Choosing the right IIT can shape your entire future. Every year, thousands of students compete for top ranks to enter the best engineering institutes in India. But how do you decide which IIT is best for you? This is where rankings help.
The Government of India releases the NIRF rankings every year to show how IITs perform in teaching, research, placements, and student support. At the same time, global rankings like the QS World University Rankings show how IITs are viewed around the world. These rankings use different methods and focus on different goals.
As a student, you should understand both systems to make smart choices. Whether you want a top job in India or a research career abroad, knowing how each IIT ranks will help you plan better. In this article, we will break down the rankings, explain what they mean, and help you decide which IIT fits your goals the best.
IIT University NIRF Rankings
| Name of Institute | NIRF Ranking 2024 | NIRF Ranking 2023 |
| IIT Madras | 1 | 1 |
| IIT Delhi | 2 | 2 |
| IIT Bombay | 3 | 3 |
| IIT Kanpur | 4 | 4 |
| IIT Roorkee | 6 | 5 |
| IIT Kharagpur | 5 | 6 |
| IIT Guwahati | 7 | 7 |
| IIT Hyderabad | 8 | 8 |
| IIT BHU | 10 | 15 |
| IIT ISM Dhanbad | 15 | 17 |
| IIT Indore | 16 | 14 |
| IIT Ropar | 22 | 22 |
| IIT Mandi | 31 | 33 |
| IIT Gandhinagar | 18 | 18 |
| IIT Jodhpur | 28 | 30 |
| IIT Patna | 34 | 41 |
| IIT Bhubaneswar | 54 | 27 |
| IIT Tirupati | 61 | 59 |
| IIT Palakkad | 64 | 69 |
| IIT Jammu | 62 | 67 |
| IIT Dharwad | Not in top 100 | 93 |
| IIT Bhilai | 73 | 81 |
What is NIRF?
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) is a government initiative that ranks colleges and universities across India. It was launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. The main goal of NIRF is to help students, parents, and institutions understand how well an educational institute is performing in key areas like teaching, research, placements, and inclusivity.
NIRF publishes separate rankings for engineering colleges, universities, medical colleges, law schools, and more. For students looking to get into IITs, the NIRF Engineering Ranking is especially important.
Why NIRF Rankings Matter for Students
For students, NIRF rankings are useful because they show which IITs are leading in areas that directly affect your academic and career success. The rankings are based on actual data submitted by the institutes and verified by the government. This makes the rankings more reliable than opinions or word-of-mouth.
Students can use NIRF rankings to:
- Compare different IITs based on performance.
- Understand which IITs have better teaching and learning systems.
- Know which IITs have stronger research and placement outcomes.
- Make informed decisions during JoSAA counselling.
Parameters Used in NIRF
NIRF uses five major parameters, each with specific weightages. These parameters cover all important aspects of an educational institution.
Here is a table that shows the NIRF ranking parameters and their weightage:
| Parameter | Details | Weightage (%) |
| Teaching, Learning & Resources (TLR) | Faculty-student ratio, facilities, learning environment | 30% |
| Research and Professional Practice (RP) | Research papers, patents, quality publications | 30% |
| Graduation Outcomes (GO) | Student placements, higher studies, entrepreneurship | 20% |
| Outreach and Inclusivity (OI) | Support for women, economically weaker sections, regional balance | 10% |
| Perception (PR) | Public and academic perception through surveys | 10% |
Who Uses NIRF? NIRF rankings are used by:
- Students, to choose the right college
- Parents, to compare institutes before admissions
- Institutes, to improve their performance
- Government, to track and support better-performing colleges
QS World University Rankings 2025: Global Performance
The QS World University Rankings are one of the most well-known global ranking systems. Published every year by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), a UK-based company, these rankings show how universities across the world perform in areas such as academic reputation, research impact, and international presence.
For Indian students, especially those planning to study abroad or work internationally, QS rankings are very important. These rankings help you understand how Indian institutes compare with top universities in other countries. They also show how global companies and academic institutions view Indian IITs.
What Does QS Measure?
QS rankings are based on six key parameters. Each one has a different weightage and helps measure different parts of a university’s strength. Here is a simple table explaining these parameters:
| Parameter | Description | Weightage (%) |
| Academic Reputation | Based on global surveys of academics | 30% |
| Employer Reputation | Based on surveys of global employers about hiring preferences | 15% |
| Faculty/Student Ratio | Measures teaching quality through number of students per faculty | 10% |
| Citations per Faculty | Research impact based on how often faculty research is cited | 20% |
| International Faculty Ratio | Measures the percentage of faculty from other countries | 5% |
| International Student Ratio | Measures the percentage of students from other countries | 5% |
| International Research Network | Measures research collaborations across borders | 5% |
| Employment Outcomes (new) | Based on graduate success in the global job market | 10% |
Note: In the QS 2025 edition, some new indicators like employment outcomes and international research network have been added to reflect the growing importance of career readiness and international collaboration.
