Top NIT Colleges in India 2024 – The National Institutes of Technology (NITs) are autonomous engineering institutions in India that offer a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degree programs in engineering and other fields. There are a total of 31 NITs across the country. Admission to BTech programs is managed through the JoSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority) counselling process, based on the All India Rank (AIR) secured in the JEE Main exam. For MTech programs, NITs offer admission based on the GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) score, with seat allotment managed through the CCMT (Centralized Counseling for MTech/MArch/MPlan/MDes) process.
Admission to BTech programs at the 31 NITs in India is managed through the JoSAA counseling process, which is based on the All India Rank (AIR) obtained in the JEE Main exam. For MTech programs, NITs offer admission based on the results of the GATE exam.
Popular NITs in India include NIT Trichy, NIT Karnataka, NIT Rourkela, NIT Warangal, and NIT Calicut. NIT Trichy is ranked eighth among Indian universities in the MHRD-NIRF ranking for 2023. Additionally, twenty-one NITs are ranked in the top 100. All NITs are regulated by the NIT Council. Most NITs in India offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs in various fields, including engineering, architecture, management, and science.
Admission Criteria for Top NIT Colleges in India 2024
- To gain admission to India’s premier NIT colleges, students must pass the JEE Main exam.
- Admission to NITs is based on merit, determined by the student’s performance in the JEE Main exam.
- Students need to register for the JoSAA counseling session.
- Admission is finalized based on the student’s preferences and seat availability following the counseling session.
- Since 2017, NITs have offered 19,000 seats for undergraduate courses and 8,050 seats for postgraduate courses.
- 50% of the seats are reserved for students from the state where the NIT is located.
- The remaining 50% of seats are allocated based on the All India Ranks (AIR) of candidates from various states.
Eligibility Criteria for Top NIT Colleges in India 2024
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
| Educational Requirements | Must have completed 10+2 education with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as core subjects. |
| Percentage | Must be in the top 20 percentile of class 12 exam or have secured at least 75% in 10+2 exam (65% for SC/ST candidates). |
| Age | No upper age limit for admission to NITs. |
| JEE Main | Must pass the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main. |
List of NIT Colleges in India 2024 By NIRF Ranking
The National Institute Ranking Framework (NIRF) publishes an annual ranking report for colleges and universities in India, serving as the most credible source for identifying the best NITs in the country. We have researched and compiled the NIRF rankings of all NITs to determine the top NIT colleges in India for 2024.
| Name of NIT | NIRF Ranking |
| NIT Tiruchirappalli | 9 |
| NIT Surathkal | 17 |
| NIT Rourkela | 19 |
| NIT Warangal | 21 |
| NIT Calicut | 25 |
| NIT Durgapur | 44 |
| NIT Karnataka | 17 |
| NIT Jaipur | 43 |
| NIT Kurukshetra | 81 |
| NIT Srinagar | 79 |
| NIT Jamshedpur | 100+ |
| NIT Rourkela | 19 |
| NIT Bhopal | 72 |
| NIT Patna | 55 |
| NIT Allahabad | 60 |
| NIT Surat | 59 |
| NIT Silchar | 40 |
| NIT Durgapur | 44 |
| NIT Hamirpur | 100+ |
| NIT Meghalaya | 100+ |
| NIT Nagaland | 100+ |
| NIT Mizoram | 100+ |
| NIT Puducherry | 97 |
| NIT Sikkim | 100+ |
| NIT Uttarakhand | 100+ |
| NIT Andhra Pradesh | 100+ |
| NIT Arunachal Pradesh | 100+ |
| NIT Delhi | 45 |
| NIT Goa | 100 |
| NIT Manipur | 103 |
| NIT Tripura | 106 |
Parameters of NIRF Ranking
The NIRF has selected the top engineering colleges category for the 2024 NIT rankings based on the following parameters:
- Graduation Outcomes
- Perception
- Teaching, Learning, and Resources
- Research and Professional Practices
Higher institute rankings generally result in higher cutoff marks for JoSAA counseling. Additionally, the return on investment from engineering education often depends on the combination of the college and the specific branch of study rather than just the institution’s brand.
Eligibility Criteria for BE/BTech/BArch/BPlanning Courses
General Candidates
Must have a 75% aggregate score in the class 12 board examination or rank in the top 20 percentile in 10+2 or any equivalent exam.
