Al-Azhar College of Engineering & Technology, Perumpillichira, Thodupuzha

Al-Azhar College of Engineering & Technology (ACET) is a premier technical institution located in the scenic town of Thodupuzha, Idukki district. Established under the Al-Azhar Group of Institutions, it has become a hub for quality technical education in Central Kerala.

The college is known for its discipline, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and its commitment to providing affordable engineering education to students from the high-range regions of Kerala.

ACET offers various undergraduate engineering programs designed to meet the demands of the modern industrial landscape. The most sought-after programs for the 2026 academic year include:

• B.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering: Focusing on AI, Data Science, and Software Development.
• B.Tech in Civil Engineering: Highly relevant for the infrastructure development projects in Kerala.
• B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering: Known for its advanced workshops and hands-on training.
• B.Tech in Electronics & Communication Engineering: Emphasizing VLSI and Embedded Systems.
• B.Tech in Electrical & Electronics Engineering: Focusing on renewable energy and power systems.

The Computer Science department remains the most popular due to the increasing demand in the IT sectors of Kochi and Trivandrum.

Admissions for the 2026 session are primarily based on the Kerala Engineering Architecture Medical (KEAM) entrance examination. The process follows the guidelines of the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala.

• Entrance Exam: KEAM 2026 (Expected in May 2026).
• Eligibility: Minimum 45% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in Class 12.
• Management Quota: Admissions based on merit and interview conducted by the college management.
• Lateral Entry: Diploma holders can apply for direct entry into the second year.

Important Dates (Tentative):

• Online Application Start: February 2026
• KEAM Admit Card: April 2026
• Result Declaration: June 2026
• Centralized Allotment Process (CAP): July - August 2026

Students at ACET frequently highlight the peaceful learning environment and the supportive faculty members. Here is a summary of common feedback:

• Academics: "The faculty members are very approachable and help with university exams and practicals."
• Campus Life: "The campus is surrounded by greenery, providing a calm atmosphere for studies. The annual fest 'Aura' is a major highlight."
• Infrastructure: "Well-equipped labs and a vast library. The canteen provides quality food at affordable rates."
• Placement: "Good training sessions for interviews, though more core companies for Mechanical and Civil are desired."

Overall, the college is rated highly for its value-for-money education and disciplined environment.

The KEAM cutoff ranks for 2026 vary by department and category. Generally, the Computer Science department sees the highest competition.

Note: These are estimated ranks based on previous years' trends. Actual cutoffs will depend on the difficulty of KEAM 2026 and the number of applicants.

Al-Azhar College of Engineering & Technology is recognized as a leading self-financing engineering college in the Idukki district. While it may not appear in national NIRF top lists, its regional standings are strong:

• Regional Rank: Top 5 Engineering Colleges in Idukki District.
• KTU Academic Performance: Consistently maintains a good pass percentage among affiliated colleges in the Kottayam-Idukki zone.
• Infrastructure Rating: 4/5 stars based on student surveys regarding lab facilities and campus amenities.

The 2025 placement season saw active participation from several IT and core engineering firms. The Training and Placement Cell (TPC) focuses on soft skills and technical training from the third year onwards.

• Highest Package: INR 7.5 LPA
• Average Package: INR 3.8 LPA
• Placement Percentage: Approximately 75% for eligible students.
• Top Recruiters: TCS, Infosys, UST Global, Quest Global, 6D Technologies, and several local construction firms in Kerala.

Many students also find opportunities in the growing startup ecosystem in Kochi's Infopark and SmartCity.

The college offers numerous financial aid options to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder education. For 2026, the following scholarships are available:

• Management Scholarship: Merit-based fee waivers for students with high KEAM ranks or 12th-grade marks.
• E-Grants: Government of Kerala scholarships for SC/ST and OEC students.
• MCM Scholarship: Merit-cum-Means scholarship for minority community students.
• AICTE Tuition Fee Waiver (TFW): Available for 5% of the intake based on family income and merit.

