If you dream of studying at an IIT, Uttar Pradesh offers two great options. Both IIT Kanpur and IIT (BHU) Varanasi are among the top engineering institutes in India. They have a strong history, excellent academic programs, and outstanding placement records.
Every year, thousands of students work hard to secure a seat at these prestigious institutions. Knowing more about these IITs can help you plan your future better. In this article, we will explain how many IITs are there in Uttar Pradesh, their features, admission process, placements, and student life.
Whether you are preparing for JEE Advanced or planning higher studies like MTech or PhD, this guide will give you a clear idea about your options in UP. Let us begin with the basics and take a closer look at these two IITs that have shaped the careers of many successful engineers and leaders.
How Many IITs Are There in Uttar Pradesh?
As of 2025, Uttar Pradesh has two IITs: IIT Kanpur and IIT (BHU) Varanasi. Both are renowned for their high academic standards, research opportunities, and excellent engineering programs.
IITs in Uttar Pradesh Rankings
| Ranking Body | Category | IIT BHU | IIT Kanpur |
| QS World University Rankings | Overall World Rank | 531 (2025) | 263 (2025) |
| QS Asia University Rankings | Asia Rank | 273 (2025) | 67 (2025) |
| QS World University Rankings – Engineering & Technology | Engineering World Rank | – | 93 (2024) |
| ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) | World Rank | – | 901-1000 (2024) |
| NIRF Overall Rankings | India Overall Rank | 30 (2024) | 5 (2024) |
| NIRF Engineering Rankings | India Engineering Rank | 10 (2024) | 4 (2024) |
| NIRF Research Rankings | India Research Rank | – | 7 (2024) |
| NIRF Innovation Rankings | India Innovation Rank | 11-50 (2024) | 5 (2024) |
| The Week – Best Technical Universities (India) | India Technical Univ. Rank | 8 (2023) | 4 (2023) |
| The Week – Top Engineering Colleges (India) | India Engineering College Rank | 9 (2024) | 4 (2024) |
| Outlook – Top Govt. Technical Universities | India Govt. Tech. Univ. Rank | – | 5 (2024) |
| Outlook – Top Govt. Engineering Colleges | India Govt. Engg. College Rank | – | 5 (2024) |
| India Today – Top Engineering Colleges | India Engg. College Rank | – | 3 (2024) |
| India Today – Top Govt. Engineering Colleges | India Govt. Engg. College Rank | – | 3 (2022) |
List of IITs and States
| S. No. | IIT Name | State |
| 1 | IIT Kharagpur | West Bengal |
| 2 | IIT Bombay | Maharashtra |
| 3 | IIT Madras | Tamil Nadu |
| 4 | IIT Kanpur | Uttar Pradesh |
| 5 | IIT Delhi | Delhi |
| 6 | IIT Guwahati | Assam |
| 7 | IIT Roorkee | Uttarakhand |
| 8 | IIT Ropar | Punjab |
| 9 | IIT Bhubaneswar | Odisha |
| 10 | IIT Gandhinagar | Gujarat |
| 11 | IIT Hyderabad | Telangana |
| 12 | IIT Jodhpur | Rajasthan |
| 13 | IIT Patna | Bihar |
| 14 | IIT Indore | Madhya Pradesh |
| 15 | IIT Mandi | Himachal Pradesh |
| 16 | IIT (BHU) Varanasi | Uttar Pradesh |
| 17 | IIT Palakkad | Kerala |
| 18 | IIT Tirupati | Andhra Pradesh |
| 19 | IIT (ISM) Dhanbad | Jharkhand |
| 20 | IIT Bhilai | Chhattisgarh |
| 21 | IIT Dharwad | Karnataka |
| 22 | IIT Jammu | Jammu and Kashmir |
| 23 | IIT Goa | Goa |
Detailed Overview of Each IIT in UP
1) IIT Kanpur
IIT Kanpur started in 1959. It was one of the first five IITs set up in India. The Government of India launched it to boost engineering education after independence. IIT Kanpur received strong support from nine top American universities under the Kanpur Indo-American Programme (KIAP). This program helped the institute to grow quickly. It brought modern teaching methods, research culture, and laboratory-based education to India.
The institute became the first in India to teach Computer Science as a formal discipline in 1963. Over the years, IIT Kanpur became a hub for science, technology, and engineering education. It also contributed to national missions in space, defense, and computer technology.
Academic Programs
IIT Kanpur offers a wide range of academic programs. It provides Bachelor of Technology (BTech) degrees in disciplines like Computer Science, Aerospace, Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, and Electrical Engineering. Students can also pursue Master of Technology (MTech) degrees in specialized areas.
