About

Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering & Technology (KCAET), now known as Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering & Food Technology (KCAEFT), is a government agricultural engineering institution located in Tavanur, Malappuram district, Kerala. The college came into existence on 2 October 1985 under the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology of Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), after the earlier Institute of Agricultural Technology was upgraded. The institution is named after Sri. K. Kelappan, a renowned freedom fighter and social reformer popularly known as the “Kerala Gandhi.” It functions as a constituent institution of Kerala Agricultural University rather than as a privately managed college or trust. Its primary purpose is to provide quality education, research and extension services in agricultural engineering, food technology and related areas, while supporting sustainable agricultural development and the farming community.

The college is situated at Tavanur P.O., Malappuram District, Kerala – 679573, on the southern bank of the Bharathapuzha River. The campus covers approximately 40 hectares, with an instructional farm occupying about 30 hectares. The campus is located beside the Kuttippuram–Ponnani route and is accessible from National Highway 66; Kuttippuram Railway Station is approximately 7–8 km away, while Ponnani is around 12 km from the campus. The nearest airport is Calicut International Airport at Karipur. The combination of an agricultural instructional farm, river-side location and accessibility by road and rail provides an environment suitable for practical agricultural engineering education and field-based learning.

Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering & Food Technology is a constituent institution of Kerala Agricultural University and its academic programmes are offered under the university. The programmes are accredited by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), while the relevant academic programmes are approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). KAU and its constituent colleges, including KCAET, received ICAR accreditation for five years from 11 March 2024 to 10 March 2029, with an overall score of 3.14 out of 4.00, equivalent to Grade A. The college states that it has not applied for NBA accreditation.

The college operates under the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology of Kerala Agricultural University and comprises academic and research departments covering major areas of agricultural engineering and food technology. Its statutory departments include Basic Engineering and Applied Sciences, Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, Soil and Water Conservation Engineering, and Processing and Food Engineering. These departments undertake teaching, research and extension activities, supported by laboratories, workshops, instructional farms and other academic resources. The college also has an instructional farm and is associated with the Krishi Vigyan Kendra of Malappuram, strengthening its practical and community-oriented agricultural activities.

The college offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral-level programmes. At the undergraduate level, it offers four-year B.Tech. programmes in Agricultural Engineering and Food Technology. The postgraduate programme is M.Tech. in Agricultural Engineering with specialisations in areas such as Soil and Water Conservation Engineering, Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, and Processing and Food Engineering, while Ph.D. programmes are offered in corresponding agricultural engineering disciplines. For B.Tech. Agricultural Engineering, candidates generally require Plus Two with Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry and a minimum of 50% marks, with admission based on the state entrance examination rank list and a specified share of seats filled through ICAR. Admission procedures and eligibility can vary by programme and admission year. Kerala Agricultural University also provides scholarships and student welfare support through its university-level systems, subject to applicable rules and eligibility.

The college provides a wide range of academic, residential, technological, recreational and research facilities. Its approximately 40-hectare campus includes an academic block, library, hostels, laboratories, computer centre, GIS laboratory, staff quarters, trainees' hostels, guest house, playground and other supporting facilities. The computer centre has high-speed internet connectivity, while classrooms and seminar facilities are equipped with projection systems. The fully automated Library and Information Centre contains approximately 30,000 books and provides access to journals, e-resources, online databases, printing, scanning and internet facilities. Separate men's and women's hostels are available, with mess, Wi-Fi, reading and recreation facilities. Sports facilities include grounds and courts for football, cricket, athletics, basketball, volleyball and badminton, along with indoor sports and gym facilities.

Kelappaji College has an active Placement Cell that works to identify employment opportunities and facilitate campus recruitment for students. The cell organises campus interviews, career guidance, personality development and employability-oriented training programmes, along with industry and farm exposure visits. Graduates and postgraduates have pursued careers in government departments, public-sector organisations, agricultural and food-processing industries, research institutions, financial institutions, private companies and entrepreneurship. The college's alumni have also progressed into organisations and institutions such as ICAR, CWRDM, NITs, IITs, NIFTEM, Kerala Agricultural University and various agricultural and allied-sector organisations, while some have pursued higher education and professional careers abroad.

Overall, Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering & Technology, Tavanur, is a specialised government institution under Kerala Agricultural University with a strong focus on agricultural engineering, food technology, research and extension education. Its ICAR accreditation, AICTE-approved programmes, extensive instructional farm, specialised laboratories, residential facilities and industry-oriented placement activities make it an important centre for agricultural engineering education in Kerala. Its emphasis on combining modern engineering and scientific technology with sustainable agricultural practices provides students with opportunities to develop technical knowledge as well as practical skills relevant to agriculture, food processing, water management, farm mechanisation and allied sectors.

