Thinking of pursuing Computer Science at an IIT? You’re not alone. Thousands of students across India dream of getting into a top IIT for CS. It’s one of the most competitive and rewarding fields, with careers in AI, software development, data science, and more. But with so many IITs to choose from, one big question remains: Which IIT is best for Computer Science in 2025?
This guide gives you a clear answer. We’ll compare IITs based on global and national rankings, placement records, research output, and industry connections. Whether you’re aiming for the highest salary, looking to join a startup, or planning to study abroad later, this article will help you choose the right IIT.
No fluff, no jargon — just the facts students care about. By the end, you’ll know which IIT fits your goals best. Let’s find your perfect match for Computer Science.
Which IIT Is Best For Computer Science?
IIT Bombay ranks highest among all IITs for Computer Science. It is the best in employability, research quality, and global rankings. Many top companies visit IIT Bombay to hire students. The institute also has strong research labs and startup support. For all these reasons, IIT Bombay is the best IIT for Computer Science in 2025.
Global and National Rankings Overview
If you’re planning to study Computer Science at an IIT, rankings can help you compare the options. Rankings show how IITs perform in teaching, research, job readiness, and international reputation. Let’s look at how the top IITs rank in 2025, both globally and in India.
GEURS 2025 Rankings (Employability Focus)
The Global Employability University Rankings and Survey (GEURS) tells us how employers around the world view different universities. It looks at how well a university prepares its students for the job market, especially in areas like digital skills, AI, and computer science. Here is the list of IITs ranked in the Computer Science category:
| S. No. | Name of the IIT | Global Rank | India Rank |
| 1 | Indian Institute of Technology Bombay | 20 | 1 |
| 2 | Indian Institute of Technology Delhi | 49 | 3 |
| 3 | Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur | 74 | 4 |
| 4 | Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur | 76 | 5 |
| 5 | Indian Institute of Technology Madras | 76 | 6 |
| 6 | Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee | 95 | 13 |
| 7 | Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati | 87 | 16 |
These rankings show that IIT Bombay is the best in India when it comes to job readiness, followed by IIT Delhi and IIT Kharagpur.
QS World University Rankings 2025 (Computer Science Subject)
The QS World University Rankings focus on subject-wise performance. For Computer Science, they look at academic reputation, research, and employer opinion. Here’s how Indian institutes rank in Computer Science for 2025:
| Institute | Global Rank (CS) |
| IIT Delhi | #64 |
| IIT Bombay | #76 |
| IIT Madras | #107 |
| IIT Kanpur | #110 |
| IIT Kharagpur | #110 |
| IISc Bangalore | #110 |
| VIT Vellore | #110 |
| IIT Roorkee | 201–250 |
| IIT Guwahati | 251–300 |
These rankings show that IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay are the best options if you’re looking for global recognition in Computer Science.
NIRF 2024 Rankings (India-Specific)
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) is India’s official ranking system. It considers placements, teaching, research, and student perception. Here’s how top IITs performed in 2024:
- IIT Madras – #1 in Engineering, #3 Overall
- IIT Delhi – #2 in Engineering, #4 Overall
- IIT Bombay – #4 in Research, #3 Overall
- IIT Kanpur – Top 5 in Engineering
- IIT Kharagpur – Top 5 in Engineering
If you’re focused on rankings in India, IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, and IIT Bombay are at the top.
Top 5 IITs for Computer Science
1) IIT Bombay – The Best for CS in India
- GEURS Rank: #20
- QS Rank: #76
- NIRF Rank: #3 Overall
Why it’s #1?: IIT Bombay is often ranked as the best IIT for Computer Science in India. Its placement record is the highest among all IITs. Top companies like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Uber recruit many students directly from the CS department. The average salary package for Computer Science students is among the highest in India. Some students even get international offers from the US and Europe.
The institute is also a leader in research. There are advanced labs for Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, and Robotics. Students take part in funded projects and often publish papers in international journals.
One of the biggest advantages at IIT Bombay is the startup support. The SINE (Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship) helps students turn their ideas into companies. It offers mentorship, funding, and office space.
Key Strengths:
- Highest global ranking among IITs
- Best placement results in CS
- Strong research in AI, ML, and Data Science
- Excellent startup support through SINE
- International job opportunities
IIT Bombay is ideal for students who want the best job offers, international exposure, and access to top research facilities.
2) IIT Delhi – Premier Choice for Tech Careers
- GEURS Rank: #49
- QS Rank: #64
- NIRF Rank: #4 Overall
Why it’s a top pick?: IIT Delhi is known for its strong corporate links and high employability. Many top companies such as Goldman Sachs, Adobe, Microsoft, and Flipkart offer internships and full-time roles to CS students here. Placement records are consistently strong, and many students receive offers from multinational companies.
The Computer Science department focuses on both theory and hands-on learning. The curriculum includes programming, data science, systems, and software development. It also gives students the chance to work on real projects with companies through internships and collaborative labs.
