Computer Science Engineering emerges as most-preferred stream among TNEA toppers

Computer Science Engineering emerges as most-preferred stream among TNEA toppers

Exploring options: Some of the students are also considering taking up veterinary sciences and artificial intelligence. 

28.06.2025

While most of them prefer to study at Anna University, a few are in a dilemma over which stream or institution to choose. Dharani V. of Cuddalore, Mythili P. of Chennai secured the first and second ranks respectively in the Tamil Nadu Engineering Admissions merit list for govt. school students SAPTARSHI BHATTACHARYA CHENNAI Computer Science Engineering has emerged as the most-preferred stream of choice for most of the toppers at the Tamil Nadu Engineering Admissions (TNEA) 2025.

While most of them preferred to study at Anna University, a few are in a dilemma over which stream or institution to choose.

Mythili P., a student of Government Higher Secondary School in Anakaputhur, Chennai, secured the second rank in the TNEA merit list for government school students (7.5% reservation). She told The Hindu that her choice was Computer Science as she had developed deep interest in software development, coding and programming language. Having lost her father to an accident a decade ago, Mythili was brought up by her mother, who runs a roadside tender coconut stall. She wishes to study well and land a good job after completing her degree.

S. Pachaiyammal’s story is not much different. Her father developed neurological complications soon after her birth and lost his ability to work. He also suffered partial speech impairment. Her mother, a tailor, brought her up along with her siblings. “Earlier, my father was a milk vendor in our village. After he developed the disorder, he could barely move,” Pachaiyammal said.

A student of Government Model School in Thiruvannamalai, she secured fifth rank in the TNEA merit list for government school students. However, she now faces a dilemma after receiving a call from Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), offering her full scholarship to study the subject of her choice. She is torn between VIT and Anna University. Like Mythili, Pachaiyammal too wants to pursue Computer Science Engineering, since it offers good placement opportunities. “I will have to work for a few years before I could decide to pursue higher studies,” she says. Pachaiyammal has pursued sports, too, winning medals at zonal and district levels in Kho Kho and having represented her district in State-level competitions.

Dharani V., a student of Government Higher Secondary School in Kandamangalam, Cuddalore, who topped the merit list for government school students, too, excelled in sports. She has won laurels in triple jump, 200 metres sprint, and relay at zonal-level competitions. She, however, is torn between Veterinary Sciences and Artificial Intelligence and Data Science. Her father is a mason.

Vetrivel S., a classmate of Pachaiyammal, secured fourth rank in the merit list. His wish to pursue Computer Science Engineering at Anna University has been largely influenced by his mathematics teacher. “Sir said I could either land a good job or write GATE to get into IIT for masters. We will decide later,” he added. His father is a construction worker and his mother grew crops on a farm.

Similarly, Karthika S. of Kongunadu Matric Higher Secondary School in Namakkal, and Amalan Anto M. of Gokilambal Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Ariyalur — who secured second and third ranks in the TNEA general category merit list — said they would like to pursue Computer Science Engineering at Anna University.

Only Sagasra J. of MLM Mamallan Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Kancheepuram, who topped the general merit list, said she would like to pursue Electronics and Communication Engineering at College of Engineering, Guindy.