Do you dream of becoming an engineer or scientist at one of the top colleges in India? If yes, then you must have heard about IITs. These are the best engineering institutes in the country. Every year, lakhs of students appear for the JEE exam to get admission into an IIT. The competition is tough, but the rewards are worth it. IITs offer excellent education, world-class facilities, and great career opportunities.Â
Many famous people, including CEOs of top global companies, have studied at IITs. In this article, you will learn everything about IITs. We will explain what IITs are, how they started, and how many are there in 2025. You will also learn about their courses, admission process, fees, scholarships, and more. If you are a student planning to join IIT, this guide will help you understand what to expect and how to prepare for it.
What Is IIT?
IIT stands for Indian Institute of Technology. These are top-level public engineering and technology institutes in India. They are known for their high academic standards, strong research work, and great placement records. Students from all over the country dream of studying at an IIT. The IITs are run by the Government of India and are recognized as Institutes of National Importance. This means they are very important for the country’s progress in science, technology, and education.
Historical Background
The idea of IITs came up even before India got independence. After independence, the government wanted to build a strong technical base. For this, the Sarkar Committee was formed in 1945. This committee, led by Dr. Nalini Ranjan Sarkar, suggested setting up higher technical institutes in India. These institutes would follow the model of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the USA.
As a result, the first IIT was set up in Kharagpur in 1951. It was started in a building that was once a British detention camp. Later, it moved to its own campus. After the success of IIT Kharagpur, more IITs were established in different parts of the country.
The Jogendra Singh Committee also played a role in recommending the formation of these institutes. It focused on creating a strong technical education system in India. The government took these suggestions seriously and worked on expanding IITs across the country.
Growth and Expansion
From just one IIT in 1951, the number has grown to 23 IITs by 2025. These are spread across various states of India. Some of the earliest IITs include IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, and IIT Delhi. These are called the “old IITs” and are well known for their strong foundation and history.
In the following decades, new IITs were opened to provide more students with the opportunity to study in top institutes. These include IITs in Bhilai, Goa, Jammu, Dharwad, and others. The aim is to give students across the country equal access to high-quality technical education.
IIT Governing Body
All IITs are governed by the IIT Council. This council is under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. The council sets the rules and policies for all IITs. It makes sure that all IITs follow high standards in teaching, research, and student activities.
The council includes the Minister of Education, the chairpersons and directors of all IITs, and other key members. They meet regularly to discuss important issues and to take decisions for the improvement of IITs.
Each IIT is an autonomous institute. This means it can take its own academic and administrative decisions. However, all IITs follow a common structure approved by the IIT Council.
List of All IITs in India (2025 Update)
As of 2025, there are 23 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) in India. These institutes are located in different parts of the country and offer top-quality education in engineering, science, and technology. Each IIT is known for its academic excellence, research work, and student success stories.
Some IITs are older and more established, while others were started in recent years. However, all of them follow the same high standards set by the IIT Council under the Ministry of Education.
Complete List of 23 IITs with Locations
The table below gives the full list of all IITs in India in 2025, along with the year of establishment and their state location.
