Top Engineering Colleges in India : When it comes to pursuing an engineering degree in India, most discussions revolve around IITs and NITs. However, many parents and students are unaware that several other Government-sponsored and Private institutes consistently rank among the nation’s best, offering world-class education, strong placement records, and industry-ready curricula. As per the NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework) India Rankings 2024, institutions such as Jadavpur University, Anna University, Jamia Millia Islamia (Government-sponsored) and Vellore Institute of Technology, Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS Pilani), SRM Institute of Science & Technology (Private) have carved a niche for themselves in the engineering landscape.
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Choosing the right institute goes beyond rankings — factors like course fees, placement opportunities, research facilities, campus culture, and industry linkages play a decisive role. For example, Government-sponsored universities often provide affordable education with robust academic frameworks, making them attractive for meritorious students from diverse backgrounds. In contrast, Private universities may have higher fees but compensate with modern infrastructure, international collaborations, and strong corporate tie-ups for placements.
In this guide, we explore the top five Government-sponsored and top five Private engineering institutes in India (excluding IITs & NITs), selected not only on the basis of the NIRF rankings but also after considering factors such as location, fee structure (affordability), and placement records. Our findings reflect a holistic evaluation rather than relying solely on rankings. However, it is important to note that admission to these institutes depends on qualifying the relevant entrance examinations and securing the required rank.
Top 5 Government Engineering Colleges (State-Sponsored)
1. Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Placement Record (FY 2024-25):
- Achieves an 85%+ placement rate for BTech students, with ~1,200 students placed across engineering branches. Over 100 companies, including tech giants and PSUs like ONGC and BPCL, recruit annually.
- Official Fee Structure:
- BTech (4 years): INR 10,000–20,000 per year (subsidized for West Bengal residents). Total: ~INR 40,000–80,000.
- Highest Package Offered:
- Amount: INR 58 LPA (2023-24).
- Company: Microsoft.
- Department: Computer Science Engineering (CSE).
- R&D Opportunities:
- Features research centers like the Centre for Advanced Research in Engineering Sciences, with projects funded by DRDO and ISRO.
- Students contribute to ~200 thesis papers annually in fields like chemical engineering, AI, and environmental engineering.
- Offers PhD programs and international research collaborations.
- Sports Activities:
- Hosts “Athlos,” an annual sports fest with cricket, football, badminton, and athletics.
- Facilities include a gymnasium, sports fields, and courts; students compete in state and national tournaments like “Spardha.”
- Student Engagement with International Institutions:
- Exchange programs with universities like the University of Leeds and NUS, Singapore.
- Joint research projects in AI and chemical engineering, with students attending international IEEE conferences and summer internships.
- Campus Infrastructure Highlights:
- Central library with 6 lakh+ books and digital resources.
- Advanced labs for AI, robotics, and chemical engineering.
- Wi-Fi-enabled campus with modern auditoriums.
- Alumni Network Strength:
- Strong alumni base, including leaders in tech (e.g., Arnab Kumar, ex-Google) and academia.
- Active alumni association supports internships and mentorship programs.
2. Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Placement Record (FY 2024-25):
- Records an 80% placement rate, with ~1,500 students placed via 300+ companies like Infosys, Wipro, and TCS. CSE and ECE dominate placements.
- Official Fee Structure:
- BTech (4 years): INR 50,000–55,000 per year. Total: ~INR 2–2.2 lakhs.
- Highest Package Offered:
- Amount: INR 36 LPA (2023-24).
- Company: Amazon.
- Department: Computer Science Engineering (CSE).
- R&D Opportunities:
- Houses research centers like the Centre for Technology Development and Transfer, with DST and DRDO-funded projects in civil, mechanical, and AI.
- Students produce ~150 thesis papers annually.
- Offers MTech/PhD programs with international tie-ups.
- Sports Activities:
- Organizes “Kurukshetra,” a sports fest with basketball, volleyball, and chess.
- Features a modern sports complex for indoor and outdoor games, with regular participation in inter-university tournaments.
- Student Engagement with International Institutions:
- Exchange programs with MIT and NTU, Singapore.
- Collaborative research in AI and renewable energy, with students attending global workshops and internships.
