Government of Tamil Nadu offers renewable energy course in eight government polytechnic colleges

In a major step towards promoting studies in green energy, eight government polytechnic colleges in the southern districts have introduced a new 'Diploma in Renewable Energy' course for 2025-26. The course is being offered under a tie-up between the Government of Tamil Nadu and Tata Power Renewable Energy.

The programme meets the 'Earn While You Learn' concept, allowing students to earn between Rs 4,000 to Rs 10,000 monthly over the duration of their course period.

As part of the course, the students will undergo three months of classroom training in their own polytechnic colleges-including Madurai, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Nagercoil, Usilampatti, Andipatti, and Chekkanurani-with Rs 4,000 as monthly stipend. The remaining nine months will be at TP Solar Limited, Tirunelveli, where they will get industrial exposure and a monthly stipend of Rs 8,000.

In a conversation with TNIE, G Vijayakumari, Principal of Government Women's Polytechnic College, Madurai, said, "Each polytechnic college has a strength of 30 seats. In Madurai, 38 students have already been admitted, and a preference is being given to female candidates. The students will be provided experiential learning similar to other streams of engineering, including training in solar panel making, maintenance, and energy efficiency. This gives the students immediate job opportunities at TP Solar after graduation with no service bond."

Andipatti Government Polytechnic College principal (i/c) M Poonguzhali also stated that classes commenced on July 7, and a few of the colleges have vacancies. "Class XII pass students can be considered. Free hostel and boarding facilities are provided during industrial training. Stipend will increase gradually- Rs 8,000 in the first year, Rs 9,000 in the second year, and Rs 10,000 in the third year," she clarified.

In addition, meritous students are eligible to receive Rs 1,000 monthly scholarship under the Pudhumaipen or Tamil Pudhalvan. The course fee has also been fixed at a minimum of Rs 2,500 annually.