| S. No. | Name of IIT | Year Established | Location (State) |
| 1 | IIT Kharagpur | 1951 | West Bengal |
| 2 | IIT Bombay | 1958 | Maharashtra |
| 3 | IIT Madras | 1959 | Tamil Nadu |
| 4 | IIT Kanpur | 1959 | Uttar Pradesh |
| 5 | IIT Delhi | 1961 | Delhi |
| 6 | IIT Guwahati | 1994 | Assam |
| 7 | IIT Roorkee | 2001 (as IIT) | Uttarakhand |
| 8 | IIT Bhubaneswar | 2008 | Odisha |
| 9 | IIT Gandhinagar | 2008 | Gujarat |
| 10 | IIT Hyderabad | 2008 | Telangana |
| 11 | IIT Jodhpur | 2008 | Rajasthan |
| 12 | IIT Patna | 2008 | Bihar |
| 13 | IIT Ropar | 2008 | Punjab |
| 14 | IIT Indore | 2009 | Madhya Pradesh |
| 15 | IIT Mandi | 2009 | Himachal Pradesh |
| 16 | IIT (BHU) Varanasi | 2012 (as IIT) | Uttar Pradesh |
| 17 | IIT Palakkad | 2015 | Kerala |
| 18 | IIT Tirupati | 2015 | Andhra Pradesh |
| 19 | IIT Bhilai | 2016 | Chhattisgarh |
| 20 | IIT Goa | 2016 | Goa |
| 21 | IIT Jammu | 2016 | Jammu and Kashmir |
| 22 | IIT Dharwad | 2016 | Karnataka |
| 23 | IIT Dhanbad (ISM Dhanbad) | 2016 (as IIT) | Jharkhand |
Oldest vs. Newest IITs
Some IITs have been around for decades and are known as the old IITs. These include:
- IIT Kharagpur (1951)
- IIT Bombay (1958)
- IIT Madras (1959)
- IIT Kanpur (1959)
- IIT Delhi (1961)
These institutes have a rich history and strong alumni networks. They are often ranked among the top engineering colleges in India and the world. On the other hand, there are newer IITs which were established after 2008. These include:
- IIT Bhilai
- IIT Goa
- IIT Jammu
- IIT Dharwad
- IIT Palakkad
- IIT Tirupati
Though they are new, they are growing fast. Many of them are now moving to permanent campuses, improving infrastructure, and increasing research output. They follow the same curriculum as the older IITs and have full support from the Ministry of Education.
Why Are IITs So Prestigious?
IITs are the most respected technical institutes in India. Every year, lakhs of students prepare for JEE just to get into one of the 23 IITs. But what makes IITs so special? The answer lies in their global rankings, strong alumni base, excellent education system, research output, and top-class placements.
1) Global Rankings
IITs regularly appear in global rankings such as QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education Rankings. Institutes like IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, and IIT Madras have ranked among the top 200 engineering institutes in the world. These rankings are based on academic reputation, research papers, employer reputation, faculty-student ratio, and international outlook. Such rankings prove that IITs compete with the best institutes across the globe.
For example, in recent years:
- IIT Bombay ranked among the top 150 in QS Rankings.
- IIT Delhi entered the top 200 globally in engineering and technology.
- IIT Madras was ranked as the best engineering institute in India by NIRF for multiple years in a row.
2) Alumni Success
The alumni of IITs have achieved great success in different fields. Many of them have become CEOs of global companies, founders of startups, top researchers, and respected professors. These success stories make IITs even more famous. Some well-known IIT alumni include:
- Sundar Pichai – CEO of Alphabet (Google’s parent company), alumnus of IIT Kharagpur.
- N. R. Narayana Murthy – Founder of Infosys, alumnus of IIT Kanpur.
- Arvind Krishna – CEO of IBM, alumnus of IIT Kanpur.
- Manohar B. Parrikar – Former Defence Minister of India, alumnus of IIT Bombay.
These examples show that IITs don’t just produce good engineers. They produce global leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators.
3) High-Quality Education and Research
IITs provide a strong academic foundation. Their syllabus is regularly updated to match global standards. Students learn not just theory but also how to solve real-world problems. Faculty members at IITs are highly qualified and often have PhDs from top global universities.
4) Industry Collaboration
IITs work closely with industries. They sign MoUs with top companies for research, internships, and training programs. This helps students understand current industry needs and trends. Companies also help IITs build new labs and develop courses that prepare students for modern jobs.
5) Strong Placement Records
One of the biggest reasons for the IITs’ prestige is their placement records. Every year, students get placed in top companies across India and abroad. Companies like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, Intel, Tata, and Infosys visit IIT campuses for recruitment.
IIT Admission Process (2025)
Getting admission into an IIT is a dream for many students in India. The IIT admission process is known for being very competitive and well-structured. It involves national-level exams, counseling rounds, and strict eligibility rules. In 2025, the process remains similar to previous years, with a few important updates.