1. Government Agricultural Engineering Institution

Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering & Technology (KCAET) is a constituent college of Kerala Agricultural University, providing students with the opportunity to study agricultural engineering within a specialised agricultural university environment.

2. Specialised Agricultural Engineering Education

The college focuses on agricultural engineering, food technology and related disciplines. Students receive technical knowledge that combines engineering principles with modern agricultural practices.

3. Strong Practical Learning

The college has an instructional farm, specialised laboratories, workshops and field-based learning facilities. These resources help students gain practical exposure alongside classroom education.

4. ICAR Accreditation

The institution is part of Kerala Agricultural University, which has received accreditation from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). This adds academic credibility to its agricultural education and research programmes.

5. Diverse Academic Programmes

Students can pursue undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes in areas related to agricultural engineering and food technology, allowing opportunities for both professional education and higher studies.

6. Modern Infrastructure

The campus provides classrooms, laboratories, library, computer facilities, hostels, sports facilities, internet connectivity and other student-support services that contribute to a comfortable academic environment.

7. Research and Innovation Opportunities

The college encourages research in areas such as farm machinery, irrigation and drainage, soil and water conservation, food processing and agricultural technology. Students interested in innovation and research can therefore explore specialised areas of agricultural engineering.

8. Placement and Career Support

The Placement Cell supports students through campus recruitment, career guidance, employability training and industry exposure. Graduates can explore opportunities in government departments, research organisations, agricultural industries, food-processing companies and other allied sectors.

9. Suitable Location for Agricultural Studies

Located at Tavanur beside the Bharathapuzha River, the campus provides a suitable setting for agricultural education, fieldwork and practical training. Its connectivity to nearby towns and transportation facilities also makes the college accessible.

10. Opportunities for Higher Studies

Students completing undergraduate programmes can pursue postgraduate and doctoral studies in specialised agricultural engineering disciplines, either at Kerala Agricultural University or other higher-education and research institutions.

11. Focus on Sustainable Agriculture

The college combines engineering and technology with agricultural applications, helping students understand modern approaches to farm mechanisation, water management, soil conservation, food processing and sustainable agricultural development.

12. Holistic Student Development

Along with academics, the college provides hostel accommodation, sports, recreational activities, student organisations and other campus facilities, supporting the overall development of students.

Vision

The vision of Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering & Technology, Tavanur, is to emerge as a centre of excellence in agricultural engineering and food technology by providing quality education, promoting innovative research and developing skilled professionals capable of addressing emerging challenges in agriculture. The institution aims to integrate engineering, science and technology with agricultural development to support sustainable farming, efficient resource utilisation and improved livelihoods of farming communities.

Mission

The mission of the college is to provide quality and industry-relevant education in agricultural engineering and food technology through effective teaching, practical training and modern learning methods. It aims to promote research and technological innovation in areas such as farm mechanisation, irrigation, soil and water conservation, agricultural processing and food technology. The college also focuses on extension activities and knowledge transfer to farmers and society, while developing technically competent, socially responsible and environmentally conscious professionals who can contribute to sustainable agricultural development.

B.Tech. 

Admission Process

• Apply for KEAM: Candidates seeking regular B.Tech admission must apply for KEAM conducted by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala. KCAET states that its B.Tech admission rank list is prepared based on the state entrance examination.
• Appear for the Entrance Examination: Eligible candidates must appear for KEAM and obtain a valid engineering rank. KCAET offers B.Tech Agricultural Engineering and B.Tech Food Technology programmes.
• Participate in Allotment: Candidates with a valid KEAM rank participate in the CEE Kerala Centralised Allotment Process (CAP) and can be allotted a seat at KCAET based on rank, options, reservation and seat availability. The university has published 2026 admission notifications for candidates allotted through the third phase of KEAM.
• University/ICAR Route: KCAET also has a separate RF (restricted-fee) admission route for B.Tech Agricultural Engineering. For 2026–27, KAU invited applications based on CUET-ICAR UG rank through its own admission portal.
• Document Verification & Joining: Candidates receiving an allotment must report to KCAET with the required original certificates, complete document verification and pay the prescribed fees within the specified deadline. KCAET has also conducted spot admissions against vacant B.Tech seats based on KEAM rank.