The institute runs Master of Science (MSc) programs in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Statistics. Students interested in research can enroll in MS by Research and PhD programs across departments. It also offers an MBA program through the Department of Industrial and Management Engineering.
IIT Kanpur focuses on interdisciplinary education too. Programs like Environmental Engineering, Cognitive Science, and Materials Science involve multiple departments. The curriculum balances theoretical knowledge with practical learning. Students work on projects, seminars, and internships as part of their courses.
Research and Innovation
Research is a major pillar at IIT Kanpur. The institute hosts many specialized research centers like the National Wind Tunnel Facility, the Flight Laboratory, and the Advanced Centre for Materials Science. It also supports research in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Bioengineering, and Energy.
Students get opportunities to work on real-world problems through government-funded and industry-sponsored projects. Undergraduate students can participate in research through initiatives like the SURGE (Summer Undergraduate Research Grant for Excellence) program.
The Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) at IIT Kanpur encourages entrepreneurship. It supports students and researchers who want to launch startups. Some successful companies, like Curadev and Weather Risk Management Services, started from SIIC.
Campus and Facilities
IIT Kanpur’s campus spreads over 1,055 acres. It offers excellent academic, residential, and recreational facilities. The campus has fully equipped lecture halls, modern laboratories, and advanced research centers.
Students live in 17 hostels called “Halls of Residence.” Each hall has a dining mess, recreational rooms, sports courts, and internet access. There are also apartments for married students and visitors.
The central library houses thousands of books, journals, and digital resources. The campus has a health center with 24/7 medical services. Other amenities include a shopping complex, a post office, ATMs, cafeterias, and banks.
Sports play a big role in student life at IIT Kanpur. The institute has a swimming pool, athletics tracks, indoor stadiums, and courts for tennis, basketball, squash, and badminton. Students actively participate in inter-IIT and national-level competitions.
Cultural life is vibrant. Clubs in music, dance, drama, debating, photography, and film-making allow students to explore their talents. The institute hosts “Antaragni,” one of the biggest cultural festivals in India, every year.
2) IIT (BHU) Varanasi
IIT (BHU) Varanasi has a long history. It began as the Banaras Engineering College (BENCO) in 1919. Later, it merged with other institutes like the College of Mining and Metallurgy and the College of Technology to form the Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University (IT-BHU) in 1968.
In 2012, the Government of India upgraded IT-BHU to an IIT, and it became IIT (BHU) Varanasi. Despite the new title, it has kept its strong traditional base. It remains one of the oldest and most respected engineering colleges in India.
The institute has a rich heritage. It combines the spirit of the ancient city of Varanasi with modern technical education. Many famous scientists, engineers, and public leaders have graduated from this institution.
Academic Programs
IIT (BHU) Varanasi offers a wide variety of courses. Students can enroll in Bachelor of Technology (BTech) programs across disciplines like Computer Science, Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, Metallurgical, Mining, and Ceramic Engineering.
It also offers Integrated Dual Degree (IDD) programs. In IDD programs, students get both BTech and MTech degrees in five years. This saves time and provides deeper knowledge in chosen fields.
MTech and MSc programs allow students to specialize further after graduation. These courses cover fields like Materials Science, Biomedical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, and Chemistry. Research opportunities exist through PhD programs across departments.
Students study a flexible curriculum that promotes core knowledge, elective specialization, and project work. The focus is on strong fundamentals, analytical thinking, and creativity.
Research and Innovation
Research is a major focus at IIT (BHU) Varanasi. The institute hosts several research centers like the Center for Advanced Research in Electronics (CARE), the Center for Energy and Resources Development (CERD), and the Advanced Materials Research Center (AMRC).
Students work on cutting-edge research in areas like Nanotechnology, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Renewable Energy, and Environmental Engineering. The institute encourages students to publish papers and file patents.
It has strong collaborations with organizations like DRDO, ISRO, and CSIR. The government and private companies sponsor many research projects. Students often work on live industry projects during their academic years.
The institution also promotes entrepreneurship. Various startup cells, incubation centers, and workshops help students convert their ideas into businesses.
Campus and Facilities
IIT (BHU) shares its campus with Banaras Hindu University (BHU), spread across a huge 1,300 acres. The campus offers a mix of historical buildings and modern infrastructure.
Academic facilities include advanced laboratories, smart classrooms, computer centers, and workshops. Research centers are equipped with state-of-the-art instruments. The Central Library is one of the largest in India, offering books, e-resources, and research material.
