What is IIT?

The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are a prestigious group of autonomous public technical and research universities located across India. Renowned globally for their academic excellence, innovation, and rigorous selection process, the IITs are often considered the gold standard of engineering education in India and are ranked among the best technical institutions worldwide.

Purpose of Establishment

The primary aim behind setting up the IITs was to:

1. Cultivate exceptional engineers, technologists, and scientists who can contribute to building and modernizing post-independence India.
2. Bridge the gap between India and the West in the fields of science, engineering, and innovation.
3. Provide India with technological leaders capable of leading research, industries, and policy at a national and global level.
4. Promote self-reliance in science and technology, supporting India’s growth in sectors like defense, space, infrastructure, and information technology.
5. Create a culture of research and innovation, both academically and industrially.

Historical Background

• The idea of establishing IITs came from a visionary report by Sir Nalini Ranjan Sarkar in 1945, recommending the creation of higher technical institutions modeled after MIT in the USA.
• The first IIT was set up in Kharagpur (West Bengal) in 1951. It marked the beginning of a new era in technical education.
• Over time, more IITs were established by Acts of Parliament to cater to growing demands in science, engineering, and management education.

Key Characteristics of IITs

Courses & Research

IITs are not just engineering colleges—they are advanced research hubs offering:

• Cutting-edge programs in AI, Data Science, Quantum Tech, and Robotics.
• Collaborations with global universities like MIT, Stanford, ETH Zurich, and NTU.
• Industry-integrated labs and Incubation Centers to promote startups and entrepreneurship.

Why Are IITs Special?

• Global Rankings: Several IITs rank among the top 250 universities worldwide (QS World Rankings).
• Startup Ecosystem: IITs have produced unicorns like Ola, Flipkart, and Zomato founders.
• Alumni Network: IITians are CEOs, tech innovators, researchers, IAS officers, and entrepreneurs around the world.
• High ROI: The cost of education is relatively low compared to the Ivy League, but the return in terms of career, salary, and opportunities is massive.

Vision for the Future

IITs are continuously evolving to:

• Strengthen interdisciplinary learning across tech, medicine, management, and the arts.
• Promote sustainable innovation, especially in clean energy, agriculture, and water conservation.
• Transform India into a global leader in research by fostering innovation, securing patents, and producing work of Nobel-level quality.

The Indian Institutes of Technology are more than educational institutions; they embody the aspirations of millions, serve as the foundation of modern India's technological prowess, and act as a launchpad for global leadership in science and innovation.

Complete List of IITs with NIRF 2024 Rankings, Establishment Years & B.Tech Seat Intake

Below is a curated table featuring all 23 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), ranked according to the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024. This also includes the year each institute was founded and the estimated number of B.Tech seats offered.

Important Notes:

• Seat figures are indicative and may slightly vary each academic year based on institute policies and course expansions.
• An asterisk (*) in the Establishment Year column signifies that while the institute existed earlier under a different name or status, it gained the IIT designation later (e.g., IIT Roorkee was formerly the University of Roorkee).
• Newer IITs, established post-2008, are rapidly developing in terms of infrastructure, research facilities, and global partnerships.

IIT B.Tech Fee Structure (Approximate)

Note: The figures above are approximate and may change. Hostel charges can vary depending on room type and facilities offered.

Fee Waivers and Scholarships

IITs offer various fee waivers and scholarships to support students from different economic backgrounds:​

• A full tuition fee waiver is available for SC/ST/PwD students and general/OBC students with an annual family income below ₹1 lakh.
• Two-Thirds Tuition Fee Waiver: For General and OBC students with an annual family income between ₹1 lakh and ₹5 lakh.
• Merit-Based Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance.
• Institute-Specific Scholarships: Each IIT offers its own set of scholarships and financial assistance programs.​
• Each Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) provides its own unique scholarships and financial assistance programs.

Additional Costs

In addition to tuition and hostel fees, students may face extra expenses.

• Mess Charges: Approximately ₹12,000–₹20,000 per semester.​
• One-Time Admission Fees: Including caution deposits and other charges, ranging from ₹5,000–₹10,000.​
• Books and Supplies: Varies based on course requirements.​I

Branch-Wise Fee Structure

While the tuition fee remains consistent across branches within an IIT, certain specialized programs or dual degree courses may have different fee structures. It's advisable to consult the specific IIT's official website or contact the admissions office for detailed information on branch-wise fees.​

IIT Placement Overview

IITs consistently achieve impressive placement records both domestically and internationally. Although specific figures can vary each year, here's a general overview:

• Highest Domestic Packages: Top IITs like IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, and IIT Madras have reported domestic packages ranging from ₹1.5 crore to ₹2 crore per annum.
• International Offers: Select students have secured international offers exceeding ₹2 crore per annum, particularly in tech hubs like the USA and Europe.
• Average Packages: Across IITs, average annual packages typically range between ₹12 lakh to ₹25 lakh, depending on the branch and institute.​

Notable IIT Alumni

The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) have produced numerous alumni who have made significant contributions globally. Here are some notable individuals:

India:

• Mukta Ghate Farooq (IIT Bombay): A distinguished metallurgical engineer, she is recognized for her contributions to 3D integration and interconnect technology. -
• Rajesh Gopakumar (IIT Kanpur): A renowned theoretical physicist known for his work in string theory, he currently serves as the director of the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences. -
• Jayant B. Udgaonkar (IIT Madras): A senior professor at the National Centre for Biological Sciences, he is also a recipient of the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize.

Abroad: -

• Rakesh Mathur (IIT Bombay): Co-founder of Junglee, which was acquired by Amazon, he is a prominent entrepreneur in Silicon Valley. -
• Monisha Ghosh (IIT Kharagpur): The first woman to serve as the Chief Technology Officer at the U.S. Federal Communications Commission.
• Bob Balaram (IIT Madras): Chief Engineer for NASA's Mars Helicopter Project, he has made significant contributions to space exploration missions.