The Cochin College, Cochin is affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi University where it offers several undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Its admission process is designed to be merit-based and open to students from various parts of Kerala and other regions of India. The Cochin College admission cycle is similar to that of Mahatma Gandhi University, and it often has varied opening dates from year to year.

Admissions normally commence during the summer months for the academic year that starts in June or July. The Cochin College gives more weight to the performance index of the qualifying examination relevant to admission. The eligibility for admission to the undergraduate programmes is according to students completing 10+2 examinations from any of the recognised boards of education.