Engineering has been one of the most popular career choices in India. Every year, lakhs of students appear for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) with the aim of getting admission into the top engineering colleges in India. However, with the increasing competition and limited seats, it has become crucial for students to have knowledge of the best engineering colleges and their cut-offs.
What are the Top 10 Engineering Colleges in India 2024 with Their Cut-Offs?
India’s top engineering colleges are renowned for their academic excellence and competitive cut-offs. The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) dominate the list, with IIT Bombay leading, followed by IIT Delhi and IIT Madras. Cut-offs for these IITs range between 90-98 percentile in JEE Advanced. IIT Kanpur and IIT Kharagpur follow closely, maintaining high cut-off marks.
National Institutes of Technology (NITs) like NIT Trichy and NIT Surathkal are also among the top, with JEE Main cut-offs ranging from 95-99 percentile. Other prestigious institutions include BITS Pilani, which demands a BITSAT score above 350 for admission, and IIIT Hyderabad with high cut-offs in JEE Main. The Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) rounds out the list, with VITEEE cut-offs typically around 10,000 rank.
These colleges offer world-class education and attract top-tier students from across India.
Top 10 Engineering Colleges in India 2024
1. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi
Cut-off: 98-99 percentile
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi is known for its challenging and difficult academic standing and highly competitive admission process. With a high cut-off percentile ranging from 98 to 99, this opens the window for only top-performing students to get admission. This rigorous selection process ensures only the intelligent and bright minds of the country make their way into the colleges. The institution is committed to providing world-class education and making major contributions to their chosen industries upon graduation.
2. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay
Cut-off: 99-99.5 percentile
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay specializes in its innovative and rigorous academic programs and has a well-known alumni record. By having a narrow cut-off ranging from 99 to 99.5 percentile, it attracts only quality talents to its institution. It offers specializations in courses such as engineering, computer science, and technology, known for its hands-on learning approach and cutting-edge research opportunities. The alumni are known to excel in diverse fields such as entrepreneurship, academia, and other creative industries, making IIT Bombay a hub that drives innovation and excellence.
3. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur
Cut-off: 98-99 percentile
IIT Kanpur provides specialized courses in aerospace engineering, computer science, and electrical engineering. Its alumni excel in various fields, contributing significantly to India’s progress. Established in 1959, it emphasizes academic excellence and practical learning. The campus offers modern facilities and research opportunities, fostering innovation among students. Committed to shaping future leaders, IIT Kanpur continues to make notable contributions to engineering and technology.
4. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras
Cut-off: 98-99 percentile
IIT Madras stands out for its specialized courses in civil engineering, materials science, and data science. With a focus on innovation, it fosters world-class collaborations with leading institutions. Its alumni are pioneers in engineering and research, contributing to global advancements. Founded in 1959, it continues to inspire excellence and drive smarter technology growth.
5. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur
Cut-off: 97-98 percentile
As the first IIT, Kharagpur offers specialized courses in mining engineering, industrial engineering, and economics. With cutting-edge technology, it ensures top-notch campus placements and lucrative packages for students. Its focus on practical learning and research equip graduates with skills for real-world challenges. Established in 1951, it continues to lead the way in engineering education and innovation.
6. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati
Cut-off: 94-95 percentile
Situated amidst beautiful surroundings, IIT Guwahati enjoys a unique location with the Brahmaputra river and hills. Founded in 1994, it offers popular courses like computer science and mechanical engineering, among others. Ranked 364th in QS World University Rankings 2024, it ensures impressive job placements and hosts an annual celebration. With its scenic setting and excellent academics, IIT Guwahati is a highly sought-after institution.
All the IITs mentioned above are premier engineering institutes in India and were established in the 1950s-1960s. They offer undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in various fields of engineering, technology, and science. The most popular courses offered by the IITs are Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and Chemical Engineering. The fees for undergraduate programs in IITs are relatively low compared to other top engineering colleges in India. However, the fees vary depending on the IIT and the program.
In terms of campus placements, IITs are known to have an excellent track record, with over 90% of students getting placed in top companies. The average annual salary for students is around INR 16-18 lakhs per annum, and top recruiters include Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Intel.
Also Read: What are the best exams to take to get into engineering courses?
7. National Institute of Technology (NIT) Trichy
Cut-off: 93-94 percentile
NIT Trichy is known for offering popular courses like Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Civil Engineering. The institute has a consistent track record of placing its students in top companies in India and abroad. Its placement cell organizes various placement drives throughout the year, and reputed companies such as Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Tata, and Samsung participate in these drives.
