Choosing the right engineering college is a big decision. Many students aim for IITs because of their strong academics, placements, and career opportunities. Among them, IIT BHU is one of the oldest and most respected institutes in India. It has a rich history, good placements, and an active campus life.
Some students hesitate to choose IIT BHU because it is not ranked among the top seven IITs. However, it still offers high-paying jobs, experienced faculty, and excellent research facilities.Â
This article gives a complete overview of IIT BHU, covering its history, academics, rankings, placements, campus life, and alumni network. If you are considering IIT BHU, this guide will help you understand its strengths and what to expect as a student.
Overview of IIT BHU
IIT BHU began as the Banaras Engineering College (BENCO) in 1919 under the guidance of Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, the founder of BHU. It was one of the first engineering colleges in India to offer degree programs in key fields such as:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Pharmaceutics
During its early years, BENCO became known for producing skilled engineers who contributed to India’s industrial and scientific growth. The college played a crucial role in developing the country’s technical education system.
Transition to IT-BHU (1968–2012)
In 1968, BENCO merged with two other engineering colleges at BHU:
- College of Mining & Metallurgy (MINMET)
- College of Technology (TECHNO)
After this merger, the institute was renamed the Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University (IT-BHU). This transition expanded the range of academic programs and research activities at the institute. IT-BHU introduced new engineering disciplines and built strong industry connections.
During this period, IT-BHU developed a reputation for producing top engineers. Many of its graduates became successful professionals in industries like technology, manufacturing, and finance. However, since it was not an IIT, IT-BHU did not receive the same level of funding and recognition as other IITs.
Upgrade to IIT (2012–Present)
In 2012, IT-BHU was officially converted into Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi. This change brought several benefits, including:
- Increased funding for research and infrastructure
- Higher ranking and recognition as an IIT
- Better industry collaborations and placement opportunities
- Attracting top faculty and students
Even after becoming an IIT, the institute retained its connection to BHU’s rich academic culture. Unlike other IITs, IIT BHU is part of a larger university campus, which provides students with access to BHU’s libraries, research centers, and cultural events.
Since gaining IIT status, IIT BHU has improved in many areas. It has modernized labs, introduced interdisciplinary programs, and strengthened industry partnerships. The institute continues to evolve, attracting students who seek a balance of tradition and innovation.
Academic Structure & Departments
IIT BHU offers a wide range of engineering, science, and interdisciplinary programs. It has well-established departments that focus on core engineering disciplines, along with research-oriented schools that promote innovation in emerging fields. The institute also offers courses in humanities and social sciences, ensuring that students develop technical skills along with analytical and communication abilities.
Key Engineering Departments
IIT BHU has several engineering departments, each specializing in a particular field. Some of the most prominent ones are:
Computer Science & Engineering (CSE)
- One of the most sought-after branches at IIT BHU.
- Strong coding culture with student-run coding groups and hackathons.
- High placement packages, especially in tech companies and startups.
- Recruiters include Google, Microsoft, Cisco, and Amazon.
Electrical Engineering (EE)
- One of the oldest departments in IIT BHU.
- Focuses on power systems, signal processing, and semiconductor technology.
- Graduates work in core engineering firms as well as IT and consulting.
Mechanical Engineering
- Strong focus on manufacturing, robotics, and automation.
- Collaborations with industries for research and internships.
- Labs equipped for 3D printing, CNC machining, and material testing.
Metallurgical Engineering
- A legacy department with a focus on materials science and metal processing.
- Recognized globally for research in advanced materials.
- Strong industry ties with Tata Steel, JSW, and Hindalco.
Chemical Engineering & Mining Engineering
- Chemical Engineering focuses on process industries, pharmaceuticals, and energy production.
- Mining Engineering is one of the few such departments among IITs, focusing on mineral extraction and safety engineering.
Interdisciplinary Schools
Apart from traditional engineering departments, IIT BHU has interdisciplinary schools that work on emerging technologies.
School of Biomedical Engineering
- Focuses on medical device development, bioinformatics, and healthcare technologies.
- Collaborates with hospitals and medical research institutions.
School of Materials Science & Technology
- Conducts research on nanomaterials, polymers, and electronic materials.
- Supports projects in defense, aerospace, and sustainable materials.
School of Biochemical Engineering
- Works on biotechnology, environmental science, and biofuels.
- Collaborates with industries in food processing and pharmaceuticals.
Humanities & Social Sciences
IIT BHU also offers courses in humanities and social sciences. Students can take electives in:
- Economics – Helps students understand financial markets and business strategies.