- Campus Infrastructure Highlights:
- Central library with 1.5 lakh+ titles and e-journals.
- Specialized labs for robotics, AI, and automotive engineering.
- Wi-Fi campus with smart classrooms.
- Alumni Network Strength:
- Notable alumni include APJ Abdul Kalam and Verghese Kurien.
- Alumni network facilitates industry connections and startup mentorship.
3. Delhi Technological University (DTU), Delhi
- Placement Record (FY 2024-25):
- Boasts a 90% placement rate, with ~2,000 students placed via 400+ companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Goldman Sachs.
- Official Fee Structure:
- BTech (4 years): INR 2.29 lakhs per year. Total: ~INR 9.16 lakhs.
- Highest Package Offered:
- Amount: INR 82 LPA (2023-24).
- Company: Google.
- Department: Computer Science Engineering (CSE).
- R&D Opportunities:
- Centers for Advanced Studies in AI, IoT, and renewable energy, with ~250 thesis papers submitted annually.
- Student-led projects funded by DST and industry partners.
- MTech/PhD programs with collaborations with NUS, Singapore.
- Sports Activities:
- Hosts “Sportech,” featuring cricket, football, and athletics.
- Offers a state-of-the-art sports complex with basketball courts, a swimming pool, and a gymnasium; competes in national events.
- Student Engagement with International Institutions:
- Exchange programs with NUS and TU Delft.
- Joint research in AI and IoT, with students participating in global hackathons like HackMIT.
- Campus Infrastructure Highlights:
- Central library with 2 lakh+ books and digital access.
- Advanced labs for AI, IoT, and mechanical engineering.
- Fully Wi-Fi-enabled campus with innovation hubs.
- Alumni Network Strength:
- Alumni include tech leaders like Vinod Dham (Pentium chip pioneer).
- Strong alumni network supports placements and research funding.
4. Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Placement Record (FY 2024-25):
- Achieves an 85% placement rate, with ~300 students placed via companies like BPCL, Reliance, and ONGC, particularly in chemical engineering.
- Official Fee Structure:
- BTech (4 years): INR 85,350 per year. Total: ~INR 3.41 lakhs.
- Highest Package Offered:
- Amount: INR 17 LPA (2023-24).
- Company: BPCL.
- Department: Chemical Engineering.
- R&D Opportunities:
- Renowned for chemical and polymer engineering research via the DBT-ICT Centre for Energy Biosciences.
- Students contribute to ~100 thesis papers annually, with industry-funded projects.
- Strong PhD programs with global collaborations.
- Sports Activities:
- Hosts “Sportsaga” with cricket, badminton, and table tennis.
- Well-maintained sports facilities, with participation in state-level tournaments.
- Student Engagement with International Institutions:
- Collaborations with the University of Alberta for chemical engineering research.
- Students undertake internships and present at international symposiums.
- Campus Infrastructure Highlights:
- Library with 1 lakh+ books and chemical engineering journals.
- Specialized labs for polymer and energy research.
- Wi-Fi-enabled campus with modern lecture halls.
- Alumni Network Strength:
- Alumni include industry leaders like Mukesh Ambani.
- Active alumni association supports research and placements.
5. College of Engineering, Pune (COEP), Maharashtra
- Placement Record (FY 2024-25):
- Records an 80% placement rate, with ~700 students placed via 200+ companies like Microsoft, Tata Motors, and L&T.
- Official Fee Structure:
- BTech (4 years): INR 1.35 lakhs per year. Total: ~INR 5.4 lakhs.
- Highest Package Offered:
- Amount: INR 50 LPA (2023-24).
- Company: Microsoft.
- Department: Computer Science Engineering (CSE).
- R&D Opportunities:
- Research centers in robotics, automotive engineering, and AI, with ~150 thesis papers submitted annually.
- Student projects funded by DST and Tata.
- MTech/PhD programs with international exchanges.
- Sports Activities:
- Hosts “Zest” with cricket, football, and basketball.
- Modern sports facilities, including a gymnasium and athletic track, with strong participation in national tournaments.
- Student Engagement with International Institutions:
- Exchange programs with Purdue University.
