Choosing the right IIT can shape your future in many ways. Every year, thousands of students work hard to get into these prestigious institutes. But with over 20 IITs and different rankings available, it is natural to feel confused. Which IIT is really the best? How do rankings like NIRF and QS World help you decide? If you want a top college that offers great learning, research, and job opportunities, understanding these rankings is important.
Some IITs are better known within India, while others have strong global reputations. In this article, you will learn about the key differences between Indian and global rankings. You will also get a clear idea about the top IITs based on placements, research, and popularity. Whether your goal is to work in India or study abroad, this guide will help you pick the IIT that suits you best. Let’s start by looking at how IIT rankings work.
Understanding IIT Rankings: NIRF vs. QS World
When choosing an IIT, many students look at college rankings to help make their decision. Two of the most popular ranking systems are NIRF and QS World University Rankings. Both provide valuable information, but they work differently and serve different purposes. Understanding these rankings will help you decide which IIT suits your goals best.
What is NIRF?
NIRF stands for the National Institutional Ranking Framework. It is run by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. NIRF ranks colleges and universities within India every year. It started in 2015 to provide a transparent and consistent way to compare Indian educational institutions. NIRF evaluates institutes based on five main parameters:
- Teaching, Learning, and Resources: This looks at faculty quality, student strength, and available facilities.
- Research and Professional Practice: This measures research papers published, patents filed, and projects completed.
- Graduation Outcomes: This focuses on placements, higher studies, and average salary of students.
- Outreach and Inclusivity: This considers diversity of students and faculty, gender balance, and support for disadvantaged groups.
- Perception: This is about how the institute is viewed by employers, academics, and the public.
Top 10 IITs as per NIRF 2024
| Rank | IIT Name | Establishment Year |
| 1 | IIT Madras | 1959 |
| 2 | IIT Delhi | 1963 |
| 3 | IIT Bombay | 1958 |
| 4 | IIT Kanpur | 1959 |
| 5 | IIT Kharagpur | 1951 |
| 6 | IIT Roorkee | 1847 |
| 7 | IIT Guwahati | 1994 |
| 8 | IIT Hyderabad | 2008 |
| 10 | IIT BHU Varanasi | 1919 |
| 16 | IIT Indore | 2009 |
NIRF releases separate rankings for different types of institutions like engineering, management, medical, and universities. For IITs, the focus is on engineering rankings.
What is QS World University Rankings?
QS stands for Quacquarelli Symonds, a global higher education analyst based in the UK. QS World University Rankings is one of the most respected international ranking systems. It rates universities from many countries on a global scale.
QS looks at six broad categories:
- Academic Reputation: Based on a large survey of academics worldwide.
- Employer Reputation: Based on surveys of employers who hire graduates.
- Faculty/Student Ratio: Measures teaching capacity.
- Citations per Faculty: Measures research impact by counting research papers cited.
- International Faculty Ratio: Measures diversity of faculty from other countries.
- International Student Ratio: Measures diversity of students from other countries.
Top Indian Institutes in QS 2025
| Institute | QS Rank 2025 | Score |
| IIT Bombay | 118 | 56.3 |
| IIT Delhi | 150 | 52.1 |
| IISc Bangalore | 211 | 45 |
| IIT Kharagpur | 222 | 43.7 |
| IIT Madras | 227 | 43.5 |
| IIT Kanpur | 263 | 39.3 |
| IIT Roorkee | 335 | 33.4 |
| IIT Guwahati | 344 | 32.9 |
QS ranks universities as a whole, not just their engineering departments. This means rankings show the global standing of the entire institution.
Why QS Rankings Matter for Indian Students
If you want to study abroad or collaborate on international research, QS rankings are very useful. Universities in the US, UK, Australia, and other countries consider QS rankings when accepting Indian students or faculty.
QS rankings also give an idea of how IITs compare with top universities worldwide. For example, IIT Bombay is ranked 118 globally, which shows it is recognized internationally.
Key Differences Between NIRF and QS Rankings
- Scope: NIRF focuses on Indian institutions only. QS ranks universities globally.
- Parameters: NIRF places more emphasis on teaching, research output within India, and placements. QS weighs academic reputation and international presence more heavily.
- Focus: NIRF publishes separate rankings for engineering, management, and other streams. QS ranks overall university performance.
- Usefulness: NIRF is better for students targeting Indian job markets and higher education. QS helps those aiming for global opportunities.
Which IIT Is Best?
Choosing the best IIT depends on what you want. Each IIT has its strengths. IIT Madras is ranked No. 1 by NIRF in India. IIT Bombay has the best QS global ranking among Indian IITs (118). If you want good placements and strong research in India, IIT Madras is a top choice. If you want global exposure and opportunities, IIT Bombay leads.
