![Kerala University - [KU]](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1395485529Kerala University.png?h=71.7&w=71.7&mode=stretch)
University of Kerala (Kerala University) is a state public university established in 1937, headquartered in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. It operates under the University Grants Commission (UGC) and functions as the affiliating body for over 170 colleges across southern Kerala districts, spanning arts, science, commerce, law, engineering, and professional programmes.
As per NIRF Universities 2025, Kerala University ranks 25 (score: 59.05), placing it among the top state universities in India. In the NIRF State Public Universities 2025 category it ranks 5th (score: 67.93). The university also holds rank 42 in NIRF Overall 2025 (score: 56.26).
The main teaching departments are located at the Kariavattom campus in Thiruvananthapuram. The campus houses over 30 departments, the University Library with more than 5 lakh volumes, and dedicated research centres in science, environmental studies, and social sciences.
Kerala University offers programmes across a wide spectrum:
- B.Tech — 13 branches: CSE, ECE, Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, IT, Biotechnology, Aeronautical, Automobile, Applied Electronics, Industrial, and Production Engineering. Total fees: INR 1,47,000 for 4 years.
- BA / B.Sc / B.Com / BBA / BCA / BHM — Arts, science, and professional UG programmes. Fees from INR 56,800 to INR 1,33,840 depending on subject.
- LLB (3-Year) / BA LLB / BBA LLB — Law programmes via CEE Kerala entrance. LLB fees: INR 1,05,000 for 3 years.
- MBA — At IMK and UIM; 2-year programme via KMAT / CAT / CMAT. Total fees: INR 70,460.
- MA / M.Sc / M.Com / M.Tech / LLM — Wide PG range through CSS departmental entrance. MA fees from INR 5,410; M.Sc from INR 6,460.
- Ph.D — Available across science, engineering, humanities, law, and management disciplines.
NIRF-reported placement data for 2023-24 shows 804 of 1,434 eligible PG graduates placed at a median salary of INR 3.48 LPA. A significant share of graduates pursue higher education or government-service pathways post-degree.
- Kerala University Admission Dates 2026
- Kerala University Courses and Fees
- Kerala University Admission Process
- Kerala University Placements and Career Outcomes
- Kerala University Rankings
- Kerala University Campus and Infrastructure
- Kerala University vs Mahatma Gandhi University vs University of Calicut
- Kerala University FAQs
Kerala University Admission Dates 2026
Admissions for the 2026-27 academic session are governed by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE) Kerala for UG and professional programmes. PG admissions proceed through the university’s Centralised Allotment for PG Courses (CSS). The following dates cover the live 2026-27 cycles.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Registration Opens (UG CAP) | May 29, 2026 |
| Last Date for Registration (UG CAP) | June 14, 2026 |
| First Allotment (UG CAP) | June 17, 2026 |
| Second Allotment (UG CAP) | June 24, 2026 |
| Community Quota First Allotment | July 8, 2026 |
| Sports Quota Provisional Rank List | June 27, 2026 |
| Supplementary Allotment | Ongoing (check CEE Kerala portal) |
KEAM 2026 drives B.Tech, B.Pharm, and B.Arch allotments through the CEE Kerala CAP. LLB admissions use a separate CEE Kerala law entrance examination. PG admissions via CSS are in their final stages.
| Programme / Event | Date |
|---|---|
| KEAM 2026 Engineering Exam | April 17 to April 22, 2026 |
| KEAM 2026 Pharmacy Exam | April 18 to April 20, 2026 |
| Three-Year LLB Application Opens | June 9, 2026 |
| Three-Year LLB Last Date for Application | June 15, 2026 |
| Three-Year LLB Entrance Examination | June 28, 2026 |
| Three-Year LLB Provisional Rank List | July 14, 2026 |
| PG CSS Registration (Extended Last Date) | May 7, 2026 |
| PG CSS Entrance Examination | May 18 to May 24, 2026 |
| PG Provisional Rank List (CSS) | June 20, 2026 |
| PG Phase-I Allotment (CSS) | July 4, 2026 |
| PG Phase-II Allotment (CSS) | July 10, 2026 |
Kerala University Courses and Fees
Kerala University offers over 150 programmes across 34 teaching departments. Fee structures are government-regulated and apply to students admitted to university departments; affiliated college fees vary by college and management. The overview below covers headline fees for key programme families.
