Are you dreaming of studying at one of the top IITs in India? If yes, then IIT Kharagpur should be on your list. Known for its legacy, innovation, and vibrant campus life, IIT Kharagpur is much more than just academics. It is the oldest IIT in India and has produced some of the brightest minds in the country. Whether you want to become an engineer, researcher, entrepreneur, or policymaker, IIT Kharagpur offers the right environment to shape your future.
The institute combines strong academics with excellent placements, advanced research, and exciting student activities. From top global companies to cutting-edge labs, everything you need to succeed is right here. In this article, you will learn about IIT Kharagpur’s history, courses, rankings, campus life, placements, and more. If you are a student looking for the best in education and opportunity, IIT Kharagpur could be your next big step.
Overview of IIT Kharagpur
IIT Kharagpur is the first Indian Institute of Technology. It was established in 1951. The idea of IITs came after India gained independence. The goal was to build a strong technical education system. IIT Kharagpur was inspired by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA. The University of Illinois also helped during the initial years.
The institute started in the old Hijli Detention Camp. This camp had been used by the British to jail freedom fighters. The transformation from a prison to a temple of learning gives IIT Kharagpur great historical value.
Oldest IIT in India
IIT Kharagpur is the oldest IIT in the country. It laid the foundation for the other IITs that followed. Over the years, it has grown in both size and reputation. Many well-known scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs have studied here.
The campus of IIT Kharagpur is one of the largest in India. It spreads across 2,200 acres. It is like a mini-city with everything a student needs.
Is IIT Kharagpur Good?
Yes, IIT Kharagpur is one of the best IITs and holds the distinction of being the first IIT established in India. It has a strong academic reputation, exceptional research output, excellent infrastructure, and top-tier placements, making it a prestigious choice for students aspiring to pursue engineering.
IIT Kharagpur Rankings & Reputation
IIT Kharagpur has earned a place in top global university rankings. These rankings reflect its academic standards and research quality.
| Category | Ranking Body | Year | Rank |
| International Rankings | |||
| General (World) | ARWU | 2022 | 801–900 |
| General (World) | QS | 2025 | 222 |
| General (Asia) | QS | 2023 | 61 |
| National Rankings (India) | |||
| Overall | NIRF | 2024 | 6 |
| Research | NIRF | 2024 | 5 |
| Engineering | NIRF | 2024 | 5 |
| Engineering (Govt. Colleges) | Outlook India | 2022 | 4 |
| Law | NIRF | 2024 | 7 |
| Management | NIRF | 2024 | 19 |
| Architecture | NIRF | 2024 | 2 |
These rankings show that IIT Kharagpur performs well in different academic areas.
IIT Kharagpur Academic Excellence
IIT Kharagpur is well-known for its strong academic foundation and wide range of courses. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across many fields. The institute focuses on both theory and hands-on learning. Students get opportunities to learn from top faculty and work on real-world projects.
Programs and Departments
At the undergraduate level, IIT Kharagpur offers B.Tech, B.Arch, and Dual Degree programs. Popular branches include Computer Science, Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, and Chemical Engineering. These programs have a strong foundation in maths, physics, and core engineering. The B.Arch program is also one of the best in India, with a special focus on design and sustainability.
Apart from core branches, students can choose unique programs such as Aerospace Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, and Biotechnology. These departments help students work on new technologies and solve real problems.
The Dual Degree program allows students to complete both B.Tech and M.Tech in five years. This saves time and provides deeper knowledge in a chosen field.
At the postgraduate level, the institute offers M.Tech, MBA, M.Sc, LLB, and M.Des programs. The M.Tech programs cover traditional and emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Machine Learning, Robotics, and Renewable Energy. Students in these programs work on research projects, sometimes with industry partners or government agencies.
The MBA program is run by the Vinod Gupta School of Management (VGSoM). It focuses on leadership, innovation, and business strategy. The LLB program is offered by the Rajiv Gandhi School of Intellectual Property Law (RGSOIPL). It is one of the only law schools in the IIT system. The M.Des (Master of Design) program trains students in product design, UX, and visual communication.
IIT Kharagpur also promotes interdisciplinary courses. Students can take electives from other departments, such as Environmental Engineering, Internet of Things (IoT), and Cognitive Science. This helps them learn across subjects and become better problem-solvers.
Doctoral and Research Programs
IIT Kharagpur is also a top choice for students interested in research. It offers Ph.D. programs in all major areas of science, engineering, humanities, management, and law. The institute has over 3,600 research scholars. Many projects receive funding from government bodies such as DRDO, ISRO, DST, and CSIR. These projects focus on national needs like defence, space, healthcare, and clean energy.
