Survey reveals low enrolment in Tamil Nadu's technical institutes despite high number of colleges

A recent survey by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) highlights low enrolment rates in Tamil Nadu's technical institutes, despite the state having the highest number of engineering and polytechnic colleges. The survey indicates a plateau in new institutions over the past five years. The distribution of colleges varies significantly across districts. While Coimbatore has the most institutions, areas with smaller populations, like Perambalur, have a higher number of colleges relative to their size. Overall, enrolment is only half of the available seats, with civil engineering courses particularly underrepresented. To address these issues, the National Institute of Technical Teachers’ Training and Research plans to introduce new courses and online resources for polytechnic students. The aim is to improve enrolment and better align educational offerings with job market demands.