Do you dream of studying at an IIT? These institutes are known for providing the best technical education in India. With world-class faculty, top placements, and advanced research, IITs attract students from all over the country. Every year, lakhs of students appear for JEE Advanced, but only a few thousand secure a seat.
As of 2025, there are 23 IITs across India. The first IIT, IIT Kharagpur, was established in 1951, and over the years, the government has introduced more to provide quality education to a larger number of students. Older IITs like IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, and IIT Madras are highly reputed, while newer IITs are growing rapidly.
This article provides a complete list of IITs, their key features, admission process, and differences from other institutes. If you are planning to join an IIT, this guide will help you understand everything you need to know.
How Many IITs Are There in India (2025)?
As of 2025, India has 23 IITs spread across different states. These institutes offer undergraduate (B.Tech), postgraduate (M.Tech, M.Sc), and doctoral (Ph.D.) programs in engineering, sciences, and management. The IITs are among the most prestigious engineering institutes in the country, known for their academic excellence, research output, and strong industry connections.
Each IIT functions as an autonomous institute, meaning they have the freedom to design their own curriculum, research programs, and industry collaborations. Despite their independence, all IITs follow a common admission process through JEE Advanced for undergraduate programs and GATE, JAM, and other national-level exams for postgraduate admissions.
With over 16,000 undergraduate seats available each year, IITs continue to attract top-performing students from across the country. Their reputation extends beyond India, with many IITs ranking among the best engineering institutes in the world.
Historical Growth of IITs
The IIT system has expanded significantly since its inception. The first IIT, IIT Kharagpur, was established in 1951 based on the recommendations of the Nath Committee, which suggested setting up institutions for high-quality technical education. Following this, four more IITs were established:
- IIT Bombay (1958)
- IIT Madras (1959)
- IIT Kanpur (1959)
- IIT Delhi (1961)
These five institutes, along with IIT Guwahati (1994) and IIT Roorkee (2001), are considered the older IITs, known for their legacy, strong alumni networks, and high placement packages.
In the early 2000s, the demand for engineering education increased, leading to the establishment of new IITs. The Indian government introduced a large-scale expansion in 2008, adding several new IITs to improve access to quality technical education. Between 2008 and 2016, the number of IITs grew to 23, making IIT education available in more regions of the country.
Government Initiatives for Expanding IITs
The Indian government has played a crucial role in expanding the IIT network to provide more students with access to high-quality engineering education. Several initiatives have contributed to this expansion:
1) Institutes of National Importance – The IITs have been declared “Institutes of National Importance,” meaning they receive high levels of government funding and autonomy in academics and research.
2) 2008 Expansion Plan – The government set up eight new IITs in 2008 to accommodate more students and meet the rising demand for skilled engineers.
3) 2015-2016 Expansion – New IITs like IIT Palakkad, IIT Tirupati, IIT Bhilai, IIT Goa, IIT Jammu, and IIT Dharwad were established to strengthen technical education in different parts of India.
4) Global Collaborations – Many IITs have received support from foreign universities. For example, IIT Madras was set up with assistance from Germany, IIT Bombay with help from Russia, and IIT Kanpur with support from the United States.
The expansion of IITs has significantly improved access to top-quality education. While older IITs have a well-established reputation, newer IITs are also growing rapidly with improved faculty, infrastructure, and placement records.
The Role of IITs in India’s Education System
IITs continue to be the most sought-after institutes for engineering aspirants. They produce highly skilled engineers, researchers, and entrepreneurs who contribute to India’s growth in technology and innovation. With 23 IITs operating in 2025, students now have more options to pursue top-tier engineering education.
Complete List of IITs in India (2025)
Each IIT functions autonomously but follows the common admission process of JEE Advanced for undergraduate programs. Below is a zone-wise and year-wise list of all IITs in India.
| S. No | Name of Institute | NIRF Ranking 2024 | NIRF Ranking 2023 |
| 1 | IIT Madras | 1 | 1 |
| 2 | IIT Delhi | 2 | 2 |
| 3 | IIT Bombay | 3 | 3 |
| 4 | IIT Kanpur | 4 | 4 |
| 5 | IIT Roorkee | 6 | 5 |
| 6 | IIT Kharagpur | 5 | 6 |
| 7 | IIT Guwahati | 7 | 7 |
| 8 | IIT Hyderabad | 8 | 8 |
| 9 | IIT BHU (Varanasi) | 10 | 15 |
| 10 | IIT ISM Dhanbad | 15 | 17 |
| 11 | IIT Indore | 16 | 14 |
| 12 | IIT Ropar | 22 | 22 |
| 13 | IIT Mandi | 31 | 33 |
| 14 | IIT Gandhinagar | 18 | 18 |
| 15 | IIT Jodhpur | 28 | 30 |
| 16 | IIT Patna | 34 | 41 |
| 17 | IIT Bhubaneswar | 54 | 27 |
| 18 | IIT Tirupati | 61 | 59 |
| 19 | IIT Palakkad | 64 | 69 |
| 20 | IIT Jammu | 62 | 67 |
| 21 | IIT Dharwad | Not in top 100 | 93 |
| 22 | IIT Bhilai | 73 | 81 |
| 23 | IIT Goa | Not in top 100 | Not in top 100 |
Older (Pre-2008) IITs – The Elite Institutes
The first seven IITs were established between 1951 and 2001. These institutes have a long history of academic excellence, strong placement records, and high global rankings.
