Introduction
Thiagarajar College of Engineering (TCE), established in 1957, stands as one of India's premier engineering institutions. Founded by the philanthropist and industrialist Late Shri Karumuttu Thiagarajan Chettiar, TCE has been at the forefront of technical education for over six decades. Located in Thiruparankundram, Madurai, the college occupies a sprawling 62-acre campus that combines traditional academic values with cutting-edge technology and infrastructure.
Affiliated with Anna University, Chennai, and approved by AICTE, TCE achieved autonomous status in 1987, becoming one of the first engineering colleges in Tamil Nadu to gain this distinction. This autonomy has enabled TCE to design innovative curricula, implement progressive teaching methods, and maintain its position as a leader in engineering education and research.
With NAAC A++ accreditation and NBA accreditation for all eligible programs, TCE represents excellence in technical education, producing engineers and technologists who have made significant contributions to industry, research, and society worldwide.
Historical Legacy
Foundation (1957)
TCE was established with the vision of providing world-class technical education to students from all backgrounds. The founder, Karumuttu Thiagarajan Chettiar, was a visionary who believed in:
- Quality education as a right, not a privilege
- Merit-based admission without discrimination
- Affordable fees for economically weaker sections
- Research-driven learning
- Industry-relevant curriculum
Growth Milestones
1957-1970: Foundation phase with core engineering disciplines 1970-1987: Expansion of programs and infrastructure 1987: Achieved autonomous status 2000s: Focus on research and innovation 2010s: International collaborations and global rankings Present: Recognized among top engineering colleges in India
Academic Programs
Undergraduate (B.E./B.Tech.)
Core Engineering:
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE)
- Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE)
- Computer Science and Engineering (CSE)
Specialized Streams:
- Information Technology
- Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Robotics and Automation
- Artificial Intelligence and Data Science
Total Intake: 1,050 students annually
Postgraduate (M.E./M.Tech.)
Specialized Programs:
- Structural Engineering
- Power Systems Engineering
- Communication Systems
- VLSI Design
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Embedded Systems
- Energy Engineering
- Applied Electronics
Total Intake: 200+ students annually
Doctoral Programs (Ph.D.)
Research opportunities in all engineering and science streams:
- Full-time and part-time options
- Industry-sponsored research
- International collaborations
- 100+ research scholars currently enrolled
Research and Innovation
Research Centers
Center for Automation and Robotics Center for Green Energy IoT and AI Research Lab Center for Materials Science Water Resources Research Center
Research Output
Annual Publications: 250+ research papers Patents Filed: 50+ patents Funded Projects: ₹20+ crores from DRDO, DST, ISRO Industry Collaborations: 30+ MoUs with leading companies
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Innovation Cell:
- Student startups supported
- Incubation facilities
- Funding assistance
- Mentorship programs
Achievements:
- 20+ student startups launched
- National innovation awards
- Smart India Hackathon winners
- International competitions participants
Campus and Infrastructure
Academic Facilities
Classrooms:
- Smart classrooms with ICT tools
- Air-conditioned lecture halls
- Interactive learning spaces
- Capacity: 60-100 students per room
Laboratories:
- State-of-the-art equipment
- Industry-standard tools
- Research-grade instruments
- Safety-compliant infrastructure
Library:
- 1,00,000+ books
- 10,000+ journals (print and e-journals)
- Digital library access
- 24/7 access for research scholars
- E-resources: IEEE, Springer, ScienceDirect
Computational Facilities
High-Performance Computing:
- 2,000+ computers across campus
- High-speed internet (1 Gbps)
- Licensed software for all disciplines
- Cloud computing resources
- Data centers with backup systems