SC/ST Candidates
Must have at least 65% in their class 12 board exam or any equivalent exam conducted by a recognized board.
NIT Fee Structure
The NIT fee structure includes additional costs such as admission fees, library fees, development fees, student group fees, matriculation, and recognition fees, which vary by institute.
Fee Waivers
Eligibility: Candidates from SC/ST categories and economically weaker sections can be eligible for fee waivers, provided they meet all eligibility requirements as per Government of India guidelines.
Courses Available For Top NIT Colleges In India
The most sought-after undergraduate courses available at NITs are:
| Course Level | Popular Courses |
| Undergraduate | Mechanical Engineering |
| Electrical Engineering | |
| Civil Engineering | |
| Chemical Engineering | |
| Metallurgical and Materials Engineering | |
| Computer Science and Engineering | |
| Electronics and Communication Engineering | |
| Biotechnology Engineering | |
| Mining Engineering | |
| Environmental Engineering | |
| Industrial and Production Engineering | |
| Instrumentation and Control Engineering | |
| Information Technology | |
| Postgraduate | Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
| Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) | |
| Master of Technology (M.Tech) | |
| Master of Science (M.Sc) |
Information About Top NIT Colleges In India
1. NIT Rourkela Overview
NIT Rourkela, located in Odisha and established in 1961, stands as one of India’s oldest NITs. Known for its rigorous academic programs and advanced research facilities, it has emerged as a premier engineering institution. Emphasizing technology transfer and innovation, NIT Rourkela excels in interdisciplinary research and collaborations with industries. The institute offers 1058 seats across all courses for the 2023–2024 academic year, with admissions based on a specified seat matrix for both undergraduate and graduate programs.
Top Hiring Companies
- Texas Instruments
- Oracle
- Qualcomm
- Visa
2. NIT Surathkal Overview
NIT Surathkal, located in Mangalore, Karnataka, was established in 1960 and consistently ranks among India’s top engineering colleges. Known for its vibrant campus life and cultural events fostering holistic development, NIT Surathkal has alumni who have made significant contributions to industry and technology. The institute offers a total of 956 seats across various programs for the academic year.
Top Hiring Companies
- Amazon
- Intuit
- Goldman Sachs
- Microsoft
3. NIT Warangal Overview
Originally founded in 1959 as Regional Engineering College, Warangal, NIT Warangal is renowned for its excellence in education and research. Situated in a picturesque campus with modern amenities, it offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Faculty members at NIT Warangal are actively involved in cutting-edge research initiatives, emphasizing innovation and entrepreneurship. The institute has 989 seats available for all courses for the academic year 2023–2024.
Top Hiring Companies
- Axis Bank
- Microsoft
- Amazon
- Byjus
4. NIT Tiruchirappalli Overview
NIT Trichy, formerly known as Regional Engineering College, Tiruchirappalli, is one of India’s prominent NITs, established in 1964. Known for its modern facilities including well-equipped labs, libraries, and sports centers, NIT Trichy has a strong alumni base impacting various industries. The institute offers a total of 1007 seats across its programs for the academic year, divided into different categories.
Top Hiring Companies
- HCL
- Godrej
- Wipro
5. NIT Calicut Overview
Founded in 1961, NIT Calicut in Kerala has risen to become one of the top NITs in India. The institute boasts a diverse student community and a lush green campus. Known for its strong industry connections facilitating internships and job placements, NIT Calicut’s alumni have excelled in research and entrepreneurship. The institute offers 30 PG programs including an MBA, with a total intake of 761, and 11 UG programs with a total intake of 1224.
Top Hiring Companies
- Deloitte
- IBM
- Accenture
- Samsung
6. MNIT, Jaipur Overview
NIT Jaipur, also known as Malaviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipur, was established in 1963 and is located in Rajasthan’s Pink City. The institute emphasizes research and innovation with active faculty involvement in innovative projects. Known for its beautiful campus and vibrant student community, NIT Jaipur offers 888 seats across its various courses.
Top Hiring Companies
- Airtel
- Adobe
- JCB
- Maruti Suzuki
7. NIT, Kurukshetra Overview
NIT Kurukshetra, located in Haryana and established in 1963, is renowned for its focus on research and skill development, alongside a legacy of academic excellence. The modern campus features well-equipped libraries and labs, fostering an environment conducive to learning. With a capacity of 1147 seats, NIT Kurukshetra consistently produces engineers with outstanding career outcomes.