- English & Communication – Improves writing, speaking, and presentation skills.
- Philosophy & Ethics – Encourages critical thinking and ethical decision-making.
These courses help students develop a well-rounded personality, making them better prepared for careers in both technical and managerial roles.
Why is IIT BHU Considered the Worst IIT?
IIT BHU is sometimes perceived as less favorable among IITs due to factors like its location in Varanasi, which lacks the metropolitan advantages of cities like Mumbai or Delhi, potentially limiting industry exposure and lifestyle options. Infrastructure-wise, some facilities are dated, though significant upgrades worth ₹425 crores are underway. Placement-wise, while the highest package reached ₹1.68 crore, the average stands at ₹22.56 LPA. Despite these challenges, IIT BHU maintains strong academic credentials and is actively improving its infrastructure and student amenities.
IIT BHU Rankings & Reputation (2024–2025)
IIT BHU is one of the top engineering institutes in India. It has consistently ranked well in both national and international rankings. The institute is known for its strong academic programs, high placement rates, and active research contributions. Over the years, IIT BHU has improved its reputation, competing with some of the best IITs in India.
IIT BHU Global Rankings
IIT BHU is gaining recognition on the global stage. According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, IIT BHU is ranked 531 globally. In the QS Asia University Rankings 2024, it is placed between 271–280.
These rankings consider factors like academic reputation, faculty-student ratio, employer reputation, and research output. IIT BHU has seen improvements in some areas, but it still lags behind top IITs like Bombay, Delhi, and Madras, which rank among the top 200 globally.
Some key factors affecting IIT BHU’s global ranking include:
- Strong alumni presence in leading global firms like Google, Microsoft, and Tesla.
- Increased research publications in international journals.
- Collaborations with foreign universities for research projects and student exchange programs.
- Limited international student intake, which affects its global diversity score.
IIT BHU National Rankings (NIRF 2024)
In India, IIT BHU has maintained a strong position in engineering rankings. According to the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024, IIT BHU is ranked:
- 10th among engineering colleges in India.
- 30th overall among all Indian universities and institutions.
The NIRF rankings are based on factors like teaching quality, placements, research output, and perception among employers and academics. IIT BHU consistently performs well in terms of placements and research, but it faces challenges in infrastructure development compared to newer IITs that have state-of-the-art facilities.
How Does It Compare with Other IITs?
IIT BHU is positioned above many of the newer IITs, such as:
- IIT Dharwad
- IIT Palakkad
- IIT Jammu
- IIT Goa
These newer IITs are still developing their academic programs, faculty, and industry connections, while IIT BHU benefits from over a century of experience in engineering education.
However, IIT BHU is ranked below the top seven IITs, which include:
- IIT Bombay
- IIT Delhi
- IIT Madras
- IIT Kanpur
- IIT Kharagpur
- IIT Roorkee
- IIT Guwahati
These IITs have better global rankings, higher research output, and stronger international collaborations. IIT BHU is working to close the gap by increasing its research funding, improving infrastructure, and strengthening industry partnerships.
Perception Among Students and Employers
Many students consider IIT BHU a good choice because of its heritage, academic strength, and placement opportunities. Employers recognize IIT BHU graduates for their technical skills and problem-solving abilities. The institute is particularly known for producing successful alumni in technology, finance, and entrepreneurship.
Overall, IIT BHU is a well-respected IIT with a growing reputation. While it is not among the top seven IITs, it remains a strong option for engineering aspirants in India.
IIT BHU Placements (2024 Statistics)
Placements at IIT BHU are one of the strongest aspects of the institute. Every year, students receive job offers from top companies in tech, finance, consulting, and core engineering sectors. The placement process is well-organized, with companies conducting multiple rounds of tests and interviews.
The 2024 placement season at IIT BHU saw impressive results, with high salary packages and strong participation from leading recruiters. Many students secured jobs in multinational corporations, startups, and government organizations.
Key Highlights
The 2024 placement data shows the strong demand for IIT BHU graduates:
| Placement Statistic | Value |
| Total Students Registered | 1,499 |
| Total Students Placed | 1,169 |
| Placement Percentage | 77.99% |
| Highest Package | ₹1.68 Crore (International Offer) |
| Average Package | ₹21.71 LPA |
| Median Package | ₹18 LPA |
These numbers show that a majority of students received job offers, and many got high-paying roles in top companies. The highest package of ₹1.68 crore was an international offer, indicating that global companies recognize the talent at IIT BHU.
