Top IIITs in India: Every Engineering Aspirant Should Know

Choosing the right engineering college is one of the most important decisions for a JEE aspirant, especially if your career goals revolve around technology, software development, or emerging fields like artificial intelligence. Over the years, the top IIITs in India have gained strong recognition for their focused curriculum, research-driven education, and impressive placement outcomes. 

In this guide, we break down the top IIITs in India for 2026, covering rankings, fees, placements, admission cutoffs, and institute strengths to help you make a confident and well-informed decision.

List of Top 10 IIITs in India

1. IIIT Hyderabad

Location: Hyderabad, Telangana
Established: 1998
Type: Autonomous (State Government)
NIRF Ranking 2026: Consistently in the Top 50 Engineering Institutes

Why It's the Best IIIT in India:

IIIT Hyderabad stands as India's top IIIT university and among the most famous IIITs in India for several compelling reasons. Founded in 1998 by the Andhra Pradesh government, it pioneered specialised IT education in India before most other IIITs existed.

Academic Excellence:

• Offers B.Tech in CSE, ECE, Computational Engineering, and specialised dual-degree programs
• Research-focused curriculum with mandatory research projects from the second year
• International collaborations with MIT, Carnegie Mellon, and INRIA, France
• Strong PhD program producing quality researchers

Placement Highlights 2026:

• Average Package: ₹21-26 LPA (Computer Science)
• Highest Package: ₹72 LPA (International offers up to ₹1.2 crore)
• Median Package: ₹18 LPA
• Placement Rate: 100% for CS/IT branches

Top Recruiters: Google (20+ offers), Microsoft (30+ offers), Amazon, Adobe, Goldman Sachs, Qualcomm, Nvidia, Samsung Research, Uber, Oracle

Unique Strengths:

• Strongest research culture among all IIITs with 500+ publications annually
• Specialised research centres in AI, Computer Vision, Robotics, and NLP
• Alumni working at FAANG companies and top universities worldwide
• Startup incubation centre has produced unicorns like Darwinbox

Fee Structure: ₹4.5 lakhs per year (Total: ₹18 lakhs for 4 years)

JEE Main Cutoff 2026: CSE - Rank 500-2,500 | ECE - Rank 3,000-8,000

Campus & Infrastructure: Sprawling 62-acre campus with state-of-the-art labs, 24/7 library access, dedicated research facilities, and excellent hostel amenities

Best For: Students seeking research-oriented education, aiming for product-based companies or higher studies abroad

2. IIIT Bangalore

Location: Bangalore, Karnataka
Established: 1999
Type: Deemed University (PPP Model)
NIRF Ranking 2026: Top 60-70 Engineering Category

Why It Ranks High:

IIIT Bangalore, though technically a deemed university, is consistently ranked among the best IIITs in India for computer science due to its unique position in India's IT capital.

Academic Programs:

• B.Tech in CSE and Electronics & Communication (Integrated M.Tech available)
• Strong emphasis on software engineering practices
• Industry-designed curriculum updated every 2 years
• Semester-long mandatory internships with top companies

Placement Statistics 2026:

• Average Package: ₹16-20 LPA
• Highest Package: ₹60 LPA
• Median Package: ₹14 LPA
• Mass Recruiters: Amazon, Flipkart, Microsoft, Goldman Sachs

Top Hiring Companies: Over 150 companies visit annually, including Google, Adobe, Cisco, VMware, Oracle, SAP Labs, LinkedIn, Salesforce

Unique Advantages:

• Bangalore location provides unmatched industry access
• Guest lectures by industry leaders every month
• Strong alumni network in Indian IT companies
• Easier access to internships during semesters
• Regular tech meetups and conferences

Fee Structure: ₹3.5 lakhs per year (Total: ₹14 lakhs approximately)

Admission Process: Through JEE Main (CSAB), Karnataka CET, and the institute's own entrance exam

JEE Main Cutoff 2026: CSE - Rank 3,000-10,000

Best For: Students wanting maximum industry exposure, internship opportunities, and startup ecosystem access

3. IIIT Delhi

Location: New Delhi
Established: 2008
Type: State University (Delhi Government)
NIRF Ranking 2026: Top 70-80 Engineering

Why It's Among the Top IIITs in India for CSE:

Despite being relatively young, IIIT Delhi has rapidly established itself as one of the top IIITs in India, rank-wise, through aggressive hiring of quality faculty and strong industry partnerships.

