Are you aiming for a top IIT with strong academics, great placements, and a vibrant campus life? IIT Varanasi, also known as IIT (BHU), might be the perfect fit for you. Located in the historic city of Varanasi, this institute combines the legacy of Banaras Hindu University with the academic excellence of the IIT system. It is one of the oldest engineering institutions in India, established in 1919, and continues to be a top choice for students across the country.
The institute offers a wide range of B.Tech, M.Tech, and PhD programs in core and emerging fields. From modern labs and libraries to active student clubs and national-level fests, IIT Varanasi gives students the tools to succeed and grow. If you’re preparing for JEE and looking for an IIT that offers both tradition and opportunity, this detailed guide to IIT Varanasi will help you understand everything you need to know.
IIT Varanasi Overview
The full name of the institute is Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi. It is also called IIT (BHU) for short. IIT Varanasi is a government institute. It is part of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), which are the top engineering colleges in India.
IIT Varanasi was established in 1919. This makes it one of the oldest engineering institutes in India. Originally, it was known as the Banaras Engineering College. Later, it became part of Banaras Hindu University (BHU). In 2012, it was upgraded to an IIT. This gave the institute a higher status and more resources.
The institute is located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Varanasi is a city famous for its cultural heritage, temples, and spiritual significance. It is also a well-known center for education and learning. IIT Varanasi’s campus is close to the main campus of Banaras Hindu University, which adds to the academic environment.
Campus Size and Infrastructure
IIT Varanasi has a large campus spread over 1,300 acres. The campus includes modern classrooms, advanced laboratories, well-stocked libraries, and hostels for students. It also has sports facilities such as playgrounds, gyms, and courts for different games.
The infrastructure supports both academics and extracurricular activities. Students get access to the latest technology and tools. The campus environment is peaceful and helps students focus on their studies.
IIT Varanasi Rankings & Reputation (2025 Updates)
IIT Varanasi, also known as IIT (BHU), continues to build a strong reputation both in India and globally. Its rankings reflect the institute’s growth in education, research, and innovation. With steady progress in national and international lists, IIT Varanasi has shown its ability to compete with top engineering colleges in the country.
| Body | Category | Rank (2025) |
| International Ranking | ||
| QS World University Rankings | Global | 531 |
| QS Asia University Rankings | Asia | 273 |
| National Ranking | ||
| NIRF Overall Rankings | Overall in India | 30 |
| NIRF Engineering Rankings | Engineering Colleges | 10 |
| NIRF Innovation Rankings | Innovation and Startups Support | 11–50 bracket |
| The Week Best Technical Universities | Technical Universities | 8 (2023) |
| The Week Top Engineering Colleges | Engineering Colleges | 9 |
The institute has improved its QS World University Ranking in 2025. It now ranks 531 globally, moving up from 571 in 2024. This shows that IIT Varanasi is gaining global recognition. In the QS Asia University Rankings 2025, it secured the 273rd position, staying consistent with the previous year’s range of 271–280.
At the national level, IIT Varanasi has made a major leap in the NIRF Engineering Rankings. In 2024, it ranked 10th, compared to 15th in 2023. This shows a clear improvement in academic quality, research, and placements. The NIRF Overall Rankings also show a small but steady rise, moving from 31st in 2023 to 30th in 2024.
In the NIRF Innovation Rankings, the institute is now placed in the 11–50 bracket in 2024. Although it was ranked 10th in 2023, this bracket still reflects the institute’s efforts to support innovation and entrepreneurship.
The Week magazine also ranks engineering institutions in India based on academic excellence, faculty quality, research, and placements. In 2024, IIT Varanasi was placed 9th among the Top Engineering Colleges in India, maintaining the same position as in 2023.
Additionally, it was ranked 8th among India’s Best Technical Universities in 2023. These rankings are important for students because they show the performance of an institute in comparison with others. High ranks often mean better placements, quality faculty, and strong alumni support.
IIT Varanasi Admission Process (2025 Updates)
Admission to IIT Varanasi for undergraduate programs is based on the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced. Every year, thousands of students from across the country prepare for this exam to get into top IITs, including IIT (BHU). The process is competitive, and students need to follow all steps carefully to secure a seat.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for B.Tech courses at IIT Varanasi, students must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- JEE Main Qualification: You must first qualify JEE Main 2025. This is the first stage. Only top candidates from JEE Main can appear for JEE Advanced 2025.
- JEE Advanced: You must clear JEE Advanced 2025 with a good rank. This is the main exam for admission to IITs.
Class 12 Marks:
- For General/OBC-NCL students: You must score at least 75% marks in Class 12 or be in the top 20 percentile of your board.
- For SC/ST/PwD candidates: You must score at least 65% marks in Class 12.
Selection Process
Once the JEE Advanced results are declared, seat allocation happens through a centralised counselling process called JoSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority). Here’s how it works:
- Registration: Candidates register on the JoSAA 2025 portal after JEE Advanced results.
- Choice Filling: You can choose from different IITs, branches, and specialisations. It is important to choose wisely based on your rank and interests.
