.
• M.E/M.B.A - A bachelor's degree from a recognised university or its equivalent is required.
• PhD - A master's degree from a recognised university with a minimum of 55% overall.

Location

Easwari Engineering College is located in Ramapuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, at 162, Bharathi Salai. The institute is about 8.1 kilometres from Guindy Railway Station. Easwari Engineering College is about 12.8 kilometres from Chennai International Airport. The Easwari Engineering College in Chennai is about 4.7 kilometres distant from Vadapalani Bus Depot. To get to campus, students can rent a taxi or use an auto-rickshaw.

15. KCG College of Technology

KCG College of Technology is a Tamil Nadu-based engineering school and is one of the top colleges in chennai for engineering. It was founded in 1998 and is affiliated with Chennai’s Anna University. Anna University has authorised five departments – CSE, ECE, EEE, Mechanical Engineering, and Physics – as research centres to provide PhD programmes.

Courses Offered

The college provides a total of twelve undergraduate and four graduate programmes. The National Board of Accreditation has approved five undergraduate programmes: Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE), Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE), Information Technology (IT), and Mechanical Engineering (NBA).

Eligibility

TNEA and TANCET

Location

The college is located on the Old Mahabalipuram Road in Karapakkam, about 8 kilometres south of Adyar (South Chennai) (IT Highway). Chennai Central Railway Station is the closest station, and The Chennai Kamaraj Domestic Airport is the closest.

Chennai has become a major attractive destination for B.Tech studies since it houses many top-notch institutions. Top B.Tech Colleges in Chennai have a very good record of educational excellence with student exchange programmes and lucrative job offers. So, naturally, students want to come here from all over Chennai and the rest of the country as well. 

If you choose a college, ensure you don’t live more than 3-5km away, or you will end up spending far too much time and energy on commuting. We suggest you move into a hotel, shared accommodation, PG or even rent a house close to your engineering college in Chennai. We’ve made it easy for you by providing the link to localities close to each of these top 15 engineering colleges in Chennai. Click on those links, or click the link below to start looking for the right accommodation for you!

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