Every year, thousands of students in India dream of getting into an IIT. These institutes are known for offering the best engineering education in the country. Many successful professionals, entrepreneurs, and researchers have come from these colleges. But a common question among students is – which IIT is the best? Is it IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, or IIT Madras?
In 2025, various ranking systems like QS World Rankings and NIRF have evaluated IITs based on different factors. Some focus on global reach, while others focus on national performance. Students must understand these differences to choose the right IIT for their goals.
This article explains how IITs rank in India and across the world. It also compares the top IITs based on key factors. In the end, you will get a clear idea of which IIT is best for your academic and career plans.
Overview of IITs in India
The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) started in the 1950s. The first IIT, IIT Kharagpur, was established in 1951. It was set up to boost technical education in India. Over time, more IITs were built. Today, there are 23 IITs across the country.
These institutes were created to build skilled engineers who could help develop the country. Over the years, IITs have grown into top research and education centers. Many IIT graduates have done well in various fields like technology, business, and science. IITs focus on quality education, research, and innovation. Their students are known for their strong problem-solving skills. Many of them go on to study at top global universities or work in top companies.
Which Is The No.1 IIT In India?
IIT Madras is the No.1 IIT in India as per NIRF 2024, known for top teaching, research, and placements. Globally, IIT Bombay ranks highest in QS 2025. Students should choose based on their goals—national excellence (IIT Madras) or international exposure (IIT Bombay).
Top IITs In QS World University Rankings 2025
The QS World University Rankings is one of the most trusted international ranking systems for universities. It is published every year by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), a UK-based organization. The QS rankings help students compare institutions globally based on many factors.
Here are the main parameters used in QS rankings:
| Parameter | Weightage |
| Academic Reputation | 30% |
| Employer Reputation | 15% |
| Faculty-Student Ratio | 10% |
| Citations per Faculty | 20% |
| International Faculty | 5% |
| International Students | 5% |
| International Research Network | 5% |
| Employment Outcomes | 5% |
| Total | 100% |
These factors help determine how well a university performs in teaching, research, and global outreach. Academic reputation is based on surveys of thousands of faculty members around the world. Employer reputation reflects what employers think about the graduates from a university.
QS rankings are important for students who want to study or work abroad. They are also used by top companies and foreign universities to assess the quality of education at a particular institution.
QS World University Rankings 2025: Indian Institutes
In 2025, several IITs and other Indian institutes made it to the QS global list. Below is the table with the QS World University Rankings 2025 for the top Indian technical institutes:
| Institute | QS Rank 2025 | Score (Overall) |
| IIT Bombay | 118 | 56.3 |
| IIT Delhi | 150 | 52.1 |
| IISc Bangalore | 211 | 45.0 |
| 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 |
IIT Bombay has emerged as the highest-ranked IIT in the world in 2025, followed closely by IIT Delhi. These institutes have performed well across all QS parameters, especially in academic reputation and employer reputation.
Highlights and Key Observations
- IIT Bombay leads the Indian technical institutions globally. Its strong research output, collaborations with global companies, and faculty reputation have contributed to its top position.
- IIT Delhi has maintained a solid global presence. It ranks higher than IIT Madras and IIT Kharagpur in the global index.
- IISc Bangalore, although not an IIT, ranks third among Indian institutions. It focuses mainly on research and postgraduate education.
- IIT Madras and IIT Kharagpur have also ranked well, showing consistent academic strength.
- IIT Kanpur, IIT Roorkee, and IIT Guwahati are among the top 400, showing India’s growing strength in technical education.
IITs In NIRF Rankings 2024
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) is a ranking system developed by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. It was launched in 2015 to assess and rank higher education institutions across India. NIRF is especially useful for students who are planning to apply to colleges within India.
NIRF rankings are based on the following five key parameters:
| Parameter | Weightage |
| Teaching, Learning & Resources | 30% |
| Research & Professional Practice | 30% |
| Graduation Outcomes | 20% |
| Outreach & Inclusivity | 10% |
| Perception | 10% |
| Total | 100% |
Each of these parameters has several sub-metrics. For example, Graduation Outcomes includes placement statistics, number of students moving to higher education, and median salary. Outreach & Inclusivity measures diversity in terms of gender, social category, and regional representation.
NIRF is important because it gives students a clear and government-backed comparison of institutions in India. It is widely used during counselling for engineering, management, and other courses.