1) IIT Kharagpur (1951) – West Bengal
- The first IIT in India
- Known for its largest campus among all IITs
- Offers a wide range of engineering and management programs
2) IIT Bombay (1958) – Maharashtra
- Consistently ranks among the top IITs
- Strong placement records and entrepreneurial ecosystem
- Collaboration with foreign universities for research
3) IIT Madras (1959) – Tamil Nadu
- Known for its research and industrial collaborations
- Home to India’s first interdisciplinary Data Science School
- Received funding and support from Germany
4) IIT Kanpur (1959) – Uttar Pradesh
- Established with assistance from the USA
- Recognized for strong computer science and AI programs
- Houses several research centers and incubation facilities
5) IIT Delhi (1961) – Delhi
- A preferred choice for students due to its prime location
- Consistently ranks among top engineering institutes globally
- Focuses on multidisciplinary research and innovation
6) IIT Guwahati (1994) – Assam
- The first IIT in Northeast India
- Rapidly growing with excellent faculty and research facilities
- Strong focus on biotechnology and chemical engineering
7) IIT Roorkee (2001) – Uttarakhand
- Converted from University of Roorkee
- One of India’s oldest technical institutions
- Known for its civil engineering and water resource management programs
Newer IITs (Post-2008 Expansion)
From 2008 to 2016, the Indian government established 16 new IITs to increase access to high-quality engineering education. These IITs are improving rapidly with better faculty, infrastructure, and industry collaborations.
8) IIT Hyderabad (2008) – Telangana
- Strong focus on AI, robotics, and semiconductor research
- Collaborations with Japanese universities
9) IIT Gandhinagar (2008) – Gujarat
- Known for liberal academic policies
- Provides a flexible branch change option
10) IIT Ropar (2008) – Punjab
- Strong emphasis on AI, cybersecurity, and environmental science
11) IIT Patna (2008) – Bihar
- Growing rapidly in data science and electrical engineering
12) IIT Bhubaneswar (2008) – Odisha
- Developing research in earth sciences and disaster management
13) IIT Mandi (2009) – Himachal Pradesh
- Focuses on sustainable energy and material sciences
14) IIT Jodhpur (2008) – Rajasthan
- Growing in healthcare technology and robotics research
15) IIT Indore (2009) – Madhya Pradesh
Known for strong research collaborations with foreign universities
16) IIT (BHU) Varanasi (2012) – Uttar Pradesh
- Upgraded from IT-BHU
- One of the oldest engineering institutes in India
17) IIT Palakkad (2015) – Kerala
- A growing institute with research in electronics and machine learning
18) IIT Tirupati (2015) – Andhra Pradesh
- Developing rapidly with government support and new facilities
19) IIT Dhanbad (2016) – Jharkhand
- Upgraded from ISM Dhanbad
- Best known for mining and petroleum engineering
20) IIT Bhilai (2016) – Chhattisgarh
- Research focus on sensors and nanotechnology
21) IIT Goa (2016) – Goa
- Strong partnerships with European universities
22) IIT Jammu (2016) – Jammu & Kashmir
- New but expanding with strong government support
23) IIT Dharwad (2016) – Karnataka
- Research in renewable energy and aerospace technology
These IITs, both old and new, offer top-quality education and research opportunities. While older IITs have an established reputation, newer IITs are growing rapidly, providing students with excellent academic and career opportunities.
Key Features of IITs
The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are among the best engineering institutions in India. They offer high-quality education, excellent research opportunities, and strong placements. Students at IITs benefit from an environment that encourages innovation, entrepreneurship, and global recognition. Below are the key features that make IITs unique.
1) Academic Excellence
IITs are known for their rigorous academic curriculum. The courses are designed to provide students with strong theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Some key aspects of academics at IITs include:
- World-class faculty – Professors at IITs include top researchers, industry experts, and academicians from India and abroad.
- Flexible curriculum – Many IITs allow students to choose electives, change branches, and take interdisciplinary courses.
- Research-focused education – Undergraduate students get opportunities to work on research projects, internships, and international collaborations.
With an emphasis on problem-solving and innovation, IITs prepare students to excel in their respective fields.
2) Placement Statistics
Placements at IITs are among the best in the country. Every year, top companies visit IITs to hire students for high-paying jobs. Here are some highlights of IIT placements:
- Top recruiters – Companies like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Tesla, Goldman Sachs, Tata, and Infosys hire students from IITs.
- High salary packages – The average salary package at older IITs ranges between ₹20-30 LPA for computer science graduates. Some students receive international offers of over ₹1 crore per year.
- Strong industry connections – IITs have tie-ups with major companies, leading to internships and pre-placement offers (PPOs).
Even newer IITs have seen an increase in placement rates and salary packages, making IITs an excellent choice for students aiming for top jobs.
3) Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Many IIT graduates start their own companies and contribute to the startup ecosystem. IITs support entrepreneurship through:
- Incubation centers – Each IIT has an entrepreneurship cell (E-Cell) that provides funding, mentorship, and resources to students with startup ideas.
- Successful startups – Some famous startups by IIT alumni include Flipkart, Ola, Zomato, Swiggy, and Unacademy.
- Government and industry support – IITs receive funding from corporations, government agencies, and venture capitalists to promote innovation.
Students who want to build their own companies get access to world-class facilities and mentorship at IITs.
4) Global Recognition
IITs are internationally recognized for their academic and research contributions. Some key aspects of their global reputation include:
- QS World Rankings – IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, and IIT Madras regularly rank among the top 200 engineering institutes worldwide.
- Collaborations with foreign universities – IITs partner with institutes like MIT, Stanford, and Cambridge for student exchange programs and joint research projects.
- Alumni network – IIT graduates work in leading global companies and research organizations, strengthening the global reputation of IITs.
How to Get into an IIT?
Getting admission into an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) is a dream for many students. The admission process is highly competitive and requires strong preparation and strategic planning. IITs primarily admit students through JEE Advanced, but there are also alternative routes for international students and Olympiad qualifiers. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to secure a seat in an IIT.
1) Qualifying Through JEE Main & JEE Advanced
Step 1: Appear for JEE Main
- JEE Main is the first stage of the IIT admission process.
- Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), this exam is held twice a year in January and April.
- Only top 2.5 lakh rankers in JEE Main qualify for JEE Advanced.
- The exam tests Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) at the Class 11 and 12 level.
Step 2: Clear JEE Advanced
- JEE Advanced is the final exam for IIT admissions.
- It is conducted once a year by one of the IITs on a rotational basis.
- The exam is more difficult than JEE Main and requires deep conceptual understanding.
- Only students who qualify in JEE Advanced are eligible for IIT admissions.
2) Participate in JoSAA Counseling
Once students clear JEE Advanced, they must participate in the Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) Counseling.
- JoSAA manages the admission process for IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other engineering colleges.
- Students fill their choice of IITs and branches based on their JEE Advanced rank.
- Seat allotment is based on factors like rank, category, seat availability, and preferences.
- After seat allocation, students must accept the seat, pay the admission fee, and report to the allotted IIT.
3) Reservation Policies in IIT Admissions
IITs follow reservation policies to ensure fair access for students from different backgrounds. The reservation structure is as follows:
- SC (Scheduled Caste) – 15%
- ST (Scheduled Tribe) – 7.5%
- OBC-NCL (Other Backward Classes – Non-Creamy Layer) – 27%
- EWS (Economically Weaker Section) – 10%
- PwD (Persons with Disabilities) – 5% within each category
Each category has relaxed cutoffs and additional seats, making IIT admissions more inclusive.
4) Alternative Routes to IIT Admission
Apart from JEE Advanced, some students can directly get admission into IITs through Olympiad Quotas. Students who have represented India in International Olympiads (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Informatics, and Astronomy) get direct admission to IITs without JEE Advanced.
Conclusion
IITs are the top engineering institutes in India. They offer excellent education, strong placements, and cutting-edge research opportunities. With 23 IITs across the country, students have more chances to study at these prestigious institutes.
Older IITs like IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, and IIT Madras have a long history of success, while newer IITs are rapidly improving. Admission to IITs is tough, but with proper preparation for JEE Advanced, students can secure a seat.
Choosing an IIT can shape your career with high-paying jobs, global recognition, and opportunities for innovation. If you are serious about engineering, IITs provide the best platform to achieve your goals.
Start preparing early, stay focused, and aim for the best. Your journey to an IIT begins today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) Which is the oldest IIT?
IIT Kharagpur is the oldest IIT in India. It was established in 1951 as the first institute under the Indian government’s IIT system. It was set up to promote technical education and research in India and remains one of the most prestigious engineering institutes in the country.
2) Which IIT has the best placements?
Older IITs like IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, and IIT Madras have the best placement records. These institutes attract top recruiters from India and abroad, offering high salary packages. Many students from these IITs receive international job offers and placements in leading technology, finance, and consulting firms.
3) Are newer IITs as good as the older ones?
Newer IITs are improving, but older IITs still have better faculty, infrastructure, and placement opportunities. Older IITs have strong alumni networks, better research funding, and industry collaborations. However, newer IITs are progressing rapidly, and some have achieved excellent placement records and academic excellence in a short time.
4) Can I transfer between IITs?
No, IITs do not allow institute transfers. Once students are admitted to an IIT through JEE Advanced and JoSAA counseling, they must complete their degree at the same IIT. However, students can change branches within the same IIT, depending on their academic performance in the first year.
5) What is the fee structure for IITs?
The tuition fee for general category students is around ₹2-2.5 lakh per year. Additional costs include hostel, mess, and other academic fees. Fee waivers are available for SC/ST students, economically weaker sections (EWS), and persons with disabilities (PwD), making education accessible to all.