For BTech/BE Programs
To get admission into the BTech programs of IITs, students must first clear the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE). The JEE is held in two stages:
- JEE Main: This is the first stage. It is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Students must qualify in JEE Main to become eligible for JEE Advanced.
- JEE Advanced: Only the top 2.5 lakh students from JEE Main can appear for JEE Advanced. This is the actual entrance test for IIT admissions. It is conducted by one of the IITs on a rotation basis.
Exam Pattern and Syllabus
JEE Main has multiple-choice questions from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. It tests basic understanding and speed.
JEE Advanced is more challenging. It includes multiple types of questions like MCQs, numerical answer type, and comprehension-type. The questions test deep understanding, logic, and problem-solving skills.
The syllabus includes topics from Class 11 and 12 in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Students need a strong grasp of NCERT books and practice with advanced problems.
JoSAA Counseling
Once JEE Advanced results are out, students must take part in the Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) counseling. This process is used for seat allocation in all IITs, NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs.
Steps in JoSAA counseling:
- Registration and choice filling.
- Mock allotments to help you make better choices.
- Final seat allotment rounds.
- Document verification and admission confirmation.
Students can choose preferences of IITs, branches, and locations. Seat allocation depends on your rank, category, and seat availability.
For MTech/MS Programs
Admission to MTech and MS programs is done through the GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering).
- GATE is a national exam testing the core subject knowledge of engineering and science.
- Based on the GATE score, students apply to IITs through COAP or CCMT counseling depending on the program.
- Different IITs set their own cutoffs.
For PhD Programs
PhD admissions involve a written test followed by an interview. Some departments may directly call GATE/NET-qualified candidates for the interview.
IITs offer PhDs in engineering, sciences, humanities, and management. Foreign students can apply through the DASA (Direct Admission of Students Abroad) scheme or other international admission routes.
- They must have passed high school with relevant subjects.
- A valid SAT or other test score may be needed.
- Some IITs also conduct interviews online for these students
IIT Fee Structure & Scholarships (2025)
Here is the semester-wise fee structure for BTech programs:
| IIT | Fee per Semester | Hostel Fee |
| IIT (BHU) Varanasi | INR 1,20,700 | INR 12,000 |
| IIT Bhilai | INR 1,08,000 | INR 33,500 |
| IIT Bhubaneswar | INR 1,43,000 | INR 19,300 |
| IIT Bombay | INR 1,19,750 | INR 13,000 |
| IIT Delhi | INR 1,07,800 | INR 8,000 |
| IIT Dhanbad (ISM) | INR 1,00,000 | INR 15,000 |
| IIT Dharwad | INR 1,22,876 | INR 13,000 |
| IIT Gandhinagar | INR 1,28,500 | INR 15,500 |
| IIT Goa | INR 1,22,876 | INR 13,000 |
| IIT Guwahati | INR 1,11,750 | INR 18,120 |
| IIT Hyderabad | INR 1,19,000 | INR 28,000 |
| IIT Kanpur | INR 1,12,142 | INR 12,175 |
| IIT Kharagpur | INR 1,48,700 | INR 25,100 |
| IIT Madras | INR 1,12,663 | INR 23,750 |
| IIT Mandi | INR 1,20,350 | INR 12,000 |
| IIT Palakkad | INR 1,12,600 | INR 23,150 |
| IIT Patna | INR 1,13,300 | INR 14,500 |
| IIT Roorkee | INR 1,18,480 | INR 16,000 |
| IIT Ropar | INR 1,13,650 | NA |
| IIT Tirupati | INR 1,12,700 | INR 27,750 |
Scholarships and Fee Waivers at IITs
| Category | Benefit |
| General/OBC (income < ₹1 lakh) | Full tuition fee waiver |
| General/OBC (income ₹1–5 lakh) | Two-thirds fee waiver |
| SC/ST students | Full tuition fee waiver |
| Differently-abled students | Full tuition fee waiver |
Hostel and mess fees are usually extra but can be supported through scholarships.
