Thiagarajar Polytechnic College is the first aided polytechnic of the country, which was specially sanctioned by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of India. It was started by Late. Dr. Alagappa Chettiar, a great Educationalist and philanthropist, during 1956, with 30 students in civil branch. Next year students were admitted in Mechanical and Electrical branches also.After the death of Dr.Alagappa Chettiar,the institution were taken over by K.Thiagarajan Chettiar, Madurai during the year 1961. Mr. E.K.Menon was Principal. In 1971 Shri. E.K.Menon retired voluntarily and Shri. N.Bavindranathan took over Principal charge. After the death of shri. K.Thiagarajan, Shri. Manickavasagam was the chairman of the Governing council. The students performance were very high during these years. There was a set of very dedicated staff also who involved in all student activities.