- Seat Allocation Rounds: JoSAA conducts multiple rounds of seat allotment. Based on your JEE Advanced rank, category, and seat availability, you will be allotted a seat.
- Acceptance & Reporting: Once you get a seat, you must accept the offer, pay the seat acceptance fee, and report to the institute or reporting centre for document verification.
IIT Varanasi Fee Structure & Scholarships (2025)
The fee structure at IIT Varanasi (IIT BHU) is designed to ensure that quality education remains accessible to students from all financial backgrounds. While tuition fees are uniform for most students, the institute offers several financial aid schemes, scholarships, and fee waivers to support deserving students.
IIT Varanasi Fee Structure (2025)
The fees for undergraduate programs at IIT Varanasi are divided into different components such as tuition, hostel, mess, and one-time payments. The following table shows the detailed breakdown of the fee structure for the first semester:
| Particulars | Amount (₹) |
| Caution Money (One-Time, Refundable) | 9,000 |
| One-Time Fees | 5,750 |
| Tuition Fee (per Semester) | 1,00,000 |
| Other Fees (per Semester) | 6,350 |
| Mess Advance (per Semester) | 15,000 |
| Annual Fees | 365 |
| Total (1st Semester Fees) | 1,36,465 |
Note: The mess advance is adjusted against actual food expenses. Students pay it at the start of each semester.
From the second semester onward, students usually pay only the tuition fee, other semester fees, and mess advance unless there are special charges.
Fee Waivers and Scholarships
To support students from economically weaker backgrounds, IIT Varanasi offers a range of fee waivers and scholarship schemes:
| Category | Eligibility Criteria | Tuition Fee Benefit |
| SC/ST/PwD students | Must belong to Scheduled Caste, Tribe, or PwD category | 100% Tuition Fee Waiver |
| Most Economically Backward | Family income < ₹1 lakh per annum | 100% Tuition Fee Remission |
| Other Economically Backward | Family income between ₹1 lakh – ₹5 lakh per annum | 2/3 Tuition Fee Remission |
IIT Varanasi Placements
IIT Varanasi (IIT BHU) recorded strong placement results in 2024, showing its strength in both core and non-core sectors. The placement process at the institute is handled by the Training and Placement Cell, which works closely with top companies in India and abroad. It also guides students in preparing for interviews, internships, and placement tests.
The overall undergraduate (UG) placement rate in 2024 was 81.18%, which is an impressive figure considering the wide range of disciplines offered at the institute. In terms of compensation, students from top-performing departments such as Computer Science, Electronics, Mathematics, and Physics received attractive salary offers.
IIT BHU Varanasi Placement Statistics (UG)
| Department | Placed (%) |
| Bio Chemical | 61.54% |
| Bio Medical | 77.78% |
| Ceramic | 56.82% |
| Chemical | 86.43% |
| Chemistry | 70.00% |
| Civil | 76.98% |
| Computer Science | 97.32% |
| Electrical | 86.05% |
| Electronics | 90.83% |
| Material Science | 86.67% |
| Mathematics | 95.65% |
| Mechanical | 78.75% |
| Metallurgy | 75.58% |
| Mining | 66.67% |
| Pharmacy | 69.77% |
| Physics | 84.21% |
| Overall (UG) | 81.18% |
Median Package Offered (Branch-wise)
The median CTC (Cost to Company) is the salary at the middle value of all offers received in a department. This value shows how consistently high-paying the job offers were across branches.
| Department | Median CTC (₹ in LPA) |
| Bio Chemical | 16.15 |
| Bio Medical | 16.00 |
| Ceramic | 19.50 |
| Chemical | 16.18 |
| Chemistry | 15.30 |
| Civil | 15.75 |
| Computer Science | 30.00 |
| Electrical | 29.72 |
| Electronics | 30.00 |
| Material Science | 17.20 |
| Mathematics | 30.37 |
| Mechanical | 18.12 |
| Metallurgy | 15.00 |
| Mining | 15.00 |
| Pharmacy | 17.25 |
| Physics | 24.00 |
| Overall (UG) | 20.00 |
Highest Package Offered (Branch-wise)
Top salary offers in 2023 were made across various branches, with Mathematics, CSE, Electrical, Ceramic, and Chemical departments receiving the highest package of ₹115–120 LPA.
| Department | Max CTC (₹ in LPA) |
| Bio Chemical | 36.39 |
| Bio Medical | 27.50 |
| Ceramic | 115.00 |
| Chemical | 115.00 |
| Chemistry | 21.50 |
| Civil | 115.00 |
| Computer Science | 115.00 |
| Electrical | 115.00 |
| Electronics | 50.00 |
| Material Science | 30.00 |
| Mathematics | 120.00 |
| Mechanical | 91.19 |
| Metallurgy | 50.00 |
| Mining | 45.00 |
| Pharmacy | 50.00 |
| Physics | 50.00 |
| Overall (UG) | 120.00 |
Average Package Offered (Branch-wise)
The average CTC is the total of all offers divided by the number of placed students in each department. This value gives a general idea of what most students received.
| Department | Avg CTC (₹ in LPA) |
| Bio Chemical | 21.04 |
| Bio Medical | 18.37 |
| Ceramic | 24.49 |
| Chemical | 19.52 |
| Chemistry | 16.61 |
| Civil | 19.09 |
| Computer Science | 34.43 |
| Electrical | 30.25 |
| Electronics | 29.56 |
| Material Science | 18.28 |
| Mathematics | 34.31 |
| Mechanical | 21.95 |
| Metallurgy | 17.70 |
| Mining | 16.87 |
| Pharmacy | 21.96 |
| Physics | 25.21 |
| Overall (UG) | 24.31 |
IIT Varanasi’s placement record continues to improve each year. Students receive training, mock interviews, and internship opportunities starting from their second year. The strong alumni base and industrial collaborations also contribute to the high placement figures. Students interested in both core and non-core jobs have great opportunities at IIT BHU.
