Tamil Nadu plans to strengthen Govt college libraries, polytechnics and diploma engineering courses

The Tamil Nadu State Council for Higher Education will undertake a “detailed study” of libraries in government arts and science colleges to assess the availability of infrastructure and resources and their functioning. Based on the findings, “an action plan for

strengthening college libraries will be developed”, says the Tamil Nadu government’s policy note on higher education.

The TNSCHE will also conduct studies on the participation of transgender persons in higher education, the state of open and distance education, and challenges faced by differently-abled students.

The TN higher education department’s policy note also outlines new programmes and institutions aimed at aligning their courses more closely with changing industry requirements and strengthening research and innovation in the state.The higher education department as a whole has a budget of Rs 8,393 crore for 2026-27.

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Tamil Nadu: Technical education

The Directorate of Technical Education has introduced new undergraduate programmes in 11 government engineering colleges in areas including artificial intelligence and machine learning, cybersecurity, data science, information technology, mechatronics and robotics, adding 720 seats.

Nine government polytechnics have also introduced diploma programmes in digital manufacturing, cybersecurity, food technology, fire technology and safety, packaging, petrochemical engineering, footwear, leather and fashion, and fashion and clothing technology, adding 330 seats.

Civil and mechanical engineering diploma courses have also been introduced in Tamil medium at five polytechnics. Six new diploma courses have been introduced to encourage women’s participation in technical education, including programmes in mechanical engineering, office management, ECG technology, web technologies, biomedical electronics and interior decoration. About 150 students are expected to be admitted this year.

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Foreign language, industry-linked training

Foreign language laboratories have been established in all 11 government engineering colleges. Final-year students will receive training in French, German and Japanese to improve employability and international career opportunities. About 2,000 students are expected to benefit in 2026-27.

Six World Skills Academies and smart manufacturing technology centres have been established in government polytechnics in partnership with Schneider Electric India. Another 44 government polytechnics are being upgraded as Centres of Excellence in Industry 4.0 in collaboration with Tata Technologies.

Three new diploma programmes in digital manufacturing technologies, automation and robotics, and internet are to be introduced under the initiative, with a combined intake of 3,570 students.

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Research infrastructure and grants

The state will establish the Rs 75 crore Alagappa Incubation Forum and Research Park at Alagappa Chettiar Government College of Engineering and Technology in Karaikudi to connect academia, industry and startups.

A research park is also being developed at Madurai Kamaraj University in collaboration with TIDCO to commercialise research in 16 identified areas. Two schools of excellence in basic sciences are being established to strengthen foundational science research.

The Chief Minister’s Research Grant scheme, with a recurring corpus of Rs 50 crore, will support faculty- and student-led research in state universities and 248 government colleges. Faculty projects can receive up to Rs 40 lakh, while student projects can receive up to Rs. 20 lakh. The department has received 1,673 research proposals for 2026-27.

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A science outreach

District-level STEM laboratories are also being planned as part of a new science outreach initiative. The initial consultation for the libraries has already been completed; in 2026-27, space will be identified and steps taken to set them up.

Colleges are being converted into coeducational institutions from 2026-27 to widen access and enrollment. A statewide web portal is also being developed to monitor the academic progress of PhD scholars.

The Periyar Science and Technology Centre in Chennai will introduce a modernised Heart Gallery, online ticketing and QR-based entry, a new lift and a Mobile Science Exhibition Bus.

Innovation Hubs have also been established at science centres in Chennai, Coimbatore and Tiruchirappalli. The hubs will offer free workshops in robotics, 3D printing, internet of things and drone technology for government school students.