ICT College Review Direct Second Year Engineering Colleges in 2026 – Fee, Ranking, Cutoff, Hostel, Campus & Placements
- Divya Shinde
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
In the ever-evolving landscape of technical education, the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai, remains a titan. As we step into 2026, students across India are eyeing "Direct Second Year" (DSY) admissions to skip the foundation year and dive straight into specialized engineering.
This comprehensive ICT College Review for 2026 provides a deep dive into why this premier institution continues to be the first choice for chemical, pharmaceutical, and technology enthusiasts.
1. ICT College Review Direct Second Year Engineering College: Why It Remains a Global Powerhouse in 2026
The Institute of Chemical Technology, formerly known as UDCT, is not just a college; it is a research-driven ecosystem. In 2026, its relevance has only grown with the global shift toward green chemistry and sustainable engineering. If you are seeking admission into direct second year engineering colleges in 2026, ICT Mumbai stands at the pinnacle of the list.
Quick Overview: ICT Mumbai at a Glance
Parameter | Details (2026 Data) |
|---|---|
Established | 1933 |
Institution Type | State-Funded / Deemed University |
NIRF 2025/26 Ranking | no. 41 (Engineering) |
Campus Area | 16 Acres (Matunga, Mumbai) |
Flagship Program | B.Chem. Engg. (Bachelor of Chemical Engineering) |
Direct Second Year Entry | Available for Diploma Holders via CAP Rounds |
2. Ranking and Reputation
ICT Mumbai has maintained an enviable record in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). As of the latest 2025–2026 reports, it holds:
NIRF Engineering: 41st in India.
NIRF Pharmacy: 6th in India.
NAAC Accreditation: A++ Grade with a CGPA of 3.77/4.00.
The institute is globally recognized for its research output, often outperforming several IITs in specific chemical technology domains.
3. Fees Structure for 2026
One of the most attractive features highlighted in any ICT College Review is its highly subsidized fee structure. Being a government-aided university, the costs are significantly lower than private counterparts like MIT-WPU or NMIMS.
Annual Tuition Fees (UG): Approximately ₹89,100.
Total Fees for DSY Students: Around ₹1.33 Lakhs to ₹3.56 Lakhs for the remaining three years, depending on the specific branch and category (SC/ST students receive extensive waivers).
4. Direct Second Year (DSY) Cutoff 2026
For diploma holders, the competition for direct second year engineering colleges in 2026 is intense. Admissions are conducted through the Centralized Admission Process (CAP) by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra.
Expected DSY Cutoff (General Category)
Branch | Expected 2026 Cutoff (Diploma %) |
|---|---|
Chemical Engineering | 98.5% – 99.2% |
Pharmaceutical Chemistry | 97.8% – 98.5% |
Food Engineering & Tech | 97.2% – 98.0% |
Polymer Engineering | 96.5% – 97.5% |
Surface Coating Technology | 95.8% – 96.5% |
Note: Cutoffs vary based on the number of vacant seats available after the first year and the overall performance of diploma candidates.
5. Campus and Infrastructure
Despite its compact 16-acre campus in Matunga, ICT Mumbai is a marvel of optimization. It houses state-of-the-art laboratories that are often funded by industry giants like Reliance and Asian Paints.
Library and Labs
The Prof. M.M. Sharma Library is one of the best-stocked technical libraries in Asia. For a DSY student, the transition is eased by the hands-on nature of the curriculum. The labs are equipped with industrial-grade pilot plants, allowing students to simulate real-world chemical processes.
6. Hostel and Student Life
Mumbai’s real estate is famously expensive, making the ICT hostel a blessing for outstation students.
Accommodation: There are 5 hostel blocks (Hostel 1 & 5 for boys; 2, 3 & 4 for girls).
Hostel Fees: Range between ₹34,000 to ₹39,000 per year (highly affordable).
Mess Charges: Approximately ₹3,000 to ₹4,000 per month.
Facilities: Wi-Fi, gym, indoor sports area, and common rooms.
Pro-Tip: Hostel seats are allotted based on merit and the distance of the student’s permanent residence from the college (typically >70-80km).
7. Placements 2025–2026: A Specialized Launchpad
Unlike many other direct second year engineering colleges in 2026 that rely heavily on IT services (TCS, Infosys), ICT Mumbai placements are dominated by the Core Industry.
Placement Statistics
Highest Package (Domestic): ₹18–20 LPA (BPCL, HPCL, Reliance).
Highest Package (International): ₹45–60 LPA (Select roles in R&D/Process Engineering).
Average Package (B.Chem. Engg): ₹11.5 – ₹13.0 LPA.
Median Package (B.Tech Branches): ₹9.0 LPA.
Top Recruiters
FMCG: Hindustan Unilever (HUL), P&G, L'Oréal.
Oil & Gas: Shell, ExxonMobil, BPCL.
Paints & Chemicals: Asian Paints, BASF, Pidilite.
Pharma: Dr. Reddy’s, Cipla, Sun Pharma.
8. Comparison with Top Direct Second Year Engineering Colleges in 2026
If you are considering options in Maharashtra, here is how ICT stacks up against other top-tier DSY destinations:
College | Fees (Annual) | Avg. Placement | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
ICT Mumbai | ₹89k | ₹12 LPA | Chemical & Research |
VJTI Mumbai | ₹86k | ₹10 LPA | CS, IT & Electronics |
COEP Pune | ₹90k | ₹9.5 LPA | Mechanical & Robotics |
SPIT Mumbai | ₹1.7L | ₹11 LPA | Computer Science |
FAQ: Direct Second Year Engineering Colleges in 2026
Q1: Can I get admission to ICT Mumbai through the DSY quota with a 90% in Diploma?
A1: For core branches like Chemical Engineering, a 90% is usually insufficient. However, for specialized branches like Fibres and Textile Processing or Dyestuff Technology, you might have a chance in later CAP rounds. Most direct second year engineering colleges in 2026 with high rankings require a 95%+ aggregate in Diploma.
Q2: Does ICT Mumbai accept JEE Main scores for DSY?
A2: No. Direct Second Year admissions in Maharashtra are strictly based on your Diploma percentage through the state CAP rounds. JEE Main and MHT-CET are for first-year admissions only.
Q3: Is there a management quota in ICT Mumbai?
A3: No, ICT Mumbai is a state-funded institute and does not have a management quota. All seats are filled via merit.
Q4: How is the research culture for DSY students?
A4: Excellent. DSY students are encouraged to join research projects as early as their third year (second year of their stay).
Final Verdict
If your passion lies in the "How" of things—how medicines are made, how polymers are formed, or how fuel is refined—ICT Mumbai is unmatched. While the campus may lack the sprawling lawns of an IIT, the intellectual capital and industrial ROI make it one of the most prestigious direct second year engineering colleges in 2026.
Take the Next Step
Are you ready to secure your future in Chemical Technology?
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