- Collaborative research in robotics and automotive engineering, with students competing in global events like SAE Baja.
- Campus Infrastructure Highlights:
- Central library with 1.2 lakh+ books and digital resources.
- Advanced labs for robotics and mechanical engineering.
- Wi-Fi campus with innovation centers.
- Alumni Network Strength:
- Notable alumni include Bharat Ratna recipient M. Visvesvaraya.
- Strong alumni support for internships and industry projects.
Top 5 Private Engineering Colleges
1. Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu
- Placement Record (FY 2024-25):
- Achieves a 90%+ placement rate, with 14,345 students placed via 2,906 companies, including Microsoft, Amazon, and Google.
- Official Fee Structure:
- BTech (4 years): INR 1.95–1.98 lakhs per year (Group A/B). Total: ~INR 7.8–8 lakhs.
- Highest Package Offered:
- Amount: INR 75 LPA (2023-24).
- Company: Microsoft.
- Department: Computer Science Engineering (CSE).
- R&D Opportunities:
- Centers for AI, IoT, and nanotechnology, with ~500 thesis papers submitted annually.
- Student-led projects with DST and international funding.
- Collaborations with 200+ global universities for MS/PhD programs.
- Sports Activities:
- Hosts “Riviera” with cricket, football, tennis, and swimming.
- State-of-the-art sports complex with indoor/outdoor facilities, competing in national and international events.
- Student Engagement with International Institutions:
- Exchange programs with MIT, NUS, and Australian National University.
- Joint research in AI and nanotechnology, with students attending global hackathons and conferences.
- Campus Infrastructure Highlights:
- Library with 2.5 lakh+ books and e-journals.
- Cutting-edge labs for AI, IoT, and robotics.
- Fully Wi-Fi-enabled campus with smart classrooms.
- Alumni Network Strength:
- Alumni in top roles at Google, Microsoft, and startups.
- Strong alumni network supports placements and entrepreneurship.
2. Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
- Placement Record (FY 2024-25):
- Records a 95% placement rate, with ~1,000 students placed via 200+ companies like Cisco, Infosys, and Wipro.
- Official Fee Structure:
- BTech (4 years): INR 2.7–3.25 lakhs per year. Total: ~INR 10.8–13 lakhs.
- Highest Package Offered:
- Amount: INR 56.95 LPA (2023-24).
- Company: Amazon.
- Department: Computer Science Engineering (CSE).
- R&D Opportunities:
- Research in AI, robotics, and renewable energy via Amrita Technology Business Incubator.
- Students produce ~300 thesis papers annually, with global partnerships like MIT.
- Strong MTech/PhD programs with international funding.
- Sports Activities:
- Hosts “Anokha” with basketball, volleyball, and athletics.
- Modern sports facilities, including a gymnasium and swimming pool, with national inter-university participation.
- Student Engagement with International Institutions:
- Exchange programs with Stanford and NTU, Singapore.
- Collaborative research in robotics and renewable energy, with global internships.
- Campus Infrastructure Highlights:
- Library with 1.8 lakh+ titles and digital access.
- Advanced labs for AI, robotics, and biomedical engineering.
- Wi-Fi campus with innovation hubs.
- Alumni Network Strength:
- Alumni in leadership roles at Intel and Cisco.
- Active alumni network supports research and placements.
3. Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani, Rajasthan
- Placement Record (FY 2024-25):
- Achieves an 89.2% placement rate, with ~1,500 students placed via 300+ companies like Google, Microsoft, and Apple.
- Official Fee Structure:
- BTech (4 years): INR 5.44 lakhs per year. Total: ~INR 21.76 lakhs.
- Highest Package Offered:
- Amount: INR 60.63 LPA (2023-24).
- Company: Google.
- Department: Computer Science Engineering (CSE).
- R&D Opportunities:
- Centers for AI, data science, and robotics, with ~400 thesis papers submitted annually.
- Student-led projects with industry funding and global tie-ups like MIT.
- Strong PhD programs with international collaborations.
- Sports Activities:
- Hosts “BOSM” with cricket, football, and badminton.
- Advanced sports facilities, including a stadium and indoor courts, with national/international competition participation.
