With admissions for 2026 due to begin in the first week of May, applicants to Tiruchi’s private colleges are likely to face a higher fee structure than last year, as more institutions expand their curriculum to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and technology-based courses.

“Computer science and software-based courses have given a big boost to AI education in colleges in Tiruchi. However, the new courses require separate classrooms and other infrastructural investments. When colleges tie up with technology majors for bridge programmes, they are expected to satisfy certain criteria which needs additional funding. This has led to an increase in the course fees as well,” a senior academician told The Hindu.