Students live in spacious hostels with all necessary facilities like messes, Wi-Fi, reading rooms, TV rooms, and sports grounds. The hostels are lively and have a strong community culture.
Healthcare is available through the Sir Sunderlal Hospital within the BHU campus. Other amenities like ATMs, banks, cafes, shopping areas, and recreational parks make life comfortable for students.
Cultural life is vibrant at IIT (BHU). Students actively participate in clubs related to music, dance, coding, drama, and arts. “Technex,” the technical festival, and “Kashiyatra,” the cultural festival, attract participants from all over India.
Admission Process for IITs in UP (2025)
Getting admission into IIT Kanpur or IIT (BHU) Varanasi is a dream for many students. Both institutes follow a common admission process set by the Indian Institute of Technology system. Admission happens at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. Each level has its own exams, eligibility rules, and selection steps. Let us understand the full admission process for 2025.
Undergraduate (BTech) Admissions
Students who want to pursue a BTech degree must appear for the JEE Advanced 2025 exam. This is the only way to get admission into any IIT, including IIT Kanpur and IIT (BHU) Varanasi.
JEE Advanced 2025
To be eligible for JEE Advanced 2025, students must first qualify through JEE Main 2025. Only the top 2.5 lakh rankers across all categories in JEE Main will be allowed to appear for JEE Advanced.
The JEE Advanced exam is highly competitive. It tests students on Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. The exam has two papers, and both are compulsory. The expected exam date is June 2025 (tentative).
After the exam, students receive a rank based on their scores. Admission offers depend on this All India Rank (AIR) through the JoSAA Counselling process. Students have to fill choices of institutes and branches during counselling. Based on their rank, category, and preferences, seats are allotted.
Eligibility Criteria: Students must meet these eligibility conditions:
- They must be among the top 2.5 lakh students in JEE Main 2025.
- They must have completed Class 12 or equivalent in 2024 or 2025.
- They must have secured at least 75% marks in Class 12, or be in the top 20 percentile of their respective boards.
- Students can attempt JEE Advanced only twice in two consecutive years.
Candidates who have accepted a seat earlier but did not join or withdrew are also eligible to attempt again, following rules.
Postgraduate (MTech/MSc/PhD) Admissions
IIT Kanpur and IIT (BHU) Varanasi offer a wide range of postgraduate programs like MTech, MSc, and PhD. The admission processes for these courses are different from BTech admissions.
MTech Admissions through GATE 2025
Students who want to study MTech must appear for the GATE 2025 (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering).
The GATE exam tests students’ understanding of undergraduate engineering or science subjects. Based on GATE scores, students apply directly to IITs during the COAP (Common Offer Acceptance Portal) process or individual institute portals.
Some departments may also conduct written tests or interviews after shortlisting students based on GATE scores.
MSc Admissions through JAM 2025
For MSc programs, students must appear for the IIT JAM 2025 (Joint Admission Test for MSc).
The JAM exam covers subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biotechnology. Students must apply through the JAM portal. Final admissions are based on JAM rank and seat allotment rounds.
PhD Admissions
PhD admissions at IIT Kanpur and IIT (BHU) vary across departments. Some departments shortlist candidates based on GATE, JAM, CSIR-NET, or their own entrance tests. After shortlisting, candidates must go through an interview round. Selection is based on academic performance, test scores, research interests, and interviews. Some departments allow direct admission for candidates with exceptional academic records or national fellowships.
Important Points
- All admissions have category-wise reservations as per Government of India rules.
- Students must verify documents like educational certificates, caste certificates (if applicable), and identity proofs during admission.
- Some programs also require Statements of Purpose (SOPs) and Letters of Recommendation (LORs) for selection, especially at the postgraduate and doctoral levels.
Placements & Career Opportunities
IIT Kanpur and IIT (BHU) Varanasi have a strong placement record every year. Students from these IITs find exciting career opportunities in top companies across India and abroad. Let us look at the detailed placement trends for the 2024 season.