| Course | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Tech (13 branches) | 4 years | 10+2 PCM, 45%; KEAM rank | INR 1,47,000 |
| BHM | 3 years | 10+2 any stream | INR 1,80,000 |
| BCA | 3 years | 10+2 any stream | INR 1,28,800 |
| LLB (3-Year) | 3 years | Graduation in any discipline | INR 1,05,000 |
| BA (most subjects) | 3 years | 10+2 any stream | INR 63,280 to INR 66,940 |
| B.Sc | 3 years | 10+2 with relevant science subjects | INR 56,800 to INR 1,33,840 |
| MBA | 2 years | Bachelor’s with 50%; KMAT / CAT / CMAT + GD/PI | INR 70,460 |
| MA (most subjects) | 2 years | Relevant Bachelor’s with 50% | INR 5,410 |
| M.Sc | 2 years | B.Sc in relevant subject | INR 6,460 to INR 1,90,960 |
| M.Tech | 2 years | B.Tech with 50%; GATE / university entrance | INR 16,320 to INR 53,324 |
| Ph.D | Min 3 years | Master’s with 55% (50% for SC/ST) | INR 75,000 to INR 2,85,040 |
Engineering specialisations include Aeronautical, Automobile, Chemical, and Applied Electronics in addition to mainstream branches. Niche PG offerings include M.Sc in Food Nutrition and Dietetics (INR 1,90,960) and Computational Biology and Bioinformatics at the PhD level.
Kerala University Admission Process
Admission routes differ by programme family. The Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE) Kerala handles UG and B.Tech allotments centrally via KEAM and the CAP process. PG admissions are through the university’s own CSS entrance examinations.
B.Tech and B.Arch
- Eligibility: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (45% aggregate in PCM; 40% for SC/ST). B.Arch also requires NATA score or JEE Main Paper 2.
- Selection stages: KEAM exam registration, exam, rank publication, CAP choice filling, allotment rounds, fee payment, document verification, and admission confirmation.
- Lateral entry: Diploma holders (45% or above in relevant branch) may apply for B.Tech second year.
UG Arts, Science, Commerce, and Professional Programmes
- BA, B.Sc, B.Com, BCA, BBA, BHM, B.Ed: 10+2 pass; Plus Two merit rank via CAP.
- B.Pharm: 10+2 with PCM or PCB (45%); KEAM rank, CEE Kerala allotment.
- B.Sc Nursing (affiliated colleges): 10+2 with PCB (45%); NEET UG score, CEE Kerala counselling.
Law (LLB and LLM)
Three-Year LLB requires graduation in any discipline from a recognised university. Five-Year Integrated LLB requires 10+2. Both programmes are filled through the CEE Kerala law entrance examination and CAP allotment. LLM requires LLB (3-Year or 5-Year) and is filled through the CEE Kerala entrance.
PG Programmes (MA / M.Sc / M.Com / MBA / M.Tech)
- MA / M.Sc / M.Com: Relevant Bachelor’s with 50% (45% for SC/ST); Kerala University CSS entrance exam and CAP allotment.
- MBA: Any Bachelor’s with 50% (45% for SC/ST/PwD); valid KMAT / CAT / CMAT score, followed by GD and PI.
- M.Tech: B.Tech or equivalent with 50%; GATE score or university entrance; CSS allotment.
Ph.D
Ph.D applicants must hold a Master’s degree with 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwD). The registration fee is INR 800. Admission is based on a university entrance test and departmental interview conducted by the respective department.