On average, around 90% of NIT Trichy students secure job offers during the campus placement process, with the highest package offered being around 42 LPA (lakhs per annum) in recent years.
8. Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani
Cut-off: 95-96 percentile Indian
BITS Pilani is a private deemed university known for its academic excellence in engineering and technology. The institute offers popular courses such as Computer Science and Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Chemical Engineering.
With a pass-out rate of over 90%, BITS Pilani has an impressive placement record, with over 90% of its students getting placed in top companies, with an average annual salary of INR 14-16 lakhs per annum.
9. Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad
Cut-off: 93-94 percentile
IIT Hyderabad is a premier public engineering institute established in 2008. Known for its academic excellence in the field of engineering and technology, the institute offers popular courses such as Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Civil Engineering. With an annual intake of around 800 undergraduate students and 1,000 postgraduate students, IIT Hyderabad has an impressive pass-out rate of over 85%.
The institute also has an excellent track record in campus placements, with over 90% of students securing job offers from top companies like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Goldman Sachs. The average annual salary for students from IIT Hyderabad is around INR 14-16 lakhs per annum.
Also Read: Top Strategies to Crack JEE 2023: Tips from Toppers
10. Delhi Technological University (DTU), Delhi – Cut-off: 92-93 percentile
Delhi Technological University (DTU), formerly known as Delhi College of Engineering, is a public engineering university located in Delhi, India. Established in 1941, DTU offers popular courses such as Computer Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Electronics and Communication Engineering.
The university has an annual intake of around 1,200 undergraduate students and 1,500 postgraduate students, and an impressive pass-out rate of over 80%.
DTU has a good track record in campus placements, with over 80% of students getting placed in top companies such as Microsoft, Amazon, Samsung, and Wipro. The average annual salary for students from DTU is around INR 15-16 lakhs per annum.
It is important to note that the cut-offs are only indicative and may vary based on various factors such as the number of students applying, the difficulty level of the exam, and the number of seats available in each college.
The IITs are among the most prestigious engineering colleges in India, and the cut-offs for these institutions are generally very high. Only the top-performing students in the JEE Main exam are selected for admission to these colleges. The NITs are also among the top engineering colleges in India, and they offer excellent infrastructure, faculty, and research facilities to their students.
Apart from the IITs and NITs, several other top engineering colleges in India include BITS Pilani, VIT, IIIT Hyderabad, etc. These institutions also have a high reputation and provide excellent education and research facilities to their students.
What are Some Good Engineering Institutions Other Than IITs and NITs in India with Their Cut-Offs?
Here’s a table listing some good engineering institutions in India other than IITs and NITs, along with their approximate cut-offs:
| Institution Name | Entrance Exam | Approximate Cut-Off |
| BITS Pilani | BITSAT | 350+ marks |
| IIIT Hyderabad | JEE Main | 99+ percentile |
| Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) | VITEEE | Top 10,000 rank |
| Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) | MET | Top 20,000 rank |
| Thapar Institute of Engineering | JEE Main | 90+ percentile |
| SRM Institute of Science and Tech | SRMJEEE | Top 10,000 rank |
| Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham | AEEE | Top 15,000 rank |
| Delhi Technology University (DTU) | JEE Main | 95+ percentile |
| PES University, Bangalore | PESSAT | Top 5,000 rank |
| RV College of Engineering | COMEDK | Top 10,000 rank |
These institutions provide quality engineering education and have competitive cut-offs based on various entrance exams.
Read More: Challenges in Education Loan Approval for JEE Main
How Can I Get Admission to Top Engineering Colleges in India?
Getting admission to top engineering colleges in India requires careful planning and preparation. Here’s a brief guide to help you navigate the process and secure a spot in the best institutions.
- Choose the Right Entrance Exam:
To get into top engineering colleges in India, you need to appear for entrance exams like JEE Main and JEE Advanced for IITs and NITs. Other top colleges have their exams like BITSAT for BITS Pilani and VITEEE for VIT. - Prepare Well:
Focus on subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Use the right study materials, practice mock tests, and understand exam patterns. Strong preparation is key to scoring high marks. - Apply to Colleges:
After getting your entrance exam scores, apply to the colleges where your rank meets the cut-off. Fill out the application forms carefully and provide all the required documents. - Attend Counseling:
Most top engineering colleges conduct counseling sessions where you choose your preferred branch and college based on your rank. Make sure to attend these sessions and confirm your seat. It will also help you to find out more about financial aid or securing loans successfully. - Secure Admission:
Once you receive an admission offer, complete the admission process by paying the fees and submitting the necessary documents. This secures your place in the engineering college.
