Following the identification of Cochin University of Science and Technology as the  "University with Potential for Excellence in Lasers and Optoelectronic Sciences" by the University Grants Commission  in March 2002 and establishment of "Centre of Excellence in Lasers & Optoelectronic Sciences" (CELOS) in the month of July 2002, steps were soon taken to start a 5 year integrated M.Sc. degree course in Photonics. An admission test was conducted by university in the month of October 2002 and the classes for the first batch began in November 2002. The first batch students completed their degree and passed out from the centre in July 2007. The sixth batch of integrated MSc students joined CELOS in August 2007.