Colleges near Kalamassery: A Map for Male Students

Key facts

Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) has its main campus in South Kalamassery, served by the Cochin University station on Kochi Metro.
The National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS), set up by a Kerala Act in 2005, has its campus in HMT Colony P.O., Kalamassery.
Model Engineering College and Bharata Mata College are in Thrikkakara, on the CUSAT side of Kalamassery near the Seaport–Airport Road.
Government Polytechnic College, Kalamassery dates from 1951 and Government ITI Kalamassery from 1957; both are in the HMT area.
Kochi Metro has three stations in the Kalamassery area: Kalamassery, Cochin University and Pathadipalam.

Kalamassery metro station above NH 544. Photo: Gnoeee / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Why so many colleges are here

Kalamassery grew as an industrial town after the 1950s, with HMT, FACT nearby and a string of public-sector units along the Periyar. Technical training followed the factories: the Government Polytechnic and the Government ITI were both set up in that period. CUSAT arrived in 1971 (as the University of Cochin), and later decades brought a medical college, a national law university, KINFRA’s Hi-Tech Park and the Kerala Startup Mission’s innovation zone. Our short history, how Kalamassery became an industrial town, explains the background.

For a student, the practical result is that Kalamassery, South Kalamassery, HMT Colony and Thrikkakara together work as one big campus district. Many students live in one locality and study in another two or three kilometres away.

The colleges at a glance

The table below lists the main institutions within roughly 10 km of NAD Road. “Nearest metro” is a rough guide only – several campuses are a bus or auto ride from the station, so check the exact route on a map before your first day.

Institution	Area	Nearest metro (approx.)
Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT)	South Kalamassery / Thrikkakara	Cochin University
National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS)	HMT Colony P.O., Kalamassery	Kalamassery, then road
Government Medical College, Ernakulam	HMT Road, North Kalamassery	Kalamassery, then road
Government Polytechnic College	HMT Junction area	Kalamassery, then road
Government ITI Kalamassery	HMT Colony	Kalamassery, then road
St. Paul’s College	HMT Colony P.O., Kalamassery	Kalamassery, then road
Rajagiri College of Social Sciences (Hill Campus)	Rajagiri P.O., Kalamassery	Kalamassery or Cochin University
Albertian Institute of Science and Technology (AISAT)	Cochin University P.O., Kalamassery	Cochin University
Model Engineering College (MEC)	Thrikkakara	Cochin University
Bharata Mata College	Seaport–Airport Road, Thrikkakara	Cochin University, then road
SCMS School of Technology and Management	Muttom	Muttom
KMEA Engineering College	Edathala	Aluva area, then road
Union Christian College	Aluva	Aluva
MES College, Marampally	Marampally, near Aluva	Aluva, then road
CIPET Kochi	Udyogamandal, Eloor	None – by road

University, law and medicine

CUSAT – the anchor of the area, with engineering, science, management, law and humanities departments on its main campus. Read men’s hostel near CUSAT, and if you are only coming for a test or interview, visiting CUSAT for an exam or admission.
NUALS – Kerala’s national law university, offering BA LLB through CLAT, plus LLM and PhD. See PG for men near NUALS.
Government Medical College, Ernakulam – on HMT Road with its hospital; also relevant are the Cochin Cancer Research Centre and nursing and paramedical courses. Our main page is PG near Kalamassery Medical College.

Engineering colleges

Model Engineering College, Thrikkakara – a government-run (IHRD) engineering college next to the CUSAT side of town. Guide: PG near MEC.
Albertian Institute of Science and Technology (AISAT) – a KTU-affiliated engineering college with a Cochin University P.O. address. Guide: hostel near AISAT.
KMEA Engineering College, Edathala – east of Aluva. Guide: boys’ hostel option near KMEA.
SCMS School of Technology and Management, Muttom – on the metro corridor towards Aluva. Guide: stay near SCMS Muttom.

St. Paul’s College, Kalamassery – an aided arts and science college affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi University. Guide: boys’ hostel near St. Paul’s.
Rajagiri College of Social Sciences – best known for social work, with its Hill Campus in Kalamassery. Guide: men’s stay near Rajagiri.
Bharata Mata College, Thrikkakara – aided arts and science college facing the Seaport–Airport Road. Guide: boys’ stay near Bharata Mata College.
Union Christian College, Aluva – one of the older colleges in the region, beside the Periyar. Guide: UC College students.
MES College, Marampally – Guide: stay near MES College Marampally.

Technical and vocational institutes

Government Polytechnic College, Kalamassery – diploma courses in engineering branches. Guide: boys’ hostel near the Polytechnic.
Government ITI Kalamassery – NCVT trades such as wireman, motor and diesel mechanic, welder and civil draughtsman. Guide: hostel for ITI trainees.
CIPET Kochi, Eloor – plastics and petrochemicals technology courses. Guide: stay near CIPET Kochi.

Course lists and campus details change. Always confirm admissions, fees and hostel availability on each institution’s own website.

Choosing where to live if you study here

Think about your daily route rather than the straight-line distance. NH 544 through Kalamassery is busy at peak hours, while side roads through HMT Colony and NAD Road can be quicker by two-wheeler or auto. Our getting around Kalamassery guide covers metro, buses and autos, and what it costs to live here each month helps you budget. If you want a quiet place to read outside your room, see libraries and study spaces.

Students on short placements should also read internship stays in Kalamassery.

A base on NAD Road for male students

Ashraf Gents Hostel is a men-only boys’ hostel and PG at Ashraf house, NAD Road, at the signal in Kalamassery. It takes students, staff and working men. Its public profile lists NUALS, the Medical College, the Science Park and the Cochin Cancer Research Centre among places within about 3 km, which puts the HMT-side colleges within a short ride. For CUSAT, MEC and the Thrikkakara colleges you will usually need a bus, auto or two-wheeler – check the route for your timetable.

The photos show twin-sharing rooms with cots and mattresses, red-oxide floors, a balcony, a kitchen with sink and shelves, and a tiled bathroom with a western toilet. You can see the photos. The indicative rate on the public profile is about ₹2,000–3,000 per head per month, negotiable, with one month’s advance – please confirm the current rate, and ask about anything else you need (meals, internet and so on), on a call or WhatsApp to +91 90746 23855.

Twin-sharing room with two cots and mattresses at Ashraf Gents Hostel, NAD Road, Kalamassery. See all photos

Frequently asked questions

Which is the biggest college in Kalamassery?

Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) is the largest institution, with a main campus of about 180 acres in South Kalamassery.

Is Model Engineering College in Kalamassery?

MEC is in Thrikkakara, which borders Kalamassery on the CUSAT side. Most students treat the two as one area for housing.

Which metro station is nearest to CUSAT?

Cochin University metro station on NH 544. The university says its main campus is about 1 km, roughly a 15-minute walk, from the station.

Are there men-only hostels near these colleges?

Yes, there are private boys’ hostels and PGs across Kalamassery and Thrikkakara. Ashraf Gents Hostel on NAD Road is one men-only option; call +91 90746 23855 to check availability.

Do colleges in Kalamassery have their own hostels?

Many do, but places are limited and allotment rules vary. Check with your college first and keep a private option as a backup.

Sources

Facts about Ashraf Gents Hostel come from the hostel’s own profile and photos; rates are indicative and confirmed on the call. Last reviewed 7 October 2026. How we write these guides: editorial notes. Map embeds © Google.