CSIR – Central Electro Chemical Research Institute, commonly known as CSIR CECRI, was established on July 25, 1948, by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and officially began operations in January 1953 in Karaikudi, near Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu. A premier government-funded R&D institute under CSIR, it is affiliated with Anna University, Chennai, and approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), with its B.Tech program also accredited by the National Board of Accreditation (NBA). Sprawling across approximately 300 acres, the institute is noted for its strong focus on research productivity, having produced over 5,500 publications, secured around 750 patents, and developed over 250 technologies, supported by over 600 ongoing projects.
Offering a unique suite of academic programs, CSIR‑CECRI provides a 4-year B.Tech in Chemical and Electrochemical Engineering under its Centre for Education, alongside M.Tech and various short-term training/fellowship programs in specialised electrochemical disciplines. The institute leverages its status as the premier electrochemical laboratory in Asia to furnish students with cutting-edge research labs, instrumentation facilities, and industry-relevant training under the mentorship of seasoned CSIR scientists.
CSIR‑CECRI Highlights 2025
CSIR‑CECRI Courses 2025
CSIR‑CECRI offers a focused suite of academic programs grounded in its core competency, electrochemical engineering. They integrate strong theoretical foundations, practical lab training, and direct mentorship from CSIR scientists, which is ideal for students and professionals aiming at careers in research, industry, or academia. Candidates seeking admission should meet the eligibility and selection criteria.
CSIR‑CECRI Admission Process 2025
The admission process at CSIR‑CECRI for 2025 is designed to select students and researchers through transparent, merit-based procedures, including national entrance scores, centralised counselling, and institute-level interviews.
Entrance Exam:
- B.Tech Programs: Require TNEA/JEE Main scores and participation in Anna University counselling
- M.Tech Programs: Admission is through GATE, followed by shortlisting and interview.
- Ph.D. Programs: Based on CSIR/UGC-JRF/NET/GATE qualification and further selection via an interview conducted by the institute.
Application Process:
- Visit the official admission portal: https://www.cecri.res.in.
- Click on the Admissions section and select the desired program (B.Tech/M.Tech/Ph.D.).
- Register using your full name, email ID, and phone number to create a new user account.
- Log in and fill out the application form with accurate academic and personal details.
- Upload scanned copies of the required documents: mark sheets, degree certificates, entrance scorecard, ID proof, and a passport-size photograph.
- Submit the form and pay the application fee via the secure online payment portal.
Selection Process:
- For B.Tech, Candidates are shortlisted for online counselling based on TNEA rank (TN applicants) and JEE Main rank and state eligibility certificates (other‑state quota)
- For M.Tech, candidates are shortlisted based on GATE scores, academic performance, and department-specific criteria.
- Ph.D. candidates must pass the entrance exam criteria (GATE/NET/JRF) and will be further evaluated through a research aptitude test and personal interview conducted by the CECRI Selection Committee.
- Final admission is granted based on combined performance in entrance score, interview, and academic record.
Confirmation of Allotment:
- Selected candidates will receive an official admission offer via email or the portal.
- Admission must be confirmed by document verification, and fee payment must be made within the specified deadline.
CSIR‑CECRI Placement 2025
CSIR‑CECRI continues its legacy in placing B.Tech graduates in prestigious industries due to its strong reputation in chemical and electrochemical engineering. Graduates receive specialised training in electrochemical processes, corrosion science, and materials engineering. This training makes them highly sought after by core manufacturers, research organisations, and energy firms. The placement rate is nearly 100% for B.Tech students in Chemical & Electrochemical Engineering.
Top recruiters:
- Amara Raja Batteries
- BARC, Bloom Energy
- Cognizant
- DRDO
- DuPont
- Eveready
- Exide
- Hyundai
- ISRO
- IOCL
- TVS Motors
- Wipro
CSIR‑CECRI Campus Facilities
CSIR‑CECRI in Karaikudi spans an expansive 300-acre green campus and offers comprehensive facilities to support premier education, cutting-edge research, robust student life, and community engagement.
- Laboratories: CECRI boasts advanced, department-specific labs for electrochemical research covering corrosion science, battery tech, sensors, and nanotechnology, equipped with modern instrumentation.
- Classrooms & Conference Halls: Lecture halls have audiovisual equipment and projectors. Multiple halls host seminars, national/international conferences, and workshops.
- Library & e-Library: A fully automated library offers access to books, journals, theses, and over 3,500 e‑journals, patents, and digital resources through a dedicated portal.
- Hostels (Separate for men and women): Well-furnished rooms with study areas in single, double, and triple formats.
- DINING: Common mess with nutritious meals planned by committees; safe, 24×7-secured environment
- Guest House: Established in 1974, it features 36–38 AC rooms with balconies, dining areas, parlours, a business centre, Wi‑Fi, parking, laundry, and room service.
- Staff Quarters: Multi-tier housing is provided for scientific and technical staff based on team grades
- Health Centre: Offers outpatient services, pharmacy, ECG, X-ray, lab diagnostics, IV fluids, nebulisation, and ambulance support.
- Gym & Sports Complex: Includes a gymnasium with modern and traditional workout gear, a floodlit basketball court, an indoor badminton stadium, cricket, football, volleyball grounds, and table tennis facilities.
- Central Departmental Canteen (CDC): Operates on a no-profit-no-loss model with modern cooking facilities catering to staff and students.
- Banking Services: On-campus Indian Bank extension available from 10:15 am to 1:45 pm. Additional ATMs and banking outlets are accessible within the College.
- Green Campus Setting: Lush flora, ornamental gardens, and resident wildlife (including peacocks) create an ideal, pollution-free research atmosphere.
CSIR‑CECRI FAQs
Is CSIR‑CECRI a private or government institute?
CSIR‑CECRI is a government‑funded R&D laboratory under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), not a private college.
What undergraduate programs does CSIR‑CECRI offer?
CSIR‑CECRI offers a 4-year B.Tech in Chemical & Electrochemical Engineering, affiliated with Anna University.
How are admissions conducted for its B.Tech program?
Admission for B.Tech is merit-based: Tamil Nadu students via TNEA; other‑state applicants through JEE Main; and Anna University counselling.
What postgraduate courses and admissions are available?
CSIR‑CECRI offers M.Tech (e.g., Corrosion Science & Engineering) admission through a valid GATE score and TANCA/AcSIR selection.
Can I pursue a Ph.D. at CSIR‑CECRI? What’s the selection procedure?
Yes, Ph.D. (and Integrated Ph.D.) admissions require a valid GATE/NET/JRF score, an institute-level research aptitude test and a personal interview.
What is the placement scenario at CECRI?
CECRI graduates enjoy near‑100% placement in core electrochemical and chemical industries.
Does CSIR‑CECRI conduct short‑term courses or fellowships?
CSIR‑CECRI runs 3–5 day refresher courses, short-term training, and fellowships under CSIR and AcSIR in specialised electrochemical disciplines.