Choosing the right IIT for Computer Science and Engineering can shape your future. With so many options available, it’s crucial to make an informed decision based on employability, research strength, and global rankings. As technology advances, especially in areas like AI and machine learning, the demand for skilled engineers is rising. This makes selecting an IIT that excels in these areas even more important. Whether you are aiming for a top placement, pursuing cutting-edge research, or joining a startup, the right IIT can offer the foundation for your success.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best IITs for CSE in 2025, comparing them across key factors like global employability, academic reputation, and placements. This will help you understand which IIT is the best fit for your goals and prepare you to make a confident decision as you start your journey toward a successful career in CSE.
Which IIT Is Best For CSE?
IIT Bombay is the best for Computer Science Engineering (CSE) according to both global and national rankings. It ranks 20th globally in Global Employability University Ranking Survey (GEURS 2025) and holds the 3rd spot in the NIRF 2024 Engineering rankings, reflecting its strong reputation in digital roles and academic excellence.
IITs Ranked by Global Employability (GEURS 2025)
The Global Employability University Ranking and Survey (GEURS) for 2025 evaluates institutions based on how employers view them in terms of hiring graduates, especially for digital roles like AI, software engineering, and machine learning. The ranking reflects the perception of leading employers and highlights which IITs stand out for CSE careers.
| S. No. | Name of the IIT | Global Rank | India Rank |
| 1 | Indian Institute of Technology Bombay | 20 | 1 |
| 2 | Indian Institute of Technology Delhi | 49 | 3 |
| 3 | Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur | 74 | 4 |
| 4 | Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur | 76 | 5 |
| 5 | Indian Institute of Technology Madras | 76 | 6 |
| 6 | Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee | 95 | 13 |
| 7 | Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati | 87 | 16 |
Top IITs for Employability in CSE (2025)
1) IIT Bombay – Global Rank #20 (India #1): IIT Bombay stands out as the best IIT for employability in CSE, ranked #20 globally. The institute has strong industry connections and a robust placement record, especially for AI and software engineering roles. Graduates from IIT Bombay are highly sought after by top tech companies, including global players in AI, machine learning, and data science.
2) IIT Delhi – Global Rank #49 (India #3): IIT Delhi holds the third spot in India and ranks #49 globally. Known for its excellent startup ecosystem and strong corporate recruitment, IIT Delhi is particularly recognized for producing graduates who excel in software engineering, AI, and entrepreneurship.
3) IIT Kharagpur – Global Rank #74 (India #4): With a legacy in computer science engineering, IIT Kharagpur holds the fourth position in India and ranks #74 globally. It continues to secure strong placements in core tech companies, thanks to its long-standing reputation in CSE.
4) IIT Kanpur & Madras – Global Rank #76 (India #5 & #6): Both IIT Kanpur and IIT Madras share the #76 global rank. These institutes have a strong emphasis on research in AI and machine learning, which makes them highly attractive to employers in digital fields.
5) IIT Roorkee – Global Rank #95 (India #13): IIT Roorkee ranks #95 globally and is emerging as a strong contender in the CSE field. The institute is gaining recognition for its growing reputation in tech placements, particularly in software and AI-based companies.
6) IIT Guwahati – Global Rank #87 (India #16): Ranked #87 globally, IIT Guwahati has shown significant improvement in the tech sector and is gaining a reputation for excellent CSE placements. It is an emerging choice for students interested in tech careers.
Key Takeaways from GEURS Rankings
- IIT Bombay is the top choice for employability in CSE.
- IIT Delhi and IIT Kharagpur are also highly ranked among employers.
Digital skills, especially in AI and software engineering, are key strengths of these IITs.
QS World University Rankings 2025 (Computer Science)
The QS World University Rankings assess universities globally, evaluating their academic reputation, research output, and employer perceptions. For CSE, this ranking is crucial for students who want to compare IITs on an international scale, focusing on academic excellence and the strength of research programs.
| Institute | Global Rank (CS) |
| IIT Delhi | #64 |
| IIT Bombay | #76 |
| IIT Madras | #107 |
| IIT Kanpur | #110 |
| IIT Kharagpur | #110 |
| IISc Bangalore | #110 |
| VIT Vellore | #110 |
| IIT Roorkee | 201–250 |
| IIT Guwahati | 251–300 |
Top IITs in QS Computer Science Rankings (2025)
1) IIT Delhi – #64 Globally: IIT Delhi is ranked #64 globally in computer science, reflecting its strong academic reputation, excellent research output, and industry ties. It continues to attract top employers in the tech and startup sectors.