- Student Engagement with International Institutions:
- Exchange programs with MIT and University of Melbourne.
- Joint research in AI and data science, with students attending HackMIT.
- Campus Infrastructure Highlights:
- Library with 2.3 lakh+ books and e-journals.
- State-of-the-art labs for AI, robotics, and chemical engineering.
- Fully Wi-Fi-enabled campus with innovation centers.
- Alumni Network Strength:
- Alumni include leaders like Sanjay Mehrotra (Micron CEO).
- Strong alumni support for placements and startups.
4. Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala, Punjab
- Placement Record (FY 2024-25):
- Records a 90% placement rate, with ~1,200 students placed via 350+ companies like Amazon, Deloitte, and Intel.
- Official Fee Structure:
- BTech (4 years): INR 4.55–5.4 lakhs per year. Total: ~INR 18.2–21.6 lakhs.
- Highest Package Offered:
- Amount: INR 55.75 LPA (2023-24).
- Company: Amazon.
- Department: Computer Science Engineering (CSE).
- R&D Opportunities:
- Research centers in AI, ML, and IoT, with ~300 thesis papers submitted annually.
- Student projects with DST and international funding.
- Collaborations with Tel Aviv University for MTech/PhD programs.
- Sports Activities:
- Hosts “Arpan” with cricket, basketball, and athletics.
- Modern sports complex with indoor/outdoor facilities, competing in national tournaments.
- Student Engagement with International Institutions:
- Exchange programs with Tel Aviv University and University of Waterloo.
- Joint research in AI and IoT, with students attending global internships.
- Campus Infrastructure Highlights:
- Library with 1.5 lakh+ books and digital resources.
- Advanced labs for AI, ML, and civil engineering.
- Wi-Fi campus with smart classrooms.
- Alumni Network Strength:
- Alumni in top roles at Amazon and Deloitte.
- Active alumni network supports internships and research.
5. SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Placement Record (FY 2024-25):
- Achieves a 95% placement rate, with ~52,000 students placed across campuses via 1,000+ companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and TCS.
- Official Fee Structure:
- BTech (4 years): INR 2.5–4.5 lakhs per year. Total: ~INR 10–18 lakhs.
- Highest Package Offered:
- Amount: INR 50 LPA (2023-24).
- Company: Microsoft.
- Department: Computer Science Engineering (CSE).
- R&D Opportunities:
- Research in AI, IoT, and biotechnology via SRM Innovation and Incubation Centre.
- Students produce ~350 thesis papers annually, with DRDO funding.
- Strong MTech/PhD programs with global collaborations.
- Sports Activities:
- Hosts “Aaruush” with cricket, football, and tennis.
- Advanced sports facilities, including a stadium and indoor courts, with national/international participation.
- Student Engagement with International Institutions:
- Exchange programs with MIT and University of California.
- Collaborative research in AI and biotechnology, with global internships.
- Campus Infrastructure Highlights:
- Library with 2 lakh+ books and e-journals.
- Cutting-edge labs for AI, IoT, and biotechnology.
- Fully Wi-Fi-enabled campus with innovation hubs.
- Alumni Network Strength:
- Alumni in leadership roles at TCS and Microsoft.
- Strong alumni network supports placements and startups.
NIRF 2024 Overall Rank, Locatons, Type etc for the above 10 Engineering Institutes in India
To help parents and students compare the best options at a glance, the table below compiles the top 10 engineering institutes in India (other than IITs and NITs) based on the NIRF India Rankings 2024. It clearly indicates whether the institute is Government-sponsored or Private, its state, the official website, and its NIRF overall rank (which includes 23 IITs and 31 NITs for context). This quick reference is designed to simplify your decision-making process by putting key details in one place.
