Best IIT Colleges in India: Complete Guide to Ranking, Fees, Intakes, Placements 2025

The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are India's top engineering colleges. These institutions are known for producing excellent engineers, entrepreneurs, and leaders who influence global technology. India has 23 IITs, making it challenging for students to choose the right one. This guide will help you understand the top IIT colleges in India, including their rankings, admission process, fees, placements, and career opportunities.

What Are IITs and Why Are They Important?

The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are top public colleges in India for higher education. They were created under a law in 1961 and are called "Institutes of National Importance." The first IIT started in 1951 in Kharagpur. These colleges are known for offering excellent education and doing advanced research in science, technology, and innovation.

IITs are well-known around the world. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, five IITs were ranked among the top 100 in the world for Engineering & Technology. IIT Delhi was the highest-ranked Indian IIT at 26th, followed by IIT Bombay at 28th place.

Top 10 IIT Colleges in India - NIRF Ranking

IIT Madras

IIT Madras is the top engineering college in India according to NIRF 2024. It offers various B.Tech courses in fields like Computer Science, Electrical, Mechanical, and Civil Engineering. Every year, about 1134 students are admitted to its B.Tech programs across all branches.

1. Key Courses:

• Tech (Computer Science, Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, others)
• Dual Degree (B.Tech + M.Tech)
• Tech, MS, MBA, MSc, PhD

2. Seat Intake (B.Tech - Approx):1,300+ students annually.
   
   
3. Eligibility (B.Tech):Pass Class 12 (PCM) + Top JEE Advanced rank.
   
   
4. Entrance Exam:JEE Advanced (UG), GATE (PG).
   
   
5. Fees (B.Tech - Approx Annual):₹ 2.0 - 2.5 Lakhs.
   
   
6. Placement Stats:

• Average Package: ₹ 22 LPA
• Highest Package: ₹ 1.8 CPA (International)
• Top Recruiters: Microsoft, Google, Apple, Tata, ISRO, Goldman Sachs.

IIT Bombay

IIT Bombay is well known not just for its excellent academics, but also for its strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. The Computer Science and Engineering program is one of the most popular and competitive courses in India. Other popular B.Tech branches at the institute include Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, and Metallurgical Engineering. Every year, around 1356 students are admitted to the B.Tech program across all departments, making it one of the IITs with the highest student intake.

1. Key Courses:

• Tech (Computer Science, Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, others)
• Dual Degree
• Tech, MSc, MBA, PhD

2. Seat Intake (B.Tech - Approx):1,200+ students annually.
   
   
3. Eligibility (B.Tech):Pass Class 12 (PCM) + Top JEE Advanced rank.
   
   
4. Entrance Exam:JEE Advanced (UG), GATE (PG).
   
   
5. Fees (B.Tech - Approx Annual):₹ 2.3 - 2.8 Lakhs.
   
   
6. Placement Stats:

• Average Package: ₹ 23.3 LPA
• Highest Package: ₹ 3.67 CPA (International)
• Top Recruiters: Google, Facebook, TSMC, Qualcomm, J.P. Morgan, Tata.

IIT Delhi

IIT Delhi is one of the top engineering colleges in India, ranked just after IIT Madras. It is well-known for its courses in Computer Science, Electrical, Mechanical, and Chemical Engineering. The campus offers around 1200 B.Tech seats in different branches (about 1209 as per recent data). Popular branches like Computer Science and Electrical have very tough competition for admission.

1. Key Courses:

• Tech (Computer Science, Electrical, Mechanical, Mathematics & Computing, others)
• Dual Degree
• Tech, MBA, MSc, PhD

2. Seat Intake (B.Tech - Approx):1,100+ students annually.
   
   
3. Eligibility (B.Tech):Pass Class 12 (PCM) + Top JEE Advanced rank.
   
   
4. Entrance Exam:JEE Advanced (UG), GATE (PG).
   
   
5. Fees (B.Tech - Approx Annual):₹ 2.3 - 2.8 Lakhs.
   
   
6. Placement Stats:

• Average Package: ₹ 21.8 LPA
• Highest Package: ₹ 3.67 CPA (International)
• Top Recruiters: Microsoft, Amazon, Adobe, Intel, Morgan Stanley, Reliance.

IIT Kanpur

IIT Kanpur is well-known for its strong focus on engineering and science. Some of the most popular B.Tech courses here are Computer Science, Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, and Chemical Engineering. Every year, about 1210 students are admitted to the B.Tech program. IIT Kanpur also offers special programs like a BS in Science and dual-degree courses, but engineering remains the top choice for most students.

