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Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) is a state public university established in 1971 as the University of Cochin and renamed CUSAT in February 1986. It is a state university of the Government of Kerala, recognised by the UGC, and holds NAAC A+ Grade accreditation. All B.Tech programmes of CUSAT’s School of Engineering are NBA reaccredited under Tier I Category till December 2028.
As per NIRF 2025, CUSAT is ranked 50th overall, 32nd among Universities, and 13th in the Law category in India. It is ranked 6th among state public universities in the NIRF State Public University category.
The main campus is located at Kalamassery, Kochi, spread across 180 acres. The university operates nine faculties across Science, Technology, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Humanities, Law, Marine Sciences, Medical Sciences and Technology, and Social Sciences, with approximately 29 departments.
- B.Tech (12 specialisations: CSE, ECE, IT, Electrical and Electronics, Civil, Mechanical, Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture and Ship Building, Artificial Intelligence, Safety and Fire Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Instrumentation Engineering)
- B.Sc + M.Sc Integrated (5-year programmes in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Statistics, Biological Sciences, Environmental Science, Photonics, AI and Data Science)
- BCA + MCA Integrated, BA + MA (Hindi), B.Sc LLB, BBA-LLB Hons., B.Com LLB Hons. (integrated programmes)
- MBA, EMBA, MCA, M.Sc (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Statistics), MA (Applied Economics, Hindi), and standalone LLM / LLM (IPR)
- M.Tech (20+ specialisations: AI and Data Science, Cyber Security, Marine Biotechnology, Optoelectronics, VLSI Design, Atmospheric Sciences, and more)
- M.F.Sc (Seafood Safety and Trade), B.Voc, M.Voc, and Ph.D. across all major disciplines
The total B.Tech fees for most engineering streams are INR 2,74,168 for General category over four years. B.Tech (Marine Engineering) fees are INR 10,11,168. The 5-year B.Sc + M.Sc Integrated fee ranges from INR 1,16,710 to INR 2,95,710. MBA fees are INR 1,79,584 over two years.
CUSAT placements are driven by its engineering and management schools. In 2024, over 600 students were placed, with the highest package at INR 25 LPA and the average at INR 6.7 LPA. Top recruiters include Cisco, TCS, Accenture, IBM, MRF, and Ernst and Young.
CUSAT Admission Dates 2026
CUSAT admissions for the 2026-27 academic session are active. B.Tech admissions are primarily through CUSAT CAT, while management programmes accept CAT, CMAT, and KMAT scores. Science and humanities PG admissions use CUSAT’s own entrance tests.
| Event | Details | Status (2026-27) |
|---|---|---|
| CUSAT CAT (B.Tech Entrance) | University-conducted engineering entrance test | Open / In progress |
| B.Tech Counselling | Rank-based allotment through CUSAT portal | In progress |
| MBA / EMBA Admissions | Valid CAT / CMAT / KMAT score + GD-PI | Open |
| MCA Admissions | CUSAT entrance test + merit | Open |
| M.Sc / M.Tech / LLM Admissions | CUSAT entrance test or GATE (M.Tech) | Open |
| Ph.D. Admissions | Research aptitude test + interview | As notified per department |
The table below lists the entrance examination accepted for each programme family at CUSAT for the 2026 admission cycle.
| Programme | Entrance Exam Accepted | Admission Basis |
|---|---|---|
| B.Tech | CUSAT CAT | CUSAT CAT rank + qualifying marks in PCM |
| B.Tech (Lateral) | No separate exam | Diploma / B.Sc merit |
| B.Sc + M.Sc Integrated / BCA-MCA Integrated | CUSAT CAT or subject entrance | Entrance test + HSC merit |
| MBA / EMBA | CAT / CMAT / KMAT | Entrance score + GD + PI |
| M.Tech | GATE (preferred) or CUSAT entrance | GATE score + graduation marks |
| M.Sc / MA / MCA / LLM | CUSAT entrance test | Entrance score + graduation marks |
| Ph.D. | UGC NET / CSIR NET / GATE or CUSAT test | Qualifying exam + research proposal + interview |
CUSAT Courses and Fees
CUSAT offers over 100 programmes across nine faculties. Fees below are for General category students for the full programme duration. NRI quota fees are significantly higher than General category.
