The Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering and Technology (CIPET) was set up in Chennai in 1968, and its Guindy campus in the Thiru Vi Ka Industrial Estate is still where the national network is run from. According to CIPET’s About page, the Government of India created it with help from the United Nations Development Programme, with the International Labour Organization as the executing agency. The first phase, from 1968 to 1973, was rated among the most successful UNDP projects anywhere.
CIPET was earlier called the Central Institute of Plastics Engineering and Technology and comes under the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals in the Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. It now has 40 locations in 22 states. For Chennai students, the Guindy campus offers degree, diploma and postgraduate courses; for industry and government buyers, it runs testing labs for plastic products.
One campus, several kinds of centre
CIPET’s website groups its locations into different types: Institutes of Petrochemicals Technology (IPT), which run degree courses; Centres for Skilling and Technical Support (CSTS), which run diplomas, short courses and testing; research units (SARP); and plastics waste management centres. The Guindy campus hosts both an IPT and a CSTS, so the same address appears on degree prospectuses and diploma notices. When you search for admission details, check which of the two a document belongs to, because the courses, contacts and application routes differ.
Degree courses at CIPET Chennai, 2026-27
The 2026-27 UG and PG prospectus for the Institute of Petrochemicals Technology (IPT), Chennai, lists these programmes. B.E. and B.Tech seats are filled through TNEA counselling under counselling code 1321.
| Course | Seats | Affiliation | First-year fee (2026-27) |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Tech Plastics Technology | 60 | Anna University | Rs 70,575 |
| B.E. Manufacturing Engineering | 60 | Anna University | Rs 65,725 |
| M.Tech Plastics Technology | 18 | Anna University | Rs 69,210 |
| M.E. CAD/CAM | 18 | Anna University | Rs 69,210 |
| M.Sc. Applied Polymer Science | 26 | University of Madras | Rs 42,750 |
Eligibility, as set out in the prospectus:
- B.Tech/B.E.: Class 12 pass with Maths, Physics and Chemistry, age limit 21, through TNEA.
- Lateral entry: a diploma in engineering or technology, age 18 to 26, through TNLEA.
- M.Tech/M.E.: relevant B.E./B.Tech or, for M.Tech, an M.Sc. in polymer science or related chemistry, with GATE or CEETA-PG.
- M.Sc.: a B.Sc. in chemistry or related subjects, selected on B.Sc. marks.
The campus has separate hostels inside the grounds, with capacity for 950 men and 400 women. The one-time first-year hostel payment is Rs 30,150, covering room rent, a mess advance, a refundable caution deposit and an ID card.
Diplomas after Class 10 and 12
CIPET is better known among Tamil Nadu families for its diplomas, which lead straight into jobs in moulding and plastics plants around Sriperumbudur, Oragadam and Ambattur. The 2026-27 admission notice for Chennai lists:
- Diploma in Plastics Mould Technology (DPMT) and Diploma in Plastics Technology (DPT): three years after Class 10 with Maths, Science and English, or two years after Class 12 (with Physics and Chemistry) or after Class 10 plus a two-year ITI in a related trade.
- Post Diploma in Plastics Mould Design with CAD/CAM: for holders of a three-year diploma in mechanical, plastics, tool and die or similar fields.
- Post Graduate Diploma in Plastics Processing and Testing: for B.Sc. graduates.
Applications are taken online through a link on the notice, and the admission desk can be reached at olc-chennai@cipet.gov.in. The notice describes the DPMT and DPT programmes as AICTE approved and NBA accredited.
Testing labs and services for industry
The prospectus says the Chennai Plastics Testing Centre is NABL accredited and recognised by the Bureau of Indian Standards. CIPET’s citizen’s charter describes what that means in practice: testing and third-party inspection of plastic products for central and state agencies, pre-delivery and post-delivery inspection, an online lab request system, and live availability dashboards for pipe testing, biodegradability testing and UV weathering tests.
Other services include product and mould design, CAD/CAM work, tool room jobs, calibration, consultancy and plastics waste management advice. Skill development courses aligned to the national skills framework run alongside the academic programmes, aimed at machine operators and technicians.
Complaints can be lodged through the central government’s PG Portal or through CIPET’s own grievance form, and the charter lists customer service cells at each centre and at the Chennai head office.
Quick answers
Where is CIPET in Chennai?
At Thiru Vi Ka Industrial Estate, Guindy, Chennai 600032, which also houses the head office.
How do I get into B.Tech at CIPET Chennai?
Through TNEA counselling. The college’s counselling code is 1321, and the course is affiliated to Anna University.
Can I join CIPET after Class 10?
Yes. The three-year DPMT and DPT diplomas accept Class 10 students who studied Maths, Science and English.
What does CIPET stand for now?
Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering and Technology. Its earlier name used “Plastics” in place of “Petrochemicals”.
Information checked against official sources on 18 October 2026. Fees, dates and rules can change; confirm on the linked official pages before acting.