Kerala University Placements and Career Outcomes
Kerala University placement data reflects the character of a multi-stream teaching-research university, where a large share of graduates pursue higher education or government service rather than campus placements. NIRF-reported 2023-24 data shows 804 placements out of 1,434 eligible PG 2-year graduates, with a placement rate of 56% and median salary of INR 3.48 LPA. Among 1-year PG graduates, 32 of 37 were placed at a median of INR 2.88 LPA. An additional 630 students from 2-year PG programmes opted for higher studies in 2023-24.
| Placement Cycle | Graduates (PG 2-Year) | Students Placed | Placement Rate | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 1,434 | 804 | 56% | INR 3.48 LPA |
| 2022-23 | 1,914 | 881 | 46% | INR 3.15 LPA |
| 2021-22 | 1,376 | 685 | 50% | INR 3.12 LPA |
| 2020-21 | 740 | 222 | 30% | INR 3.00 LPA |
Key recruiters include UST Global, Tata Elxsi, Infosys, TCS, Wipro, IBM, Oracle, Amazon from IT; EY, Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, Accenture from consulting; Federal Bank, South Indian Bank, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank from banking; and L&T, MRF, Bajaj, Samsung from manufacturing. The placement rate has improved from 30% in 2020-21 to 56% in 2023-24, reflecting growing corporate engagement with the university’s graduating cohort.
Kerala University Rankings
Kerala University holds strong NIRF positions across multiple categories and is recognised by international ranking bodies. Its strongest NIRF performance is in the State Public Universities category, where it ranks 5th in 2025.
| Ranking Body | Category | 2025 Rank | 2024 Rank | 2023 Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NIRF | Universities | 25 (score: 59.05) | 21 (score: 58.48) | 24 (score: 55.50) |
| Collegedunia | Education (2026) | 22 | - | - |
| NIRF | State Public Universities | 5 (score: 67.93) | 9 (score: 65.15) | - |
| NIRF | Overall | 42 (score: 56.26) | 38 (score: 55.61) | 47 (score: 52.75) |
| India Today | Universities | 16 | 16 | - |
| Outlook | State Public Universities | 62 | - | - |
| THE | World University Rankings | 1201-1500 band (2026) | - | - |
| QS | Asia University Rankings | 339 (2025) | - | - |
Across Collegedunia’s 2026 stream rankings, Kerala University ranks 22 in Education (score: 732.7), 45 in Agriculture, 71 in Hotel Management, 87 in Law, and 164 in Architecture.
Kerala University Campus and Infrastructure
The main Kariavattom campus in Thiruvananthapuram houses Kerala University’s 34 teaching departments, the University Library, and dedicated research centres. The library holds over 5 lakh volumes and serves as a repository for rare manuscripts and government publications. The campus also houses computer laboratories, science research facilities, and administrative buildings.
Hostel accommodation is available through the University Women’s Hostel at Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram, with fees up to INR 6,115 per term. The campus is connected to the city’s public transport network and is approximately 12 km from Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station. The university city also hosts Technopark (the Kerala IT hub), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and several public sector undertakings, offering internship and research opportunities for technical and science students.
Kerala University operates multiple campus locations: the Senate House in Palayam (administrative), the Kariavattom campus (teaching departments), and the University College, Thiruvananthapuram (one of its oldest affiliated institutions). Law students benefit from proximity to the Kerala High Court’s Thiruvananthapuram bench for moot court and internship exposure.