| Programme | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees (General) |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Tech (CSE / ECE / IT / EEE / AI / Safety and Fire Engineering) | 4 years | 10+2 PCM + CUSAT CAT | INR 2,74,168 |
| B.Tech (Civil / Mechanical Engineering) | 4 years | 10+2 PCM + CUSAT CAT | INR 5,12,594 |
| B.Tech (Marine Engineering) | 4 years | 10+2 PCM + CUSAT CAT | INR 10,11,168 |
| B.Tech (Naval Architecture and Ship Building) | 4 years | 10+2 PCM + CUSAT CAT | INR 1,77,278 |
| B.Sc + M.Sc Integrated (Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Stats, Biology) | 5 years | 10+2 Science | INR 1,16,710 |
| B.Sc + M.Sc Integrated (Photonics / AI and Data Science) | 5 years | 10+2 Science | INR 2,95,710 |
| BCA + MCA Integrated | 5 years | 10+2 with Mathematics | INR 4,39,710 |
| BA-LLB Hons. / BBA-LLB Hons. / B.Sc LLB (integrated) | 5 years | 10+2 any stream (CUSAT CAT) | INR 3,55,710 to INR 4,24,710 |
| MBA | 2 years | Graduation + CAT/CMAT/KMAT | INR 1,79,584 |
| EMBA | 2 years | Graduation with work experience | INR 2,45,184 |
| MCA (Regular) | 2 years | BCA or B.Sc (CS/IT/Maths) | INR 76,784 |
| M.Tech (CSE / AI and DS / VLSI / Cyber Security) | 2 years | B.Tech/B.E. + GATE | INR 1,03,184 |
| M.Tech (Civil / Mechanical / Electrical) | 2 years | B.Tech/B.E. + GATE | INR 2,62,326 |
| M.Sc (Physics / Chemistry / Maths / Statistics) | 2 years | B.Sc in relevant discipline | INR 37,584 |
| LLM / LLM (IPR) | 2 years | LLB or equivalent | INR 85,184 to INR 2,05,984 |
| M.F.Sc (Seafood Safety and Trade) | 2 years | B.Sc/B.Tech relevant | INR 90,384 |
| Ph.D. | 3 to 5 years | PG in relevant discipline | INR 29,400 to INR 37,200 |
CUSAT also offers Certificate courses in French and German (INR 11,800 each) and PG Diploma programmes in Academic Writing, Communicative English, and Functional Hindi. NRI quota fees are substantially higher across all programmes.
CUSAT Admission Process
B.Tech (Undergraduate Engineering)
B.Tech admissions at CUSAT are primarily through CUSAT CAT (Common Admission Test), a university-conducted engineering entrance examination held each year.
- Eligibility: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, minimum 50% aggregate (45% for reserved categories)
- CUSAT CAT rank determines allotment to programme and specialisation
- Selection stages: CUSAT CAT registration and exam, rank announcement, seat allotment, document verification, and admission confirmation
CUSAT CAT results determine seat allotment across all B.Tech specialisations. CSE, ECE, and IT are the highest-demand branches with significantly higher closing ranks compared to Civil, Mechanical, and Marine Engineering.
MBA and Executive MBA
CUSAT’s School of Management Studies admits MBA candidates based on CAT, CMAT, or KMAT scores. A Group Discussion and Personal Interview round follows the shortlisting stage. EMBA candidates are expected to have relevant work experience. The total MBA fee is INR 1,79,584 for two years.
M.Tech
M.Tech admissions at CUSAT use GATE scores as the primary criterion. Candidates without GATE scores may be considered through a CUSAT-conducted entrance test for select departments. GATE-qualified candidates are eligible for AICTE/UGC stipends during the programme.