NIRF 2024 Rankings for IITs
The NIRF 2024 Engineering Rankings list many IITs in the top positions. Below is a table showing the top 10 IITs, their NIRF ranks, and year of establishment:
| Institute | NIRF Rank 2024 |
| IIT Madras | 1 |
| IIT Delhi | 2 |
| IIT Bombay | 3 |
| IIT Kanpur | 4 |
| IIT Kharagpur | 5 |
| IIT Roorkee | 6 |
| IIT Guwahati | 7 |
| IIT Hyderabad | 8 |
| IIT BHU Varanasi | 9 |
| IIT Indore | 10 |
Highlights and Observations
- IIT Madras retains its No. 1 position for the fifth consecutive year in the engineering category. This shows its consistent performance in teaching, research, placements, and perception.
- IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay follow closely, taking the 2nd and 3rd spots respectively. They are also popular choices for branches like Computer Science and Electrical Engineering.
- IIT Kanpur and IIT Kharagpur, two of the oldest IITs, maintain strong positions at ranks 4 and 5.
- IIT Roorkee, although originally established as a civil engineering college in 1847, continues to remain among the top engineering colleges in India.
- IIT Guwahati ranks 7th and is the best among the newer IITs (post-1990).
- IIT Hyderabad and IIT Indore, both second-generation IITs, show fast growth and are gaining popularity among students.
Comparing NIRF and QS Rankings
While QS rankings focus on global aspects like international faculty, foreign student ratio, and global reputation, NIRF rankings focus on Indian students’ needs. The table below compares how the top IITs perform in both:
| IIT | NIRF Rank 2024 | QS Rank 2025 |
| IIT Madras | 1 | 227 |
| IIT Delhi | 2 | 150 |
| IIT Bombay | 3 | 118 |
| IIT Kanpur | 4 | 263 |
| IIT Kharagpur | 5 | 222 |
- IIT Bombay performs best globally in QS but is 3rd in NIRF.
- IIT Madras is 1st in NIRF but ranks lower in QS.
- IIT Delhi balances both national and international ranks well.
This difference exists because NIRF focuses more on teaching quality, placements, and inclusivity, which are highly relevant to Indian students.
Top 5 IITs in India
The top 5 IITs in India are chosen based on the NIRF 2024 rankings and supported by their QS World Rankings 2025. These five institutes offer the best in terms of academics, research, placements, and student experience. Students often compare these IITs while making their final choices during JoSAA counselling.
| IIT | NIRF Rank 2024 | Year Established | QS Rank 2025 | QS Score |
| IIT Madras | 1 | 1959 | 227 | 43.5 |
| IIT Delhi | 2 | 1963 | 150 | 52.1 |
| IIT Bombay | 3 | 1958 | 118 | 56.3 |
| IIT Kanpur | 4 | 1959 | 263 | 39.3 |
| IIT Kharagpur | 5 | 1951 | 222 | 43.7 |
Let’s look at each of the top 5 IITs in detail.
1) IIT Madras (NIRF Rank: 1)
- Established: 1959
- QS Rank 2025: 227
- QS Score: 43.5
IIT Madras is ranked No. 1 in the NIRF 2024 rankings for engineering institutes in India. It has held this top spot for several years, showing consistent excellence. The institute is known for its strong academic curriculum, modern labs, and industry collaborations.
The campus is located in Chennai and is surrounded by a green forest area. It offers a peaceful and focused study environment. IIT Madras offers top programs in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical, and interdisciplinary courses like Data Science and AI. The placement record at IIT Madras is one of the best in India. In recent years, companies like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Intel have hired students from this campus. The average salary package offered is also very competitive.
In terms of research, IIT Madras has several specialized research centers in energy, water, robotics, and sustainable development. It also promotes entrepreneurship through the IIT Madras Research Park and incubation programs. Students who are looking for the best Indian education system, combined with research opportunities and innovation, will find IIT Madras an excellent choice.
2) IIT Delhi (NIRF Rank: 2)
- Established: 1963
- QS Rank 2025: 150
- QS Score: 52.1
IIT Delhi ranks 2nd in NIRF 2024 and 150th in the QS 2025 rankings, making it one of the top IITs both nationally and globally. The institute is located in the capital city of India, offering students a perfect blend of academics and exposure to industries, government, and startups.
IIT Delhi is well known for its high employer reputation, which is why top companies actively recruit from its campus. Popular branches here include Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Mathematics & Computing.
The campus life at IIT Delhi is dynamic. Students participate in many clubs, festivals, and tech competitions. The annual tech fest “Tryst” and cultural fest “Rendezvous” attract students from across the country.