Kerala University vs Mahatma Gandhi University vs University of Calicut
Aspirants choosing a state-funded university education in Kerala typically compare Kerala University, Mahatma Gandhi University (Kottayam), and the University of Calicut (Thenhipalam). All three are public affiliating universities under UGC, with comparable government-regulated fee bands and CEE Kerala-based admission processes.
| Parameter | University of Kerala | Mahatma Gandhi University | University of Calicut |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Thiruvananthapuram | Kottayam | Malappuram (Thenhipalam) |
| Established | 1937 | 1983 | 1968 |
| NIRF Universities 2025 | 25 | Not in NIRF Universities top 25 | Not in NIRF Universities top 25 |
| B.Tech Fees (approx.) | INR 1,47,000 (4 years) | Government-regulated (similar range) | Government-regulated (similar range) |
| B.Tech Admission | KEAM rank, CEE Kerala CAP | KEAM rank, CEE Kerala CAP | KEAM rank, CEE Kerala CAP |
| Affiliated Colleges | 170+ (southern districts) | 250+ (central Kerala) | 450+ (northern and central Kerala) |
| Geographical Reach | Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta | Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki | Malappuram, Kozhikode, Palakkad |
Kerala University leads on NIRF rank and research infrastructure among the three. Mahatma Gandhi University covers central Kerala and has a wide network in the science and technology cluster around Kottayam. University of Calicut is the largest affiliating university by college count and is the natural choice for aspirants from Malabar and central Kerala. All three offer comparable government-subsidised fee bands and use KEAM for engineering allotments.
Kerala University FAQs
Ques. What is the NIRF rank of Kerala University in 2025?
Ans. Kerala University ranks 25 in NIRF Universities 2025 (score: 59.05), 5 in NIRF State Public Universities 2025 (score: 67.93), and 42 in NIRF Overall 2025 (score: 56.26).
Ques. What is the total B.Tech fee at Kerala University?
Ans. The total fees for B.Tech (any of the 13 branches) at Kerala University’s teaching departments is INR 1,47,000 for the full 4-year duration. This is a government-regulated fee applicable to teaching department seats. Affiliated college fees vary.
Ques. How do I get admission to B.Tech at Kerala University?
Ans. B.Tech admission at Kerala University and its affiliated engineering colleges is through the KEAM rank and CEE Kerala’s Centralised Allotment Process (CAP). Eligibility requires 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (45% aggregate in PCM; 40% for SC/ST). Choice filling and allotment happen online via the CEE Kerala portal.
Ques. What is the placement rate at Kerala University?
Ans. NIRF-reported data for 2023-24 shows a placement rate of 56% for PG 2-year graduates (804 out of 1,434) with a median salary of INR 3.48 LPA. A large share of graduates pursue higher education or government service examinations. Engineering and MBA graduates typically see stronger industry placement outcomes.
Ques. Does Kerala University accept CAT scores for MBA?
Ans. Yes. Kerala University’s MBA programme (at the Institute of Management in Kerala and University Institute of Management) accepts CAT, KMAT, and CMAT scores. Shortlisted candidates appear for a Group Discussion and Personal Interview. Eligibility requires a Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD).
Ques. Is Kerala University better than Mahatma Gandhi University?
Ans. Kerala University ranks higher in NIRF Universities 2025 (rank 25) than Mahatma Gandhi University and has stronger research infrastructure across its 34 teaching departments. MG University has a larger affiliated college network covering central Kerala. The right choice depends on geography: choose Kerala University for Thiruvananthapuram-area colleges and a higher NIRF standing, and MG University for Kottayam and Ernakulam districts.
Ques. Does Kerala University have hostel facilities?
Ans. Kerala University operates the University Women’s Hostel at Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram, for female students of teaching departments. Hostel fees are up to INR 6,115 per term. Seats are limited and allocated to students in the university’s own teaching departments.
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For University of Kerala (KU) BCA admissions, there is no separate entrance test. Admission is based on merit: the university uses an index mark system, which is calculated from your Higher Secondary (+2) exam marks plus your marks in Computer Science / Mathematics / Informatics Practices.
To know what you will get at Kerala University, you should check the official website for previous year cutoffs, seat allotment lists, and course availability based on your entrance exam rank or score. You can also use college predictor tools and contact the admission office for accurate, updated information.
