IIT Colleges in India 2026 – Fees, Placements & More

Why Choose IIT Colleges?

With more than 3.6 million aspiring engineers in India, the opportunity to study at the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) is undoubtedly the most rewarding. Here are the reasons that make IIT the top choice for students.

World-Class Faculty, Research & Infrastructure

• Each of the 23 IITs in India features a group of faculty leading industries and academia. In addition, the cutting-edge facilities and infrastructure allow students to conduct research with passion and ability.
• The Indian Institutes of Technology around India offer students an ecosystem that fosters research, innovation, risk-taking, and entrepreneurship.

Proven Alumni Success & Growth

• Over the years, the IITs have been known for producing world-class engineers, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Over the period 2015 to 2025, IIT alumni founded over 7141 startups, making them the heart of India’s innovation ecosystem.
• Each IIT is highly focused on boosting innovation by regular investments in research, making the opportunity to study in India highly rewarding and beneficial. In 2024-25, IIT Delhi arranged INR 432 crore in total research funding.

Strong Industry Collaborations

• The robust ties of IITs with industry giants allow students to connect and engage with top corporations such as Google, AWS, Intel and many more, through research and innovation projects.
• The collaborations also include research workshops, innovation events, hackathons and more, offering students regular opportunities to advanced technologies.

Consistently Top-Ranked by NIRF

• The top ranks of IITs are something highly appealing for students. In NIRF 2025 rankings, IIT Madras secured rank 1 for the seventh successive year, with IIT Delhi, Bombay and Kanpur regularly among the top 10.

What is NIRF?

NIRF is an acronym for the National Institutional Ranking Framework, an official ranking body designated by the Government of India to rank educational institutions based on criteria set by the Minister of Education (MoE). The NIRF rankings were first introduced in 2015 to assess Indian colleges and institutions.

The evaluation criteria used by NIRF are:

• Teaching, Learning, and Resources (TLR): Focuses on aspects such as student-faculty ratios, faculty qualifications, and the infrastructure & resources available for teaching and learning.
• Research and Professional Practice (RP): Assesses aspects like research output, publications, and partnerships with industry and other corporations.
• Graduation Outcomes (GO): Emphasises graduates' placement & employability, along with students' performance in examinations.
• Outreach and Inclusivity (OI): Assesses institutions' efforts to foster diversity and inclusivity with measures to assist socially & economically disadvantaged students.
• Peer Perception: Considers the impression of the institution among other institutions, employers and the public.

NIRF rankings for IIT colleges in India 2025

Given below is the list of all IITs in India based on the NIRF rankings 2025.

Top 10 IIT Colleges in India

The chances of getting admission to a top IIT are as low as under 1%, making it highly competitive for students. Let's uncover what makes these top IIT colleges in India highly selective for aspiring engineers. 

1. IIT Madras

Ranked as the No. 1 engineering institution of India now for the seventh year, IIT Madras is a true powerhouse of innovators and researchers. With a dedicated startup incubator (IITM Incubation Cell), IIT Madras allows students to excel in research, build startups and specialise in their desired field.

2. IIT Delhi

Highly recognised for securing substantial research funding through its international partnerships and industry. The IIT Delhi encourages a culture of exploration and learning, in which students actively investigate, experiment and learn knowledge about their desired areas of specialisation.

3. IIT Bombay

With a robust alumni network, startup culture, academic consistency, and appealing campus location, IIT Bombay is the preferred choice of almost 73% JEE advanced toppers. The IIT Bombay boasts a strong link with ISRO for groundbreaking projects in AI and data science.

4. IIT Kanpur

IIT Kanpur features a strong entrepreneurship culture, which encourages students to establish their innovative start-ups and projects. One of the leading breakthroughs by IIT Kanpur is Anālakṣhya, a textile-based technology that grips wide-spectrum radar waves in making assets like ships, drones and aircraft.

5. IIT Kharagpur

With a legacy dating back to 1951, IIT Kharagpur is the oldest and is recognised as the mother of IITs. The institution boasts an interdisciplinary approach that allows students to specialise in their areas of interest. IIT Kharagpur leads in research areas like food engineering and sustainable practices.

6. IIT Roorkee

Carrying the legacy of being the first engineering college in India (Thomason College of Civil Engineering, 1847), IIT Roorkee offers an unmatched learning experience in study areas like civil engineering, structural engineering and earthquake engineering.

7. IIT Hyderabad

IIT Hyderabad is a young IIT known for its pioneering research in fields like B. Tech in artificial intelligence, while featuring a top faculty for a unique learning experience. The rapid growth of the IIT Hyderabad is a unique aspect that differentiates it from other IITs. 

8. IIT Guwahati

Consistently ranked among the best IIT colleges in India, IIT Guwahati is known for offering one of the best student experiences throughout its scenic campus and other facilities. Moreover, the placement statistics are always a differentiating factor, given that it attracts top recruiters like Google, Microsoft, and more, with packages reaching over 1 Cr. 