IIT Delhi also has strong international collaborations. It has partnerships with universities in Europe, North America, and Asia, allowing students to go on exchange programs or joint research projects.
The placement statistics show high average and maximum salary offers. Top tech firms, consulting companies, and core engineering firms hire students each year. For students who want both national and global exposure, IIT Delhi is a smart choice.
3) IIT Bombay (NIRF Rank: 3)
- Established: 1958
- QS Rank 2025: 118
- QS Score: 56.3
IIT Bombay holds 3rd place in NIRF 2024 and stands out as the highest-ranked Indian institute in the QS World Rankings 2025 at 118. This makes it a great option for students who are aiming for international exposure and top-notch placements. The institute is located in Powai, Mumbai – the financial capital of India. This location gives students access to industries, startups, and networking opportunities. Its Computer Science, Electrical, Mechanical, and Aerospace Engineering departments are especially popular.
The placement cell at IIT Bombay is highly efficient. Top recruiters include Google, Apple, Goldman Sachs, Qualcomm, and McKinsey. The average CTC for Computer Science crosses INR 20 LPA every year, with international packages going much higher.
IIT Bombay has a strong research ecosystem, with labs working in fields like AI, robotics, materials, and clean energy. It also supports innovation through SINE (Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship), which helps students turn their ideas into startups. Life at IIT Bombay is exciting. Cultural and technical fests like Mood Indigo and Techfest are among the largest in Asia. Overall, IIT Bombay offers academic depth, career growth, and a vibrant campus life.
4) IIT Kanpur (NIRF Rank: 4)
- Established: 1959
- QS Rank 2025: 263
- QS Score: 39.3
IIT Kanpur ranks 4th in NIRF 2024 and is one of the oldest and most respected IITs in India. It is located in Uttar Pradesh and was one of the first IITs to adopt the American-style credit-based system in India.
The institute is famous for its focus on research and innovation. It has strong departments in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, and Computer Science. The Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) department is especially competitive.
Students benefit from well-equipped labs, high-quality teaching, and flexible course structures. The placement record is strong, with top companies recruiting students in core, IT, and analytics roles. The highest packages have gone beyond INR 1 crore in recent years.
IIT Kanpur supports startups through its Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC). It also has many MoUs with international universities, allowing students to do internships and exchange programs abroad.
The campus is large and well-maintained, offering hostels, sports complexes, and libraries. IIT Kanpur is ideal for students who want a deep academic experience with strong research and innovation support.
5) IIT Kharagpur (NIRF Rank: 5)
- Established: 1951
- QS Rank 2025: 222
- QS Score: 43.7
IIT Kharagpur is the oldest IIT in India and ranks 5th in NIRF 2024. It is known for its strong academic foundation, research achievements, and massive campus spread over 2100 acres. It has the largest number of departments, centers, and schools among all IITs. The institute offers courses not just in engineering but also in management, law, and architecture. This wide range makes IIT Kharagpur unique. Popular branches include Computer Science, Electronics, Mechanical, and Civil Engineering.
The placement record is excellent, especially in CSE and ECE. Students get placed in companies like Microsoft, IBM, Adobe, Tata, and Schlumberger. The average and maximum packages are competitive with other top IITs.
IIT Kharagpur also runs the Rajendra Mishra School of Engineering Entrepreneurship to support student startups. The campus has modern research centers in AI, renewable energy, smart infrastructure, and biotechnology. Student life here is active, with fests like Kshitij (Tech) and Spring Fest (Cultural) drawing nationwide participation. If you are looking for a top IIT with a strong legacy and diverse academic programs, IIT Kharagpur is a top contender.
How To Crack IIT: Step-by-Step Preparation Strategy
Preparing for the IIT JEE exams requires a strategic approach, dedication, and hard work. The process can be overwhelming, especially considering the vast syllabus and the intense competition. However, by following a well-structured preparation plan, you can stay on track and optimize your chances of success. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you prepare effectively for JEE Main and JEE Advanced.
1) Early Preparation (Class 11 & 12 Students)
One of the biggest mistakes many students make is leaving their preparation until the last minute. Starting early is essential for better understanding and retention of concepts. Ideally, you should begin preparing for JEE during Class 11, as this gives you ample time to cover the syllabus and revise thoroughly before the exams. The Class 11 syllabus is foundational, and many topics will reappear in Class 12. Therefore, a solid grasp of Class 11 concepts will make Class 12 easier and prevent last-minute cramming.