The most popular courses at ACET Thodupuzha are tailored to meet both local and global industry requirements. These include:

• B.Tech Computer Science & Engineering: Focuses on coding, web development, and cloud computing.
• B.Tech Civil Engineering: Popular due to the demand for site engineers in the Middle East and Kerala.
• B.Tech Mechanical Engineering: Attracts students interested in automotive and manufacturing industries.
• B.Tech Electronics & Communication: Chosen by students interested in telecommunications and hardware design.

The fee structure at ACET is governed by the Fee Regulatory Committee of the Government of Kerala for self-financing colleges.

Additional costs include a one-time caution deposit, university affiliation fees, and hostel charges (approx. ₹6,000 per month including food).

Choosing between ACET and other colleges in the region depends on several factors:

• Vs. Govt. Engineering College, Idukki: GEC Idukki has lower fees, but ACET offers more modern private amenities and a location closer to Thodupuzha town.
• Vs. Viswajyothi College, Vazhakulam: Viswajyothi has higher cutoffs and a longer history, but ACET is more affordable for students seeking management seats.
• Vs. Mar Baselios, Peermade: ACET's location in Thodupuzha provides better connectivity to Ernakulam and Kottayam compared to the high-altitude Peermade campus.

ACET is ideal for students looking for a balance between academic discipline and a convenient location in Central Kerala.

The application process for 2026 is streamlined through online and offline modes:

1. Government Seat: Register for KEAM 2026 on the CEE Kerala website and participate in the Centralized Allotment Process (CAP).
2. Management Seat: Apply directly through the Al-Azhar College official website or visit the campus in Perumpillichira.
3. Documentation: Keep the following ready: Class 10 & 12 mark sheets, KEAM Scorecard, Transfer Certificate, Migration Certificate, and Community Certificate (if applicable).
4. Interview: Management quota applicants may need to attend a brief interview to assess their aptitude.

The ACET campus is designed to provide a holistic environment for students. Key infrastructure highlights include:

• Laboratories: Advanced labs for each department including a High-Voltage Lab and a specialized Robotics Lab.
• Library: A digital library with access to IEEE journals and over 20,000 physical volumes.
• Hostels: Separate, secure hostels for boys and girls with 24/7 warden supervision.
• Transportation: A fleet of college buses covering major areas like Muvattupuzha, Pala, Kothamangalam, and Idukki.
• Sports: Facilities for football, cricket, and indoor games like table tennis and badminton.

The college is organized into five main academic departments, each headed by experienced PhD holders and industry experts:

• Department of Computer Science & Engineering
• Department of Civil Engineering
• Department of Mechanical Engineering
• Department of Electronics & Communication Engineering
• Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering
• Department of Applied Science & Humanities: Supporting first-year students in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

Students at ACET are encouraged to supplement their degree with online certifications to improve employability. Recommended platforms and courses include:

• NPTEL/Swayam: Courses specifically aligned with the KTU curriculum for extra credits.
• Coursera/Udemy: Full-stack web development, Python for Data Science, and BIM (Building Information Modeling) for Civil students.
• Industry Certifications: AWS Cloud Practitioner, Cisco CCNA, and AutoCAD/SolidWorks for Mechanical engineers.

The faculty at ACET consists of a blend of veteran academicians and young, dynamic researchers. Many faculty members are currently pursuing PhDs at reputed universities like NITs and KTU. The student-to-faculty ratio is maintained at 1:15, ensuring personalized attention. Faculty members also act as mentors, guiding students through academic and personal challenges.

While ACET is a traditional on-campus college, it integrates digital learning through:

• Moodle: An internal Learning Management System (LMS) for sharing notes and assignments.
• Virtual Labs: Utilizing IIT-M and other virtual lab initiatives for remote experimentation.
• Language Lab: Online software-based training to improve English communication skills for placements.

Alumni of ACET are working in prestigious organizations worldwide. Many have pursued higher studies in European and Canadian universities. Notable alumni are often invited back to the campus for 'Alumni Interaction Sessions' to share their industry experiences with current students, particularly regarding the transition from the Idukki region to global corporate environments.