M.Sc, MCA, LLM, and MA Programmes
These PG programmes admit students through CUSAT’s own subject-specific entrance tests. Eligibility requirements vary by programme.
- M.Sc: B.Sc in the relevant science discipline with 50% aggregate
- MCA: BCA or B.Sc (Computer Science / IT / Mathematics) with 50%
- LLM: LLB or equivalent (3-year or 5-year)
- MA (Applied Economics): Graduation in Economics or Social Science
Integrated Programmes
CUSAT’s 5-year integrated B.Sc + M.Sc programmes (Photonics, AI and Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, etc.) are admission through CUSAT CAT performance or separate subject-based entrance tests. These programmes are designed for students entering directly from Class 12.
CUSAT Placements
CUSAT’s Central Placement Office coordinates campus recruitment for B.Tech, MBA, MCA, and M.Tech graduates. In 2024, over 600 students were placed across all programmes. The highest offer stood at INR 25 LPA and the average offer was INR 6.7 LPA. Four companies extended offers above INR 15 LPA in 2024. A total of 50 recruiters participated in the 2024 placement season.
| Parameter | 2024 Placement Data |
|---|---|
| Students Placed | 600+ |
| Highest Package | INR 25 LPA |
| Average Package | INR 6.7 LPA |
| Companies Participated | 50+ |
| Offers above INR 15 LPA | 4 companies |
Top recruiters at CUSAT include Cisco, TCS, Accenture, IBM, Air India, Tata Projects, MRF, and Ernst and Young. B.Tech graduates in CSE, ECE, and IT streams have the highest placement conversion rates. MBA and EMBA graduates are placed primarily in FMCG, consulting, finance, and logistics firms in South India and the Gulf region. Marine Engineering graduates join shipping companies and the Merchant Navy.
CUSAT Rankings
As per NIRF 2025, CUSAT is ranked 50th overall and 32nd in the University category in India. It holds the 13th rank in the Law category and 6th position among State Public Universities. CUSAT holds NAAC A+ Grade accreditation and has all B.Tech programmes NBA reaccredited under Tier I Category.
| Ranking Body | Category | 2025 Rank | 2024 Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| NIRF | Overall | 50 | 51 |
| NIRF | Universities | 32 | 34 |
| NIRF | Law | 13 | Not ranked |
| NIRF | State Public Universities | 6 | Not in published list |
CUSAT Campus and Infrastructure
CUSAT’s main campus is situated at Kalamassery, Kochi, spread across 180 acres in the Ernakulam district of Kerala. The campus is well-connected to Kochi city by public transport and is approximately 20 km from Cochin International Airport.
Key campus infrastructure includes:
- International School of Photonics, one of South Asia’s leading photonics research centres specialising in laser systems and biophotonics
- Marine Sciences Department with one of the largest marine science libraries in Asia, supporting research in oceanography, marine biology, and fisheries science
- School of Engineering with NBA Tier I reaccredited laboratories for all B.Tech programmes
- Boys Hostel and Girls Hostel on campus (fee approximately INR 320 to INR 520 per month)
- Central library, computational centres, and sports facilities across the 180-acre green campus
- Himalaya Museum equivalent: CUSAT’s marine science collections and atmospheric research centre supporting national-level research projects
CUSAT also operates additional facilities including the School of Legal Studies and the School of Environmental Studies, both located on the main campus. The university has three total campus locations across Kerala.
