Electrical engineering is one of the most popular branches in Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). It covers topics like circuits, control systems, power electronics, and signal processing. Many students choose electrical engineering because it offers many job opportunities and chances for research.
Each IIT offers a strong electrical engineering program. But some IITs stand out because of their faculty, labs, placements, and global rank. This article will help students understand which IIT is the best for electrical engineering in 2025. It compares rankings, placements, research areas, and special strengths. It also includes a comparison table to help students decide.
Which IIT Is Best for Electrical Engineering?
If you want the best college for electrical engineering in India, IIT Delhi ranks the highest. It has top faculty, great placements, and strong research. It ranks #2 in NIRF and #47 in the QS World Ranking for Electrical Engineering. It also offers the highest average package in electrical engineering at ₹36.9 LPA.
However, IIT Bombay and IIT Madras are also excellent choices. IIT Bombay stands out in power systems and artificial intelligence applications. IIT Madras is India’s top-ranked engineering college and focuses on innovation and renewable energy.
Your final choice should depend on what you want from the program—research, placements, or global exposure. All three IITs—Delhi, Bombay, and Madras—are top-tier and lead in different ways.
Top IITs for Electrical Engineering (2025)
Electrical Engineering is one of the most sought-after branches across all IITs. It combines theory and practical work to help students learn about electric circuits, electronics, power systems, and new-age technologies like microelectronics and IoT. Many IITs have strong programs in this field. However, some stand out because of global rankings, research output, industry connections, and placement records.
This section gives a detailed look at the top IITs for Electrical Engineering in 2025. Each institute has its own strengths. The comparison below can help students make the right choice based on their goals.
1) IIT Delhi
IIT Delhi ranks 47th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025 for Electrical and Electronic Engineering. This is a significant improvement from 55th in 2024. The institute scores high in both academic and employer reputation.
- Academic Reputation Score: 76.5
- Employer Reputation Score: 82.9
These scores reflect the quality of teaching, research, and the trust recruiters place in its graduates. IIT Delhi continues to rise due to its consistent performance, research innovation, and global collaborations.
Academic Excellence: The Department of Electrical Engineering at IIT Delhi is known for its strength in the following areas:
- Power Electronics
- Signal Processing
- Nanotechnology
Students learn through classroom instruction, lab work, and research projects. The curriculum includes core EE subjects along with emerging areas like renewable energy, microelectronics, and artificial intelligence.
Research Facilities: IIT Delhi houses the Nanoscale Research Facility (NRF), one of the most advanced labs in India. The NRF supports research in:
- Nanoelectronics
- Photonics
- Semiconductor devices
It is open to students, faculty, and industry collaborators. This gives students hands-on experience with high-end research equipment. IIT Delhi also leads in sponsored research. From 2018 to 2024, the institute took part in 410+ international research projects. Many of these involved leading global universities and industries.
Industry Collaborations and Internships: The institute maintains strong ties with top companies in the electrical and tech sectors. Major partners include:
- Siemens
- ABB
- Texas Instruments
- Schneider Electric
These companies offer internships, sponsor projects, and conduct workshops. Students often get Pre-Placement Offers (PPOs) after their internships. Industry exposure helps students apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges.
Placement Performance: Placements in Electrical Engineering at IIT Delhi remain outstanding. In 2024, students received offers from core engineering firms and global tech giants like:
- Microsoft
- Amazon
Key placement stats:
- Average Package: ₹18–22 LPA
- Placement Rate: Around 90%
- Top Offers: ₹50+ LPA for international roles
IIT Delhi’s placement team works closely with departments and companies to ensure students are well-prepared.
Admission and JEE Advanced Cutoff: Electrical Engineering at IIT Delhi is one of the most competitive branches. In 2024, the closing JEE Advanced rank for General category students was around 600. This reflects the high demand for this program among top JEE scorers.
Why It Is the Best: IIT Delhi stands out due to its:
- Global ranking and recognition
- Strong research output (over 6.97 million citations in EE research)
- Advanced facilities like the NRF
- Strong ties with industry
- High placements and internship opportunities
It also supports innovation through startup incubators and entrepreneurship programs. Students with interests in core engineering, research, or tech startups find a solid launchpad here.
2) IIT Bombay
IIT Bombay is ranked 50th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025 for Electrical and Electronic Engineering. It has shown consistent growth over the years, improving its reputation among employers and academics. In the 2025 QS rankings, IIT Bombay scored 76.9 overall, with an employer reputation score of 79.8. This makes it one of the top two IITs for Electrical Engineering, just behind IIT Delhi.
The department at IIT Bombay is widely respected for its strong academic base and global collaborations. The institute attracts top faculty and students, contributing to its global image.
Key Academic Strengths: IIT Bombay’s Department of Electrical Engineering is known for offering a well-balanced mix of theory and practical application. It focuses heavily on:
- VLSI Design and Microelectronics
- Power Systems and Control
- Digital Signal Processing
- Embedded Systems
- Communication Systems and Networks
- Machine Learning and Data Science Applications
Students get access to cutting-edge labs equipped with the latest tools and technologies. Research is encouraged early through UG projects, B.Tech-M.Tech dual degrees, and direct PhD pathways.