The Big 3 IITs: Bombay, Delhi, Madras (Detailed Comparison)
India has many IITs, but three of them stand out the most. These are IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, and IIT Madras. They are often called the “Big 3” because of their excellent academic standards, research, placements, and overall reputation. Each one has its own unique strengths and features. In this section, we will compare these three IITs in detail to help you understand what makes each special. This can help you decide which one fits your goals and interests.
1) IIT Madras (QS #227, NIRF #1)
IIT Madras holds the top spot in the NIRF rankings for engineering colleges in India. It is located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and is known for its calm and green campus. Many students like IIT Madras because of its peaceful environment, which is ideal for studying and research.
One of the biggest strengths of IIT Madras is its research output. It has a large number of faculty members actively involved in high-quality research projects. The institute gets many grants from government bodies and industries, which helps in advanced studies. Students have access to modern labs and facilities that support innovation.
Placements at IIT Madras are strong, especially in core engineering branches like mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering. The average package for core branches is about ₹22 lakh per annum, which is very good. Many core companies visit the campus every year for recruitment. The institute also encourages startups and entrepreneurship, giving students support through its incubation center.
IIT Madras is known for balanced growth. It focuses on academic excellence, research, and student well-being equally. The campus has many clubs, cultural events, and sports activities. Students say it offers a friendly and supportive community. This makes IIT Madras attractive for those who want a calm place to grow academically and personally.
2) IIT Bombay (QS #118, NIRF #3)
IIT Bombay is the highest-ranked IIT in the QS World University Rankings among Indian IITs. It is located in Mumbai, Maharashtra, and is famous for its vibrant campus life and strong technical programs, especially in Computer Science and Electronics.
One of IIT Bombay’s key advantages is its excellent Computer Science department. It is considered the best in India for this field. The institute has strong connections with top tech companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon. These companies recruit large numbers of students every year. The average package for Computer Science graduates is among the highest, often reaching ₹23.5 lakh per annum.
IIT Bombay also has a lively startup culture. Many students start their own companies with help from the institute’s entrepreneurship cell and incubation centers. Mumbai’s location helps because it is a major business and financial hub. Students get exposure to industry events, internships, and networking opportunities.
The campus life at IIT Bombay is active and diverse. There are many technical clubs, cultural fests, and sports events. Students enjoy a mix of studies and extracurricular activities. The institute promotes innovation and creativity through various competitions and workshops.
While IIT Bombay ranks third in NIRF, its global reputation is strong. It attracts many international students and faculty. Research output is also good, but it focuses more on technology and startup-related fields. This makes IIT Bombay a great choice if you want to study Computer Science, get good placements, and enjoy a vibrant campus.
3) IIT Delhi (QS #150, NIRF #2)
IIT Delhi is another top IIT located in the capital city of India, New Delhi. It holds the second rank in the NIRF engineering list and ranks 150 in QS World University Rankings. IIT Delhi is known for its strong corporate connections and the highest average salary among the IITs. The average package at IIT Delhi is around ₹36.9 lakh per annum, which is the highest in the country. This is because many multinational companies and startups choose IIT Delhi for recruitment. Major recruiters include Microsoft, Google, Goldman Sachs, and many more. The institute has a strong alumni network that helps current students get internships and jobs.
IIT Delhi is famous for its engineering programs in Computer Science, Electrical, and Mechanical fields. It also has strong research groups working on artificial intelligence, data science, and electronics. Many students get opportunities to work on projects with industries and government agencies.
The campus life at IIT Delhi is dynamic and offers many clubs and events. Because it is in the capital city, students get access to many cultural and professional activities. There are frequent guest lectures, workshops, and startup meets. The location also provides easy access to government institutions and research centers.
In terms of research and funding, IIT Delhi gets large grants for advanced projects. It encourages innovation and entrepreneurship through its startup incubators and funding programs. The institute also supports social initiatives, encouraging students to use technology for social good.
The Next Tier IITs: Kanpur, Kharagpur, Roorkee
1) IIT Kanpur
IIT Kanpur ranks 4th in the NIRF 2024 rankings in India. Globally, in the QS World University Rankings 2025, it is placed at 263 with a score of 39.3. Established in 1959, IIT Kanpur is known for its strong research programs, especially in Artificial Intelligence (AI), aerospace engineering, and computer science.
The campus provides a focused and peaceful environment ideal for students who want to engage deeply in research and innovation. The institute has top laboratories and encourages students to participate in startup activities and entrepreneurial ventures.
Placements at IIT Kanpur are impressive, with an average package of around ₹26.27 lakh per annum. Leading companies from technology, aerospace, and finance sectors recruit from here regularly. This includes recruiters like ISRO, NASA partners, and major tech firms, making it a great choice for students interested in cutting-edge technology and research.
2) IIT Kharagpur
IIT Kharagpur holds the 5th rank in the NIRF 2024 and is placed 222nd in the QS rankings for 2025 with a score of 43.7. Founded in 1951, it is the oldest IIT in India and has a massive campus with a long tradition of academic excellence.