1. Key Courses:

• Tech (Computer Science, Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, others)
• BS (Science Programs)
• Dual Degree, M.Tech, MBA, PhD

2. Seat Intake (B.Tech - Approx):1,000+ students annually.
   
   
3. Eligibility (B.Tech):Pass Class 12 (PCM) + Top JEE Advanced rank.
   
   
4. Entrance Exam:JEE Advanced (UG), GATE (PG).
   
   
5. Fees (B.Tech - Approx Annual):₹ 2.0 - 2.5 Lakhs.
   
   
6. Placement Stats:

• Average Package: ₹ 21.5 LPA
• Highest Package: ₹ 2.1 CPA (International)
• Top Recruiters: Microsoft, NVIDIA, Oracle, American Express, EXL, Adani.

IIT Kharagpur

IIT Kharagpur is the oldest IIT and offers the most variety in academic programs. It provides B.Tech courses in popular engineering fields like Computer Science, Electronics, Mechanical, and Civil. It also offers unique courses such as Agricultural & Food Engineering, Ocean Engineering & Naval Architecture, and Mining Engineering. Every year, about 1869 students are admitted to its B.Tech programs, the highest intake among all IITs, showing how many different departments it has.

1. Key Courses:

• Tech (Computer Science, Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, others)
• Dual Degree (B.Tech + MBA)
• Tech, LLB, MBA, MSc, PhD

2. Seat Intake (B.Tech - Approx):1,600+ students annually.
   
   
3. Eligibility (B.Tech):Pass Class 12 (PCM) + Top JEE Advanced rank.
   
   
4. Entrance Exam:JEE Advanced (UG), GATE (PG).
   
   
5. Fees (B.Tech - Approx Annual):₹ 2.2 - 2.7 Lakhs.
   
   
6. Placement Stats:

• Average Package: ₹ 20.1 LPA
• Highest Package: ₹ 2.4 CPA (International)
• Top Recruiters: Google, Microsoft, Tata Steel, ITC, HSBC, Larsen & Toubro.

IIT Roorkee

IIT Roorkee, earlier known as the University of Roorkee, is one of the oldest technical colleges in Asia. It is well-known for its courses in Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Computer Science, and Chemical Engineering. Each year, around 1,353 students get admission into its B.Tech programs. The Civil Engineering branch has a long and proud history, as the institute originally started as a civil engineering college in the 1800s. Today, Computer Science and Electronics are also very popular choices among students.

1. Key Courses:

• Tech (Computer Science, Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, others)
• Dual Degree
• Tech, MBA, M.Arch, PhD

2. Seat Intake (B.Tech - Approx):1,100+ students annually.
   
   
3. Eligibility (B.Tech):Pass Class 12 (PCM) + Top JEE Advanced rank.
   
   
4. Entrance Exam:JEE Advanced (UG), GATE (PG).
   
   
5. Fees (B.Tech - Approx Annual):₹ 2.1 - 2.6 Lakhs.
   
   
6. Placement Stats:

• Average Package: ₹ 19.3 LPA
• Highest Package: ₹ 1.5 CPA (International)
• Top Recruiters: Intel, Samsung, Bajaj, Oracle, Vedanta, Deloitte.

IIT Guwahati

IIT Guwahati, started in 1994, has quickly become one of the top engineering colleges in India. It offers popular B.Tech courses like Computer Science, Electronics and Communication, Mechanical, Chemical, and Civil Engineering. Each year, around 950 students are admitted to its B.Tech programs. It is the first IIT in the Northeast and is known for its scenic campus near the Brahmaputra River. Students from all over India come here to study.

1. Key Courses:

• Tech (Computer Science, Electronics, Mechanical, Civil, others)
• Dual Degree
• Tech, MSc, PhD, Design Programs

2. Seat Intake (B.Tech - Approx):900+ students annually.
   
   
3. Eligibility (B.Tech):Pass Class 12 (PCM) + Top JEE Advanced rank.
   
   
4. Entrance Exam:JEE Advanced (UG), GATE (PG).
   
   
5. Fees (B.Tech - Approx Annual):₹ 2.1 - 2.6 Lakhs.
   
   
6. Placement Stats:

• Average Package: ₹ 18.3 LPA
• Highest Package: ₹ 2.0 CPA (International)
• Top Recruiters: Microsoft, Amazon, Flipkart, Ola, Schlumberger, Mahindra.