The department also collaborates with international universities and industries for internships, semester exchanges, and sponsored projects.
Infrastructure and Campus Ecosystem: IIT Bombay’s location in Powai, Mumbai, gives it a unique edge. It is nestled in a serene campus near Powai Lake, yet well-connected to India’s biggest financial and tech hub. Students benefit from proximity to major companies, including R&D centers and startups. The campus includes:
- Dedicated VLSI and Nanoelectronics labs
- Texas Instruments Embedded Systems Lab
- Innovation hubs and a student startup incubator
- One of India’s largest tech fests – Techfest
The learning ecosystem promotes hands-on training, industry exposure, and student-led innovation.
Placement Performance (2025): Placements for Electrical Engineering students at IIT Bombay are exceptional. In 2025:
- Average Package: ₹20+ LPA
- Highest Package: ₹1+ crore per annum (international roles)
- Top Recruiters: Qualcomm, Intel, Texas Instruments, NVIDIA, Apple, Google, and Samsung
- Core Job Offers: In electronics design, semiconductor research, AI hardware, embedded systems, and power management
- Placement Rate: Among the highest in the country for the electrical branch
IIT Bombay’s electrical engineering graduates are highly sought-after globally. Many secure jobs in top tech firms or go on to pursue master’s or PhD programs at MIT, Stanford, ETH Zurich, and similar top institutions.
Admission and Cutoff Trends: IIT Bombay is extremely competitive when it comes to admissions in the Electrical Engineering stream. In JEE Advanced 2024, the closing rank for General category was around 300 for the 4-year B.Tech program. Students from all over India aspire to join the Electrical department at IIT Bombay due to its reputation, placement record, and excellent urban location.
Why IIT Bombay is a Top Choice for EE
- Globally recognized in Electrical Engineering
- Strong core focus areas and interdisciplinary options
- Superior placement performance in India and abroad
- Access to global tech companies and industrial exposure
- Supportive research, innovation, and startup environment
- Prestigious alumni network active in India’s technology sector
For students aiming to build a career in core Electrical, VLSI, or interdisciplinary tech domains, IIT Bombay offers unmatched academic depth and industry relevance.
3) IIT Madras:
IIT Madras ranks #1 in India in both overall and engineering categories. It is widely respected for its strong academic infrastructure and innovation culture.
Strengths: The electrical engineering department at IIT Madras is known for RF and microwave engineering, photonics, VLSI, and embedded systems. It also focuses on new-age fields like Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G systems.
It is home to the Center for Computational Brain Research (CCBR) and the Robert Bosch Center for Data Science and AI, which conduct interdisciplinary research involving electrical engineering and computer science.
The curriculum is flexible, and students can choose elective courses across departments. The labs are equipped with software and hardware tools used in the industry.
Placements: The average package for electrical engineers from IIT Madras in 2024 was around ₹17–20 LPA. Companies like Analog Devices, Qualcomm, NVIDIA, and ARM visit for placements. Some students also join foreign universities like MIT, Stanford, and TU Munich for research.
The JEE Advanced closing rank for electrical engineering was around 1000 for the General category.
Why It’s Notable:
- #1 ranked IIT in India with a focus on innovation.
- Strong labs and centers in embedded systems and AI.
- High-quality teaching and research.
- A green and modern campus with excellent academic support.
4) IIT Kanpur
IIT Madras was ranked 1st in both the overall and engineering categories in the NIRF 2024 rankings. This top rank reflects its strong academic structure, experienced faculty, advanced laboratories, and consistent performance in research and innovation. The institute is known for maintaining high standards in teaching and technical development, especially in the field of electrical engineering.
Academic and Research Strengths: IIT Madras offers a broad and deep electrical engineering curriculum. The department covers core subjects as well as cutting-edge fields.
Key Specializations:
- RF and Microwave Engineering: Focuses on communication systems, radar, antennas, and high-frequency signal design.
- Photonics: Covers the study of optical systems, fiber optics, lasers, and photonic integrated circuits.
- Embedded Systems: A strong area of expertise at IIT Madras, this field deals with systems that integrate hardware and software for real-time applications such as robotics, IoT devices, and smart appliances.
The department also supports interdisciplinary projects, which connect electrical engineering with computer science, mechanical engineering, and biomedical fields.
Center for Computational Brain Research (CCBR): One of the standout features of IIT Madras is the Center for Computational Brain Research (CCBR). This center aims to understand brain function using tools from engineering and data science. Students and researchers explore topics like neural networks, AI-inspired by neuroscience, brain modeling, and brain-computer interfaces.
Industry Connect and Emerging Technologies: IIT Madras is known for its active involvement in next-generation technologies, including:
- Internet of Things (IoT): Research on smart sensors, wireless communication, and data analytics.
- 5G Technology: Ongoing projects and labs focused on developing the infrastructure and communication protocols for 5G networks.
- Semiconductor Systems: Work related to chip design, fabrication, and circuit simulation.