Read More: Challenges in Education Loan Approval for JEE Main
Which are the Top Government Engineering Colleges in India?
Here is a list for your reference:
- Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs):
IITs are the top engineering colleges in India. They are known for their excellent education, research opportunities, and strong placement records. IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, and IIT Madras are some of the best among them. Admission is through the JEE Advanced exam, and the competition is tough. - National Institutes of Technology (NITs):
NITs are also highly respected government engineering colleges. NIT Trichy, NIT Surathkal, and NIT Warangal are among the top. These colleges admit students through the JEE Main exam and offer quality education and good job prospects. - Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIITs):
IIITs specialize in Information Technology and related fields. IIIT Hyderabad and IIIT Allahabad are the most prominent. They are known for their strong industry connections and focus on IT education. Admission is based on the JEE Main exam. - Delhi Technological University (DTU):
DTU, formerly known as Delhi College of Engineering, is one of the oldest and most prestigious engineering colleges in India. It offers a wide range of engineering programs and has a strong reputation for academics and placements. - College of Engineering, Pune (COEP):
COEP is one of the oldest engineering colleges in India, established in 1854. It is known for its rich history, strong alumni network, and quality education. Admission is through the MHT-CET or JEE Main exam.
These government engineering colleges provide excellent education and open doors to promising careers in engineering.
What are the Best Private Tier 1 Engineering Colleges in India?
Here’s a table listing some of the best private Tier 1 engineering colleges in India, along with their cut-off and eligibility criteria:
| Institution Name | Entrance Exam | Cut-Off | Eligibility Criteria |
| BITS Pilani | BITSAT | 350+ Marks | 10+ with Physics, Chemistry, and Math; minimum 75% aggregate |
| Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) | VITEEE | Top 10,000 rank | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Math; minimum 60% aggregate |
| Thapar Institute of Engineering | JEE Main | 90+ percentile | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Math; minimum 60% aggregate |
| PES University, Bangalore | PESSAT | Top 5,000 rank | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Math; minimum 60% aggregate |
| Kalinga Institute of Industrial Tech | KIITEE | Top 10,000 rank | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Math; minimum 60% aggregate |
These private Tier 1 colleges are known for their high academic standards and competitive entrance exams. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and perform well in the respective entrance exams to secure admission.
Wrap-Up
In conclusion, top engineering colleges in India like BITS Pilani, VIT, PES University, etc are good choices for any student if not the popular IITs, NITs, and COEP offer world-class education. These institutions are renowned for their rigorous academic programs, strong faculty, and impressive placement records. Admission to these colleges is highly competitive, requiring dedication and strong performance in entrance exams like JEE Main and JEE Advanced. Studying at these prestigious colleges provides quality education and paves the way for a successful engineering career in India and abroad.
FAQs
1. What is the lowest rank for NIT?
The lowest rank for admission to NITs can vary each year depending on factors like the number of applicants and the difficulty of the exam. Generally, candidates with a rank up to 50,000-60,000 in JEE Main can secure a seat in one of the NITs, though this may vary by course and category.
2. Which is better, NIT or IIIT?
Both NITs and IIITs are excellent choices, but the better option depends on your interests. NITs offer a broader range of engineering disciplines and are more established, while IIITs specialize in Information Technology and related fields. If you’re focused on IT, an IIIT might be better; for a wider range of engineering branches, an NIT could be the right choice.
3. What is the common rank list in JEE Mains?
The common rank list (CRL) in JEE Mains includes all candidates, regardless of category. It ranks students based on their performance in the exam. The CRL is used for seat allocation in NITs, IIITs, and other participating institutions.
4. Can I get NIT with 2 lakh rank?
Getting into an NIT with a 2 lakh rank is challenging, as most NITs have much higher cut-offs. However, lower-ranked NITs or certain less popular branches may still have seats available. If financing your education is a concern, consider Varthana‘s easy repayment options and flexible EMIs to make your education dreams possible.
5. Is BITS Pilani better than NIT?
BITS Pilani is considered one of the top private engineering colleges in India, with excellent faculty, infrastructure, and placements. Whether it’s better than an NIT depends on the specific NIT in question and the branch of engineering. Both are prestigious, but BITS Pilani often ranks higher in terms of overall education quality and campus facilities.
Social