Research students get access to advanced labs, high-performance computing, and industry collaborations. Some students even publish their work in international journals or present at conferences.
Faculty and Teaching Quality
The institute has over 895 faculty members. Many of them have studied or taught at top universities in India and abroad. They bring both academic knowledge and industry experience to the classroom. Guest faculty and visiting professors also conduct special lectures and workshops.
The teaching system at IIT Kharagpur encourages active learning. Students work on labs, assignments, projects, and internships. The credit system allows them to plan their own academic path. Faculty members also guide students in research, startups, and career planning.
IIT Kharagpur’s focus on academic quality, innovation, and flexibility makes it one of the best choices for higher education in India.
IIT Kharagpur Placements & Career Opportunities
IIT Kharagpur has a strong placement record. Every year, top companies visit the campus to hire students. The Career Development Centre (CDC) manages all placement-related activities. It helps students get internships, job offers, and guidance for higher studies.
Placement Statistics (2023–24)
In the 2023–24 placement season, IIT Kharagpur saw good results across all programs. The overall placement percentage for B.Tech students was 77.70%. For Dual Degree (B.Tech + M.Tech) programs, 68.80% of students got placed. Integrated M.Sc. programs had a placement rate of 62.50%, while B. Arch students saw a 51.35% placement rate.
The median salary package offered across all branches was Rs. 19.50 lakhs per annum. This shows that most students received high-paying offers. The highest international package was a massive Rs. 1.69 crore per annum. It was offered by a global tech company.
For domestic placements, many students received offers above Rs. 30 lakhs per annum, especially in Computer Science, Electronics, and Mathematics-related fields. Students from Mechanical, Civil, and Chemical Engineering also secured roles in top manufacturing, construction, and consulting firms.
Top Recruiters
Many top companies come to IIT Kharagpur during placements. These include Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Goldman Sachs, Tata, Qualcomm, Schlumberger, and ISRO. Public sector companies like DRDO, BARC, and Indian Railways also offer jobs to eligible students.
Companies offer jobs in different roles, such as Software Developer, Data Scientist, Product Manager, Research Engineer, Analyst, and Design Engineer. Students can apply to multiple job categories depending on their branch and interests.
Some students also choose to work in core engineering fields, while others move into finance, consulting, or data science. The placement cell helps students explore different options and prepare for interviews.
Startup Culture and Entrepreneurship
IIT Kharagpur has a strong startup culture. Many students and alumni have started successful companies. Famous startups like Flipkart, Ola, and Zomato were co-founded by IIT Kharagpur graduates. This motivates current students to think beyond jobs and build their own ventures.
The campus has its own startup incubator called STEP (Science and Technology Entrepreneurs’ Park). STEP helps students with office space, mentoring, seed funding, and legal support. The Rajendra Mishra School of Engineering Entrepreneurship also trains students in business planning and product development.
Every year, the institute hosts entrepreneurship events where students pitch their ideas to investors and mentors. Many students even start their own companies while studying.
Internships and Industry Exposure
IIT Kharagpur students take part in summer internships after their second and third years. These internships happen at top companies, research labs, and universities. Some students go abroad for internships through programs like MITACS, DAAD, and NUS Exchange.
The institute has tie-ups with companies like TATA, Infosys, Reliance, Adobe, and IBM for internships and training programs. These give students real-world experience and improve their job readiness.
Overall, IIT Kharagpur gives students many career paths—jobs, research, startups, or higher studies. With strong placement support, global links, and hands-on experience, students are well-prepared to succeed after graduation.
IIT Kharagpur Campus Life & Student Experience
Life at IIT Kharagpur is more than just classes and labs. The campus offers a vibrant and active student experience. Students come from all parts of India and abroad. They live, study, and grow together in a close-knit community.
Hostel and Accommodation
IIT Kharagpur has 22 hostels, also known as halls of residence. These include separate hostels for undergraduate, postgraduate, and research students. Each hall has its own identity, traditions, and community spirit. Students often refer to their hostel as their second home.
The hostels have good facilities such as Wi-Fi, water purifiers, common rooms, indoor games, and TV rooms. Each hostel has a mess that serves daily meals. The quality of food has improved over the years. Students can choose from vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. There are also night canteens and food stalls on campus for late-night snacks.
Each hostel also has its own sports teams and cultural groups. Inter-hall competitions in sports, music, and drama create a healthy and fun rivalry. This helps students bond and learn teamwork.
Clubs and Extracurricular Activities
IIT Kharagpur supports many student clubs. These clubs cover technical, cultural, and social interests. If you love building robots, writing code, or designing apps, there are clubs like the Robotics Club, Technology Robotix Society, and CodeClub.