Balancing School Boards and JEE Prep
In India, students are expected to balance school board exams and JEE preparation. While the board exams require a different focus, the JEE syllabus overlaps with most of the Class 12 board curriculum. Managing both simultaneously is challenging but possible. To make this easier, follow a daily schedule that allows you to dedicate specific hours to JEE preparation while ensuring you complete your schoolwork. Prioritize your daily tasks and stay consistent with your routine.
Recommended Daily Study Hours
How many hours should you study? The answer depends on your current level and how much time you can dedicate to preparation. For most students, 6 to 8 hours a day for JEE preparation, in addition to school hours, is ideal. If you are in Class 11, aim to study consistently, focusing more on understanding concepts. In Class 12, you may need to increase your study hours slightly as the syllabus becomes more challenging. Ensure to take short breaks to avoid burnout.
2) Subject-Wise Breakdown
Physics: Physics is one of the most important subjects in JEE, and its understanding is crucial for both JEE Main and Advanced. The key topics in Physics include:
- Mechanics: This is the foundation of Physics, covering motion, forces, energy, and more. Focus on understanding Newton’s laws, work-energy theorem, and rotational motion.
- Electrodynamics: Important for both exams, topics like electrostatics, current electricity, and magnetism are regularly tested in JEE.
- Modern Physics: This topic is highly scoring and consists of quantum mechanics, nuclear physics, and semiconductor devices.
Problem-solving is essential in Physics, so practice regularly to develop a systematic approach. Focus on mastering the derivations and understanding the core principles behind each concept.
Chemistry: Chemistry can be divided into three branches: Physical, Organic, and Inorganic. Each has its own focus areas:
- Physical Chemistry: Topics such as mole concepts, stoichiometry, thermodynamics, and chemical kinetics are crucial. Understanding the basics will help you tackle tougher problems in JEE.
- Organic Chemistry: Focus on reaction mechanisms, functional groups, and named reactions. Practice organic reactions regularly as this section carries significant weight in both JEE Main and Advanced.
- Inorganic Chemistry: NCERT is your best friend for Inorganic Chemistry. Focus on periodic table trends, coordination compounds, and chemical bonding. While it may seem theoretical, strong conceptual clarity will help you answer questions accurately.
Make sure to refer to NCERT books as well as advanced reference materials like OP Tandon and MS Chouhan for Organic Chemistry.
Mathematics: Mathematics in JEE is often considered challenging, and its weightage is significant in both JEE Main and Advanced. The key topics include:
- Algebra: Focus on quadratic equations, progressions, and complex numbers. These topics form the backbone of many higher-level problems.
- Calculus: Limits, derivatives, integration, and differential equations are crucial for both exams.
- Coordinate Geometry: This section includes straight lines, circles, and conic sections. A clear understanding of these topics can help you score well.
Speed and accuracy are vital in Mathematics. Practice problems from multiple sources to improve your problem-solving speed and accuracy.
3) Study Plan & Time Management
A detailed study plan is essential to track your progress. Start with a yearly plan, breaking down the syllabus into months. Then, create monthly and weekly plans to break down the topics further. Your weekly plan should have a list of all the topics you aim to cover, and each day should have a dedicated time slot for revision, new learning, and problem-solving.
Importance of Consistency Over Cramming
Consistency is key to JEE success. Cramming the night before the exam may give you short-term results, but it won’t lead to long-term success. Ensure that you cover all topics consistently over the months. Focus on understanding concepts instead of memorizing them. Revising regularly is essential to retain what you learn.
How to Allocate Time for Theory, Problems, and Revision
While studying, it’s essential to strike a balance between theory, practice, and revision. Ideally, dedicate 40% of your time to learning theory, 40% to solving problems, and 20% to revision. The time spent on revision should increase as the exam approaches, especially in the final month.
4) Best Books & Resources for IIT JEE (2025)
Choosing the right books is crucial for IIT JEE preparation. Here are some of the best books for each subject:
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. |
Using a mix of books and online resources will give you both conceptual clarity and practice.
Conclusion
IITs offer great education and career opportunities. But choosing the best IIT depends on your goals. If you want a high global rank, IIT Bombay is the top IIT in 2025 based on QS. If you want the best Indian education with strong placements, IIT Madras is the leader as per NIRF.
Each IIT has its own strengths. Some are known for research, others for placements or global exposure. Use both QS and NIRF rankings to make your decision. In the end, all IITs provide excellent education. What matters most is how you make use of the opportunities there.
