Dr. R.M. Alagappa Chettiar a man of rare wisdom and forethought, founded Alagappa Chettiar Educational Trust with the sole aim of developing the backward area of Karaikudi into a centre for higher education and provided necessary funds for the establishment of educational institutions.
        In 1952 21st July, ACCET started functioning  with three faculties-Civil, Mechanical and Electrical and Electronics Engineering. The Foundation tablet for the main building of the college was laid by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the then President of India on 19th February 1953. Subsequently, in 1966, the institution was handed over to Govt. of Tamil Nadu. 

• In 1969 a new faculty, Electronics and Communication Engineering was started.

• In 1983, M.E. in Microwave and Optical Engineering

• In 1988, Master of Computer Application (M.C.A) were started.

• In 2001, B.E. Degree course in Computer Science and Engineering was also introduced.

      The college has become a constituent college of Anna University from 31.12.2001. The college has been recognized as a research centre and about 25 scholars are pursuing research. PG courses in various disciplines are offered from the academic year 2002-03.