2) IIT Bombay – #76 Globally: Ranked #76 globally, IIT Bombay has a reputation for excellence in research and academia. Its strong placement record in the tech industry further solidifies its position among the top IITs for CSE.
3) IIT Madras – #107 Globally: IIT Madras has improved significantly and is ranked #107 globally. With a growing emphasis on research in AI, data science, and machine learning, IIT Madras is gaining recognition in the global academic community.
4 )IIT Kanpur, Kharagpur, IISc Bangalore, VIT Vellore – #110 Globally
IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, IISc Bangalore, and VIT Vellore are all ranked in the #110 globally range. These institutes are known for their strong research and academic output in CSE.
5) IIT Roorkee – 201-250 Range: IIT Roorkee’s ranking in the 201-250 range reflects its academic growth and increasing research output in the CSE field.
6) IIT Guwahati – 251-300 Range: IIT Guwahati, ranked between 251-300 globally, is emerging as a rising institution with growing academic and research strengths in computer science.
Key Takeaways from QS Rankings
- IIT Delhi leads in global reputation for CSE, followed by IIT Bombay.
- IIT Madras is rapidly rising in research and industry perception.
IISc Bangalore and VIT Vellore are recognized alongside top IITs for their academic quality.
NIRF 2024 Rankings (India-Specific Performance)
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) evaluates institutions in India based on factors like teaching quality, research output, placements, and student perceptions. For students targeting IITs in India, the NIRF rankings offer a comprehensive overview of performance in the domestic context.
| IIT | NIRF Engineering Rank (2024) |
| IIT Madras | #1 |
| IIT Delhi | #2 |
| IIT Bombay | #3 |
| IIT Kanpur | Top 5 |
| IIT Kharagpur | Top 5 |
Top IITs in NIRF 2024 (Engineering & Overall)
1) IIT Madras – #1 in Engineering, #3 Overall: IIT Madras holds the top position in engineering in India. Known for the best placements and strong research programs in AI and Data Science, IIT Madras is consistently ranked as one of the best IITs for CSE.
2) IIT Delhi – #2 in Engineering, #4 Overall: IIT Delhi is ranked #2 in engineering and #4 overall in India. It has a vibrant startup culture and strong corporate recruitment, making it a great choice for students looking to pursue a career in tech or entrepreneurship.
3) IIT Bombay – #3 Overall, #4 in Research: Ranked #3 overall and #4 in research, IIT Bombay excels in producing top talent in tech roles, particularly in FAANG companies and other top IT firms.
4) IIT Kanpur & Kharagpur – Top 5 in Engineering: Both IIT Kanpur and IIT Kharagpur are in the top 5 for engineering in India. They are excellent choices for students who are particularly interested in core computer science research and placements.
Key Takeaways from NIRF Rankings
IIT Madras is India’s #1 engineering institute, excelling in placements and academics.
IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay are top competitors with strong industry connections.
IIT Kanpur and IIT Kharagpur are ideal for research-focused students.
Which IIT is Best for CSE? (Final Comparison)
| Parameter | Top IITs (Ranked Best to Good) |
| Global Employability (GEURS) | IIT Bombay > IIT Delhi > IIT Kharagpur > IIT Kanpur/Madras |
| QS World Rankings (CS) | IIT Delhi > IIT Bombay > IIT Madras > IIT Kanpur/Kharagpur |
| NIRF 2024 (India Rankings) | IIT Madras > IIT Delhi > IIT Bombay > IIT Kanpur/Kharagpur |
JEE Advanced Preparation Tips for IIT Bombay Admission
Preparing for IIT Bombay requires smart planning, hard work, and consistency. You don’t need to study all day, but you must study every day with a clear goal. Here is a step-by-step strategy that students in Class 11, Class 12, and drop-year students can follow to crack JEE.
