Overview
Mar Athanasius College of Engineering (MACE) is a distinguished government-aided, autonomous engineering institution nestled in Kothamangalam, Kerala, India. Established in 1961 by the Mar Athanasius College Association, it holds the distinction of being one of the five oldest engineering colleges in the state and the first in Asia under Christian management. The University Grants Commission granted it autonomous status in 2023. Situated on a 25.3-hectare (approx. 63-acre) campus, MACE combines historical legacy with modern infrastructure.
Historical Background & Governance
MACE was launched under the stewardship of the charitable Mar Athanasius College Association, marking its second major educational venture after the arts and science college founded in 1955. It was initially affiliated with Mahatma Gandhi University and transitioned to affiliation with APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University in 2015. Governance involves a body representing AICTE, the state government, the technical university, and the managing association.
Campus & Location
Positioned at the foothills of the Western Ghats—a region known as “The Gateway to the High Ranges”—the campus offers serene surroundings, panoramic views, and easy access to urban amenities and natural preserves. Facilities include:
- Sports Facilities: 50-meter swimming pool, football, cricket, basketball, badminton, tennis, volleyball courts, and a gymnasium.
- Transport Access: Roughly 32 km from Cochin International Airport, 33 km from Aluva railway station, and 53 km from Ernakulam—well connected via NH49 and frequent bus services.
- Local Attractions: Nearby are Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary (~14 km) and trekking/dam site Bhoothathan Kettu (~10 km), enriching the locale’s appeal.
Academics & Departments
Departments & Programs
MACE offers a wide spectrum of programs spanning undergraduate to doctoral levels:
- Undergraduate (B.Tech) in:
- Civil, Mechanical, Electrical & Electronics, Electronics & Communication Engineering — each with intake of 120 (plus lateral entry seats).
- Computer Science & Engineering (60 seats), Computer Science & Engineering (Data Science, 120 seats), Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning (60 seats).
- MCA (Master of Computer Applications) — 60 seats, 2-year duration.
- M.Tech programs across various specializations, including Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics & Communication, and Computer Science introduced between 2004 and 2013, with varying intakes from 18–24.
- Ph.D. Programs are also offered in select departments.
Accreditation & Approvals
- Approved by AICTE and affiliated with APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University.
- NBA Accreditation:
- Civil & Electrical & Electronics Engineering: renewed from July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2025.
- Mechanical Engineering: similarly accredited until June 30, 2025.
- Electronics & Communication and Computer Science & Engineering: accredited from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2025.
Student Life & Culture
MACE is known for its vibrant campus life and active student engagement:
- Fests & Clubs: Technical fest Takshak and cultural fest Sanskriti are key annual highlights. Active chapters of IEEE and ASME have bagged recognitions at global forums.
- Hostels: Separate accommodations for men and women with dining facilities.
- Student Identity: Students proudly identify as “MACEians”.
- Alumni & Community: The MACE Alumni Association includes about 8,000 members across India and abroad.
Library & Infrastructure
MACE boasts robust academic infrastructure:
- Central Library: Three-story facility (~839.5 m²), housing over 78,000 volumes across 25,641 titles; subscribes to numerous national and international journals; uses KOHA, OPAC, and DSpace for digital access, including through Knimbus platform.
- Labs & Facilities: Well-equipped departmental labs, multimedia labs, computing centers, and workshops—with specialized setups like IISc-supported multimedia lab, network and cybersecurity labs established via AICTE initiatives.
Admissions & Financials
- Admission Process:
- B.Tech & MCA: 85% of seats through KEAM (Kerala Engineering Entrance Examination), 15% via management based on rank list.
- M.Tech: Selected via DTE rank lists; aided vs self-financing distribution varies by course.
- Diploma holders can join B.Tech second year through entrance conducted by Technical Directorate.
- Scholarships & Concessions: Full concessions for SC/ST/OEC students and income-based fee support for families earning below ₹100,000 per year.
Placements & Rankings
- MACE maintains a proactive Training & Placement Cell, facilitating university-level recruitment, personality development, and industry-ready training.
- In 2023, it secured a rank of 87 among engineering colleges per NIRF, compared to 56 in 2022.
- Reported placement highlights include ~40% placement rate and highest salary packages around ₹30 LPA.
Leadership & Teaching
Currently led by Principal Dr. Bos Mathew Jos, MACE serves over 3,050 students with a faculty strength of around 151, supported by roughly 160 administrative staff. The college’s governance and academic operations reflect the integration of tradition with emerging pedagogical standards.