The National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli (NITT) (Hindi:राष्ट्रीय प्रौद्योगिकी संस्थान, त्रिची), formerly the Regional Engineering College (REC), Tiruchirappalli, is a public engineering and technology university located in the city of Tiruchirappalli in Tamil Nadu, India. The institute was founded in 1964 to cater to the country's growing need for technological manpower. Today, it is one of 18 National Institutes of Technology in India and is recognized as an Institute of National Importance. About 3,400 students are enrolled in various undergraduate and postgraduate programs at the institute. NITT has consistently been ranked as one of the top engineering colleges in the country. The institute is located on an 800-acre (3.2 km) campus on the outskirts of Tiruchirappalli. Most students live in residential hostels on campus. There are more than 35 student groups that pursue various activities and hobbies. The institute also organises annual cultural and technical festivals that attract participants from all over the country and abroad.