If you are into music, drama, dance, or literature, there are cultural clubs like Music Society, Dramatics Club, and Debating Society. Students rehearse regularly and perform during festivals and competitions. There are also photography, design, and filmmaking clubs.
Students can also join social impact groups that work on issues like rural development, education, and environment. These groups help students connect with local communities and apply their skills to real problems.
Sports are a big part of life at IIT Kharagpur. The campus has cricket grounds, football fields, tennis courts, swimming pools, and gyms. Students take part in the Inter-IIT Sports Meet, one of the biggest college-level sports tournaments in India. Regular practice and matches keep the sports culture alive throughout the year.
Festivals and Events
IIT Kharagpur is known for its large and exciting student festivals. The biggest one is Spring Fest, Asia’s largest college cultural festival. It features music concerts, dance shows, literary events, and celebrity appearances. Thousands of students from other colleges come to attend.
Another popular event is Kshitij, one of the biggest techno-management festivals in India. It includes coding challenges, robotics contests, case studies, and guest lectures by industry leaders. Students get to showcase their skills and win prizes.
Earlier, the campus also hosted Shaurya, an inter-college sports meet. Though it is now discontinued, many students still remember it as a highlight of their time on campus.
A Well-Rounded Experience
IIT Kharagpur gives students a balanced life. They study hard but also enjoy sports, culture, and hobbies. They build friendships that last for life. The mix of academics and activities helps them grow as confident and well-rounded individuals.
Campus life here is busy, energetic, and full of opportunities to learn beyond the classroom.
IIT Kharagpur Infrastructure & Facilities
IIT Kharagpur is known for having one of the most well-equipped and spacious campuses in India. Spread across 2,200 acres, it has everything students need for education, research, and daily life. The campus is like a small township with its own systems and facilities.
Libraries and Research Centers
The Central Library of IIT Kharagpur is one of the largest in India. It holds over 3.5 lakh books, thousands of journals, and digital resources. Students can access e-books, research papers, and databases for free. There are reading halls, discussion rooms, and computer access throughout the library.
Apart from the Central Library, there are departmental libraries that serve specific branches like engineering, law, architecture, and management.
IIT Kharagpur also has several top research centers. One of them is the Rural Development Centre (RDC). It focuses on sustainable technology for villages and small towns. Students from various fields work together on real-life projects here.
Another major place is the Nehru Museum of Science and Technology, located in the old Hijli Jail building. It showcases scientific models and historical exhibits, making it both an educational and heritage space.
Academic and Administrative Buildings
The campus has several iconic academic buildings. The Main Building, with its tall tower and clock, is a symbol of IIT Kharagpur. It houses administrative offices, lecture halls, and departments. Other major buildings include Takshashila, Vikramshila, and Nalanda, which host various engineering departments and classrooms.
All lecture halls have modern teaching tools, including projectors and smart boards. Labs are equipped with advanced machines and instruments to support practical learning.
Medical and Civic Amenities
Healthcare is available 24/7 at the B.C. Roy Technology Hospital, which is located on campus. It has doctors, nurses, diagnostic labs, and emergency care. Students can get basic treatment, medicines, and even specialist consultation without leaving the campus.
For daily needs, there are banks, ATMs, grocery shops, post office, restaurants, and a railway ticket counter inside the campus. This makes life easier for students and staff. Children of faculty members can also attend schools located within the campus.
Internet, Transport, and Sustainability
The campus has high-speed internet and Wi-Fi in all academic and hostel areas. Students can work on their laptops from classrooms, hostels, or even open gardens.
There is a campus bus service and a fleet of bicycles and electric vehicles to help students move around. Many students use cycles to get from hostels to classes. The campus also has solar panels and water conservation systems to promote green living.
Connectivity and Location
IIT Kharagpur is located about 120 km from Kolkata, the nearest major city. It is well-connected by rail and road. The Kharagpur Railway Station is only 5 km from the campus. Auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are available for short distances.
Despite its large size, the campus is safe and peaceful. Security staff, CCTV, and proper lighting help ensure safety for everyone.
Conclusion
IIT Kharagpur stands as a symbol of academic excellence, rich history, and student-driven innovation. It offers a wide range of programs, modern infrastructure, top placements, and a vibrant campus life. Students here don’t just learn in classrooms—they build projects, launch startups, and take part in national and international competitions.
From engineering and management to law and design, the institute supports all kinds of interests and goals. With strong faculty support and global industry connections, students are well-prepared for future challenges. If you are serious about building a great career and want a place that helps you grow in every way, IIT Kharagpur is a strong choice. It is not just an institute—it is a life-changing experience.
