The downturn in Engineering and Tech colleges in the state of TN is so severe that already 30 engineering colleges have applied for conversion to institutes offering Arts and Science degrees for the coming year 2020-21. Declining interest in Engg colleges saw closure of more than 50 engineering colleges (technical institutes fell from 596 (2017-18) to 537 (2020-21).

Tamil Nadu state has 767 arts and science colleges including 114 government colleges adn 139 government adided colleges. About 514 are self funded colleges. Of the 50 applications received for starting Arts and Science degrees, more than 30 applications are from engineering colleges who are looking to convert their current campus into degree colleges. AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education) will need to issue a No Objection Certificate before these Engineering colleges can start offering Arts and Science degree courses. There are several other criteria that should be met.