Anna University Syllabus 2024-25 (Regulation 2021)

About Anna University Regulation 2021

Anna University introduced Regulation 2021 (R2021) for its affiliated colleges in Tamil Nadu, replacing Regulation 2017. The new regulation restructures the curriculum to include more elective flexibility, project-based learning and industry-integrated courses. All students who joined from the academic year 2021-22 onwards follow R2021.

Anna University is the affiliating university for engineering and technology colleges across Tamil Nadu. Over 500 engineering colleges in Tamil Nadu are affiliated to Anna University, making it one of the largest affiliating engineering universities in the world.

Common Subjects (All Departments) — Semesters 1 & 2

All BE/BTech students at Anna University share a common first-year curriculum under R2021.

Semester 1 subjects: Engineering Mathematics I (MA3151), Physics for Engineers (PH3151), Engineering Chemistry (CY3151), Problem Solving and Python Programming (GE3151), Engineering Graphics (GE3152), Physics and Chemistry Laboratory (BS3161/BS3162), Programming Laboratory (GE3171).

Semester 2 subjects: Engineering Mathematics II (MA3251), Technical English for Engineers (HS3251), Engineering Mechanics (GE3251), Basic Electrical, Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering (BE3251), Engineering Practices Laboratory (GE3271), English Language Laboratory (HS3271).

Note: Credit structure — theory papers are typically 3 credits each; laboratory papers are 1.5–2 credits. Total credits per semester range from 20–24.

Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) — Semesters 3 to 8

Semester 3: Discrete Mathematics (MA3354), Digital Principles and Computer Organisation (CS3351), Data Structures and Algorithms (CS3301), Computer Architecture (CS3352), Object-Oriented Programming (CS3391), Data Structures Lab (CS3381), Object-Oriented Programming Lab (CS3391).

Semester 4: Theory of Computation (CS3452), Operating Systems (CS3401), Database Management Systems (CS3492), Computer Networks (CS3491), Microprocessors and Microcontrollers (CS3451), OS & Database Lab (CS3481).

Semester 5: Design and Analysis of Algorithms (CS3501), Computer Graphics and Multimedia Systems (CS3551), Software Engineering (CS3491), Elective I, Professional Elective I, Algorithms Lab.

Semester 6: Distributed Systems (CS3601), Machine Learning (CS3591), Internet and Web Programming (CS3651), Electives II & III, Project work Phase I.

Semester 7 & 8: Professional electives, Open electives, Project Phase II & III, Industrial Training. Final year projects are a key component — teams of 3–4 students work on full-stack, AI/ML or embedded systems projects aligned to industry needs.

Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) — Key Subjects

Core ECE subjects under R2021 include: Circuit Theory, Electronic Devices and Circuits, Signals and Systems, Digital Logic Circuits, Analog and Digital Communication, Electromagnetic Fields, Microprocessors and Microcontrollers (EC3451), VLSI Design, Digital Signal Processing, Wireless Communication, Embedded Systems, Antenna Design.

Laboratory subjects: Circuits and Simulation Lab, Communication Systems Lab, VLSI and Embedded Systems Lab, Digital Signal Processing Lab.

Elective options in senior semesters include: IoT, Robotics, Neural Networks, RF Engineering, Optical Communication, Image Processing.

Mechanical Engineering — Key Subjects

Core Mechanical subjects: Engineering Drawing, Mechanics of Solids, Thermodynamics (ME3391), Manufacturing Technology, Fluid Mechanics and Machinery, Kinematics of Machinery, Design of Machine Elements, Heat and Mass Transfer, Dynamics of Machinery, Metrology and Measurements, CAD/CAM, Finite Element Analysis.

Laboratory: Machine Shop, Strength of Materials Lab, Thermal Engineering Lab, Metrology Lab, Simulation Lab.

Electives: Automobile Engineering, Robotics and Automation, Energy Engineering, Industrial Engineering and Management, Product Design.

Civil Engineering — Key Subjects

Core Civil subjects: Mechanics of Solids, Fluid Mechanics, Surveying, Soil Mechanics, Structural Analysis, Design of RC Structures, Steel Structures, Environmental Engineering, Construction Technology, Irrigation Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering.

Laboratory: Surveying Lab, Soil Testing Lab, Concrete and Highway Materials Lab, Hydraulics Lab.

Electives: Remote Sensing and GIS, Ground Improvement Techniques, Advanced Foundation Engineering, Sustainable Construction.

Exam Pattern and Grading

Anna University follows a 100-mark paper for theory subjects: 20 marks for Continuous Assessment Tests (CATs — two internal tests of 50 marks each scaled to 20) and 80 marks for the End Semester Examination (ESE). Passing criterion: minimum 50/100 aggregate; minimum 30/80 in the end semester exam separately.

Grading scale (R2021): O (Outstanding) 91–100, A+ 81–90, A 71–80, B+ 61–70, B 51–60, RA (Re-Appear, i.e. fail) below 50. CGPA is computed out of 10. A CGPA above 8.5 is considered a first class with distinction; 7.5–8.5 is first class.

Arrear exams: Students who fail (RA grade) can appear for the arrear exam in the following semester cycle. Anna University holds exams in November/December (odd semester) and April/May (even semester).