The department has also partnered with several global and Indian companies to create research opportunities, internships, and industrial projects. This strong industry-academic partnership keeps the curriculum aligned with real-world needs.
Placements and Recruiters: IIT Madras has an excellent placement track record for electrical engineering graduates. Both core and tech companies visit the campus each year. Major Recruiters:
- Core Companies: Analog Devices, Texas Instruments, Intel, Qualcomm.
- Tech Giants: NVIDIA, Microsoft, Google, and Apple.
- Startups and R&D Units: Many startups in AI, semiconductors, and communications recruit from IIT Madras.
Salary Range:
- Average Package: ₹17–20 LPA for electrical engineering roles.
- Top Offers: Go beyond ₹40 LPA in both domestic and international roles.
JEE Advanced Cutoff: The competition to get into IIT Madras is intense but slightly more relaxed than IIT Delhi or IIT Bombay for electrical engineering.
- General Category Closing Rank (2024): Around 1000.
- EWS and OBC Categories: Closing ranks were somewhat higher, giving more students access to top-quality education.
Campus Life and Innovation Culture: The IIT Madras campus is located in a lush green forest area, providing a calm and motivating environment for learning. The institute supports innovation through various centers like the IIT Madras Research Park, Tinkerers’ Lab, and Incubation Cells for student-led startups. Regular hackathons, workshops, and tech festivals like Shaastra keep the student community active and creative.
5) IIT Kharagpur
As per the NIRF 2024 rankings, IIT Kharagpur stands 5th in engineering across India. This rank reflects its consistent academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and strong student outcomes. Being one of the first IITs, it enjoys a legacy of trust and respect in technical education.
Department Strengths: The Department of Electrical Engineering at IIT Kharagpur is known for its academic depth and practical orientation. The core strengths of this department include:
- High Voltage Engineering: The department houses specialized laboratories for high voltage testing and insulation design. These facilities support research in power systems and grid infrastructure.
- Machine Drives and Power Electronics: IIT Kharagpur offers advanced coursework and projects in electric drives, inverters, and control systems. The research in this area has applications in electric vehicles, renewable integration, and automation.
- Telecommunications: There is strong emphasis on digital and analog communication systems, signal processing, and emerging wireless technologies like 5G and IoT applications.
Additionally, the curriculum is updated regularly to match industry trends and research needs. Students can also take electives in fields like AI for electrical systems, quantum computing, and embedded systems.
Research and Infrastructure: The electrical department is backed by well-funded labs and dedicated research centers. Key features include:
- National Digital Library project, which was initiated at IIT Kharagpur, showing its leadership in tech-driven national initiatives.
- Partnerships with ISRO, DRDO, and BHEL for real-world research.
- Access to the Advanced VLSI Design Lab, Power Systems Simulation Lab, and Microwave and Antenna Lab.
- Opportunities for UG research projects (UGRP) starting from the second year.
IIT Kharagpur also encourages students to take part in GIAN (Global Initiative of Academic Networks) and SPARC programs where international faculty collaborate on teaching and research.
Campus and Environment: The campus is one of the largest among all IITs, spread over 2100 acres. It offers a peaceful academic environment with modern classrooms, innovation centers, and dedicated hostels for students of all years. The size of the campus allows for:
- Independent research blocks for electrical engineering projects.
- Seamless collaboration with other departments like mechanical, computer science, and materials science.
- Access to the STEP (Science and Technology Entrepreneurs’ Park) for students interested in startups.
Placements: IIT Kharagpur maintains strong placement records in Electrical Engineering.
- Average salary ranges between ₹14 LPA to ₹18 LPA for core roles.
- Top recruiters include GE, Schneider Electric, Qualcomm, Texas Instruments, Tata Power, and Siemens.
- Many students also get offers from consulting and analytics firms, as well as foreign companies in Japan and Europe.
- Roles range from R&D engineer, hardware design, embedded systems developer to power systems analyst.
Why Choose IIT Kharagpur for EE?: Students choose IIT Kharagpur’s Electrical Engineering program for several reasons:
- Legacy of excellence in teaching and research.
- One of the largest alumni networks among IITs.
- Multidisciplinary learning opportunities.
- Strong links with industry and high placement packages.
- Exposure to international research and entrepreneurship programs.
Conclusion
Choosing the best IIT for electrical engineering depends on what you want. If placements and international reputation matter most, IIT Delhi is a great choice. It has high average packages, top rankings, and global ties.
IIT Bombay is perfect for students who want to mix electrical engineering with AI and research. It has great faculty and strong projects in power systems. IIT Madras is ideal for students focused on renewable energy, innovation, and startups. It offers a strong base and world-class labs. IITs like Kanpur, Kharagpur, and Hyderabad are also excellent. They may not lead the rankings but offer solid training, good placements, and research opportunities.
All these IITs prepare students for top jobs and higher studies. No matter which IIT you choose, if you work hard, success will follow. Focus on learning, take part in projects, and stay curious. Electrical engineering at any of these IITs can open many doors for your future.