IIT BHU Top Recruiters
Many well-known companies hired students from IIT BHU during the 2024 placements. The recruiters came from multiple sectors, including technology, finance, consulting, and core engineering.
Tech / IT Companies: Many students were placed in software and data science roles. Companies that recruited from IIT BHU include:
- Microsoft
- Cisco
- Nvidia
- Visa
These companies offered high salaries, with some students getting international placements in the USA and Europe.
Finance / Banking Companies: Many students got jobs in investment banking, risk analysis, and financial technology roles. Some top recruiters were:
- Goldman Sachs
- J.P. Morgan
- American Express
- Morgan Stanley
- Wells Fargo
These companies hired students with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, especially those from computer science, electrical, and mathematics backgrounds.
Consulting Firms: Management and strategy consulting roles were also popular. Recruiters included:
- P&G
- Mastercard
- Deloitte
- Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
Students selected for these roles had strong problem-solving abilities and leadership skills.
Core Engineering Companies: IIT BHU’s mechanical, electrical, civil, and metallurgical engineering students received offers from top core companies, including:
- Tata Steel
- Siemens
- DRDO
- ISRO
Many of these companies hired students for R&D, design, and manufacturing roles.
IIT BHU Campus Life & Infrastructure
IIT BHU offers a unique campus experience as it is part of Banaras Hindu University (BHU), one of India’s largest residential universities. The institute provides academic, hostel, sports, and extracurricular facilities to support students in their learning and personal growth. With a mix of modern and historic infrastructure, IIT BHU offers a blend of tradition and technology.
Campus Overview
IIT BHU is located within BHU’s 1,300-acre campus, which is one of the largest university campuses in India. The institute has separate academic blocks for different engineering departments. The greenery, well-maintained roads, and historical buildings add to the charm of the campus.
- Central Library – IIT BHU students have access to BHU’s Central Library, which has a vast collection of engineering, science, and management books.
- Lecture Halls – The institute has well-equipped lecture halls with projectors and modern teaching tools.
- Research Centers – Several research labs support ongoing projects in AI, robotics, nanotechnology, and materials science.
- Canteens & Dining Facilities – There are multiple canteens and food courts that serve a variety of food options.
Hostels & Facilities
IIT BHU has 16 hostels for students, including separate hostels for first-year students, seniors, and postgraduate students. Some hostels have been recently renovated, while others are older and require upgrades.
Hostel Life
- Each hostel has common rooms, study areas, Wi-Fi, and recreational spaces.
- Some hostels have air-conditioned reading rooms for students who prefer studying in a quiet environment.
- Hostel mess facilities provide affordable and nutritious meals for students.
- Students engage in sports, music, drama, and debate competitions organized at the hostel level.
Recreational & Sports Facilities
IIT BHU promotes a healthy and active lifestyle through various sports and fitness facilities.
- Gymnasiums – The campus has multiple gyms for students.
- Sports Complex – There are basketball courts, tennis courts, football and cricket grounds, and an indoor badminton court.
- Swimming Pool – BHU has a well-maintained swimming pool, accessible to IIT students.
- Cycling & Walking Tracks – The greenery and open spaces encourage students to stay active.
Labs & Research Centers
IIT BHU is known for its well-equipped labs and research centers. Some of the notable facilities include:
- Advanced Materials Research Center – Focuses on metallurgy, materials science, and nanotechnology.
- AI & Robotics Lab – Supports research in artificial intelligence, automation, and robotics.
- High-Performance Computing Facility – Used for data science, simulations, and deep learning research.
- Biomedical Engineering Labs – Conduct research in medical technology and healthcare innovations.
While IIT BHU has many modern labs, some departments still require infrastructure upgrades to meet the standards of top IITs.
Cultural & Extracurricular Activities
Students at IIT BHU participate in a variety of extracurricular activities. The institute hosts some of North India’s biggest technical and cultural festivals.
1) TECHNEX (Technical Fest)
- One of India’s oldest technical fests.
- Events include coding challenges, robotics competitions, and startup pitches.
- Workshops and guest lectures from industry experts and entrepreneurs.
2) KASHIYATRA (Cultural Fest)
- BHU’s most famous cultural festival, with events in music, dance, theater, and literature.
- Students from colleges across India participate.
- Celebrity performances and competitions make it a highlight of campus life.
3) SPARDHA (Sports Fest)
- The annual sports festival of IIT BHU, organized by the Games and Sports Council.
- Boasts a legacy of over 30 years, making it one of the largest inter-collegiate sporting events in India.