1) Starting Early (Class 11 & 12 Students)
Starting your preparation early gives you an edge. It helps you understand concepts better and gives more time for practice.
- Why starting early is crucial: JEE includes topics from both Class 11 and 12. Starting early helps you cover the syllabus slowly and thoroughly without stress.
- Balancing school and JEE prep: Follow your school syllabus but study it deeply. Focus on concepts rather than rote learning. Make time daily for JEE practice.
- Build strong fundamentals: Don’t rush. Learn every topic step by step. Focus on understanding rather than memorizing. Basics of Physics, Chemistry, and Math must be very clear.
2) Study Plan for 1-Year & 2-Year Preparation
Your preparation plan depends on how much time you have before the exam. Here are two detailed strategies.
1-Year Plan (for droppers or Class 12 students)
- Phase 1: Concept Building (Months 1–4)
Focus on understanding all topics from Class 11 and 12. Use NCERT and basic reference books. Attend coaching or online classes regularly. Make short notes. - Phase 2: Problem Solving & Speed (Months 5–8)
Start solving more questions. Practice daily from question banks and previous year papers. Work on speed and accuracy. Begin taking chapter-wise and subject-wise tests. - Phase 3: Full-Length Mocks & Revision (Months 9–12)
Revise all important topics. Take full-length mock tests weekly. Analyze mistakes and improve weak areas. Focus on time management.
2-Year Plan (for Class 11 students)
- Year 1: Strong Foundation + NCERT Focus
Cover Class 11 syllabus completely. Focus on understanding and solving basic problems. Stick to NCERT and simple question banks. Do not ignore school studies. - Year 2: Advanced Problem Solving + Test Series
Cover Class 12 topics and revise Class 11. Practice high-level questions. Join a test series and take regular mock tests. Start solving JEE Advanced-level problems.
3) Daily & Weekly Study Routine
A consistent daily routine is key to success.
- Ideal daily study hours: Aim for 6–8 focused hours a day. Some students may need more, depending on their pace.
- Subject-wise time allocation: Study all three subjects daily or at least two. Rotate subjects to avoid boredom.
- Importance of breaks: Take small breaks between study sessions. Avoid studying for more than 2 hours at a stretch. Short breaks help your brain stay fresh.
- Weekly planning: At the start of the week, set small goals. At the end of the week, review your progress and plan the next steps.
4) Choosing the Right Study Material
The right books and resources make a big difference in your preparation.
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. |
Mock Tests & Previous Year Papers for IIT Preparation
Mock tests and previous year question papers play a very important role in your JEE preparation. Studying theory and solving questions are not enough. You must test yourself under real exam conditions. This helps you find your weak areas, improve your speed, and build confidence.
Why Mock Tests Are Non-Negotiable
Mock tests are just like the real exam. They follow the same pattern, time limit, and difficulty level. You should take mock tests regularly once you complete a decent portion of the syllabus.
- Builds exam temperament: You get used to sitting for 3 hours with full focus. This is important for both JEE Main and JEE Advanced.
- Improves time management: You learn how to divide your time between Physics, Chemistry, and Math. This helps avoid panic on the actual exam day.
- Identifies weak areas: After each test, you can see which topics need more revision. Work on these areas and take another test to check your improvement.
- Boosts accuracy and speed: With practice, you make fewer silly mistakes and solve problems faster.
Start giving full-length mock tests 4–6 months before the exam. Give at least one mock test per week. In the final 2 months, try to take 2–3 mock tests every week.
Conclusion
Selecting the best IIT for Computer Science and Engineering is a decision that requires careful thought. Each IIT has its unique strengths, whether it’s IIT Bombay’s strong industry ties and global employability, IIT Delhi’s research-focused environment and startup culture, or IIT Madras’s excellence in AI and data science. Factors like employability, academic reputation, research output, and placements play a significant role in making this choice.
Ultimately, the best IIT for you depends on your career goals. If you are looking for top placements, IIT Bombay might be your ideal choice. If you prioritize research and innovation, IIT Delhi or IIT Kanpur could be better suited for you. IIT Madras offers the best overall academic experience in India, especially for those interested in AI and machine learning. By understanding your priorities and aligning them with the strengths of each IIT, you can confidently take the next step toward a successful career in CSE.
