Most TNEA toppers opt for computer science course in government school quota this year

Published 2 July 2026 · tech

Computer science and engineering (CSE) seems to be the subject of choice for a large majority of rank holders coming under the horizontal reservation category

Computer science and engineering (CSE) seems to be the subject of choice for a large majority of rank holders coming under the horizontal reservation category (7.5% for students who passed from government schools) in the Tamil Nadu Nadu Engineering Admissions (TNEA) 2026. Interestingly, PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, has emerged the preferred destination for at least half of the toppers, replacing the College of Engineering, Guindy, which has been their first choice in the past. The reason for the shift, according to candidates, ranged from feedback from seniors to presence of close relatives in the textile city. K. Pugalesh from Tiruchi, who bagged the second rank, said he wanted to pursue CSE at PSG College since his sister works at an information technology firm in Coimbatore.

The son of a farmer with a small landholding, he said he would like to take up a job immediately after completing his degree. R. Lakshmipathi Paramesh, classmates at Krishnagiri District Government Model School, Bargur, who secured 7th and 8th ranks, have decided to pursue CSE from PSG College based on feedback from a senior schoolmate who currently studies there. Both the boys would be first generation graduates from their family once they complete their degree. Both their parents are daily wage earners. G. Mugilan of Namakkal also wants to study at PSG College, but wishes to pursue electronics and communications engineering (ECE).

“I love the hardware part more,” he says. Son of a weaver who has six power looms running at home for long hours daily, Mr. Mugilan will be the first person in the family to go to college. The incessant clinking and thumping sound of the looms was no impediment to his studies, he said. P. Devadarshini from Salem, who bagged top rank, echoed his opinion. “We grew up amid the noise since our childhood. I am used to it,” she added. Devadarshini wants to pursue CSE at the College of Engineering, Guindy, and, after graduation, would like to appear for the civil services examination.

S. Atchaya, also from Salem, who secured the 10th rank, has similar aspirations. M. Gokulakrishnan, a student of the Salem District Government Model School who passed his higher secondary exam last year, scored well in his JEE Mains this year and has secured a seat in CSE at the International Institute of Information Technology in Bengaluru. S. Archana of Model School in Veerapandi has been offered a full scholarship to pursue CSE at VIT, Vellore.