| Category | IIT BHU (2024) | IIT Kanpur (2024) |
| Overall Placement % | 81.18% (UG) | 82.48% (BTech), 72.45% (BS) |
| Top Branch (Placement %) | Computer Science (97.32%) | Computer Science (95.87%) |
| Median CTC (Overall) | ₹20.00 LPA | ₹19.20 LPA (BTech), ₹17.50 LPA (BS) |
| Median CTC (Top Branch) | Mathematics ₹30.37 LPA | Computer Science ₹40.70 LPA |
| Average CTC (Overall) | ₹24.31 LPA | ₹26.90 LPA (BTech), ₹22.30 LPA (BS) |
| Average CTC (Top Branch) | Computer Science ₹34.43 LPA | Computer Science ₹52.70 LPA |
| Highest Package (Overall) | ₹120.00 LPA | ₹120.00 LPA |
| Top Recruiters | Microsoft, Uber, Flipkart, Airbnb, Texas Instruments | Airbnb, Microsoft, Flipkart, Qualcomm, Uber |
| Top Job Roles | Software Engineer, Data Scientist, Core Engineering Roles | Software Developer, Quant Analyst, Product Manager |
IIT (BHU) Varanasi Placements
In the 2024 placement season, IIT BHU achieved an impressive 81.18% overall placement rate for undergraduate students. Core engineering branches, computer science, and electronics recorded some of the best outcomes.
The Computer Science department had a placement percentage of 97.32%, while Electronics Engineering recorded 90.83% placements. Departments like Electrical Engineering and Mathematics also achieved excellent figures above 85%.
The median package offered overall for undergraduate students was ₹20.00 LPA. Computer Science, Electronics, and Mathematics students received median packages close to or above ₹30.00 LPA. For example, the median package for Mathematics students was ₹30.37 LPA, and for Computer Science, it was ₹30.00 LPA.
When it comes to the highest packages, IIT BHU saw outstanding offers. The maximum CTC offered overall was ₹120.00 LPA. Mathematics recorded the highest individual package of ₹120.00 LPA, while departments like Computer Science, Chemical, and Civil Engineering also saw offers touching ₹115.00 LPA.
The average package across all undergraduate branches was a healthy ₹24.31 LPA. Top-performing branches included Computer Science (₹34.43 LPA), Mathematics (₹34.31 LPA), and Electrical Engineering (₹30.25 LPA).
Leading recruiters at IIT BHU included global giants like Microsoft, Uber, Flipkart, Accenture, Walmart, Texas Instruments, Airbnb India, and Squarepoint Capital. Many students secured roles in software engineering, consulting, core engineering, data science, finance, and research.
IIT Kanpur Placements
IIT Kanpur also had an excellent placement season in 2024. The overall placement rate for BTech students was 82.48%, while BS students recorded an overall placement rate of 72.45%.
Among BTech branches, Computer Science and Engineering once again stood out with a 95.87% placement rate. Electrical Engineering followed closely at 87.65%, while Chemical and Mechanical Engineering recorded strong figures of 82.95% and 78.95% respectively.
For BS programs, Mathematics and Scientific Computing had the highest placement percentage at 85%, while Economics saw an excellent 84% placement rate.
The median CTC for BTech students at IIT Kanpur was ₹19.20 LPA, while BS students had a median of ₹17.50 LPA. Computer Science students stood out with a median CTC of ₹40.70 LPA, the highest across all branches.
Regarding the average packages, IIT Kanpur showed even better numbers. The overall BTech average stood at ₹26.90 LPA, with Computer Science students receiving an outstanding ₹52.70 LPA average. Other top-performing branches included Mathematics and Scientific Computing (₹26.50 LPA) and Electrical Engineering (₹27.20 LPA).
Some of the major recruiters at IIT Kanpur included Airbnb, Microsoft, Flipkart, Qualcomm, Uber, and Sprinklr. Students received offers for roles such as software development engineers, quantitative analysts, core engineers, and product managers.
Career Opportunities
Both IIT BHU and IIT Kanpur open up excellent career paths for students. Graduates often join top tech companies, consulting firms, financial institutions, and research organizations. Many students also pursue higher studies at prestigious universities in India and abroad, often supported by international scholarships.
The strong alumni network and global reputation of both institutes ensure that students continue to find top-notch opportunities, both at the beginning of their careers and as they grow professionally.
Conclusion
IIT Kanpur and IIT (BHU) Varanasi are two strong pillars of technical education in Uttar Pradesh. Both institutes offer excellent academic programs, strong research facilities, and great placement opportunities. They have produced some of the best engineers, scientists, and leaders in India and abroad. If you aim to study at an IIT, these two institutes give you a wonderful chance to build a bright future. Admission is tough but possible with the right preparation and focus.
Life at these IITs is not just about classes; it is also about new experiences, friendships, and personal growth. Whether you want to join BTech, MTech, MSc, or PhD, both IIT Kanpur and IIT (BHU) Varanasi provide the right environment to achieve your dreams. Start early, stay focused, and work hard. Your journey to one of these top IITs could change your life.
