Kerala is home to several institutions offering engineering and technology education, including specialised institutes focused on space science and aerospace-related fields. Students can explore programmes in computer science, electronics, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, and other technical disciplines.
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) India Rankings 2025 provides a useful reference for students comparing engineering institutions across India.
According to the supplied NIRF 2025 data, three engineering institutions in Kerala are listed with national ranks ranging from 21 to 64. This article presents their national ranks, scores, locations, and official websites.
Top Engineering Colleges in Kerala: NIRF Ranking 2025
| National Rank | Engineering College | Location | NIRF Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | National Institute of Technology Calicut (NIT Calicut) | Kozhikode | 63.05 |
| 61 | Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) | Thiruvananthapuram | 52.44 |
| 64 | Indian Institute of Technology Palakkad (IIT Palakkad) | Palakkad | 51.20 |
Source: NIRF India Rankings 2025, Engineering category. Ranks and scores are reproduced from the supplied data.
1. National Institute of Technology Calicut (NIT Calicut)
National Rank: 21 | NIRF Score: 63.05
The National Institute of Technology Calicut is a prominent technical institution located in Kozhikode, Kerala. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes across several engineering, technology, and scientific disciplines.
Students can explore specialisations such as computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, electronics, and chemical engineering, depending on programme availability.
The institute provides opportunities for academic learning, research, technical projects, and industry engagement. Students should review its admission requirements, available branches, campus facilities, and placement reports before applying.
According to the supplied NIRF India Rankings 2025 data, NIT Calicut secured the 21st position nationally in the engineering category.
Official website: https://nitc.ac.in/
2. Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST)
National Rank: 61 | NIRF Score: 52.44
The Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology is located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. It specialises in education and research related to space science, space technology, and aerospace-related disciplines.
The institute is particularly relevant to students interested in aerospace engineering, avionics, space science, and related technical fields. Prospective students should examine its current programmes, eligibility criteria, admission procedures, and research opportunities.
IIST secured the 61st position in the supplied NIRF 2025 engineering data.
Official website: https://www.iist.ac.in/
3. Indian Institute of Technology Palakkad (IIT Palakkad)
National Rank: 64 | NIRF Score: 51.20
IIT Palakkad is an Indian Institute of Technology located in Palakkad, Kerala. It offers engineering, science, and interdisciplinary academic programmes.
Students can explore its available engineering branches, research facilities, academic curriculum, campus infrastructure, and admission requirements. The institute also provides opportunities for technical projects and research activities.
According to the supplied NIRF India Rankings 2025 data, IIT Palakkad secured the 64th position nationally in the engineering category.
Official website: https://iitpkd.ac.in/
Why Are NIRF Engineering Rankings Important?
The National Institutional Ranking Framework helps students compare participating higher education institutions using a common evaluation methodology.
NIRF considers five broad parameters:
Teaching, Learning and Resources (TLR): Faculty, infrastructure, and academic resources.
Research and Professional Practice (RP): Research publications, patents, and professional activities.
Graduation Outcomes (GO): Graduation performance and other relevant student outcomes.
Outreach and Inclusivity (OI): Diversity, representation, and accessibility.
Perception (PR): Institutional reputation and stakeholder perception.
These rankings can help students shortlist colleges, but a national rank alone does not determine which institution is the best fit for an individual student.
How to Choose the Best Engineering College in Kerala
Before choosing an engineering college, students should consider the following factors:
Preferred engineering branch: Check whether the institute offers your desired specialisation.
Admission requirements: Review entrance examinations, eligibility criteria, and counselling procedures.
Fees and scholarships: Compare tuition fees, accommodation costs, and financial assistance.
Placement opportunities: Examine branch-specific placement statistics, median salaries, and recruiting companies.
Infrastructure: Evaluate laboratories, libraries, computing facilities, and research resources.
Location: Consider transport, accommodation, and living expenses.
Accreditation and approvals: Verify the institution's current status and applicable programme approvals.
Students should consult official institutional websites and current admission documents before making a final decision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which is the highest-ranked engineering college in Kerala in the supplied NIRF 2025 data?
NIT Calicut is the highest-ranked institution in the supplied list, securing the 21st position nationally with a score of 63.05.
2. What is the NIRF 2025 rank of the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology?
IIST secured the 61st position in the engineering category, with a score of 52.44.
3. What is the NIRF rank of IIT Palakkad in 2025?
IIT Palakkad secured the 64th position in the supplied NIRF 2025 engineering data.
4. Which engineering institute in Kerala focuses on space science?
The Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology in Thiruvananthapuram specialises in space science, space technology, and related areas.
5. Is NIRF ranking enough to select an engineering college?
No. Students should also compare engineering branches, fees, faculty, infrastructure, admission requirements, placement outcomes, and their personal career goals.
Conclusion
Kerala has engineering institutions offering both broad technical education and specialised study in space-related fields. Among the three institutions covered in this article, NIT Calicut leads at national rank 21, followed by IIST at rank 61 and IIT Palakkad at rank 64.
Students should use these rankings as a starting point and compare programmes, fees, admission requirements, facilities, and placement opportunities before selecting an engineering institution.
