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There are over 900 engineering colleges in Tamil Nadu, including 60+ government colleges and 550+ private institutions, offering BTech and MTech programs. These courses are available across a wide range of disciplines such as Computer Science Engineering (CSE), Information Technology (IT), Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AIML), Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE), Mechanical Engineering (ME), and more. Admission to BTech programs is primarily based on scores obtained in JEE Main, JEE Advanced, and CUET, while MTech admissions are conducted through GATE and CUET PG scores. Additionally, some colleges offer direct admissions based on Class 12 merit through Tamil Nadu Engineering Admission (TNEA) counselling. The cutoff for engineering colleges in Tamil Nadu varies greatly with the type of college. Tier-1 colleges usually have a cutoff above 95 percentile whereas cutoff for tier-2 colleges fluctuates between 85-95 percentile in JEE Mains. For government and aided colleges, cutoffs are determined through TNEA counselling based on Class 12 PCM marks, with top branches like CSE and AIML having higher cutoffs followed by ECE and ME. The following article talks about the top engineering colleges in Tamil Nadu classifying them based on their NIRF ranks, highest and average packages, fees, overall ROI and other factors.
The below table outlines a brief overview about engineering colleges in Tamil Nadu highlighting the most important details like the popular courses offered, eligibility criteria for admission and others
Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Engineering Colleges | 900+ |
| Government Engineering Colleges | 60+ |
| Private Engineering Colleges | 550+ |
| Popular Degrees Offered | BTech / BE, MTech / ME |
| Top Engineering Disciplines | Computer Science Engineering (CSE), Information Technology (IT), Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning (AIML), Data Science, Electronics & Communication Engineering (ECE), Electrical & Electronics Engineering (EEE), Mechanical Engineering (ME), Civil Engineering, Robotics |
| BTech / BE Admission Exams | JEE Main, JEE Advanced, CUET |
| MTech / ME Admission Exams | GATE, CUET PG |
| State-Level Admission Process | Tamil Nadu Engineering Admission (TNEA) Counselling |
| Direct Admission Criteria | Class 12 (PCM) merit via TNEA (No entrance exam required) |
| Eligibility for BTech | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics |
| Eligibility for MTech | BTech/BE in relevant discipline |
| Top Recruiters | TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Accenture, Cognizant, Amazon, Zoho |
The table below lists the top engineering colleges in Tamil Nadu based on their NIRF rankings for the year 2025. IIT Madras holds the top position with a NIRF rank of 1, while other institutions such as NIT Trichy, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, and VIT Vellore also have strong rankings.
Rank (NIRF 2025) | College Name | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indian Institute of Technology Madras | Chennai |
| 9 | National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli | Tiruchirappalli |
| 14 | SRM Institute of Science and Technology | Chennai |
| 16 | VIT Vellore | Vellore |
| 20 | Anna University – CEG Campus | Chennai |
| 23 | Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham Coimbatore | Coimbatore |
| 33 | Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education | Srivilliputhur |
| 40 | SASTRA University | Thanjavur |
The video below reviews the top 10 engineering colleges in Tamil Nadu, including IIT Madras, NIT Trichy, VIT Vellore, SRM, and Amrita. It covers NIRF rankings, placement stats (up to 1.8 crore highest package), fee structures, cutoffs via JEE Main/JOSAA, campus life, and admission processes. This is a 15-minute guide providing quick statistic, pros/cons, and links to detailed reviews, which can help candidates select their college.
Tamil Nadu colleges are not just known for their vast education system but also for their great placements. Institutes like IITM, NIT Trichy, etc have a wide placement network and companies like Microsoft, google, amazon hire students form these colleges offering packages in lakhs. Below is the list of the top engineering colleges in Tamil Nadu with their average and highest placement.
| College Name | Average Package | Highest Package |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) | 20–24 lakhs | 1.3–1.5 crores |
| National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli (NIT Trichy) | 14–18 lakhs | 50–70 lakhs |
| SRM Institute of Science and Technology | 6–8 lakhs | 45–50 lakhs |
| VIT Vellore | 8–10 lakhs | 75 lakhs–1.02 crores |
| Anna University – CEG Campus | 7–9 lakhs | 40–50 lakhs |
| Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore | 6–8 lakhs | 45–56 lakhs |
| Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education | 4–6 lakhs | 20–30 lakhs |
| SASTRA University | 6–8 lakhs | 35–40 lakhs |
Top tier engineering colleges in Tamil Nadu are known for their academic culture, strong research background, and top-tier placements. Here are the top engineering colleges in Tamil Nadu.