CUSAT vs NIT Calicut vs University of Kerala
CUSAT, NIT Calicut (NITC), and University of Kerala are three prominent institutions in Kerala serving overlapping pools of aspirants from the state and beyond. CUSAT and NITC are preferred destinations for engineering and technology aspirants, while University of Kerala covers a broader multi-discipline spectrum including humanities, law, and sciences.
| Parameter | CUSAT | NIT Calicut | University of Kerala |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Kalamassery, Kochi | Kozhikode | Thiruvananthapuram |
| Type | State University (Kerala) | National Institute of Technology (Central) | State University (Kerala) |
| Established | 1971 | 1961 | 1937 |
| NAAC Grade | A+ | Not applicable (NIRF-ranked, not NAAC) | A |
| NIRF 2025 | 50 (Overall), 32 (University) | ~30 (Engineering category) | University category (state university tier) |
| Key Strength | Marine Sciences, Photonics, Law, Engineering | Core Engineering, Computer Science | Humanities, Social Sciences, Science |
| B.Tech Admission | CUSAT CAT | JEE Main (NIT counselling) | No B.Tech (affiliating university) |
| B.Tech Fees (CSE) | INR 2,74,168 | Comparable (central institute fee norms) | Not applicable |
CUSAT is the preferred choice for aspirants targeting Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Photonics, and Integrated Law programmes, areas where it has unique national-level standing. NIT Calicut offers stronger placement outcomes and national brand visibility for core engineering through JEE Main. University of Kerala serves a much broader aspirant pool across Arts, Science, Commerce, and professional degree programmes.
CUSAT FAQs
Ques. What is the NIRF rank of CUSAT?
Ans. As per NIRF 2025, CUSAT (Cochin University of Science and Technology) is ranked 50th overall and 32nd in the University category in India. It is ranked 13th in the Law category and 6th among State Public Universities in NIRF 2025.
Ques. What is the CUSAT CAT exam for B.Tech admissions?
Ans. CUSAT CAT is the Common Admission Test conducted by Cochin University of Science and Technology for B.Tech admissions to its School of Engineering. It is a separate university-level entrance examination. CUSAT CAT rank determines allotment to B.Tech specialisations including CSE, ECE, IT, Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, and other branches.
Ques. What are the B.Tech fees at CUSAT?
Ans. The total B.Tech fees at CUSAT for General category students are INR 2,74,168 for most specialisations (CSE, ECE, IT, AI, Safety and Fire Engineering, EEE) over four years. B.Tech (Civil / Mechanical) fees are INR 5,12,594. B.Tech (Marine Engineering) fees are INR 10,11,168, reflecting the specialised training involved.
Ques. Does CUSAT have hostel facilities?
Ans. Yes, CUSAT provides both Boys and Girls hostels on the main campus in Kalamassery, Kochi. Hostel fees range from approximately INR 320 to INR 520 per month, making on-campus accommodation highly affordable for students.
Ques. What are the MBA fees and admission criteria at CUSAT?
Ans. The total MBA fees at CUSAT are INR 1,79,584 over two years. Admission is based on valid CAT, CMAT, or KMAT scores followed by a Group Discussion and Personal Interview conducted by the School of Management Studies. EMBA (Executive MBA) fees are INR 2,45,184 and require relevant work experience.
Ques. Is CUSAT better than NIT Calicut for engineering?
Ans. Both are reputed institutions for engineering in Kerala. NIT Calicut uses JEE Main scores for admission and has stronger national brand visibility for core engineering. CUSAT uses its own CUSAT CAT and offers unique programmes such as Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Photonics, and Integrated Law that are not available at NIT Calicut. The choice depends on the specific programme and career objective.
Ques. What entrance exam is accepted for CUSAT MBA admissions?
Ans. CUSAT MBA admissions accept valid CAT, CMAT, or KMAT scores. Candidates who clear the initial shortlisting are called for a Group Discussion and Personal Interview at the School of Management Studies, Kochi.
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CUSAT provides admission for all the courses through an entrance test either conducted by the university itself or through a national-level qualifying test. The admission forms will be available online on the university website.
Here are the steps to apply for CUSAT Admission:
CUSAT has released the tentative timetable for CUSAT CAT 2025 (Cochin University of Science and Technology Common Admission Test) for UG/PG Admission that is scheduled to be held on May 10, May 11 & May 12, 2025.