IIT Hyderabad

IIT Hyderabad was established in 2008 and has quickly become one of the top engineering colleges in India. It is ranked 8th in the NIRF rankings. The institute is known for its advanced programs and research in fields like Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Materials Science, along with core B.Tech courses such as Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. With around 595 B.Tech seats each year, the college maintains a good student-to-faculty ratio, offering more personal attention to students.

1. Key Courses:

• Tech (Computer Science, Electrical, Mechanical, Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, Chemical, Civil)
• Dual Degree (B.Tech + M.Tech)
• Special Programs: India’s first B.Tech in Artificial Intelligence
• Tech, MS, PhD

2. Seat Intake (B.Tech - Approx):600+ students annually.
   
   
3. Eligibility (B.Tech):Pass Class 12 (PCM) with 75% + Top JEE Advanced rank.
   
   
4. Entrance Exam:JEE Advanced (UG), GATE (PG).
   
   
5. Fees (B.Tech - Approx Annual):₹ 2.1 - 2.4 Lakhs.
   
   
6. Placement Stats:

• Average Package: ₹ 20.2 LPA
• Highest Package: ₹ 1.82 CPA (International)
• Top Recruiters: Microsoft, Amazon, Qualcomm, Intel, Goldman Sachs, Texas Instruments

IIT Gandhinagar

IIT Gandhinagar has quickly become one of India’s top engineering colleges. It offers B.Tech courses in fields like Computer Science, Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, Artificial Intelligence, Materials Engineering, and Integrated Circuit Design. The college takes in around 124 B.Tech students each year. Although it has fewer seats than older IITs, it offers modern facilities and more personal attention to students.

1. Key Courses:

• Tech (Computer Science, Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, Civil, Materials Science)
• Dual Degree (B.Tech + M.Tech)
• Unique: B.Tech in Biological Engineering
• Tech, MSc, PhD
• Minor programs in Liberal Arts/Design

2. Seat Intake (B.Tech - Approx):320+ students annually.
   
   
3. Eligibility (B.Tech):Pass Class 12 (PCM) + Top JEE Advanced rank.
   
   
4. Entrance Exam:JEE Advanced (UG), GATE (PG).
   
   
5. Fees (B.Tech - Approx Annual):₹ 2.25 - 2.5 Lakhs.
   
   
6. Placements (2022-23):

• Average Package: ₹ 18.7 LPA
• Highest Package: ₹ 1.3 CPA (International)
• Top Recruiters: Microsoft, Reliance, Larsen & Toubro, Shell, Oracle, DRDO

IIT (BHU) Varanasi

IIT (BHU) Varanasi has a unique history. It started as Banaras Engineering College and became an IIT in 2012. It combines the rich legacy of Banaras Hindu University with the academic standards of the IITs. Some of the most popular B.Tech courses here are Computer Science, Electronics, Mechanical, Electrical, and Mining Engineering. Mining is one of the oldest and strongest departments at this institute. Every year, around 1589 students are admitted to its B.Tech programs across different branches.

1. Key Courses:

• Tech (Computer Science, Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, Metallurgical, Ceramic)
• Dual Degree (B.Tech + M.Tech)
• Tech, MBA, MSc, PhD
• Special Programs: Mining Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering

2. Seat Intake (B.Tech - Approx):1,300+ students annually.
   
   
3. Eligibility (B.Tech):Pass Class 12 (PCM) + Top JEE Advanced rank.
   
   
4. Entrance Exam:JEE Advanced (UG), GATE (PG).
   
   
5. Fees (B.Tech - Approx Annual):₹ 2.0 - 2.3 Lakhs.
   
   
6. Placement Stats:

• Average Package: ₹ 19.5 LPA
• Highest Package: ₹ 1.5 CPA (International)
• Top Recruiters: Microsoft, Amazon, Tata Steel, Adani, Vedanta, ISRO

IIT Admission Process and Entrance Exams

Admission to IIT BTech programs requires candidates to clear both JEE Main and JEE Advanced examinations. The admission process follows these steps:

1. JEE Main Qualification

• Candidates must be among the top 2,50,000 performers in JEE Main Paper 1
• No age limit for appearing in JEE Main
• Eligible for three consecutive attempts from Class 12 year

2. JEE Advanced Eligibility

• Only top 2,50,000 JEE Main qualifiers can appear for JEE Advanced
• Eligible for two consecutive attempts from Class 12 year
• JEE Advanced 2025 will be held on May 18

Complete List of All 23 IITs in India

Course Categories Available at IITs

Undergraduate Programs:

• BTech (4-year programs)
• BS (Bachelor of Science)
• Dual Degree (BTech + MTech in 5 years)

Postgraduate Programs:

• MTech (Master of Technology)
• MSc (Master of Science)
• MBA (Master of Business Administration)
• MDes (Master of Design)

Doctoral Programs:

• PhD in various specializations

Top IITs in India - Global Recognition and Rankings

IITs demonstrate strong global presence in international rankings:

Tips for IIT Aspirants

Don’t choose an IIT just because it has a high rank. Think about which branch or subject you’re really interested in and find out which IIT is best for that branch. A top-ranked IIT may not be the right choice if it doesn’t offer the branch you love. Instead, a slightly lower-ranked IIT where your branch is strong might be a better fit.