College Name | Ownership | Annual Fees (INR) | Average Package (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Institute of Technology Madras | Central Government | 2 Lakhs | 21 Lakhs |
| National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli | Central Government | 1.5 Lakhs | 12 Lakhs |
| Anna University – CEG Campus | State Government | 45,000 | 6 Lakhs |
Tier-2 colleges also perform well in terms of placements. Moreover, their admission cut-offs are generally lower, making admission comparatively easier. Here are some of the Tier-2 engineering colleges in Tamil Nadu.
College Name | Ownership | Annual Fees (INR) | Average Package (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSG College of Technology | Private Autonomous | 90,000 | 6.5 Lakhs |
| SSN College of Engineering | Private Autonomous | 2 Lakhs | 7 Lakhs |
| Thiagarajar College of Engineering | Aided | 60,000 | 5.5 Lakhs |
| Coimbatore Institute of Technology | Aided | 50,000 | 5 Lakhs |
The table below highlights institutions with good overall placement and lists major companies that regularly hire from these colleges.
College Name | Highest Package (INR) | Top Recruiters |
|---|---|---|
| PSG College of Technology | 30 Lakhs | Amazon, Microsoft, Cisco, TCS, Zoho |
| SSN College of Engineering | 34 Lakhs | Google, Amazon, Wells Fargo, Deloitte, Accenture |
| Thiagarajar College of Engineering | 20 Lakhs | Infosys, Bosch, L&T, Cognizant, Zoho |
| Coimbatore Institute of Technology | 18 Lakhs | Bosch, Siemens, TCS, Wipro, Hyundai |
| Government College of Technology Coimbatore | 16 Lakhs | TCS, L&T, Ashok Leyland, Accenture |
| Rajalakshmi Engineering College | 24 Lakhs | Amazon, CTS, Infosys, Capgemini |
| Bannari Amman Institute of Technology | 21 Lakhs | Zoho, Bosch, TCS, Accenture |
| Sri Krishna College of Engineering and Technology | 22 Lakhs | Amazon, Cognizant, Zoho, Mindtree |
| Kumaraguru College of Technology | 20 Lakhs | Deloitte, TCS, Bosch, Zoho |
| Velammal Engineering College | 19 Lakhs | Infosys, Wipro, Accenture, HCL |
Government engineering colleges in Tamil Nadu are preferred for their low tuition fees, experienced faculty, and strong return on investment. Most of these colleges admit students through state-level counselling
College Name | Annual Fees (INR) | Average Package (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| College of Engineering Guindy | 45,000 | 6 Lakhs |
| Government College of Technology Coimbatore | 40,000 | 5 Lakhs |
| Anna University MIT Campus | 45,000 | 5.5 Lakhs |
| Alagappa Chettiar Government College of Engineering | 35,000 | 4 Lakhs |
Here’s a list of the top private engineering colleges in Tamil Nadu. These colleges take admission based on their own entrance examination or through state counselling
College Name | Ownership | Annual Fees (INR) | Average Package (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| VIT Vellore | Private Deemed | 3.25 Lakhs | 7.5 Lakhs |
| SRM Institute of Science and Technology | Private Deemed | 2.5 Lakhs | 6 Lakhs |
| Amrita School of Engineering Coimbatore | Private Deemed | 3 Lakhs | 6.5 Lakhs |
| SASTRA University | Private Deemed | 1.8 Lakhs | 5.5 Lakhs |
| Rajalakshmi Engineering College | Private Autonomous | 1 Lakh | 5 Lakhs |
There are a number of affordable colleges in Tamil Nadu offering quality education and decent placement opportunities resulting in a better ROI. The table below lists down these colleges
College Name | Ownership | Annual Fees (INR) | Average Package (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government College of Technology Coimbatore | State Government | 40,000 | 5 Lakhs |
| Thiagarajar College of Engineering | Aided | 60,000 | 5.5 Lakhs |
| Coimbatore Institute of Technology | Aided | 50,000 | 5 Lakhs |
| Alagappa Chettiar Govt College | State Government | 35,000 | 4 Lakhs |
Several engineering colleges in Tamil Nadu offer admissions without national-level entrance exams, primarily through Class 12 merit or state counselling processes. These institutions are ideal for students looking for direct admission
College Name | Ownership | Annual Fees (INR) | Average Package (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rajalakshmi Engineering College | Private Autonomous | 1 Lakh | 5 Lakhs |
| Bannari Amman Institute of Technology | Private Autonomous | 90,000 | 5 Lakhs |
| Sri Krishna College of Engineering | Private Autonomous | 85,000 | 4.5 Lakhs |
| Panimalar Engineering College | Private | 85,000 | 4 Lakhs |
Colleges accepting candidates with 80–90 percentile scores provide good opportunities for students who narrowly miss top-tier cut-offs. Here is a list of of the colleges accepting 80-90 percentile of score