The fee for the courses is mentioned below:
B.Tech
Ph.D
M.Tech
Master of Business Administration [MBA]
M.Sc
B.Sc + M.Sc
Bachelor of Vocational Studies [B.Voc.] (Business Process Management & Analytics)
Master of Computer Application [MCA] (Cost Sharing)
B.Tech {Lateral}
M.F.Sc. (Seafood Safety and Trade)
CUSAT provides admission for all the courses through an entrance test either conducted by the university itself or through a national-level qualifying test. The admission forms will be available online on the university website.
Here are the steps to apply for CUSAT Admission.
Aspirants seeking admission to 4 year Full-time B.Tech Program should meet the following criteria as specified by the institute.
Academic Requirement:
The Cochin University CUSAT CAT M.Sc. will be conducted on three days. These days are 10th May, 11th May and 12th May 2024.
Admit Cards for CUSAT CAT 2024 will be live on the official website on May 01, 2024. CUSAT CAT 2024 Exam is scheduled for May 10, 2024 – May 12, 2024.
Cochin University of Science and Technology or CUSAT, conducts the Common Admission Test for admission to all UG and PG Programs except Ph.D. and Diploma programs. CUSAT CAT is a university-level entrance exam for candidates who wish to study at the university. CAT, full form Common Admission Test, is conducted by the IIMs, the premier b-schools of India, for admission to the MBA programs. The exam takes place every year on the last Sunday of November. Continuing with this trend, IIM will conduct the CAT 2024 exam on November 24, 2024, in 3 slots.
The candidate appearing for CUSAT CAT 2024 should be familiar with the concerned CUSAT CAT 2024 Exam Pattern so as to understand vividly the ins & outs of the entire structure and work with ample amount of time in hand to score well in the examination. You can give mocks and solve the previous year's questions. The previous year question papers help the candidates to understand the paper pattern. Regular practice helps the students to manage time.
The seats reservation for other categories is: OBC-27%, SC-15%, ST-5%, SEBC-3%, Gen-EWS- 7.5%.
The CUSAT ranked 24 for Overall Universities by The Week of 2023, 37 Overall by NIRF 2023, and 26 for Overall Universities by The Week 2022, 69 for Overall by NIRF 2022
You can check out the page CUSAT Kochi Reviews to know more on the social life as well facilities provided by the college.
The main campus of CUSAT is 1.5 km off the National Highway 47 in South Kalamassery. The campus is situated on roughly 180 acres of green landscape with rolling hills, fresh breeze and golden sunshine. Hostel accommodations for around 600 male and 700 female students are available for Undergraduate/ Postgraduate / Research students. One of the best "Special Collections Sections" in India can be found in the CUSAT Library. The Library provides access to around 45 print periodicals, 15,000 online journals, 11 subject-specific databases and 1490 e-books
Yes, Cochin University of Science and Technology offers the hostel accommodations.
CUSAT Placements 2024 is concluded with more than 600 placements. CUSAT's highest package stood at INR 25 LPA whereas CUSAT's average package stood at INR 6.7 LPA. 50 recruiters participated in CUSAT Placements 2024. Some of the top recruiters included Cisco, TCS, Accenture, Air India, Tata Projects, IBM, MRF, Ernst & Young, etc. You can check here for the CUSAT Placement 2024
You can check out the fee structure for various courses at teh page CUSAT Kochi Courses & fees.
The total fee for the BTech course depends on the BTech specialization. You can check here for the CUSAT BTech Admission 2024: Registration (Open), Fee, Eligibility, Selection Criteria
CUSAT, CUSAT CAT Cutoff 2023 for General Category is 3 - 2105 rank. You can check here for the CUSAT CUSAT-CAT cutoff 2023 (Out): Check CUSAT-CAT Round Wise Cutoffs
CUSAT's highest package and average package offered to MBA students is INR 21.20 LPA and INR 8.55 LPA respectively. You can check here for the CUSAT Placement 2024: Highest Package, Average Package, Top Recruiters
Yes, Graduates of this program can pursue careers in various fields, including marine research, conservation organizations, government agencies, and aquaculture industries. They may work as marine biologists, research scientists, aquaculture managers, or environmental consultants.