| NIRF Overall Rank (Including IITs, NITs) | College Name (Location) | Type | Official Website |
| 12 | Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal | Government | www.jaduniv.edu.in |
| 14 | Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu | Government | www.annauniv.edu |
| 27 | Delhi Technological University (DTU), Delhi | Government | www.dtu.ac.in |
| 41 | Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai, Maharashtra | Government | www.ictmumbai.edu.in |
| 77 | College of Engineering, Pune (COEP), Maharashtra | Government | www.coep.org.in |
| 11 | Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu | Private | www.vit.ac.in |
| 23 | Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu | Private | www.amrita.edu |
| 20 | Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani, Rajasthan | Private | www.bits-pilani.ac.in |
| 29 | Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala, Punjab | Private | www.thapar.edu |
| 13 | SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu | Private | www.srmist.edu.in |
Estimated Fee Structure
Understanding the cost of education is a crucial step in selecting the right engineering institute. The chart below presents an estimated fee range for the top 10 engineering institutes in India (excluding IITs & NITs) as per NIRF 2024, divided into Private and Government-sponsored categories. These figures reflect the approximate tuition fees for a full 4-year B.Tech program, helping parents and students plan their finances while comparing quality, affordability, and return on investment
Placement Packages at Top 10 Engineering Institutes (Excluding IITs & NITs)
One of the key factors that parents and students consider while choosing an engineering institute is the placement record and the salary packages offered to graduates. The top 10 institutes listed here—spanning both Government-sponsored and Private universities—have consistently attracted leading recruiters from India and abroad. The data below highlights the average and highest annual packages offered during recent placement seasons, giving a clear picture of the career opportunities and earning potential that these institutes provide.
Research Output: Number of Theses Submitted by The Above Top 10 Engineering Institutes
Research activity is a strong indicator of an institute’s academic depth and the quality of its faculty. The chart below showcases the number of theses submitted by students and researchers from the above top 10 engineering institutes in India.. A higher count often reflects a stronger research culture, faculty mentorship, and emphasis on innovation, all of which contribute to producing industry-ready engineers and future academicians.
Summary Vital of Key Parameters for Top 10 Engineering Institutes
To give parents and students a quick, side-by-side view of the most important decision-making factors, the table below compiles approximate data for the top 10 engineering institutes in India (NIRF 2024, excluding IITs & NITs). It covers the overall placement rate (2023–24), total B.Tech fee structure, highest package offered (2023–24), and the availability of R&D opportunities. This consolidated snapshot will help readers compare institutes beyond rankings, focusing on both academic value and career prospects.
| College | Placement Rate (2023-24) | Fee Structure (Total, BTech) | Highest Package (2023-24) | R&D Opportunities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jadavpur University | 85% | INR 40,000–80,000 | INR 58 LPA | AI, chemical engineering, international collaborations |
| Anna University | 80% | INR 2–2.2 lakhs | INR 36 LPA | Civil, mechanical, AI research |
| DTU | 90% | INR 9.16 lakhs | INR 82 LPA | AI, IoT, renewable energy |
| ICT Mumbai | 85% | INR 3.41 lakhs | INR 17 LPA | Chemical, polymer engineering |
| COEP | 80% | INR 5.4 lakhs | INR 50 LPA | Robotics, automotive engineering |
| VIT Vellore | 90%+ | INR 7.8–8 lakhs | INR 75 LPA | AI, IoT, nanotechnology |
| Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham | 95% | INR 10.8–13 lakhs | INR 56.95 LPA | AI, robotics, renewable energy |
| BITS Pilani | 89.20% | INR 21.76 lakhs | INR 60.63 LPA | AI, data science, robotics |
| Thapar Institute | 90% | INR 18.2–21.6 lakhs | INR 55.75 LPA | AI, ML, IoT |
| SRM IST | 95% | INR 10–18 lakhs | INR 50 LPA | AI, IoT, biotechnology |
Conclusion
The above discussion on the top five Government-sponsored and top five Private engineering institutes in India (excluding IITs & NITs) is based on our research from publicly available data, including NIRF rankings and other official Government of India & other reports. This information is intended purely as an educational reference to help aspirants and their guardians begin comparing institutes for engineering education beyond the well-known IITs and NITs.
Students should not rely solely on this article for making their final choice. Instead, they should explore each institute in detail, follow the official admission guidelines, and prepare for the required entrance examinations to secure admission.
Our goal is to provide a starting point for informed decision-making, enabling students and parents to shortlist colleges based on factors like fees, location, placements, and research opportunities.
If you found this content helpful, we invite you to explore more articles on our website and connect with us on our social media pages for updates and career guidance. All the best for your engineering journey!