College Name | Ownership | Annual Fees (INR) | Average Package (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| VIT Vellore | Private Deemed | 3.25 Lakhs | 7.5 Lakhs |
| SRM KTR | Private Deemed | 2.5 Lakhs | 6 Lakhs |
| Vel Tech University | Private Deemed | 1.6 Lakhs | 4.5 Lakhs |
| Kalasalingam University | Private Deemed | 1.5 Lakhs | 4 Lakhs |
Return on Investment (ROI) is a crucial factor when choosing an engineering college. The ROI table below compares total course fees against average placement packages
College Name | Total Fees | Average Package | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| IIT Madras | 8 Lakhs | 21 Lakhs | Excellent |
| NIT Trichy | 6 Lakhs | 12 Lakhs | Excellent |
| Anna University CEG | 1.8 Lakhs | 6 Lakhs | Very High |
| PSG College of Technology | 3.6 Lakhs | 6 Lakhs | High |
| VIT Vellore | 13 Lakhs | 7.5 Lakhs | Moderate |
Indian Institute of Technology is not just a top college in Tamil Nadu but is ranked 1 by NIRF (National Institute of Ranking Framework) consistently for the past many years. The table below highlights the key strengths of IIT Madras.
Category | Speciality |
|---|---|
| National Ranking | Consistently ranked No. 1 in NIRF Engineering Rankings |
| Industry Collaboration | Strong tie-ups with global companies like Google, Microsoft, Qualcomm, ISRO |
| Placement Record | Average package of INR 20 - 24 lakhs, Highest Package exceeds 1CPA |
| Innovation Ecosystem | IITM Research Park is India’s first university-based research park |
| Startup Culture | Over 300+ startups incubated |
| Interdisciplinary Programs | AI, Data Science, Robotics, Quantum Computing, Renewable Energy |
| Online Education | IITM Online BSc & BS programs in Data Science reaching pan-India learners |
National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli is one of India’s top NITs and consistently ranks among the top engineering institutions in the country. It is known for strong academics, excellent placements, and industry-oriented programs.
Category | Speciality |
|---|---|
| National Ranking | Consistently ranked among Top 10–15 Engineering Colleges in NIRF |
| Courses Offered | B.Tech (CSE, ECE, EEE, Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, Metallurgical, Production), M.Tech (Various Specializations), MBA, MCA, MSc, Ph.D Programs |
| Industry Collaboration | Partnerships with Tata, Intel, L&T, Microsoft, and other MNCs |
| Placement Record | Average package of 14 -18 lakhs, highest packages 50+ lakhs |
| Research Output | Active research centers in AI, Energy, Materials, and Manufacturing |
| Campus Life | 800+ acre residential campus with strong student community |
| Alumni Network | Strong global alumni presence in tech, PSU, and corporate leadership |
Anna University (College of Engineering, Guindy – CEG) is one of India’s oldest and most prestigious engineering institutions.
Category | Speciality |
|---|---|
| National Ranking | Ranked among Top 20–25 Engineering Institutions in NIRF |
| Legacy & Reputation | Established in 1794 (CEG) being one of India’s oldest engineering colleges |
| Industry Collaboration | Strong connections with TCS, Infosys, L&T, Hyundai, Ashok Leyland |
| Placement Record | Average package of 7-9 lakhs, top packages 40-50 lakhs |
| Affordable Fees | Government institution with very low tuition fees |
| Research & Innovation | Research centers in AI, Renewable Energy, Nanotechnology |
| Diverse Programs | Offers engineering, architecture, management & technology programs |
| Courses Offered | B.E / B.Tech (CSE, IT, ECE, EEE, Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, Industrial, Mining, Printing, etc.), B.Arch, M.E / M.Tech, MBA, MCA, M.Sc, Ph.D Programs |
The admission process for engineering colleges in Tamil Nadu involves national entrance exams, state-level counselling, and merit-based admissions. The following tables outline key exam schedules and processes
TANCET (Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test) is conducted by Anna University for MBA, MTech, MCA, and other postgraduate admissions in Tamil Nadu. It is a pen and paper based exam of 2 hours duration. Based on the usual timeline, the expected schedule for TANCET 2026 is:
Event | Date (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| Application Process Begins | Early January 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | March 5, 2026 |
| Exam Date | March 22, 2026 |
| Provisional Answer Key | March 25, 2026 |
| Result Declaration | April 25, 2026 |
The official TNEA schedule has not been released yet. The following table shows the tentative schedule for TNEA 2026.