Academic Strengths:

• B.Tech in CSE, ECE, CS&AI, CS&Biosciences, CS&Design
• Unique dual-degree programs (B.Tech + M.Tech in 5 years)
• Mandatory international exposure programs
• Strong focus on entrepreneurship and innovation
• Minor degree programs allow students to explore multiple domains

Placement Performance 2026:

• Average Package: ₹17-20 LPA (among the highest for govt IIITs)
• Highest Package: ₹55 LPA
• Median Package: ₹16 LPA
• 100% Placement Rate for CSE core branches

Major Recruiters: Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Adobe, Atlassian, Samsung, American Express, Uber, Sprinklr, Siemens

Distinctive Features:

• Delhi NCR location advantage for networking and internships
• Growing research output in Smart Cities, IoT, and Healthcare Tech
• Strong startup culture with successful alumni founding companies
• Regular hackathons and coding competitions
• Proximity to government departments for policy-related research

Fee Structure: ₹2.8-3.0 lakhs per year (Total: ₹11-12 lakhs)

Admission: Through JAC Delhi counselling using JEE Main scores

JEE Main Cutoff 2026: CSE - Rank 2,000-8,000 | ECE - Rank 8,000-15,000

Campus: Modern campus in Okhla Phase III with continuous expansion

Best For: Students seeking balanced academics and industry exposure with capital city advantages

4. IIIT Allahabad

Location: Prayagraj (Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh
Established: 1999
Type: Centrally Funded Technical Institute (Autonomous)
NIRF Ranking 2026: Top 80-90 Engineering

Legacy & Reputation:

One of the oldest and most famous IIITs in India, IIIT Allahabad has consistently produced strong coders and maintains an excellent reputation among tech companies.

Academic Programs:

• B.Tech in IT, ECE, and Dual Degree programs
• Strong theoretical computer science foundation
• Emphasis on competitive programming and problem-solving
• Active participation in ACM ICPC, Google Code Jam, CodeChef
• Strong alumni mentorship programs

Placement Details 2026:

• Average Package: ₹15-16 LPA
• Highest Package: ₹58 LPA (International offers)
• Median Package: ₹13 LPA
• Core CS Placement: 100%

Top Companies: Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Adobe, Directi, Samsung, Qualcomm, Oracle, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley

What Makes It Special:

• One of the strongest coding cultures among all IIITs
• Consistent performance in competitive programming contests
• Alumni at senior positions in major tech companies
• Lower fees compared to IIIT-H and IIIT-D with comparable outcomes for dedicated students
• Strong open-source contribution culture

Fee Structure: ₹1.6-1.8 lakhs per year (Total: ₹6.5-7.5 lakhs) - Best ROI

Admission: JoSAA counselling through JEE Main

JEE Main Cutoff 2026: IT - Rank 5,000-12,000 | ECE - Rank 12,000-20,000

Infrastructure: Well-established campus with good hostel facilities, continuous infrastructure upgrades

Best For: Students from budget-conscious families seeking excellent technical education and coding culture with low fees

5. ABV-IIITM Gwalior

Location: Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
Established: 1997
Type: Autonomous (Central Government-deemed institute)
NIRF Ranking 2026: Top 90-100 Engineering

Unique Positioning:

Unlike most IIITs focused solely on IT, ABV-IIIT Gwalior offers mechanical and civil engineering too, making it versatile in the list of top IIITs in India.