Top Indian Institutes in QS 2025 Rankings
Below is a table showing how top Indian institutes have performed in the QS World University Rankings 2025:
| Institute | QS World Ranking 2025 | Highlights |
| IIT Bombay | 118 | Best global rank among Indian institutes |
| IIT Delhi | 150 | High employer reputation, strong global presence |
| IISc Bangalore | 211 | Strong in research and citations |
| IIT Kharagpur | 222 | Good in research and growing international links |
| IIT Madras | 227 | Strong in academics but lower global visibility |
Why Do Some IITs Rank Lower Globally?
Even though IITs perform well in India, some of them rank lower globally. This happens due to the following reasons:
- Low international faculty: Most IITs have few foreign professors.
- Fewer international students: Unlike top global universities, IITs have limited foreign student intake.
- Lower citation impact: While IITs produce good research, the global impact (measured by citations) is still catching up.
- Limited global partnerships: Some IITs are still growing their global research collaborations and exchange programs.
These factors affect the international reputation of IITs, even though they do well in Indian rankings like NIRF.
Why Students Should Care About QS Rankings
If you are planning to apply for higher studies abroad, QS rankings are important. Many global universities consider your undergraduate institute’s QS ranking during the admission process. Employers in international companies may also prefer candidates from highly ranked institutes.
If your goal is to work in multinational companies, do research, or pursue a PhD abroad, you should consider institutes like:
- IIT Bombay (best QS rank among Indian IITs)
- IIT Delhi
- IISc Bangalore (research-focused)
Top University Ranking IITs in India
1) IIT Madras
IIT Madras ranks #1 in NIRF 2024 and has held this position for six years in a row. It is located in Chennai and was established in 1959 with support from the German government. The campus spans 620 acres and includes over 550 faculty members and 9,000 students. The institute offers programs in engineering, science, humanities, and management. It is known for its strong teaching environment, innovative research projects, and national-level collaborations. In 2024, IIT Madras also received over ₹1,000 crore in research funding. The campus houses the Center for Innovation (CFI) and Research Park, both of which help students with startups and product design. The placement record is also strong, with average salaries for core branches ranging between ₹15–20 LPA, and much higher for tech profiles. In the QS World University Rankings 2025, IIT Madras holds the 227th global rank.
2) IIT Bombay
IIT Bombay ranks #3 in NIRF 2024 and is the highest-ranked Indian institute globally, standing at #118 in the QS 2025 rankings. Located in Powai, Mumbai, it was established in 1958 with Soviet assistance. The institute has over 700 faculty members and a student strength of around 11,000, including undergraduates and postgraduates. IIT Bombay is known for its strong research, excellent coding culture, and vibrant student life. The institute hosts the Techfest and Mood Indigo, which are among the largest college festivals in Asia. The average salary for top branches like Computer Science crosses ₹25–30 LPA, with many international offers as well. It is also home to the Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SINE) and several incubators. The campus is well-connected to industries and global companies due to its Mumbai location, giving students many internship and networking opportunities.
3) IIT Delhi
IIT Delhi holds the #2 position in NIRF 2024 and ranks #150 globally in QS 2025. Established in 1961, it is located in Hauz Khas, New Delhi, and offers B.Tech, M.Tech, Ph.D., and interdisciplinary programs. The institute has a student strength of around 12,000 and more than 600 faculty members. IIT Delhi performs strongly in both academic reputation and employer perception. Its Entrepreneurship Development Cell (EDC) and Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT) support startups and innovation. It offers excellent placements, especially in electrical, computer science, and mechanical branches, with many students receiving offers above ₹20 LPA. IIT Delhi also has many MoUs with foreign universities for exchange programs and joint degrees. It plays a major role in national policy and technology consulting through its specialized centers like the Amar Nath and Shashi Khosla School of IT.
4) IIT Kanpur
IIT Kanpur is ranked #4 in NIRF 2024 and was founded in 1959 with help from a consortium of U.S. universities. The campus covers 1,055 acres and includes state-of-the-art research labs and academic buildings. It is home to over 8,000 students and more than 400 faculty members. IIT Kanpur is known for its rigorous academic environment, strong focus on research, and high-quality lab facilities. It houses specialized centers like the National Centre for Flexible Electronics and Flight Laboratory. The average placement package for CSE and ECE ranges from ₹20–28 LPA, and it has a high rate of students going abroad for higher studies. It also supports entrepreneurship through SIIC (Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre) and hosts annual fests like Techkriti and Antaragni. The institute is recognized in QS rankings in the 251–300 band globally.