Software Available:
- MATLAB, AutoCAD, ANSYS
- Cadence, Xilinx, PSPICE
- Programming tools and compilers
- Simulation software
Residential Facilities
Hostels:
- Separate hostels for men and women
- Capacity: 1,500 students
- Well-furnished rooms
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Recreation rooms
- 24/7 security
Amenities:
- Mess with nutritious food
- Reading rooms
- Sports facilities
- Medical center
- Laundry services
Industry Connect
Placement
Placement Statistics (2023-24):
- Students Placed: 95%
- Highest Package: ₹45 lakhs per annum
- Average Package: ₹8.5 lakhs per annum
- Companies Visited: 250+
Top Recruiters:
- Google, Microsoft, Amazon
- TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Cognizant
- L&T, Ashok Leyland, TVS Motors
- Qualcomm, Intel, Texas Instruments
- Deloitte, EY, KPMG
Internships
- Mandatory internships for all students
- Partnerships with 100+ companies
- International internship opportunities
- Research internships in IITs, ISRO, DRDO
Industry Collaboration
MoUs with:
- Leading IT companies
- Manufacturing industries
- Research organizations
- International universities
Collaborative Activities:
- Joint research projects
- Faculty exchange
- Student training programs
- Curriculum development
Student Life
Technical Clubs
Coding Clubs:
- Competitive programming
- Hackathons and contests
- Open-source contributions
Robotics Club:
- Robot building competitions
- National and international events
- Innovation projects
Electronics Club:
- Hardware projects
- IoT innovations
- PCB designing
Cultural Activities
Annual Festivals:
- Saarang: Technical symposium
- Spandan: Cultural festival
- Department-level events
- Sports meets
Student Associations:
- IEEE Student Branch
- SAE Collegiate Club
- ACM Student Chapter
- ISTE Students' Chapter
Sports and Recreation
Facilities:
- Cricket ground
- Football field
- Basketball and volleyball courts
- Indoor stadium
- Gym with modern equipment
- Swimming pool
Achievements:
- Anna University champions (multiple sports)
- State-level representations
- National tournament participants
Accreditations and Rankings
Accreditations
- NAAC: A++ Grade
- NBA: All eligible programs accredited
- NIRF Ranking: Among top 100 engineering colleges
- India Today Ranking: Top 50
International Recognition
- QS Asia University Rankings
- Times Higher Education
- Collaboration with foreign universities
Alumni Network
Notable Alumni
Industry Leaders:
- CEOs and CTOs of tech companies
- Senior positions in MNCs
- Successful entrepreneurs
Academia:
- Professors in IITs, NITs
- Researchers in international universities
- Scientists in ISRO, DRDO
Startups:
- Founded 100+ successful startups
- Unicorn company founders
- Innovation award winners
Alumni Association
- 15,000+ alumni worldwide
- Active networking events
- Mentorship programs for students
- Funding support for initiatives
Admission Process
Eligibility
B.E./B.Tech.:
- 12th with Physics, Chemistry, Maths
- Minimum 60% marks
- Admission through TNEA counseling
M.E./M.Tech.:
- B.E./B.Tech. with 60% marks
- TANCET score
- Merit-based admission
Ph.D.:
- M.E./M.Tech. with 60% marks
- Research entrance test
- Interview
Scholarships
- Merit scholarships
- Government scholarships (SC/ST/OBC)
- Fee concessions for economically weak
- Alumni-sponsored scholarships
How to Reach
By Air: Madurai Airport (9 km) - 20 minutes By Train: Madurai Junction (7 km) - 15 minutes By Road: Well connected via NH 44 Local Transport: City buses, auto-rickshaws, app cabs
Contact Information
Phone: +91 452 245 4242 Email: principal@tce.edu Website: www.tce.edu Admission: admissions@tce.edu
Conclusion
Thiagarajar College of Engineering represents the perfect blend of academic excellence, research innovation, and industrial relevance. With its autonomous status, world-class infrastructure, distinguished faculty, and strong industry connections, TCE continues to produce engineers who are not just technically competent but also socially responsible and globally competitive. For aspiring engineers seeking quality education in a nurturing environment, TCE remains a top choice in South India.
Engineering Excellence, Innovation, and Character - The TCE Promise!