Programs Offered:

• B.Tech in IT, ECE, Mechanical, and MBA(IT) programs
• Integrated M.Tech programs in multiple disciplines
• Interdisciplinary research opportunities
• Strong focus on smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0

Placement Record 2026:

• Average Package: ₹10-12 LPA (IT/CS branches)
• Highest Package: ₹45 LPA
• Median Package: ₹9 LPA
• Mass Recruiters: TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Cognizant

Notable Recruiters: Amazon, Microsoft, Adobe, Samsung, MAQ Software, Flipkart, Paytm, Capgemini, Accenture

Strengths:

• One of the oldest IIITs with an established alumni network
• Good faculty-student ratio (1:12)
• Active coding and technical clubs
• Lower cost of living in Gwalior reduces overall expenses
• Multi-branch options for flexibility

Fee Structure: ₹1.4 lakhs per year (Total: ₹5.6 lakhs) - Highly affordable

Admission: JoSAA counselling

JEE Main Cutoff 2026: IT - Rank 15,000-30,000 | ECE - Rank 25,000-45,000

Best For: Students seeking affordable government college education with multiple branch options

6. IIIT Pune – The Quality Mid-Tier IIIT

Location: Pune, Maharashtra
Established: 2016 (under PPP model)
Type: Public-Private Partnership
NIRF Ranking 2026: Rising fast, entering top 100

Why It Stands Out:

Despite being relatively new, IIIT Pune has quickly established itself among the top 10 IIITs in India, placement-wise, through focused efforts and industry collaboration.

Academic Focus:

• B.Tech in CSE with specialisations in AI/ML, Cybersecurity, Data Science
• Modern curriculum aligned with industry needs
• Strong emphasis on internships and industrial training
• Regular workshops by industry experts
• Project-based learning approach

Placement Performance 2026:

• Average Package: ₹13-15 LPA (impressive for a young institute)
• Highest Package: ₹48 LPA
• Median Package: ₹12 LPA
• Placement Rate: 95%+

Recruiting Companies: Microsoft, Amazon, Nvidia, Persistent Systems, Veritas, Cybage, Cummins, Mercedes-Benz R&D, Barclays

Key Advantages:

• Pune IT hub location advantage
• Modern infrastructure and labs
• Growing reputation among recruiters
• Accessible for students from Maharashtra
• Strong industry-academia partnerships

Fee Structure: ₹2.0 lakhs per year (Total: ₹8 lakhs)

Admission: JoSAA counselling via JEE Main

JEE Main Cutoff 2026: CSE - Rank 12,000-25,000

Best For: Students seeking good ROI in an IT industry hub with lower cutoffs than the top 5 IIITs

7. IIIT Lucknow – The Emerging Excellence

Location: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Established: 2015 (PPP Model)
Type: Public-Private Partnership
NIRF Ranking 2026: Entering top 120, rising rapidly

Growth Trajectory:

IIIT Lucknow exemplifies how newer IIITs are rapidly improving, securing a spot in top IIITs in India NIRF ranking discussions for future years.

Academic Offerings:

• B.Tech in CSE, IT, ECE
• Focus on emerging technologies like AI, Data Science, IoT, Blockchain
• Industry-oriented curriculum with practical focus
• Regular guest lectures by alumni and industry experts

Placement Statistics 2026:

• Average Package: ₹11-13 LPA
• Highest Package: ₹40 LPA
• Median Package: ₹10 LPA
• Placement Rate: 92%+

Major Recruiters: Amazon, Samsung, Jio, Infosys, TCS, Tech Mahindra, Accenture, L&T, Wipro, HCL

Advantages:

• Rapidly improving infrastructure with new campus development
• Growing alumni network supporting placements
• Affordable fees with government backing
• Good connectivity from Lucknow (metro city)
• Expanding industry partnerships

Fee Structure: ₹1.8 lakhs per year (Total: ₹7.2 lakhs)

Admission: JoSAA through JEE Main

JEE Main Cutoff 2026: CSE - Rank 18,000-35,000

Best For: Budget-conscious students with ranks between 20 K and 35 K seeking government institute credentials

8. IIIT Kota – The Rajasthan Tech Hub

Location: Kota, Rajasthan
Established: 2013 (PPP Model)
Type: Public-Private Partnership
NIRF Ranking 2026: Rising in the engineering category

Why It's in Top 10:

IIIT Kota benefits from Kota's established educational ecosystem while carving its own identity in the ranking of IIITs in India.