Also, use the JoSAA counselling process smartly. Check the opening and closing ranks from previous years, watch campus tour videos if possible, and try to talk to current students or alumni.

All IITs offer a great education, so you won’t make a bad choice with any top IIT. Just focus on what’s most important for you-your interest, goals, and comfort.

Preparation Strategy

JEE Main Preparation:

• Focus on NCERT textbooks for strong fundamentals
• Practice previous years' question papers
• Take regular mock tests
• Time management is crucial

JEE Advanced Preparation:

• Solve advanced level problems
• Understand concepts deeply rather than memorizing
• Practice numerical problems extensively
• Stay updated with exam pattern changes

Branch Selection Guidance

High Demand Branches:

• Computer Science & Engineering
• Electronics & Communication Engineering
• Electrical Engineering

Emerging Fields:

• Artificial Intelligence & Data Science
• Biotechnology
• Materials Science & Engineering

Traditional Core Branches:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Chemical Engineering

Post-Admission Success Factors

Academic Excellence:

• Maintain good grades for better placement opportunities
• Participate in research projects
• Engage with faculty for mentorship

Skill Development:

• Learn programming languages (especially for non-CSE students)
• Develop communication and leadership skills
• Participate in internships and competitions

Networking:

• Build connections with seniors and alumni
• Join technical clubs and societies
• Attend industry seminars and workshops

Future Outlook for IITs

IITs continue evolving to meet industry demands and global standards. Recent developments include:

New Specializations: Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, and Renewable Energy programs

Industry Collaboration: Increased partnerships with leading companies for research and curriculum development

International Exposure: Student exchange programs and joint degree offerings with foreign universities

Entrepreneurship Support: Incubation centers and startup funding initiatives

The demand for IIT graduates remains strong across sectors, with emerging technologies creating new career opportunities. Graduates are increasingly choosing entrepreneurship, with many successful startups founded by IIT alumni.

Conclusion

IITs are India’s top engineering colleges, known for their high-quality education and innovation. Getting into an IIT is tough, but they offer the best teachers, great research facilities, and excellent job placements. That’s why many smart students across India dream of studying here.

To get into an IIT, students need to prepare well for the JEE Main and Advanced exams. It's also important to understand which branch of engineering suits your interests and set realistic goals. The journey can be hard, but it leads to big opportunities in India’s tech industry and even jobs around the world.

Whether you aim for the top-ranked IIT Madras or any of the 23 IITs, each one has its own strengths. The most important thing is to choose the right IIT and course based on your interests and future career plans.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. Which is the No. 1 IIT in India?

A. IIT Madras is ranked No. 1 in India according to the NIRF Engineering Ranking 2024, maintaining its position for the ninth consecutive year.

Q. Which IIT has the highest cutoff?

A. IIT Bombay has the highest JEE Advanced cutoffs, especially for the Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) branch. In recent years, the closing rank for CSE at IIT Bombay has been under Rank 70 for general category students.

Q. Which IIT is best for placement?

A. IIT Bombay leads in placements, with the highest domestic package of INR 3.67 crore in 2024-25 and an average package of INR 23.50–36.90 LPA. Top recruiters include Google, Microsoft, and Amazon.

Q. How many seats are in an IIT?

A. The total number of B.Tech seats across all 23 IITs is approximately 17,400 (as per JoSAA 2023). Individual IITs offer anywhere from 120 to 1800+ seats, depending on the size and number of departments.

Q. How many students apply for IIT every year?

A. In 2024, 1.91 lakh candidates registered for JEE Advanced, the highest in 11 years. Over 1.31 million students applied for JEE Main in 2025, with 1.25 million appearing for the exam.

Q. How many marks are required to qualify for JEE Advanced?

A. The 2024 qualifying cutoff for JEE Advanced was: General: 30.34% aggregate (109/360 marks) and 8.68% per subject. OBC-NCL/EWS: 27.30% aggregate (98/360 marks) and 7.8% per subject. SC/ST/PwD: 15.17% aggregate (54/360 marks) and 4.34% per subject.