Tamil Nadu launches 3 diploma courses; TNEA registrations cross 2.81 lakh, UG applications over 2.2 lakhs

Tamil Nadu higher education department has announced the introduction of three new diploma courses in government polytechnic colleges and the creation of 3,570 additional seats for the 2026-27 academic session. Candidates interested in the diploma programmes can apply through the official portal dte.tn.gov.in

As per the press release, the announcement was made during a review meeting on admissions to government engineering, arts and science, and polytechnic colleges held in Chennai, according to a Higher Education Department press release. Higher Education Minister P. Viswanathan said the new courses have been introduced to strengthen industry-oriented technical education and improve employability among students.

The review meeting also assessed the progress of admissions across diploma, engineering, and arts and science colleges. The department shared updates on TNEA registrations, polytechnic admissions, counselling schedules, and undergraduate admissions in government arts and science colleges.

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Tamil Nadu: Polytechnic admissions

Tamil Nadu higher education department press release said that the new diploma programmes will be offered through government polytechnic colleges where Industry 4.0 Skill Centres have been established in collaboration with Tata.

The newly introduced diploma courses are:

• Digital Manufacturing Technologies
• Automation and Robotics
• Internet of Things (IoT)

The government has created a total of 3,570 new seats under these programmes.

Admissions for first-year, direct second-year, and part-time diploma programmes in 55 government polytechnic colleges are currently underway. As of May 31, a total of 18,888 students had applied for first-year diploma admissions.

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Tamil Nadu Engineering Admissions (TNEA) 2026

The higher education department said engineering admissions have witnessed strong participation this year.

According to the release:

• 281,502 candidates had registered for TNEA 2026 as of May 31.
• 217,627 applicants had completed fee payment.
• The last date for registration has been extended from June 2 to June 5.
• Candidates can upload their certificates until June 6.
• Random numbers for applicants will be released on June 10.

Tamil Nadu: Arts and science admissions

The state's 181 government arts and science colleges are offering 1,26,959 undergraduate seats across 159 courses for the 2026-27 academic session.

Applications are being accepted through the online admission portal until June 29. The department reported that more than 2.24 lakh applications had been received as of May 29.

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Following the extension of the upper age limit to 40 years, applications were also received from adult learners, including women, men, and transgender candidates above the age of 21, the press release noted.

Special category counselling will be held from June 5 to June 6, while general counselling is scheduled to begin from June 8 at individual colleges.

According to the Higher Education Department, classes for second- and third-year students will commence on June 15, while first-year classes across government arts and science colleges will begin on July 1.