Programs:

• B.Tech in CSE, ECE
• Curriculum focused on software development and core engineering
• Industry tie-ups with local and national companies
• Focus on competitive programming and skill development

Placement Data 2026:

• Average Package: ₹9-11 LPA
• Highest Package: ₹35 LPA
• Median Package: ₹8.5 LPA
• Placement Rate: 88-92%

Recruiters: TCS, Infosys, Cognizant, Wipro, Tech Mahindra, Amazon, Paytm, Zomato, Accenture

Strengths:

• Lower competition for internships and projects compared to larger IIITs
• Affordable living costs in Kota
• Growing placement support infrastructure
• Access to Kota's coaching culture for competitive exams
• Strong peer learning environment

Fee Structure: ₹1.5 lakhs per year (Total: ₹6 lakhs)

Admission: JoSAA counselling

JEE Main Cutoff 2026: CSE - Rank 25,000-45,000

Best For: Students from Rajasthan or nearby states seeking affordable government engineering with decent placement prospects. Hence, it is one of the top IITs in India, placement-wise.

9. IIIT Vadodara – The Gujarat Opportunity

Location: Vadodara, Gujarat
Established: 2013 (PPP Model)
Type: Public-Private Partnership
NIRF Ranking 2026: Improving yearly

Market Position:

IIIT Vadodara represents the best IIIT colleges in India for computer science for students with mid-range JEE ranks seeking government institute credibility.

Academic Structure:

• B.Tech in CSE with AI/ML specialisation
• Focus on practical skills and industry readiness
• Regular hackathons and coding competitions
• Strong emphasis on internships and live projects

Placement Results 2026:

• Average Package: ₹9-11 LPA
• Highest Package: ₹33 LPA
• Median Package: ₹8 LPA
• Placement Rate: 85-90%

Key Recruiters: Infosys, TCS, Wipro, Cybage, Capgemini, L&T Infotech, Reliance Jio, Tech Mahindra

Benefits:

• Gujarat's growing IT sector provides opportunities
• Collaborative environment with good faculty support
• Affordable with government backing
• Improving campus facilities year on year
• Proximity to the industrial belt of Gujarat

Fee Structure: ₹1.6 lakhs per year (Total: ₹6.4 lakhs)

Admission: JoSAA via JEE Main

JEE Main Cutoff 2026: CSE - Rank 28,000-50,000

Best For: Students from Gujarat or Western India with ranks above 25K wanting a government college tag

10. IIIT Jabalpur (IIITDM) – The Design-Manufacturing Focus

Location: Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh
Established: 2005
Type: Central Government Institute (CFTI)
NIRF Ranking 2026: Top 100-120 Engineering

Important Distinction:

IIIT Jabalpur (officially IIITDM - Design & Manufacturing) differs from typical IIITs by integrating design and manufacturing with IT, making it unique if you are wondering how many IIITs are there in India.

Unique Programs:

• B.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering
• B.Tech in Electronics & Communication
• B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering (Design)
• B.Tech in Smart Manufacturing
• Dual Degree Programs combining design with technology

Placement Profile 2026:

• Average Package: ₹8-10 LPA (CS/IT branches higher at ₹10-12 LPA)
• Highest Package: ₹32 LPA
• Median Package: ₹7.5 LPA
• Placement Rate: 80-85% (includes non-core branches)

Recruiting Companies: Infosys, TCS, Wipro, Accenture, L&T, Tata Motors, Mahindra, Oracle, Samsung

What Makes It Different:

• Emphasis on product design and development
• Integration of mechanical design with software
• Suitable for students interested in multidisciplinary engineering
• Lower cutoffs provide access to the government institute
• Unique design thinking curriculum

Fee Structure: ₹1.3 lakhs per year (Total: ₹5.2 lakhs) - Very affordable

Admission: JoSAA counseling

JEE Main Cutoff 2026: CSE - Rank 30,000-55,000 | Design streams - Rank 40,000-70,000

Note: IIITDM Kancheepuram (Chennai) is similar but focuses more on manufacturing

Best For: Students interested in interdisciplinary engineering combining IT with design/manufacturing, or those with ranks 30K-60K seeking low-fee government options

How These Rankings Are Determined

When evaluating what are the top IIITs in India are, we consider multiple factors:

1. Placement Performance (40% weightage)

• Average and median package data
• Placement percentage
• Quality of recruiting companies (product vs service)
• International placement opportunities

2. Academic Quality (25% weightage)

• Faculty credentials and research output
• Curriculum relevance to industry
• Infrastructure and lab facilities
• Student-faculty ratio