Eligibility

• Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed Higher Secondary/Plus Two or an equivalent examination from a recognised board.
• Required Subjects: Candidates should have studied Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM) as part of the qualifying examination, as prescribed for B.Tech admission.
• Minimum Marks: Candidates must satisfy the minimum marks/grade requirements prescribed by the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) and the applicable admission authority.
• Entrance Examination: For regular state admission, candidates must have a valid KEAM Engineering rank and participate in the applicable CEE Kerala allotment process. For specified seats, CUET-ICAR UG rank may also be considered.
• Programme-Specific Eligibility: Eligibility may vary between B.Tech Agricultural Engineering and B.Tech Food Technology and according to the admission category. Candidates should meet the requirements specified by KAU for the relevant academic year.

M.Tech.

Admission Process

• Online Registration: Candidates must apply through the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) admission portal for the M.Tech programme and complete the online application with the required academic details and documents.
• Choose M.Tech Programme: KCAET offers M.Tech programmes in areas such as Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, Processing & Food Engineering, and Soil & Water Conservation Engineering. The university also offers M.Tech in Renewable Energy Engineering through the applicable admission mode.
• Entrance Examination: For the regular M.Tech Agricultural Engineering programmes, admission is based on the entrance examination conducted by Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), followed by preparation of the rank list.
• Rank List & Selection: Eligible candidates are ranked according to the applicable KAU admission criteria and selected based on merit, entrance performance and seat availability.
• Final Admission: Selected candidates must report to KCAET with the required original certificates, complete document verification, pay the prescribed fees and complete the admission formalities within the specified deadline. For M.Tech programmes offered through RF mode, candidates must follow the separate KAU online admission notification and schedule.

Eligibility

• Educational Qualification: Candidates must have a B.Tech/B.E. degree in Agricultural Engineering, Food Technology, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or another relevant discipline from a recognised university, depending on the M.Tech specialisation.
• Minimum Marks: Candidates must satisfy the minimum percentage/CGPA requirements prescribed by Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) for the selected M.Tech programme.
• Relevant Specialisation: The qualifying degree must be in the relevant or eligible branch specified for the chosen M.Tech specialisation, such as Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, Processing & Food Engineering, or Soil & Water Conservation Engineering.
• Entrance Requirement: Candidates must meet the entrance examination/rank requirements prescribed by KAU for admission to the respective M.Tech programme.
• Selection: Admission is based on the applicable KAU admission criteria, entrance performance, academic merit and seat availability, along with reservation rules where applicable.

Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering & Technology (KCAET), Tavanur, provides scholarship opportunities and financial assistance to eligible students through Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), government departments and various scholarship schemes. Students may be able to avail themselves of merit-based, category-based, economically disadvantaged and other government scholarships, subject to the eligibility conditions of the respective schemes. Eligible students can apply through the prescribed university or government scholarship portals and submit the required income, community, academic and other supporting certificates. Financial assistance may also be available through SC/ST, OBC, EWS, minority and other welfare schemes, depending on the student's eligibility and the schemes applicable during the academic year. Students are advised to check the latest KAU scholarship notifications and government scholarship portals for available schemes, application deadlines, income limits and required documents.

Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering & Technology (KCAET), Tavanur, provides placement and career-support activities through its Placement Cell and the career-development initiatives of Kerala Agricultural University. The Placement Cell facilitates campus recruitment, career guidance, employability training, personality development programmes and interactions with prospective employers. Students are exposed to employment opportunities in agricultural engineering, food technology, farm machinery, irrigation and water management, food processing, agricultural industries, research organisations, government departments and allied sectors. The college also encourages students to participate in internships, industrial visits, training programmes and competitive examinations to improve their career prospects. Graduates can pursue opportunities in both the public and private sectors, as well as higher education, research and entrepreneurship. The specialised nature of the programmes also enables students to explore careers in agricultural technology, food-processing industries, machinery companies, irrigation projects and other agriculture-related organisations.

Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering & Technology (KCAET), Tavanur, provides a well-developed campus environment with facilities designed to support academic learning, practical training, research and student life. The college has well-equipped classrooms, specialised laboratories, workshops, an instructional farm and computer facilities that provide students with practical exposure in agricultural engineering and food technology. The Library and Information Centre offers a large collection of books, journals, reference materials and digital resources, along with internet, printing and scanning facilities. The campus also provides separate hostel accommodation for male and female students, with mess, Wi-Fi, reading and recreational facilities. Students can make use of sports and fitness facilities, including outdoor grounds and courts for football, cricket, volleyball, basketball and badminton, as well as indoor games and gym facilities. Other facilities include seminar halls, internet connectivity, student activity spaces, guest house facilities, transportation support and various academic and administrative services. The college's instructional farm and field facilities further enable students to gain hands-on experience in farm machinery, irrigation, soil and water conservation, agricultural processing and other areas of agricultural engineering.