Yes, it is possible to apply for an MA in Psychology at Kerala University even with a BA in Animation, but eligibility depends on the university’s specific admission rules. Some universities may require foundation courses or qualifying exams in psychology before admission.
The SDE offers a wide range of distance and part-time UG and PG courses, including B.Sc., BA, BCA, B.Com, and others. However, in the distance education section, B.Ed. is not listed among the programmes offered by the School of Distance Education
This college offers a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in Malayalam under the affiliation of Kerala University. The program helps students develop teaching skills, language proficiency, and educational knowledge required for becoming successful Malayalam teachers. Experienced faculty, practical training, and modern learning methods support students in academic and professional growth. The course prepares graduates for teaching careers in schools and institutions.
You can check here for the List of Government Colleges in Kerala based on the 2025 Ranking
The online registration for Four-Year Undergraduate Programmes (FYUGP) in affiliated colleges is currently open. The last date of admission is June 15, 2025.
The fee for the courses is mentioned below:
B.Tech
M.Sc
Bachelor of Computer Applications [BCA]
M.Tech
(5.1K Views)
M.A
Bachelor of Business Administration [BBA]
MBA
B.Ed
Master of Laws [L.L.M.]
BA
KU offers a Ph.D. in various disciplines. The basic eligibility for taking a Ph.D. is a Master’s degree. Admission into Ph.D is based on the score in an Entrance examination conducted followed by an interview conducted by the university. Selection is based on the score in the entrance examination, such as DBT-JRF/DST-INSPIRE/UGC NET JRF/ UGC CSIR NET/ GATE/ ICAR/ ICMR/ GPAT
Admissions to the LLM program at Kerala University are based on Kerala University PG Entrance Examination (KUPGEE) scores. The final selection will be done through the rank list released by the university based on entrance exam scores and marks secured in the qualifying examination. The fee per year for the LLM course is INR 5,280 at the Kerala University, Thiruvananthapuram.
There are various colleges in Thiruvananthapuram. You can check here for the List of Colleges in Thiruvananthapuram Based on the 2024 Ranking
The University of Kerala's School of Distance Education, Thiruvananthapuram does not offer the BA Music course.
Aspirants seeking admission to 2-year Full-time MBA Program should have passed a bachelor degree in a relevant stream from a recognized university. Candidates must have a graduate degree in any discipline. Candidates must have secured at least 50% marks or equivalent in graduation from a recognized university. Candidates who have passed MA/M.Sc/M.Com or any other PG degree with 50% from the University of Kerala recognized institution are also eligible. Selection is based on the score in entrance examination such as CAT/KMAT/CMAT approved by ASC Kerala. For the next round, candidates’s selection is based on the cutoff score in the entrance examination prepared by the university. The final selection is based on the performance in Group Discussion & Personal Interview
The entrance examination pattern of M.Sc. Chemistry Renewable Energy is as follow:
Kerala University does not have Internal PG Reservation for its UG students. There are other reservations available for the students such as Sports Quota, PwD reservation, Merit reservation etc.
Kerala University Entrance examination for MA English Language and Literature will be conducted between 18th May 2024 and 24th May 2024.
Kerala University MA admission 2024 is open now. The last date to apply is May 10, 2024. Interested candidates can apply online on the official website. The application fee for the General category is INR 750/- and for SC/ST, INR 500/-. Admissions to the MA program at Kerala University are based on Kerala University PG Entrance Examination (KUPGEE) scores. The entrance exam is scheduled from May 18 to May 25, 2024. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum of 50% marks are eligible for admission
Yes, there is an entrance examiination conducted by Kerala University for admission to its PG courses. The application form is available online for PG courses. The last date of applying is 10th May 2024.
You need to complete a bachelor’s degree in science specialisation and from a recognised university to be eligible for admission to M.Sc. Botany in Kerala University.