- Features competitions in 19 sports, including athletics, badminton, basketball, boxing, chess, cricket, football, handball, kabaddi, lawn tennis, squash, table tennis, taekwondo, volleyball, and weightlifting.
- In 2024, the 39th edition witnessed over 1,800 participants, with IIT BHU securing the overall championship title.
4) IIT BHU Clubs & Societies
IIT BHU has various student-run clubs, such as:
- Robotics Club – Focuses on AI, automation, and machine learning projects.
- Coding Club – Helps students with competitive programming and hackathons.
- Entrepreneurship Cell (E-Cell) – Supports startups and innovation.
- Photography Club – Organizes workshops and photography walks.
- Debating & Literary Society – Encourages public speaking and writing.
IIT BHU Alumni Network
IIT (BHU) Varanasi has a strong network of alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields, including technology, business, defense, governance, and entertainment. These alumni have shaped industries, led major corporations, and influenced public policy. Their achievements reflect the institute’s legacy of producing leaders and innovators. Below is a detailed look at some of the most notable alumni and their contributions.
1) Dr. Kota Harinarayana (MEC ’65)
Padma Shri Awardee and former Director of the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA). Served as the Chief Designer of India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, a landmark achievement in indigenous defense technology.
2) Lt. Shri Krishan Kant (MEC ’59)
Former Vice President of India (1997–2002) and Governor of Andhra Pradesh. Played a key role in shaping India’s political and administrative landscape.
3) Nikesh Arora (EEE ’89)
CEO & Chairman of Palo Alto Networks, a global cybersecurity giant. Former President of SoftBank Group and Chief Business Officer at Google. Recognized for leading major tech firms and cybersecurity innovations.
4) Jay Chaudhry (ECE ’80)
Founder & CEO of Zscaler, a leading cloud security company with a market cap exceeding $30 billion. Ranked among Silicon Valley’s most successful immigrant entrepreneurs. A pioneer in cybersecurity solutions and cloud-based protection.
5) Deepak Ahuja (CER ’85)
Former CFO of Tesla Motors, overseeing the company’s financial growth. Played a crucial role in Tesla’s rise as a dominant electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer. Currently a senior executive at Airbnb, leading global financial strategies.
6) Nandita Sinha (CER ’03)
CEO of Myntra, India’s top fashion e-commerce platform. Previously held leadership roles at Flipkart and Unilever. Driving India’s online fashion revolution through strategic innovations.
7) Irina Ghose (EEE ’93)
COO of Microsoft India, leading cloud and AI initiatives. Instrumental in advancing Microsoft’s presence in India’s digital economy.
8) Prof. Pulickel Ajayan (MET ’85)
Founding Chair of Materials Science & NanoEngineering at Rice University. A globally renowned scientist in nanotechnology, energy storage, and materials research. His work has influenced advanced materials used in electronics, batteries, and biomedical applications.
9) Dr. Ram Charan (MEC ’59)
World-renowned business consultant advising Fortune 500 companies. Author of bestselling books on leadership, business strategy, and corporate growth. Recognized as a top global thinker in business management.
10) Manoj Sinha (CIV ’79)
Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, playing a pivotal role in administration and regional development. Former Union Minister of Communications and Member of Parliament from Ghazipur. Worked on improving telecommunication infrastructure and governance policies.
11) Dr. Indu Bhushan (EEE ’81)
Ex-CEO of Ayushman Bharat, the world’s largest government-funded healthcare scheme. Former Director at the Asian Development Bank (ADB), focusing on economic development projects. Led initiatives to improve healthcare access for millions of Indians.
12) Varun Grover (CIV ’03)
Award-winning writer, comedian, and lyricist. Wrote scripts for Sacred Games (Netflix), Masaan, and Bollywood films. Known for sharp political satire and storytelling in Indian cinema.
Conclusion
IIT BHU is one of India’s oldest and most respected engineering institutes. It has a strong academic structure, good placements, and an active student community. Some people claim that IIT BHU is the worst IIT, but this is not true. The institute consistently ranks among the top engineering colleges in India and offers students excellent career opportunities.
While it is not among the top seven IITs, it still provides high-quality education, strong research facilities, and a well-connected alumni network. Many top companies recruit from IIT BHU, offering jobs in tech, finance, consulting, and core engineering.
The claim that IIT BHU is the worst IIT is a myth. The institute blends tradition with modern education, and its graduates succeed in various fields. If students focus on academics and skill-building, IIT BHU can help them achieve great career success.
