Master of Engineering [ME]
About Master of Engineering [ME]
Annamalai University, Chidambaram, offers a two-year full-time Master of Engineering in 9 specialisations across civil, mechanical, electrical, electronics, chemical, and computer science domains. Admissions are conducted through TANCET 2026, and GATE-qualified students are also eligible. Annual tuition ranges from INR 55,060 to INR 63,060 depending on specialisation. TANCET-admitted students are eligible for a Tamil Nadu state government stipend.
📋 Admission Status: Applications are currently open. Last date to apply is 30 July 2026.
Key Points
- TANCET-admitted ME students are eligible for a state government stipend under G.O.(MS) No.220, HE(J1) Department, 2021, based on TANCET merit rank.
- GATE-qualified students admitted to ME programmes are eligible for an AICTE monthly stipend for the full two-year duration.
- FEAT departments hold international MoUs with Fukui University in Japan, Herriot-Watt University in UK, and Kumamoto University in Japan, opening collaborative research pathways for ME students.
Annamalai University ME Fees 2026
ME fees at Annamalai University vary by specialisation. CS, Communication Systems, Power System, and Process Control carry a higher annual fee than the remaining branches. The two-year total ranges from INR 1,10,120 to INR 1,26,120.
| Programme Group | Annual Fee | Total Fee (2 Years) |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental, Structural, Thermal Power, Manufacturing, Chemical Engineering | INR 55,060 | INR 1,10,120 |
| Power System, Communication Systems, Process Control and Instrumentation, Computer Science and Engineering | INR 63,060 | INR 1,26,120 |
- First installment paid at admission, second in the following semester.
- Hostel and mess: INR 50,000 per annum for general students.
- Fees from 2024-25 prospectus. Verify current rates before admission.
- Fees are subject to change. Verify with official sources before admission.
Annamalai University ME Admission 2026
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| TANCET 2026 Examination | Conducted by Anna University in April 2026 |
| Application Opens at AU | 01 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 July 2026 |
| CEETA Counselling | To be announced |
- Deadline extended to 30 July 2026 from original date.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- B.E./B.Tech in the relevant engineering discipline is required. Each ME specialisation maps to one or more undergraduate streams as notified in the prospectus.
- Valid TANCET 2026 score is mandatory for state quota counselling. GATE-qualified candidates may apply for direct admission without a TANCET score.
- No minimum marks requirement is stated for general category. SC/SCA/ST candidates are eligible on pass basis.
Admission Process
- Register for TANCET 2026 at www.annauniv.edu and secure a valid score. GATE scores are also accepted.
- Apply online at www.annamalaiuniversity.ac.in/adm and pay the application fee of INR 400 (general) or INR 200 (SC/SCA/ST).
- Submit the application with TANCET scorecard, B.E./B.Tech mark sheets, and community certificate to The Registrar, Annamalainagar-608002.
- Seat allotment is conducted through CEETA counselling as per Tamil Nadu reservation norms.
Annamalai University ME vs Other Colleges
Here is how Annamalai University ME compares with other engineering PG institutions in Tamil Nadu on fees, entrance exams, and placement outcomes.
| College | Fees | Exams | Cutoff | Salary | CD Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annamalai University | 1.1 L to 1.26 L | TANCET/ GATE | Not Disclosed | INR 4.26 LPA (M.Tech Median, 2024) | 3.7/5 |
| NIT Trichy | 2.4 L | GATE | GATE 351 to 777 (GEN, 2025) | INR 9.5 LPA (PG 2-yr Median, 2025) | Not Rated |
| PSG College of Technology | 1.2 L | TANCET/ GATE | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Rated |
| Pondicherry University | Not Disclosed | TANCET/ GATE | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | 3.6/5 |
✓ Opt for this if
- You want a low-cost ME from a state university with TANCET state stipend eligibility
- You prefer core engineering branches with strong departmental infrastructure and industry internships
- You are targeting government or PSU roles like NLC, TNEB, or DRDO after ME
✗ Skip if
- You need an NIT or IIT brand for R&D roles at top-tier private sector companies
- You want a median salary above INR 8 LPA from campus placements immediately after ME
- You prefer a campus in a metro city for software or product company hiring pipelines
Annamalai University ME Placement 2025
ME placements at Annamalai University’s Faculty of Engineering and Technology are conducted annually through campus drives. An average of 70% to 80% of eligible ME graduates secure placements in core and IT sectors each year.