For students interested in startups, FIIT Delhi (Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer) offers excellent support. It provides mentoring, funding, and industry connections to student entrepreneurs. Many IIT Delhi graduates have launched successful startups.
Key Strengths:
- Strong links with global companies
- Excellent internship and placement support
- Focus on applied learning and real-world projects
- Startup support through FIIT Delhi
- Balanced academic and career growth
IIT Delhi is a great choice for students who want to build tech careers, get global exposure, and possibly launch their own companies.
3) IIT Madras – Leader in Engineering & CS
- GEURS Rank: #76
- QS Rank: #107
- NIRF Rank: #1 in Engineering
Why it’s unique?: IIT Madras stands out for its top NIRF ranking and focus on cutting-edge research. It is ranked #1 in India for engineering, and its Computer Science department is one of the most active in research. Students can join labs working in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Natural Language Processing, and more.
A major advantage of IIT Madras is the IITM Research Park. This park houses tech companies that work directly with students and professors. As a result, students get opportunities to work on real-world problems. Internships and collaborative projects are easy to access.
The campus also has a strong culture of innovation. Students are encouraged to join startup incubators and take part in product development competitions. Many alumni now work in top tech firms in the US and India, including Google, Facebook, and Apple.
Key Strengths:
- Ranked #1 in Engineering by NIRF
- Strong research in robotics, AI, and data science
- Access to real projects via IITM Research Park
- Alumni network in top tech firms
- Great environment for innovation
IIT Madras is perfect for students interested in research, innovation, and interdisciplinary learning.
4) IIT Kanpur – Excellence in Computing & Innovation
- GEURS Rank: #76
- QS Rank: #110
- NIRF Rank: #5 in Engineering
Why it stands out?: IIT Kanpur is well-known for its strong computer science program and coding culture. The institute has active programming clubs and hosts many coding events throughout the year. Students from IIT Kanpur often win prizes in international programming contests and hackathons.
The focus on technical depth makes the CS department strong in areas like cybersecurity, cloud computing, and computer vision. Students can work on challenging problems and publish research papers in well-known conferences.
IIT Kanpur also supports innovation. It has startup programs and maker spaces where students can build prototypes and test their ideas. The curriculum includes project-based learning and encourages practical skills.
Key Strengths:
- Strong in coding and software development
- High-quality research in cybersecurity and AI
- Regular participation in global tech competitions
- Good support for student-led innovations
- Focus on hands-on learning
IIT Kanpur is ideal for students who love programming, want to compete globally, and explore creative tech ideas.
5) IIT Kharagpur – Strong in Interdisciplinary CS
- GEURS Rank: #74
- QS Rank: #110
- NIRF Rank: #5 in Engineering
Why consider it?: IIT Kharagpur is the oldest IIT and has a rich history in Computer Science education. It has the largest IIT campus in India, filled with well-equipped research labs and centers. The CS department collaborates with other departments like Electrical, Mechanical, and Management, which allows students to work on interdisciplinary projects.
The institute offers electives in areas like Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, Blockchain, and Smart Systems. It has labs focused on AI, cloud computing, and human-computer interaction. This variety helps students explore different fields within Computer Science.
Placements are strong, especially in core software roles. Big companies regularly visit the campus. Students also receive support for applying to international universities and research programs.
Key Strengths:
- Largest research infrastructure among IITs
- Strong focus on new-age technologies
- Good placement performance in core CS roles
- Long tradition of academic excellence
- Opportunities for interdisciplinary learning
IIT Kharagpur is best for students who want broad exposure, strong placements, and access to diverse fields in tech and research.
How Do IITs Compare Globally?
When students think of Computer Science, they often hear about top global universities like MIT, Stanford, or Carnegie Mellon. These are among the best in the world. So, how do the IITs stack up against them? Let’s break it down.
Top Global CS Universities
The leading names in Computer Science globally include:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Stanford University
- Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of Oxford
These universities have large research budgets, Nobel Prize-winning faculty, and strong connections with global tech companies. They offer advanced labs, internships with companies like Google and Meta, and startup opportunities in Silicon Valley.
But, that doesn’t mean Indian students must always go abroad. The IITs have made huge progress in the last decade, especially in Computer Science.
IIT Bombay: A Global Player
According to the GEURS 2025 rankings, IIT Bombay is ranked #20 in the world for employability. This places it among the top 5% of global universities. That’s a major achievement. Employers worldwide recognize IIT Bombay for its strong CS graduates. Students from IIT Bombay get placed in companies like Google, Microsoft, Goldman Sachs, and even international startups.
In QS World Rankings by Subject (Computer Science), IIT Bombay is ranked #76 globally. While this is behind top U.S. universities, it still puts IIT Bombay ahead of most universities in Asia, Africa, and even parts of Europe.
Other IITs Making a Mark
- IIT Delhi is ranked #64 in QS CS Rankings and #49 in GEURS, showing strong global recognition, especially for tech-focused careers.
- IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, and IIT Kharagpur also appear in global rankings, often in the top 100–150 range.
- These IITs offer global exposure through exchange programs, internships abroad, and collaborations with foreign universities.
Compared to NUS, ETH Zurich, and Others
Outside the U.S., universities like National University of Singapore (NUS) and ETH Zurich (Switzerland) are often seen as top choices. These schools offer high-quality education, strong global rankings, and tech industry ties.
When compared:
- NUS ranks higher than all IITs in QS and GEURS, but IIT Bombay is closing the gap.
- ETH Zurich is famous for engineering and ranks within the global top 10, but admission is very competitive.
- IIT Bombay and IIT Delhi offer similar quality for much lower tuition fees, making them a great value for Indian students.
The IIT Advantage
While global universities offer strong facilities, they come with high costs and complex admission processes. IITs offer world-class education at a fraction of the cost. Plus, you stay in India, close to family and familiar culture.
Also, many professors at global universities are IIT alumni. That shows the level of talent IITs produce. Companies abroad also hire directly from IITs now, either through internships or international placements.
Final Thoughts
The IITs, especially IIT Bombay and IIT Delhi, are gaining strong global respect in Computer Science. While they may not yet match MIT or Stanford in research size or global funding, they compete well in employability and academic quality. For Indian students, this makes IITs not just a local choice but a smart global alternative.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an IIT for CS
All IITs offer strong Computer Science programs, but each one has its own strengths. If you’re trying to choose the best IIT for your goals, it’s important to think beyond just the rankings. Here are the key factors every student should consider before making a decision:
1) Placement Records
Placements are a major reason why many students choose IITs. In Computer Science, the top IITs consistently deliver excellent job offers.
- IIT Bombay leads in placements. Top recruiters include Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Goldman Sachs. Many CS students at IIT Bombay receive international offers and high salary packages.
- IIT Delhi also has strong placement numbers. Companies like Adobe, Uber, and Oracle regularly recruit from here.
- IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, and IIT Kharagpur follow closely. They have stable placement records, especially in core CS roles.
When comparing IITs, look at the average package, number of international offers, and the list of recruiters for the CS branch.
2) Research Opportunities
If you’re interested in doing research or going for higher studies, research opportunities are a big factor. Some IITs focus more on academic research than others.
- IISc Bangalore is known for pure research in Computer Science and is ideal for students planning to pursue a PhD.
- IIT Delhi, IIT Madras, and IIT Bombay have strong research groups in AI, Machine Learning, Data Science, and Cybersecurity.
- Check if the IIT has active research labs, funded projects, and collaboration with foreign universities.
Joining a strong research group can also help with publishing papers, attending conferences, and applying to foreign universities.
3) Industry Collaborations
Industry exposure helps students understand how their skills apply to real-world problems. Some IITs have better links with companies through internships, sponsored projects, and live challenges.
- IIT Bombay has great partnerships with companies like Google, IBM, and TCS. It also hosts annual events like Techfest where students interact with professionals.
- IIT Delhi works with companies through its Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FIIT), which helps students turn ideas into products.
- IIT Madras has its Research Park, where students work with startups and established tech firms.
Choose an IIT that offers real projects, internship support, and a strong industry presence on campus.
4) Entrepreneurship & Startups
If you want to build your own startup, you’ll need support beyond classes. Look for IITs that offer incubation centers, startup grants, and mentorship.
- IIT Madras is a leader here. The IITM Incubation Cell and Nirmaan Pre-incubator help students build their own companies.
- IIT Delhi also supports startups with workspace, legal help, and access to investors.
- IIT Bombay has many successful startups founded by its CS graduates, and it offers mentorship and support through its SINE (Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship).
5) Global Recognition
If you plan to study or work abroad, your IIT’s global rank and reputation matter.
- IIT Bombay and IIT Delhi have the highest international rankings.
- Students from these IITs are also more likely to get accepted into top MS or PhD programs abroad.
A well-ranked IIT can open doors to global careers and further education.
Final Tip: Think about your own goals—whether it’s getting a job, doing research, starting up, or going abroad. Use these factors to find the IIT that matches your vision. Every IIT is good, but the right fit depends on what you want to do.
Conclusion
Choosing the right IIT for Computer Science is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be confusing. If you’re aiming for top placements and global job opportunities, IIT Bombay is the best choice overall. It leads in research, rankings, and student outcomes. IIT Delhi is a close second, especially strong in industry connections and tech careers.
If you love research, IISc Bangalore and IIT Madras are great options. Interested in coding, hands-on projects, and innovation? IIT Kanpur and IIT Kharagpur are strong picks.
No matter which IIT you choose, each one offers solid teaching, strong alumni support, and great career options. Think about what matters most to you — placements, research, startups, or international exposure — and match it with what each IIT offers.
Take your time, ask questions, and choose wisely. Your journey in Computer Science starts with the right decision.