3. Reputation & Alumni Network (20% weightage)

• NIRF rankings and perception surveys
• Alumni achievements and industry presence
• Brand value among recruiters

4. Research Output (10% weightage)

• Publications in reputed journals and conferences
• Patents filed and granted
• Research grants received

5. ROI - Return on Investment (5% weightage)

• Fee structure vs placement outcomes
• Scholarship opportunities
• Overall affordability

Understanding IIIT Tiers: Where These 10 Stand

Tier 1 (Elite Category)

IIIT Hyderabad, IIIT Bangalore, IIIT Delhi, IIIT Allahabad

These four consistently rank among the best IIITs in India across all parameters. Placement averages exceed ₹15 LPA, top companies recruit in bulk, and academic quality matches that of mid-tier IITs/NITs.

JEE Main Requirement: Typically, under 10,000 rank for CS branches

Tier 2 (Strong Mid-Level)

IIIT Gwalior, IIIT Pune, IIIT Lucknow

Established reputation with consistent placement records. Growing infrastructure and improving year-on-year. Average packages range from ₹10-14 LPA with good ROI.

JEE Main Requirement: Ranks between 10,000-30,000

Tier 3 (Emerging Quality)

IIIT Kota, IIIT Vadodara, IIIT Jabalpur

Newer or specialised institutes with developing infrastructure but solid government backing. Average packages ₹8-11 LPA. Best value for students in the 25K-50K rank range.

JEE Main Requirement: Ranks between 25,000-55,000

Top IIITs vs Top IITs: Understanding the Difference

Choosing between IITs and IIITs can be confusing. Each has its own strengths, and the right choice depends on your interests, goals, and budget. Let’s break it down simply to help you decide.

Making Your Choice: Decision Framework for 2026

If Your Rank is Under 5,000:

Choose: IIIT Hyderabad (top choice), IIIT Delhi, or IIIT Bangalore
Consider: Whether you want a research focus (IIIT-H) or industry proximity (IIIT-B)
Alternative: Compare with mid-tier IITs like IIT BHU, IIT Indore, IIT Mandi

If Your Rank is 5,000-15,000:

Choose: IIIT Allahabad (best ROI), IIIT Delhi, or IIIT Pune
Consider: Coding culture vs location advantages
Alternative: Compare with NITs like NIT Trichy (non-CS), NIT Surathkal, NIT Warangal

If Your Rank is 15,000-30,000:

Choose: IIIT Gwalior, IIIT Lucknow, or IIIT Pune
Consider: Compare with mid-tier NITs based on branch preference
Pro Tip: CS at top IIIT > lower branch at top NIT

If Your Rank is 30,000-55,000:

Choose: IIIT Kota, IIIT Vadodara, IIIT Jabalpur
Consider: Regional preferences and specific interests (design/manufacturing)
Pro Tip: Government IIIT > private engineering colleges

If Your Rank is 55,000-80,000:

Explore: Newer PPP IIITs like IIIT Nagpur, IIIT Dharwad, IIIT Kalyani
Consider: Home state IIITs for lower living costs
Alternative: Top state government engineering colleges

Courses Offered at Top IIITs in India

IIITs are known for their strong focus on computer science, electronics, and new-age technologies such as AI and robotics. While each campus may offer different programs, here are the common courses you’ll find at most top IIITs:

Placement Insights at Top IIITs in India

Famous IIITs in India: Alumni Success Stories

IIIT Hyderabad Alumni:

• Founders of successful startups (Darwinbox, Grey Orange Robotics)
• Senior engineers at Google, Microsoft, Amazon
• Researchers at top universities (MIT, Stanford, CMU)

IIIT Bangalore Alumni:

• Leadership positions in Indian IT companies
• Product managers at major tech firms
• Successful entrepreneurs in the Bangalore ecosystem

Conclusion

Selecting from the top IIITs in India is not just about choosing a college with a high ranking; it’s about finding the institute that aligns with your academic strengths, budget, and long-term career plans. While institutes like IIIT Hyderabad, IIIT Bangalore, and IIIT Delhi stand out for research and premium placements, newer IIITs offer excellent value for money and strong growth potential for students with mid-range JEE ranks.

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