Chennai: Starting an off-campus centre inside an IT park, making Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exams compulsory, tweaking courses for different career paths and introducing soft skills training from second year – this is how city colleges are trying to place more students in top companies from next academic year (2026-27).
Several colleges said campus placements were better than last year, despite global disruptions such as wars and tariffs. Many colleges wanted to impart skills that would improve their employability.
Rajalakshmi Engineering College is planning to set up a 1.2 lakh sqft off-campus centre at RMZ Millennia IT Park in Perungudi.
“This is close to functioning within the industry. Over the course of four years, we are planning to house 1,500 students in this off-campus. It will be a centre of excellence in data science and artificial intelligence,” said Abhay Meganathan, vice-chairman of Rajalakshmi Group of Institutions. “We are planning to concentrate more on internships from next year as industries prefer hiring based on internships,” he added.
“Many companies prioritise English language skills. We are planning to make taking the TOEFL exam mandatory for all engineering students from next academic year,” said R M Kishore, vice-chairman of RMK Engineering College. “TOEFL score is valid for two years and will help students who want to go abroad for higher studies. English language proficiency also will help them to get more offers,” he said.
Anna University, on its four campuses, is planning to implement soft skills training from the second year onwards. “Many companies are interested in giving sector-oriented skill training for students. These training programmes will make them job-ready,” a source in the university said.