Event | Tentative Timeline |
|---|---|
| Registration Start | May 2026 |
| Certificate Verification | June 2026 |
| Rank List Release | June 2026 |
| Counselling Rounds | July – August 2026 |
| Final Allotment | August 2026 |
Q1. Which college is best for placement in Tamil Nadu?
A. Indian Institute of Technology Madras is considered the best college for placements in Tamil Nadu. It consistently records the highest average and international packages.
Q2. What are the top 5 engineering colleges in Tamil Nadu?
A. The top 5 engineering colleges in Tamil Nadu are Indian Institute of Technology Madras, National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli, Anna University CEG Campus, VIT Vellore, and SRM Institute of Science and Technology.
Q3. What are the top 10 universities in Tamil Nadu?
A. The top universities in Tamil Nadu include IIT Madras, Anna University, VIT Vellore, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, SASTRA University, Bharathiar University, Madras University, Kalasalingam University, and Alagappa University, based on academics, research, and national rankings.
Q4. Which are the top 10 government engineering colleges in Tamil Nadu 2026?
A. Top government engineering colleges in Tamil Nadu include IIT Madras, NIT Trichy, College of Engineering Guindy, MIT Campus Anna University, Government College of Technology Coimbatore, Alagappa Chettiar Government College of Engineering, and Anna University regional campuses, known for low fees and strong ROI
Q5. Which is the best private engineering college in Tamil Nadu?
A. VIT Vellore is widely regarded as the best private engineering college in Tamil Nadu due to its strong NIRF ranking, modern infrastructure, wide range of engineering programs, international exposure, and consistent placement records with top recruiters.
Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu
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AICTE
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Perambalur, Tamil NaduPrivate
NAAC
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Tiruchirappalli, Tamil NaduPrivate Unaided
NAAC
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Bahadurgarh, Haryana
Private UnAided
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Tiruchirappalli, Tamil NaduPrivate
NAAC
Kanyakumari, Tamil NaduPrivate
AICTE
Salem, Tamil NaduPrivate
AICTE
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Kanchipuram, Tamil NaduPrivate
AICTE
Aruppukottai, Tamil NaduPrivate Aided
NAAC
Tirunelveli, Tamil NaduPrivate
Other
Pattukottai, Tamil NaduPrivate
AICTE
Thiruvarur, Tamil NaduPrivate
AICTE
Tirunelveli, Tamil NaduPrivate
AICTE
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Chennai, Tamil NaduPrivate
AICTE
Madurai, Tamil NaduPrivate Aided
NAAC
Tiruvallur, Tamil NaduPrivate
AICTE
Chennai, Tamil NaduPrivate
AICTE
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Madurai, Tamil NaduPrivate Aided
NAAC
Tiruchirappalli, Tamil NaduPrivate
Other
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Madurai, Tamil NaduPrivate
AICTE
Flagship Courses : B.Sc. Computer Science & B.Com - B.Sc. Computer Science and Data Science are flagship programs with high industry demand - B.Com (Professional Accounting) is highly sought after for its alignment with professional certifications
Rankings : Top 20 Nationally - Ranked #20 in the 'Colleges' category by NIRF 2025 - Consistently maintained a top-tier position in NIRF rankings for over five consecutive years
Placements : IT & BFSI Sector Dominance - Dedicated placement cell focusing on training for top-tier IT services and Banking firms - Regular recruitment drives by industry leaders like TCS, Infosys, and ICICI Bank
Region : Strategic Cultural Hub - Located in Madurai, the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu, providing a rich environment for holistic development - Proximity to the Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam and major industrial corridors of Southern Tamil Nadu
Fees : Low/Mid Range - Rs 0.15 - 1.5 L (Total) - Aided courses offer extremely low government-regulated fees, while self-financed courses remain highly competitive
ROI : Excellent ROI - High national ranking combined with nominal fee structures ensures one of the best value-for-money propositions in the region - Strong placement outcomes in IT and Banking sectors for graduates