Top Hiring Companies
- Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
- Mahindra and Mahindra
- Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
- Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL)
8. NIT Durgapur Overview
Founded in 1960, NIT Durgapur in West Bengal has made significant contributions to engineering education. Known for its robust research output and partnerships with top organizations, the institute provides a supportive environment for study and research. Graduates of NIT Durgapur have achieved notable success across various fields. The institute offers 912 seats for its programs.
Top Hiring Companies
- TATA Projects
- Uber
- PWC
- PayU
9. NIT Silchar Overview
Established in 1967, NIT Silchar in Assam is celebrated for its scenic campus and high-quality education. The institute prioritizes research collaborations with leading sectors and organizations. Alumni of NIT Silchar have excelled in entrepreneurship, business, and academia, contributing significantly to their respective fields.
Top Hiring Companies
- Videocon
- National Instruments
- TAT Hitachi
- Unisys
10. NIT Hamirpur Overview
NIT Hamirpur, located in Himachal Pradesh and established in 1986, has rapidly developed into a prominent engineering institute. Emphasizing research and innovation, the institute’s faculty actively engages in diverse research projects. With a total of 994 seats available across various courses, NIT Hamirpur prepares students for successful careers in engineering.
Top Hiring Companies
- Stryker Corporation
- Nagarro
- Delhivery
Perks of Studying in Top NIT Colleges In India
Studying in top NIT colleges in India offers several advantages and perks that contribute to a well-rounded educational experience and career preparation:
- Quality Education: NITs are renowned for their rigorous academic curriculum and excellent faculty. They offer state-of-the-art infrastructure, well-equipped laboratories, and libraries, ensuring students have access to the latest resources and technologies.
- Reputation and Recognition: Graduating from a top NIT enhances your professional reputation. Employers recognize NITs for their high academic standards and strong alumni network, which can open doors to lucrative job opportunities.
- Industry Exposure: Top NITs have strong ties with industries through collaborations, internships, and campus placements. This exposure allows students to gain practical knowledge, hands-on experience, and networking opportunities with leading companies.
- Research Opportunities: NITs emphasize research and innovation, encouraging students and faculty to engage in cutting-edge research projects. This exposure not only enhances academic learning but also prepares students for future advancements in their chosen fields.
- Holistic Development: Apart from academics, NITs promote holistic development through cultural events, sports activities, and student clubs. These activities foster leadership skills, teamwork, and interpersonal abilities, essential for personal growth and career success.
- Placement Opportunities: Top companies and organizations actively recruit from NITs during campus placements. The strong placement records of NITs ensure that students have access to a wide range of job opportunities across various sectors.
- Alumni Network: NITs boast a strong alumni base that includes successful professionals, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders. Alumni networks provide mentorship, career guidance, and opportunities for collaboration, benefiting current students and graduates alike.
- Scholarships and Financial Aid: Many NITs offer scholarships and financial aid to deserving students based on academic merit, economic need, or specific criteria. This support makes higher education more accessible and affordable for students from diverse backgrounds.
Overall, studying in a top NIT not only enhances academic qualifications but also equips students with the skills, experiences, and networks necessary to thrive in their careers and contribute meaningfully to society.
Top NIT Colleges in India 2024 FAQs
Q1. What are the criteria for admission to top NIT colleges in India?
Ans. Admission to NITs is primarily through the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Candidates must meet eligibility criteria based on their JEE Main scores and class 12 board exam results.
Q2. How are NITs ranked in India, and which are considered the top NITs?
Ans. NITs are ranked annually by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) based on parameters like teaching, research, graduation outcomes, and perception. Some of the top-ranked NITs include NIT Trichy, NIT Surathkal, NIT Warangal, and others based on NIRF rankings.
Q3. What are the popular courses offered at top NIT colleges?
Ans. Top NITs offer a wide range of undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) courses in fields such as Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and more. PG courses often include MBA, M.Tech, and PhD programs.
Q4. What is the placement scenario at top NIT colleges?
Ans. Top NITs have robust placement records, with leading companies from various sectors participating in campus placements. Companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), and others frequently recruit from these institutes, offering attractive job opportunities to graduates.
Q5. Are there scholarships or financial aid available at top NIT colleges?
Ans. Yes, many NITs offer scholarships and financial assistance to deserving students based on merit, economic background, or specific criteria. These scholarships help support students' academic pursuits and make higher education more accessible.
