The Indian Institutes of Technology or IITs are the dream colleges for many students in India. Every year, thousands of young minds prepare hard to get a seat in these top engineering and technology institutes. But do you know how many IITs there are in India? And how these institutes started and grew over time?
This article will answer all those questions in a simple and clear way. Whether you want to learn about the oldest IIT or the newest one, this guide has it all. You will also find a complete list of all IITs in India as of 2025, along with important facts like their location, faculty strength, and student numbers. If you are planning to study in an IIT or are simply curious about these institutes, this article will give you useful information. Let’s begin and understand more about the IITs in India.
How Many IIT Colleges Are There in India?
As of 2025, India has 23 IITs spread across different states and union territories. Each IIT offers various programs in engineering, technology, science, and management. These IITs are well-known for their strong faculty, good infrastructure, and excellent placement records.
Complete List of IITs in India (2025)
Below is a detailed table with important information about all 23 IITs in India as of 2025.
| No. | Name | Abbreviation | Founded | State/UT | Faculty | Students |
| 1 | IIT Kharagpur | IITKGP | 1951 | West Bengal | 928 | 15,862 |
| 2 | IIT Bombay | IITB | 1958 | Maharashtra | 759 | 12,976 |
| 3 | IIT Madras | IITM | 1959 | Tamil Nadu | 656 | 8,000 |
| 4 | IIT Kanpur | IITK | 1959 | Uttar Pradesh | 590 | 7,800 |
| 5 | IIT Delhi | IITD | 1961 | Delhi | 600 | 8,400 |
| 6 | IIT Guwahati | IITG | 1994 | Assam | 300 | 5,000 |
| 7 | IIT Roorkee | IITR | 1847(Converted as IIT 2002) | Uttarakhand | 520 | 8,000 |
| 8 | IIT Ropar | IITRPR | 2008 | Punjab | 200 | 2,800 |
| 9 | IIT Bhubaneswar | IITBBS | 2008 | Odisha | 190 | 2,600 |
| 10 | IIT Gandhinagar | IITGN | 2008 | Gujarat | 150 | 2,400 |
| 11 | IIT Hyderabad | IITH | 2008 | Telangana | 300 | 4,200 |
| 12 | IIT Jodhpur | IITJ | 2008 | Rajasthan | 180 | 2,600 |
| 13 | IIT Patna | IITP | 2008 | Bihar | 190 | 3,000 |
| 14 | IIT Indore | IITI | 2009 | Madhya Pradesh | 200 | 3,000 |
| 15 | IIT Mandi | IITMandi | 2009 | Himachal Pradesh | 130 | 1,900 |
| 16 | IIT (BHU) Varanasi | IIT BHU | 1919 (Converted as IIT 2012) | Uttar Pradesh | 430 | 7,200 |
| 17 | IIT Palakkad | IITPKD | 2015 | Kerala | 90 | 1,300 |
| 18 | IIT Tirupati | IITTP | 2015 | Andhra Pradesh | 95 | 1,500 |
| 19 | IIT (ISM) Dhanbad | IIT(ISM) | 1926 (Converted as IIT 2016) | Jharkhand | 230 | 4,200 |
| 20 | IIT Bhilai | IITBHILAI | 2016 | Chhattisgarh | 85 | 1,400 |
| 21 | IIT Dharwad | IITDH | 2016 | Karnataka | 90 | 1,400 |
| 22 | IIT Jammu | IITJMU | 2016 | Jammu & Kashmir | 75 | 1,200 |
| 23 | IIT Goa | IITGOA | 2016 | Goa | 68 | 733 |
Classification of IITs
The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) can be classified into different groups based on when they were established. This classification helps students understand the history, development, and spread of IITs across India. There are mainly three generations of IITs: First Generation, Second Generation, and Third Generation IITs. Each group has its own unique story and contribution to technical education.