Diversity : Rural Empowerment Focus - Strong commitment to educating students from rural backgrounds through inclusive scholarship programs - Special merit scholarships and aid for single-parent childrenAlumni : Illustrious Global Network - Dr. P. Namperumalsamy, founding member of Aravind Eye Care System - Palam Kalyanasundaram, renowned social activist and 'Man of the Millennium'Hostel : Modern Residential Comforts - Separate hostels for men (Thiagarajar Illam) and women (Meenakshi Illam) with high-speed Wi-Fi - Equipped with RO purified water systems and balanced vegetarian dining facilitiesInfrastructure : 13-Acre Heritage Campus - Sprawling 13-acre campus featuring scenic beauty and traditional heritage architecture - Houses one of the oldest and most traditional libraries in Madurai with over 96,000 rare volumes
Arasaradi, Tamil NaduPrivate
AICTE
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Madurai, Tamil NaduPrivate
AICTE
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Chennai, Tamil NaduUniversity
AICTE
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Salem, Tamil NaduPrivate Unaided
AICTE
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Tiruvallur, Tamil NaduPrivate
ISO
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Kanyakumari, Tamil NaduPrivate
AICTE
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Virudhunagar, Tamil NaduPrivate
UGC
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Rankings : National Recognition - Ranked in the 151-300 band in NIRF Innovation (2023) - Accredited by NAAC with 'A+' Grade (Cycle 2)Placements : IT and Core Sector Synergy - Strong focus on Product-based companies and IT Services - Top sectors: Software Development, VLSI Design, and Industrial AutomationRegion : Strategic Industrial Hub - Located in Sivakasi, the 'Industrial Hub' of South India, famous for printing, packaging, and safety matches - Proximity to diverse manufacturing units provides students with unique exposure to industrial automation and chemical engineering processesFees : Affordable Technical Education -Rs 2.0 - 3.4 L (Total for 4 years) - Fee structure follows government-approved norms for self-financing autonomous colleges in Tamil NaduROI : High Value Returns - Excellent ROI due to low tuition costs paired with consistent placements in Tier-1 IT firms - Label: Good
Internships : Industry-Embedded Learning - Mandatory internship programs with leading firms such as Zoho Corporation, BSNL, and TNEB - Students engage in real-time projects through MoUs with ICT Academy and Oracle Academy
Partnerships/Exchange Programs : Global Academic Alliances - Active MoUs with Palo Alto Networks, Cisco Networking Academy, and Blue Prism for niche certifications - Collaborations with the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) for research in renewable energyHostel : Modern Residential Comforts - Separate, secure hostel facilities for boys and girls with 24/7 Wi-Fi connectivity - Modernized steam-based kitchen and RO water plants ensuring high hygiene standardsInfrastructure : Expansive 27-Acre Campus - Sprawling 27.72-acre campus designed with modern academic blocks and green spaces - Spacious sports grounds including dedicated courts for Basketball, Volleyball, and a large Cricket field
Coimbatore, Tamil NaduPrivate Unaided
NAAC
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Kanyakumari, Tamil NaduPrivate
AICTE
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Namakkal, Tamil NaduPrivate
NBA
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Pudukkottai, Tamil NaduPrivate
ISO
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In 2025, the top ten engineering colleges in Tamil Nadu include IIT Madras, NIT Trichy, VIT Vellore, Anna University, PSG Tech, SSN College, SRM Institute, SASTRA University, Thiagarajar College of Engineering, and Coimbatore Institute of Technology. These colleges consistently perform well in NIRF rankings and placement statistics.
Yes, Anna University, IIT Madras, NIT Trichy, Government College of Technology Coimbatore, and Alagappa Chettiar College of Engineering and Technology Karaikudi are some of the highly ranked government institutions offering engineering programs.
Top private engineering colleges in Tamil Nadu include Vellore Institute of Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, Kumaraguru College of Technology, Coimbatore, and Sri Sairam Engineering College, Chennai.
Some of the best engineering colleges in Tamil Nadu are NIT Trichy, IIT Madras, VIT Vellore, Anna University, PSG Tech, and SSN College. These institutions are known for strong placement records, research opportunities, and national rankings.
Top engineering colleges in Tamil Nadu include IIT Madras, NIT Trichy, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Anna University, PSG College of Technology Coimbatore, SSN College of Engineering Chennai, Coimbatore Institute of Technology, Thiagarajar College of Engineering Madurai, Government College of Technology Coimbatore, and Sri Sairam Engineering College Chennai.
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