What are the best IITs / Indian Institute of Technology campuses?

🎓 What Are IITs? The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are premier autonomous public technical universities in India, governed by the IIT Council. There are 23 IITs as of 2025, and they are recognized globally for their excellence in engineering, research, and innovation. 🥇 Top 10 IITs in India (2025) Here's a list based on NIRF rankings, academic reputation, placements, and student perception. Rank IIT Campus Established Location Notable For 1 IIT Madras (Chennai) 1959 Tamil Nadu Best overall, research, global ties 2 IIT Delhi 1961 New Delhi Industry connect, placements, urban exposure 3 IIT Bombay 1958 Mumbai, Maharashtra Innovation, startups, campus life 4 IIT Kanpur 1959 Uttar Pradesh Core engineering, research, academic rigor 5 IIT Kharagpur 1951 West Bengal Oldest IIT, infrastructure, diverse programs 6 IIT Roorkee 1847 (IIT in 2001) Uttarakhand Civil Engg, research legacy 7 IIT Guwahati 1994 Assam Scenic campus, fast growth, design programs 8 IIT Hyderabad 2008 Telangana Cutting-edge tech (AI, robotics), new-age labs 9 IIT BHU Varanasi 1919 (IIT in 2012) Uttar Pradesh Strong alumni base, cultural vibrancy 10 IIT Indore 2009 Madhya Pradesh Rising fast, research output 🔍 In-Depth Comparison of Top IITs 1. IIT Madras (IITM) 🏆 Best IIT in India (NIRF Rank #1 for 5+ years) 🌿 Lush green campus inside Guindy National Park. 💼 Placements: Highest domestic CTCs; strong in AI/ML, core, data science. 🔬 Research: IITM Research Park is India's first and largest. 🤝 MoUs with MIT, Stanford, and Germany's TU9. Ideal for: Research enthusiasts, innovators, and anyone aiming for top placements. 2. IIT Delhi (IITD) 📍 Heart of the capital, best industry exposure. 💼 Placements: Consistently among the highest. 🧑‍🏫 Strong faculty in CSE, Electrical, and Design. 🧳 Internship opportunities with startups, consultancies, MNCs. Ideal for: Students who want high-impact careers and city life. 3. IIT Bombay (IITB) 🌊 Located near Powai Lake, Mumbai. 💡 Famous for innovation & entrepreneurship (e.g., Ather Energy). 💼 Placements: Top recruiters from tech and finance. 🎉 Campus life: Mood Indigo (cultural fest) & Techfest are world-class. Ideal for: Students who want the best blend of academics + startup culture. 4. IIT Kanpur (IITK) 🧪 Strongest in core engineering branches (Mechanical, Aero, Civil). 💼 Placements: Excellent, especially in core and PSU sectors. 🏫 Academic rigor and discipline. 🤖 One of the best robotics and aerospace research environments. Ideal for: Students who love core technical fields and deep academics. 5. IIT Kharagpur (IITKGP) 🧱 Oldest IIT (est. 1951) with a huge 2100-acre campus. 📚 Offers courses beyond engineering: Law, Architecture, Management. 💼 Placements: Strong in tech, management, analytics. 🌍 Global research tie-ups and large alumni base worldwide. Ideal for: All-rounders and students looking for interdisciplinary programs. 6. IIT Roorkee (IITR) 🏛 Oldest technical institution in Asia (since 1847). 🧱 Gorgeous British-era architecture and large campus. 💼 Placements: Excellent in civil, mechanical, and hydrology. 🚀 Research in Earthquake, Water, and Civil Engg is globally respected. Ideal for: Civil/Mechanical aspirants and lovers of history + innovation. 7. IIT Guwahati (IITG) 🏞 Scenic campus on the banks of Brahmaputra River. 💼 Placements: Growing rapidly, especially in CSE and design. 🎨 Home to India's top design school (Dept. of Design). 🎉 Alcheringa and Techniche are flagship student fests. Ideal for: Students who want peaceful surroundings and holistic growth. 8. IIT Hyderabad (IITH) 🚀 Modern campus with Japan collaboration. 🧠 Known for innovation in AI, IoT, robotics, biomedical. 💼 Placements: Excellent in emerging tech sectors. 🔬 High research output and new PhD programs. Ideal for: Future-focused students interested in deep tech and research. 9. IIT BHU (Varanasi) 🎓 Deep roots in Banaras Hindu University. 💼 Placements: Good in software and electrical branches. 🙏 Cultural depth + vibrant student activities. 🏫 Active alumni base in India and abroad. Ideal for: Students wanting top education with a spiritual/cultural backdrop. 10. IIT Indore 📈 Fastest rising newer IIT in placements and research. 💼 Excellent in data science, physics, AI, and electronics. 🧬 High research publications per faculty ratio. 🏔 Calm and student-friendly campus. Ideal for: Students looking for new IIT growth and strong research. 🏫 Life at IITs Hostels: Mostly single rooms from 2nd/3rd year onward. Fests: Each IIT has major fests (Mood Indigo, Saarang, Alcheringa). Clubs: Coding, quizzing, debating, dramatics, robotics, and more. Food & Mess: Varies; most have North and South Indian options. Sports: Strong infrastructure, inter-IIT competitions, and gymkhanas. 💸 Placements: Which IITs Pay the Best? IIT Campus Avg CTC (B.Tech) Highest CTC (2024) IIT Bombay ₹19–22 LPA ₹3 Cr+ (international) IIT Delhi ₹18–21 LPA ₹2 Cr+ IIT Madras ₹17–20 LPA ₹1.98 Cr IIT Kanpur ₹15–18 LPA ₹1.2 Cr IIT Kharagpur ₹15–17 LPA ₹1.8 Cr IIT Roorkee ₹13–16 LPA ₹1 Cr+ IIT Guwahati ₹11–14 LPA ₹88 LPA IIT Hyderabad ₹11–13 LPA ₹63 LPA IIT BHU ₹10–12 LPA ₹82 LPA Note: Salaries vary by branch. CSE and ECE fetch the highest packages. 🌍 International Recognition Top IITs like Bombay, Delhi, and Madras feature in QS World Rankings. They are well-regarded globally, especially in computer science, engineering, and mathematics. 👨‍🎓 Notable IIT Alumni Sundar Pichai – CEO, Google (IIT Kharagpur) Arvind Krishna – CEO, IBM (IIT Kanpur) N. R. Narayana Murthy – Co-founder, Infosys (IIT Kanpur) Raghuram Rajan – Ex RBI Governor (IIT Delhi) Rajeev Suri – Ex CEO, Nokia (IIT Delhi) Manohar B. Parrikar – Ex Defence Minister of India (IIT Bombay) ✅ Final Take: Which IIT Is Best for You? Criteria Best IIT(s) Placements IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi Research & PhD IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur Core Engineering IIT Kanpur, IIT Roorkee Entrepreneurship IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi Design & Creativity IIT Guwahati, IIT Bombay Peaceful Environment IIT Guwahati, IIT Hyderabad Campus Beauty IIT Guwahati, IIT Madras Cultural Life IIT KGP, IIT Bombay ✍️ Conclusion Every IIT has its own flavor, strengths, and legacy. While the older IITs (Bombay, Delhi, Madras, Kanpur, Kharagpur) dominate the rankings and placements, new IITs are rising fast with strong research, modern infrastructure, and focused domains. Your ideal IIT depends on: Your preferred branch Desired campus life Career goals (research vs industry vs startup) City or nature preference Would you like a comparison of branches across IITs, or help choosing the best IIT + branch combination based on your JEE rank?