9. IIT BHU (Varanasi)

Founded in 1919 as Banaras Engineering Coe top optionllege, IIT BHU boasts one of Asia’s largest residential campuses, providing a range of modern facilities not found on other IIT campuses. Out of the top 10 IITs, studying at IIT BHU is generally more affordable, offering a vibrant experience and a lively culture. 

10. IIT Indore

IIT Indore is a young IIT, highly recognised for its academic standards across multiple disciplines. IIT Indore boasts one of the highest publication-to-faculty ratios, which clearly indicates its research-oriented approach.

Eligibility Criteria for IIT Colleges

A set of requirements that qualify students to study at IIT colleges in India is:

• Academic records with a minimum aggregate of 75% in class 12
• Strong scores in JEE Main to qualify for JEE Advanced
• Top Rank in JEE Advanced for admission to IIT
• Good scores in Physics, Mathematics and Chemistry, generally 85 or more.
• Valid Identity Proof
• Category Certificates

Admission Process for IITs in 2026

Getting admission to IIT is challenging; however, the process is easy to navigate, with a few steps from qualifying for JEET Advanced to securing a seat by paying the fee. Every step is important.

• The admission process starts with appearing for JEE Main and qualifying for JEE Advanced, which makes students eligible for IIT admission.
• Register for JoSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority) counselling, a primary process for allocating seats in top engineering institutions. It allocates seats for IIT and other engineering institutions transparently based on the JEE Advanced ranks.
• Prepare your application by collecting all the necessary documents, including academic mark sheets, category certificates and identity documents.
• Complete any additional online formalities and pay the required fee to confirm your seat at the IIT. 

IIT Fees & Return of Investment

Studying at one of the top IIT colleges in India means you enjoy the exceptional return on investment (ROI), as the annual salary equals or exceeds the complete four-year B. tech fee.

Note – Use our university finder tool, an AI-based algorithm that simplifies searching for details for your desired institution with the help of various filters.

Scholarships and Financial Aid at IITs

For deserving students facing financial difficulties in studying at an IIT, there are scholarships and financial aid available, which reduce the burden and allow students to focus on academics.

Campus Life at IITs Colleges in India

Student life at IIT colleges in India is not only about academics, but also about enjoying a perfect mix of activities and events, which fosters personal development, life-long connections and experiences, making every moment worthwhile.

Student Clubs

• Each of 23 IITs in India features more than 50 student clubs, societies, and committees, allowing students to focus on their area of interest.
• Whether you are someone having an interest in music, drama, finance or even social impact, you can easily find a designated club.

Student Festivals

• The IITs in India are known to organise large-scale fests, completely managed and coordinated by students.
• These festivals help students learn teamwork, leadership and management skills to a prominent level.
• Some of the prominent examples include Tech fest at IIT Bombay, attracting more than 1.5 L visitors from different parts of India and abroad. Additionally, Saarang fest at IIT Madras and Kshitij fest at IIT Kharagpur are highly recognised.

Sports, Fitness and Relaxation

• The IITs feature a range of modern facilities, including cricket and football grounds, swimming pool, fully-equipped gyms and sports complexes.
• With regular tournaments, students are encouraged to excel in other areas and maintain a well-rounded profile.

Wrapping Up

All things considered, with a clear understanding of leading IIT colleges in India, now you can easily make an informed choice about choosing the one that perfectly supports your academic interests and career goals. Studying at IIT offers students an unmatched experience and a clear pathway to rewarding job opportunities in top companies like Google, Intel, AWS and many more. Still facing difficulty in understanding the admission requirements of IIT colleges? No worries, connect with our study abroad consultants today and take that first step towards a worthwhile future.  

FAQs:

1. What are the cut-off ranks for the top IIT colleges?

Cut-off ranks for top IITs vary substantially by branch and category, with CSE at top IITs like Bombay & Delhi needing ranks under 100, while other branches like mechanical & engineering close around 200-1000.

2. Which entrance exam is required for IIT admissions?

For admission to UG engineering programs, students are required to clear both the JEE Main and JEE Advanced. Further, for PG admissions, exams like GATE, JAM or CAT are required, given the course chosen. 

3. Which IIT offers the highest average placement package?

The average placement package for IITs varies yearly; however, IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, and IIT Kanpur are reported consistently to offer the highest average placement package, often exceeding INR 20 to 25 Lakhs.

4. Can international students apply to IIT colleges in India?

Yes, International students are eligible to apply for IIT colleges in India through the DASA (Direct Admission of Students Abroad) scheme for undergraduate programs. However, for postgraduate admissions, international students can apply through the Study in Portal.

5. What scholarships are available for IIT students?

A few of the top options available for IIT students are:

• Merit-cum-Means (MCM) Scholarship
• Institute Scholarships & Fee Waivers
• Government of India Scholarships

6. What are a few factors to consider while choosing an IIT?

The student must consider factors like-

• Academic and program factors like branch specialisation, faculty & research and teaching standards.
• Campus life and personal factors, including the location of IIT, student life at a specific IIT, finances and support services.
• Career prospects and placement records