IIT Varanasi Festivals & Events
IIT Varanasi is not just about academics. It also offers students a vibrant and exciting campus life filled with events, fests, and cultural celebrations. These festivals give students a chance to showcase their talents, learn new skills, and interact with people from all over the country. The three main festivals at IIT Varanasi are Technex, Spardha, and Kashiyatra. Each of them has a unique identity and brings something special to the student experience.
1) Technex
Technex is the annual techno-management festival of IIT Varanasi. It is one of the oldest technical fests in Asia, started in 1939. Thousands of students from across India take part in this event. It includes technical competitions, workshops, exhibitions, startup pitches, and guest lectures. Students participate in coding contests, robotics challenges, AI simulations, and more. The festival also invites industry experts to speak on current technologies and innovation. Technex helps students apply their learning and gain practical exposure.
2) Spardha
Spardha is the annual sports festival of IIT Varanasi. It is one of the largest college-level sports meets in North India. More than 100 colleges send their teams to compete. Events include cricket, football, basketball, volleyball, athletics, swimming, and chess. The festival promotes physical fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Students train for months and give their best in these competitions. Spardha also builds a sense of pride, unity, and healthy competition among participants.
3) Kashiyatra
Kashiyatra is the annual cultural festival of IIT Varanasi. It attracts over 70,000 participants every year. The fest includes music, dance, drama, fashion shows, literature, and fine arts. Students from all over India join to showcase their talents. Competitions and star performances are a big attraction. Famous artists and comedians perform in the evening shows. Kashiyatra celebrates creativity and cultural diversity, making it one of the most awaited events on campus.
Pros & Cons of IIT (BHU) Varanasi
Every institute has its strengths and challenges, and IIT (BHU) Varanasi is no different. For students considering admission here, it is important to understand both the advantages and the areas where the institute could improve. This will help you make an informed decision and prepare better for your academic journey.
Pros of IIT (BHU) Varanasi
- Strong Legacy and Brand Value: IIT (BHU) Varanasi is one of the oldest engineering institutes in India, established in 1919. Its long history gives it a strong reputation in academics and industry. Being part of the IIT system adds great value to the degree.
- High Placement Rates: The institute offers excellent placement opportunities, especially in popular branches like Computer Science, Electronics, and Electrical Engineering. Top companies such as Microsoft, Flipkart, and Uber regularly recruit from the campus. Average and highest salary packages are very competitive.
- Vibrant Campus Life: Students enjoy a lively campus with modern labs, libraries, hostels, and sports facilities. Annual festivals like Kashiyatra (cultural), Technex (technical), and Spardha (sports) provide great platforms for skill development and social interaction.
- Wide Range of Courses: IIT (BHU) offers many engineering programs including unique ones like Ceramic Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering. It also supports advanced research and postgraduate studies, giving students multiple growth paths.
Cons of IIT (BHU) Varanasi
- High Competition for Popular Branches: Branches like Computer Science and Electronics are highly competitive. Cutoff ranks for these streams are very tough, so students need strong preparation and top ranks to secure admission.
- Limited Industry Exposure Compared to Older IITs: While IIT (BHU) has good industry ties, it still lags behind older IITs like IIT Bombay and IIT Delhi in terms of internships and corporate collaborations. These older IITs have more frequent industry projects due to their location and networks.
- Location Factors: Varanasi is a city rich in culture but less cosmopolitan than metro cities like Bangalore or Mumbai. This might limit lifestyle options and nearby access to certain industries and startups.
- Need for Infrastructure Upgrades: Although the campus is large and mostly well-maintained, some departments need infrastructure improvements to match the latest technology and global standards.
Conclusion
IIT Varanasi offers students a unique mix of tradition, quality education, and career growth. As one of India’s oldest engineering colleges, it provides strong academic programs backed by excellent infrastructure and experienced faculty. Whether you are interested in core engineering or emerging fields like AI and Data Science, IIT (BHU) has well-structured courses to match your goals.
The institute also supports students through scholarships, placement training, and a lively campus environment with clubs, fests, and sports. Its placement records are strong, especially in CSE, ECE, and Mechanical, with top companies visiting every year. If you’re planning to take JEE Advanced and want an IIT that offers a complete student experience, IIT Varanasi is worth considering.
It helps you build not just technical skills but also confidence, creativity, and connections that last a lifetime. With the right preparation, you can secure a place at this prestigious institute and begin an exciting journey.