First Generation IITs (1951–1961)
The first generation IITs are the oldest and the most established institutes. They were set up between 1951 and 1961. These IITs were created soon after India’s independence. The government wanted to build a strong foundation in engineering and technology education. They also aimed to develop skilled manpower for the country’s industrial growth. The first generation IITs are:
- IIT Kharagpur (1951): This was the very first IIT. It was started on the campus of an old zamindar’s palace in West Bengal. IIT Kharagpur laid the foundation for the IIT system and set high academic standards.
- IIT Bombay (1958): Located in Maharashtra, IIT Bombay was established with support from the Soviet Union. It quickly became known for its excellent faculty and strong research programs.
- IIT Madras (1959): Situated in Tamil Nadu, IIT Madras was set up with help from the German government. It became a center of innovation and advanced learning in South India.
- IIT Kanpur (1959): IIT Kanpur was founded with assistance from a group of American universities. It focused on research and collaboration with industries from the start.
- IIT Delhi (1961): IIT Delhi was created to serve the northern region of India. It developed strong programs in engineering and management over time.
These institutes remain some of the best-known IITs and attract the brightest students from across the country.
Second Generation IITs (1990s–2000s)
After a gap of a few decades, the government started adding new IITs again in the 1990s and early 2000s. This was to meet the growing demand for technical education and to expand IITs to other regions.
The second generation IITs are:
- IIT Guwahati (1994): The first IIT in the northeast region, IIT Guwahati helped bring advanced technical education to this part of India. It quickly gained a reputation for its scenic campus and quality education.
- IIT Roorkee (2002): IIT Roorkee has a special place in India’s engineering history. It was originally established in 1847 as the Thomason College of Civil Engineering. It became an IIT in 2002, making it the oldest technical institute in Asia with the IIT tag.
These IITs helped widen access to IIT education and research beyond the earlier centers.
Third Generation IITs (2008–2016)
The biggest expansion of IITs happened between 2008 and 2016. During this time, the government started many new IITs in smaller cities and different states. This helped spread quality technical education throughout the country. Many of these new IITs focus on modern and emerging fields in technology. The third generation IITs include:
- 2008 Batch: IIT Ropar (Punjab), IIT Bhubaneswar (Odisha), IIT Gandhinagar (Gujarat), IIT Hyderabad (Telangana), IIT Jodhpur (Rajasthan), and IIT Patna (Bihar).
- 2009 Batch: IIT Indore (Madhya Pradesh) and IIT Mandi (Himachal Pradesh).
- 2012: IIT (BHU) Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) was created by converting the engineering college of Banaras Hindu University into an IIT.
- 2015: IIT Palakkad (Kerala) and IIT Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh) were set up to serve southern states.
- 2016 Batch: This includes IIT (ISM) Dhanbad (Jharkhand), IIT Bhilai (Chhattisgarh), IIT Dharwad (Karnataka), IIT Jammu (Jammu & Kashmir), and IIT Goa.
Many of these new IITs are still growing but have started building their own identities with new programs, research projects, and collaborations.
How To Crack IIT: Step-by-Step Preparation Strategy
Preparing for the IIT JEE exams requires a strategic approach, dedication, and hard work. The process can be overwhelming, especially considering the vast syllabus and the intense competition. However, by following a well-structured preparation plan, you can stay on track and optimize your chances of success. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you prepare effectively for JEE Main and JEE Advanced.
1) Early Preparation (Class 11 & 12 Students)
One of the biggest mistakes many students make is leaving their preparation until the last minute. Starting early is essential for better understanding and retention of concepts. Ideally, you should begin preparing for JEE during Class 11, as this gives you ample time to cover the syllabus and revise thoroughly before the exams. The Class 11 syllabus is foundational, and many topics will reappear in Class 12. Therefore, a solid grasp of Class 11 concepts will make Class 12 easier and prevent last-minute cramming.