| Metric | Figures |
|---|---|
| Average Placement Rate | 70% to 80% per annum |
| Median Salary (M.Tech, 2024 Batch) | INR 4.26 LPA |
| Top Recruiters | L&T, TCS, Tech Mahindra, Schneider Electric, HCL Technologies, NLC India, SPIC |
- Median salary from NIRF Engineering report 2025 covering 2024 batch.
Annamalai University ME Scholarships 2026
ME students at Annamalai University can avail government stipends and scholarships based on entrance scores and community category.
| Scholarship / Stipend | Amount | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| TN Government ME Stipend (TANCET route) | Per G.O.(MS) No.220, 2021 | TANCET-admitted ME students, merit-based | On admission |
| AICTE Stipend (GATE route) | As per AICTE norms | GATE-qualified students admitted to ME | On admission |
| TN SC/SCA/ST Tuition Fee Concession | Full tuition waiver | SC/SCA/ST with parental income up to INR 2.5 Lakhs | Income certificate after April 2026 |
| BC/MBC/DNC Scholarship | Partial assistance | BC/MBC/DNC with parental income up to INR 2 Lakhs | As per government schedule |
- Stipend continuation depends on examination performance each semester.
- Fees are subject to change. Verify with official sources before admission.
Annamalai University ME FAQs
Ques. Can a GATE-qualified student apply for ME at Annamalai University without writing TANCET?
Ans. Yes. GATE-qualified candidates can seek direct admission to ME programs at Annamalai University without appearing for TANCET. GATE-admitted students are eligible for the AICTE monthly stipend for the entire two-year duration, while TANCET-admitted students receive the Tamil Nadu state government stipend under G.O.(MS) No.220.
Ques. What is the Tamil Nadu state government stipend for TANCET-admitted ME students at Annamalai University?
Ans. The Government of Tamil Nadu provides a stipend to ME and M.Tech students admitted through TANCET under G.O.(MS) No.220, HE(J1) Department dated 15 November 2021. The stipend is awarded on TANCET merit rank and continued subject to satisfactory performance each semester. The exact monthly amount is notified by the Ministry of Higher Education, Tamil Nadu, and may change each academic year.
Ques. How does AU ME compare with NIT Trichy M.Tech for a Tamil Nadu engineering graduate?
Ans. NIT Trichy M.Tech admits exclusively through GATE with a 2025 cutoff of score 351 to 777 for General category, costs INR 2.4 Lakhs total, and delivers a median salary of INR 9.5 LPA. AU ME costs INR 1.1 to 1.26 Lakhs, admits through TANCET and GATE, and posted a 2024 median of INR 4.26 LPA. NIT Trichy suits GATE-strong applicants. AU is a better fit for TANCET-qualified candidates prioritising lower cost.
Ques. Which ME specialisation at Annamalai University has the best placement prospects?
Ans. Computer Science and Engineering ME tends to attract the widest recruiter pool, including IT companies like TCS and HCL alongside core firms. Power System and Structural Engineering graduates find consistent demand in PSU sectors including TNEB and NLC. Manufacturing Engineering graduates are absorbed by auto and heavy engineering firms like L&T and Super Auto Forge.
Ques. Is hostel accommodation mandatory for ME students at Annamalai University?
Ans. Annamalai University is a fully residential university and hostel stay is compulsory for enrolled ME students. Annual hostel and mess charges are INR 50,000 for general category students and INR 24,000 for SC/SCA/ST students. The R.S.A. Hostel is designated for male ME students and the E.T.G.J. Hostel for female students on the Chidambaram campus.