5) IIT Kharagpur
IIT Kharagpur, established in 1951, is India’s first IIT and ranks #5 in NIRF 2024. Its campus is the largest among all IITs, spread across 2,100 acres. The institute offers over 100 academic programs in engineering, law, architecture, and management. It has more than 11,000 students and over 700 faculty members. IIT Kharagpur is a hub for interdisciplinary research with centers like the Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence, Vinod Gupta School of Management, and Rajiv Gandhi School of Intellectual Property Law. In the QS 2025 rankings, it ranks #222 globally, placing it just ahead of IIT Madras. Its placement record is strong in civil, mechanical, and electrical branches, with average packages ranging between ₹14–20 LPA. The campus also offers global exposure through joint degree programs and student exchange opportunities.
6) IIT Roorkee
IIT Roorkee ranks #6 in NIRF 2024 and was originally founded in 1847 as Thomason College of Civil Engineering. It became an IIT in 2001 and is located in Uttarakhand. The institute has over 9,000 students and more than 400 faculty members. It is known for its heritage, strong focus on civil, mechanical, and chemical engineering, and vibrant campus life. IIT Roorkee has more than 20 departments and centers, including the Centre for Nanotechnology and the Centre for Transportation Systems. The average package for top branches is around ₹16–18 LPA, with many research and public-sector opportunities. The campus is scenic, with colonial-era architecture and excellent academic facilities. In the QS 2025 rankings, IIT Roorkee is placed in the 369th position globally.
7) IIT Guwahati
IIT Guwahati is ranked #7 in NIRF 2024 and holds the 364th spot globally in QS 2025. Established in 1994, it is one of the newer IITs but has made fast progress in academics and research. The campus is located along the banks of the Brahmaputra River and covers 700 acres. It has over 7,500 students and more than 350 faculty members. The institute offers B.Tech, M.Tech, M.Sc., and Ph.D. programs in engineering, science, and design. It has strong departments in chemical, biotechnology, and data science. The School of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence and the Centre for Energy promote research in new-age technologies. Placement packages range from ₹12–20 LPA, with a growing number of recruiters in AI and analytics. The institute also supports innovation through the Technology Incubation Centre (TIC).
8) IIT Hyderabad
IIT Hyderabad ranks #8 in NIRF 2024 and was established in 2008. It is located in Telangana and has a modern campus with 576 acres. The institute has around 4,000 students and more than 250 faculty members. It is known for its advanced curriculum and focus on research in AI, robotics, biomedical engineering, and electric vehicles. It has academic collaboration with Japanese universities and industries. The average salary for computer science students is above ₹20 LPA, and many students pursue internships and research abroad. The institute also has dedicated research centers like the Department of Artificial Intelligence, which is the first of its kind in India. Its incubation center supports student startups and provides mentoring, funding, and infrastructure support.
9) IIT BHU Varanasi
IIT BHU, located in Varanasi, ranks #10 in NIRF 2024, moving up from #15 in 2023. It is part of the Banaras Hindu University and was converted into an IIT in 2012. The campus spans over 1,300 acres and houses more than 9,000 students. It offers programs in 15 engineering disciplines and has strong departments in electrical, mechanical, ceramics, and metallurgy. The institute has well-equipped labs, modern research centers, and growing industry partnerships. The average package for top branches crosses ₹15 LPA, and the placement record has steadily improved in recent years. IIT BHU also participates in global exchange programs and research projects with foreign universities. Its rise in NIRF ranking shows its focus on quality education, research, and student outcomes.
10) IIT Gandhinagar
IIT Gandhinagar holds the #18 rank in NIRF 2024 and is known for its modern curriculum, project-based learning, and student-centered policies. It was established in 2008 and is located in Palaj, Gujarat. The institute has around 2,000 students and over 150 faculty members. IITGN follows a flexible academic structure, allowing students to take interdisciplinary courses and minor degrees. It places strong emphasis on humanities, critical thinking, and communication skills. Students can also participate in international internships, research programs, and summer schools. The average placement package is around ₹12–15 LPA, and the campus supports innovation through its Design and Innovation Centre (DIC). The focus on holistic education makes it a popular choice among students who seek a balance between academics and personal growth.
Conclusion
As a student, choosing the right IIT is an important decision. Rankings like NIRF and QS give you valuable information to make that choice wisely. NIRF tells you how well an IIT performs within India in areas like teaching, placements, and research. QS shows how an IIT is viewed globally, based on academic reputation, international outlook, and research impact.
If your goal is to get a good job in India, NIRF rankings are more useful. If you want to pursue higher studies or work abroad, QS rankings will help you more. Keep an eye on which IITs are improving each year, like IIT BHU and IIT Patna, and also note those that are falling in rank.
Rankings are not everything, but they are a good starting point. Always look at the full picture — courses, faculty, research, and placement support. Make a choice that matches your career plans and personal goals.