Balancing School Boards and JEE Prep
In India, students are expected to balance school board exams and JEE preparation. While the board exams require a different focus, the JEE syllabus overlaps with most of the Class 12 board curriculum. Managing both simultaneously is challenging but possible. To make this easier, follow a daily schedule that allows you to dedicate specific hours to JEE preparation while ensuring you complete your schoolwork. Prioritize your daily tasks and stay consistent with your routine.
Recommended Daily Study Hours
How many hours should you study? The answer depends on your current level and how much time you can dedicate to preparation. For most students, 6 to 8 hours a day for JEE preparation, in addition to school hours, is ideal. If you are in Class 11, aim to study consistently, focusing more on understanding concepts. In Class 12, you may need to increase your study hours slightly as the syllabus becomes more challenging. Ensure to take short breaks to avoid burnout.
2) Subject-Wise Breakdown
Physics: Physics is one of the most important subjects in JEE, and its understanding is crucial for both JEE Main and Advanced. The key topics in Physics include:
- Mechanics: This is the foundation of Physics, covering motion, forces, energy, and more. Focus on understanding Newton’s laws, work-energy theorem, and rotational motion.
- Electrodynamics: Important for both exams, topics like electrostatics, current electricity, and magnetism are regularly tested in JEE.
- Modern Physics: This topic is highly scoring and consists of quantum mechanics, nuclear physics, and semiconductor devices.
Problem-solving is essential in Physics, so practice regularly to develop a systematic approach. Focus on mastering the derivations and understanding the core principles behind each concept.
Chemistry: Chemistry can be divided into three branches: Physical, Organic, and Inorganic. Each has its own focus areas:
- Physical Chemistry: Topics such as mole concepts, stoichiometry, thermodynamics, and chemical kinetics are crucial. Understanding the basics will help you tackle tougher problems in JEE.
- Organic Chemistry: Focus on reaction mechanisms, functional groups, and named reactions. Practice organic reactions regularly as this section carries significant weight in both JEE Main and Advanced.
- Inorganic Chemistry: NCERT is your best friend for Inorganic Chemistry. Focus on periodic table trends, coordination compounds, and chemical bonding. While it may seem theoretical, strong conceptual clarity will help you answer questions accurately.
Make sure to refer to NCERT books as well as advanced reference materials like OP Tandon and MS Chouhan for Organic Chemistry.
Mathematics: Mathematics in JEE is often considered challenging, and its weightage is significant in both JEE Main and Advanced. The key topics include:
- Algebra: Focus on quadratic equations, progressions, and complex numbers. These topics form the backbone of many higher-level problems.
- Calculus: Limits, derivatives, integration, and differential equations are crucial for both exams.
- Coordinate Geometry: This section includes straight lines, circles, and conic sections. A clear understanding of these topics can help you score well.
Speed and accuracy are vital in Mathematics. Practice problems from multiple sources to improve your problem-solving speed and accuracy.
3) Study Plan & Time Management
A detailed study plan is essential to track your progress. Start with a yearly plan, breaking down the syllabus into months. Then, create monthly and weekly plans to break down the topics further. Your weekly plan should have a list of all the topics you aim to cover, and each day should have a dedicated time slot for revision, new learning, and problem-solving.
Importance of Consistency Over Cramming
Consistency is key to JEE success. Cramming the night before the exam may give you short-term results, but it won’t lead to long-term success. Ensure that you cover all topics consistently over the months. Focus on understanding concepts instead of memorizing them. Revising regularly is essential to retain what you learn.
How to Allocate Time for Theory, Problems, and Revision
While studying, it’s essential to strike a balance between theory, practice, and revision. Ideally, dedicate 40% of your time to learning theory, 40% to solving problems, and 20% to revision. The time spent on revision should increase as the exam approaches, especially in the final month.