Notable IIT Alumni
1) Sundar Pichai
Sundar Pichai is the CEO of Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google. He studied Metallurgical Engineering at IIT Kharagpur. After graduating, he went to Stanford University for further studies. Later, he earned an MBA from the Wharton School. Pichai joined Google in 2004 and worked on products like Chrome and Android. His leadership and calm nature helped him rise through the ranks. Today, he leads one of the biggest tech companies in the world. His journey inspires many IIT students who dream of working in top global firms.
2) Arvind Kejriwal
Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, studied Mechanical Engineering at IIT Kharagpur. He first worked as an engineer, then joined the Indian Revenue Service. Later, he became a social activist and launched the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). His party brought major changes in Delhi’s education and health sectors. Kejriwal’s path shows that IITians can succeed in public service and politics too.
3) Vinod Khosla
Vinod Khosla is a co-founder of Sun Microsystems and a famous venture capitalist. He studied Electrical Engineering at IIT Delhi. After that, he earned a Master’s degree from Stanford University. He helped start Sun Microsystems, which played a big role in computer technology. Later, he launched Khosla Ventures, a firm that invests in tech startups. He has supported big names like Google and Twitter. Khosla’s story shows how IITians can shape the tech industry.
4) N. R. Narayana Murthy
Narayana Murthy is the co-founder of Infosys, one of India’s biggest IT companies. He studied Electrical Engineering at IIT Kanpur. In 1981, he and a group of friends started Infosys with a small budget. Over the years, the company became a global leader in IT services. Murthy is known for his ethics, leadership, and simple lifestyle. His journey inspires students who want to start their own companies.
5) Raghuram Rajan
Raghuram Rajan served as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). He studied Electrical Engineering at IIT Delhi. After IIT, he did an MBA and PhD in Economics from the University of Chicago. Rajan is respected around the world for his work in finance. As RBI Governor, he helped maintain economic stability. He is now a professor at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
6) Sachin Bansal
Sachin Bansal co-founded Flipkart, India’s leading e-commerce platform. He studied Computer Science and Engineering at IIT Delhi. In 2007, he started Flipkart with Binny Bansal. The company grew fast and changed how Indians shop online. In 2018, Walmart bought Flipkart for $16 billion. Bansal’s success shows that IITians can build world-class businesses.
7) Bhavish Aggarwal
Bhavish Aggarwal is the co-founder of Ola Cabs, one of India’s top ride-hailing companies. He graduated in Computer Science from IIT Bombay. He launched Ola in 2010 after a bad experience with a cab. Today, Ola operates in many cities and also works on electric vehicles. Bhavish has shown that young IITians can solve real-life problems through startups.
8) Nitesh Tiwari
Nitesh Tiwari is a successful film director and screenwriter. He studied Metallurgical Engineering at IIT Bombay. Instead of working as an engineer, he chose to follow his passion for movies. He directed the blockbuster film “Dangal”, based on Indian wrestlers Geeta and Babita Phogat. The film became one of India’s highest-grossing movies. Tiwari’s journey proves that IITians can shine in creative fields too.
9) Harish Hande
Harish Hande is the co-founder of SELCO India, a company that brings solar energy to poor communities. He studied Energy Engineering at IIT Kharagpur. Through SELCO, he has brought light to thousands of homes in rural India. Hande believes that clean energy should be available to everyone. His work has won global awards and shown how technology can help solve social problems.
These alumni show how IITs help students reach top positions.
Conclusion
IITs are the most respected engineering institutes in India. They offer top-quality education, strong placements, and excellent research opportunities. Getting into an IIT is not easy, but with the right preparation and dedication, you can achieve it. IITs not only help you build a great career but also shape your thinking and problem-solving skills. From advanced labs to smart classrooms and helpful faculty, IITs provide everything a student needs to grow.
Even if you do not get into an IIT, many other good options are available. The most important thing is to keep learning and stay focused on your goals. Always believe in yourself and work hard. With the right mindset, you can succeed anywhere. This article gives you a complete view of what IITs offer and how you can be part of them. Start preparing early, stay motivated, and you can make your IIT dream come true.
