Indian Institute of Technology, Palakkad

Established in 2015 as part of the third generation of IITs, IIT Palakkad (IITPKD) has rapidly evolved into a center of excellence. By 2026, the institute has fully transitioned its operations to the sprawling permanent campus at the foot of the Western Ghats in Kanjikode.

• Campus Area: 500+ acres of eco-friendly infrastructure.
• Location: Strategically located near the Kanjikode industrial belt, Kerala's second-largest industrial hub.
• Connectivity: Excellent access via Coimbatore International Airport (approx. 60 km) and Palakkad Junction railway station.
• Innovation Focus: Strong emphasis on sustainable energy, data science, and smart manufacturing.

IIT Palakkad offers a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. The most sought-after courses in 2026 include:

• B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering: Known for high placement rates and research in AI/ML.
• B.Tech in Data Science and Engineering: A specialized program catering to the growing global demand for data experts.
• M.Tech in Geotechnical Engineering: Leveraging the local terrain challenges for practical learning.
• M.Sc in Physics and Chemistry: Popular among students aiming for research-intensive careers.

Admissions at IIT Palakkad are strictly merit-based, conducted through national-level entrance examinations.

Counseling for B.Tech is managed by JoSAA, typically starting in mid-June 2026.

Note: Check exact dates on the official exam and college websites.

Note: These are approximate figures based on past trends, not official cutoffs. Check the latest official counselling cutoff before applying.

The 2026 cutoffs are determined by the difficulty of JEE Advanced and the number of applicants. Trends suggest:

• Computer Science (CSE): Usually closes within the top 4,500 - 5,200 AIR.
• Electrical Engineering: Ranges between 7,000 and 9,500 AIR.
• Civil and Mechanical: Typically see closing ranks between 11,000 and 15,000 AIR.

Female-only supernumerary seats have slightly relaxed cutoffs to promote gender diversity in STEM.

Note: Placement figures are indicative and not taken from the official placement report of the college. Please confirm with the college.

The 2025 placement season witnessed robust participation from diverse sectors. Key statistics include:

• Average Package: INR 16.5 LPA for B.Tech graduates.
• Highest Package: INR 52 LPA offered by a global tech giant.
• Placement Percentage: Over 92% of registered students were placed.
• Top Recruiters: Google, Amazon, L&T, Texas Instruments, and several emerging Kerala-based tech startups.
• Sector-wise: IT and Software dominated (45%), followed by Core Engineering (30%) and Analytics/Consulting (25%).

The institute ensures that financial constraints do not hinder talent. Available scholarships include:

• Merit-cum-Means (MCM) Scholarship: Tuition fee waivers and monthly allowances for eligible undergraduate students.
• Institute Free Studentship: Available for students from lower-income backgrounds.
• SC/ST Scholarships: Full tuition fee waivers regardless of parental income as per government norms.
• External Scholarships: Support for applying to Kerala State and Central Sector scholarship schemes.

Beyond traditional engineering, several interdisciplinary courses have gained popularity:

• Artificial Intelligence and Robotics: A minor program popular across all branches.
• Environmental Engineering: Focuses on sustainable solutions for the Western Ghats region.
• Micro-electronics and VLSI Design: Highly sought after by students aiming for the semiconductor industry in nearby Bangalore and Kochi.

The fee structure for the 2026 academic year is as follows:

*Note: Tuition fees are fully waived for SC/ST/PwD students. Hostels and mess charges are additional.

The application process varies by program:

1. B.Tech: Register and appear for JEE Main, qualify for JEE Advanced, and participate in JoSAA counseling.
2. M.Tech/M.Sc: Apply through the COAP or JAM portal after qualifying for the respective exams.
3. Ph.D.: Apply directly through the IIT Palakkad admission portal during the March or October windows.
4. Documents: Keep digital copies of 10th/12th marksheets, category certificates, and entrance scorecards ready.

The Nila and Sahyadri campuses offer state-of-the-art facilities:

• Research Labs: Specialized labs for High-Performance Computing and Central Instrumentation Facilities.
• Hostels: Modern rooms with high-speed Wi-Fi and common recreational areas.
• Sports: Facilities for cricket, football, badminton, and a fully equipped gymnasium.
• Library: A massive digital and physical repository with access to top international journals.

The institute is organized into several key departments:

• Civil Engineering
• Computer Science and Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics
• Humanities and Social Sciences