4) Best Books & Resources for IIT JEE (2025)
Choosing the right books is crucial for IIT JEE preparation. Here are some of the best books for each subject:
Recommended Books for JEE Physics
| Name of the Book | Author/Publication | Why the Books are the Best for JEE Mains Physics |
| NCERT Textbook | NCERT | It covers up almost everything. It is the best book for the basic concepts and practice. |
| Concepts of physics (Vol. 1 and 2) | HC Verma | They provide the best exercises along with the basic concepts. |
| Fundamentals of Physics | Halliday, Resnick, & walker | This book helps in clearing all the concepts of Physics important for JEE Mains. |
| Understanding PhysicsIt’s a set of the following books:Electricity & Magnetism Mechanics (Vol. 1 & 2) Optics & Modern Physics Waves & Thermodynamics | D C Pandey – Arihant Publications | This set of books is very popular among the students and one of the best books for JEE Mains. This explains the concepts, derives the formula, and provides a number of solved examples and exercises to solve. |
| Understanding Physics | Freedman and Young | This book explains all the concepts in detail and provides exercises for practice. |
| Problems in Physics | SS Krotov | This book is popular for its exercise questions. |
| Physics Vol-1 and Vol-2 by for Theory and Non-Trivial Problems | Resnick Halliday | Book for understanding concepts and practising questions. |
| Problems on General Physics | I E Irodov | A lot of questions are provided for practising. |
Recommended Books for JEE Chemistry
| Name of the Book | Author/Publication | Why the Book is the Best for JEE Mains Chemistry |
| NCERT Textbook | NCERT | It covers up almost everything. It is the best book for the basic concepts and practice. |
| Modern Approach to Chemical Calculations | R C Mukherjee | Physical Chemistry Numericals are the best in this book. |
| Organic Chemistry | O P Tandon | Each and every topic is well explained in this book. |
| Concise Inorganic Chemistry | J. D. Lee | This is the best book for the concepts of Inorganic Chemistry. |
| Concept of Physical Chemistry | P Bahadur | Along with the concepts, there are many exercises to solve. |
| Physical Chemistry | P.W. Atkins | This book is best for extra exercises. |
| Organic Chemistry | Morrison & Boyd | This book is best for extra exercises. |
| Numerical Chemistry 22/e | P Bahadur | This is one of the best books for JEE Mains recommended by toppers. |
Recommended Books for JEE Mathematics
| Name of the Book | Author/Publication | Why the Book is the Best Maths Book for JEE Mains |
| NCERT Textbook | NCERT | It covers up almost everything. It is the best book for the basic concepts and practice. |
| Objective Mathematics | RD Sharma | This book explains the concepts very well. They also have a lot of exercise questions. |
| Plane Trigonometry | S L Loney | This book is best for Trigonometry. |
| Algebra | Dr S K Goyal – Arihant Publications | This book is best for Algebra. |
| Differential Calculus | Amit M Agarwal – Arihant Publications | This book is best for understanding the concepts of Calculus. |
| Integral Calculus | Amit M Agarwal – Arihant Publications | This book is best for understanding the concepts of Calculus. |
| The Elements of Coordinate Geometry | S L Loney | This book is best for understanding the concepts of Coordinate Geometry and practising questions on Coordinate Geometry. |
| Play with Graphs | Amit M Agarwal – Arihant Publications | This book is best for practising graphs. |
| Complete Mathematics for JEE Main | Tata McGraw Hill | This is the best book for overall preparation. |
| New Pattern Mathematics for JEE Main | Arihant Publications | You will get a lot of exercises. |
Using a mix of books and online resources will give you both conceptual clarity and practice.
Conclusion
The Indian Institutes of Technology have played a big role in shaping India’s technical education. From just one IIT in 1951, the number has grown to 23 by 2025. Each IIT offers great opportunities for students across different parts of the country. These institutes have strong faculty, good infrastructure, and focus on research and innovation.
If you want to study engineering or technology, IITs provide one of the best platforms to learn and grow. Knowing the history and details of each IIT can help you choose the right college for your future. Remember, joining an IIT is just the beginning of a challenging and rewarding journey. Work hard, stay focused, and make the most of the opportunities that come your way. Your dream of studying at an IIT can turn into reality with dedication and effort.