It is well known for its strong programs in core branches like Civil Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. IIT Kharagpur also has active research centers and encourages interdisciplinary studies combining engineering with management and sciences.
The campus life is vibrant with many cultural and technical festivals, clubs, and societies. The placement average is about ₹22.13 lakh per annum, with regular visits from top recruiters in core and tech sectors. Companies like Tata, Reliance, Microsoft, and Google often recruit from here. The strong alumni network adds to its reputation and offers good career support.
3) IIT Roorkee
IIT Roorkee ranks 6th in the NIRF 2024 rankings and is placed at 335 in the QS World University Rankings 2025 with a score of 33.4. Established in 1847, it is Asia’s oldest engineering institution and became an IIT in 2001. It is particularly known for its expertise in Civil Engineering.
IIT Roorkee has a slightly smaller campus but offers excellent academic resources and research centers specializing in infrastructure and civil engineering. The atmosphere is friendly and supportive, which helps students focus on academics and innovation.
Placements at IIT Roorkee average around ₹18.3 lakh per annum. The institute has strong ties with companies in construction, manufacturing, and public sector enterprises, which regularly recruit from its campus. It is a preferred choice for students interested in civil and core engineering branches.
Rising Stars: Hyderabad, Guwahati, Indore
Besides the well-established IITs, newer IITs have been growing rapidly and earning respect for their academics, research, and placements. Among these, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Guwahati, and IIT Indore are rising stars. They have shown strong progress in a short time and offer exciting opportunities to students. Let’s look closely at what makes each of these institutes special.
1) IIT Hyderabad
IIT Hyderabad (IIT-H) was established in 2008. It has quickly become one of the fastest-growing IITs in India. It ranks 8th in the NIRF 2024 rankings and holds the 344th position in the QS World University Rankings 2025. This young IIT is known for its modern campus, excellent research facilities, and focus on technology.
One of IIT Hyderabad’s biggest strengths is its Computer Science department. The institute has been attracting top companies and startups in the tech industry. It also encourages interdisciplinary courses and research, combining engineering with fields like data science, artificial intelligence, and robotics.
Placements at IIT Hyderabad are very impressive for a newer IIT. The average package is around ₹26.51 lakh per annum. Major recruiters include top IT firms, consulting companies, and research organizations. Many students also take part in internships and projects that lead to exciting job offers.
IIT Hyderabad’s fast growth and emphasis on innovation make it a great choice for students who want to be part of a dynamic, technology-focused environment.
2) IIT Guwahati
IIT Guwahati was founded in 1994 and is the youngest among the older generation of IITs. It ranks 7th in the NIRF 2024 rankings and is placed 344th in the QS rankings for 2025. Despite being located in a relatively remote area in the northeast, IIT Guwahati has developed a strong academic and research profile.
The institute is well known for its beautiful campus beside the Brahmaputra River and for its friendly and supportive student environment. It has excellent research labs and encourages students to work on innovative projects. Placements at IIT Guwahati are strong. The average package is approximately ₹25.75 lakh per annum, which is quite good considering its location. Many core engineering companies, IT firms, and multinational corporations come to recruit here. The institute also has a growing startup culture, and many students engage in entrepreneurial ventures.
IIT Guwahati offers a great balance of strong academics, good placements, and a peaceful environment. It is becoming a preferred choice for students from all over India.
3) IIT Indore
IIT Indore was established in 2009 and is among the newest IITs. It ranks 16th in the NIRF 2024 rankings and has not yet appeared in the QS top 400 globally but is quickly improving. IIT Indore is known for its focus on interdisciplinary education and research.
The campus is modern and well-equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories. IIT Indore promotes combining different branches of science and engineering to solve complex problems. It offers unique programs that encourage innovation and creativity.
Placements at IIT Indore are steadily improving. The average salary package is rising as more companies recognize the talent here. The institute is building strong industry connections and focuses on preparing students for research as well as corporate jobs.
IIT Indore is a good choice for students interested in interdisciplinary courses and who want to be part of a growing institution focused on innovation.
Conclusion
Choosing the right IIT is an important step for your future career and studies. Each IIT has its own strengths in research, placements, and campus life. IIT Madras leads in India according to NIRF rankings, while IIT Bombay holds the best global position in QS rankings. If you want good job opportunities in India, NIRF rankings are more useful. For global recognition and study abroad options, QS rankings matter more.
Remember that branches like Computer Science and Electronics offer higher salaries compared to others. Apart from the big three IITs, newer IITs like Hyderabad, Guwahati, and Indore are also growing fast and offer great chances. Take time to understand what you want from your IIT experience. Use this knowledge to choose the IIT that fits your goals. With the right choice and hard work, you can build a successful future from any of these top IITs.
