Top NITs in India: Rankings, Admission Process, Courses, Placement & more
Dreaming of joining one of the top NITs in India? Renowned for their world-class education, advanced research facilities, and excellent placement records, the National Institutes of Technology (NITs) are among the most prestigious engineering institutions in the country.
Currently, there are 32 NITs in India, including 31 traditional NITs and the newly added IITEST Shibpur, now classified as an NIT. Together, these institutes provide over 24,299 seats annually across various undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Beyond academics, NITs stand out for their vibrant campus life, hosting numerous cultural events and extracurricular activities.
This blog will walk you through everything you need to know about the top NITs in India. From their rankings and admission process to the courses offered and placement statistics, we cover all the essential details to help you make informed decisions about your engineering aspirations.
Admission Process for the Top NITs in India
To secure a spot at an NIT, clearing the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main is mandatory. This exam serves as the sole gateway for undergraduate programs at these institutes.
Eligibility Criteria for JEE Main
- Year of Passing: Candidates must have passed Class 12 in 2023 or 2024 or appear for it in 2025.
- Academic Qualification & Minimum Marks:
- General/EWS/OBC candidates: Minimum 75% aggregate in Class 12 or rank in the top 20 percentile of their respective board.
- SC/ST/PwD candidates: Minimum 65% aggregate in Class 12.
- Core subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics are mandatory.
JEE Main Fees
| Category | Fees (INR) |
| Male (General/OBC/EWS) | ₹1,000 |
| Female (General/OBC/EWS) | ₹800 |
| SC/ST/PwD/Transgender | ₹500 |
Counseling for NIT Admission
The admission counseling process for NITs is conducted centrally through two platforms: JoSAA Counseling and and CSAB Counseling.
JoSAA Counseling for NITs
The Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) conducts a structured counseling process with multiple rounds to allocate seats based on candidates’ JEE Main ranks, preferences, and seat availability.
JoSAA Counseling Procedure:
- Visit the Official Website: Log in to josaa.nic.in for updates and registration.
- Register: Use your JEE Main credentials to enter personal and academic details.
- Choice Filling: Select your preferred colleges and courses in order of priority.
- Mock Allotment: Review the results of mock allotment rounds to adjust your preferences.
- Seat Allotment: Seats are allocated based on rank and preferences; results are announced online.
- Seat Acceptance: Pay the acceptance fee and upload required documents.
- Report to the Institute: Complete formalities, including document verification and fee payment, at the allotted institute.
| JoSAA Counseling Fees | General/OBC Candidates | SC/ST/PwD Candidates |
| Seat Acceptance Fee | ₹45,000 | ₹20,000 |
CSAB Counseling for NITs
Central Seat Allocation Board (CSAB) counseling is held for seats left vacant after JoSAA counseling. This provides another chance for students to secure admission.
CSAB Counseling Procedure
- Registration: Register on the official CSAB portal using JEE Main credentials.
- Fee Payment: Pay a non-refundable counseling fee.
- Choice Filling and Locking: Select and prioritize your preferences.
- Seat Allotment: Seats are allocated based on rank and availability.
- Seat Acceptance: Confirm the seat by paying the acceptance fee and uploading documents.
- Report to the Institute: Complete admission formalities.
| CSAB Counseling Fees | General/OBC Candidates | SC/ST/PwD Candidates |
| Seat Acceptance Fee | ₹40,000 | ₹20,000 |
Courses Offered at the Best NITs
NITs offer a diverse range of programs, including undergraduate, postgraduate, integrated, and doctoral courses. Popular programs include:
| Program Type | Programs Offered at Top NITs in India |
| Undergraduate Programs | B.Tech, B.Arch |
| Postgraduate Programs | M.Tech, M.Arch, M.A, MCA, MBA |
| Dual Degrees | B.Tech + M.Tech, Integrated M.Sc, B.Sc + B.Ed |
| Doctoral Programs | Ph.D. |
NITs Fees Structure
One of the major attractions of NITs is their affordable fee structure, which includes academic fees, hostel fees, and mess charges. In addition, scholarships and financial assistance are available for eligible students.
| Aspect | Details |
| Tuition Fees | ₹1–₹1.5 lakh per year, depending on the NIT and program. |
| Hostel Fees | ₹60,000–₹80,000 annually, offering well-maintained facilities. |
| Financial Aid | Merit-cum-means scholarships, central and state-funded schemes, fee waivers, corporate sponsorships, and sports scholarships. |
NIT Placement Statistics
NITs are renowned for their outstanding placement performance, with an impressive success rate of 80% to 90% across most campuses. Graduates often secure average salary packages in the range of ₹7 lakh to ₹14 lakh per annum, highlighting the strong industry demand for their skills. Moreover, international placement offers frequently exceed ₹1 crore, underscoring the global appeal of NIT alumni. These consistent achievements make NITs a top choice for aspiring engineers aiming for bright career prospects.
Top NIT Rankings in India
When it comes to identifying the top NITs in India, rankings play a crucial role. These rankings are determined by parameters such as NIRF 2024 scores, placement records, and the overall reputation of the institutes. First, the NIRF rankings evaluate institutions based on key factors like teaching quality, research output, and student outcomes. In addition, the placement records of these NITs reflect how well they prepare students for thriving careers. The table below provides an overview of the top 10 NITs in India for 2025, considering NIRF 2024 ranks, highest placement packages, and JOSAA preferences.
Top 10 NITs 2025
| Top NITs in India | NIRF Rank 2024 | UG Counselors Rank 2024 | Highest CTC (₹ LPA) |
| NIT Tiruchirappalli | 9 | 1 | 42 |
| NIT Surathkal | 17 | 2 | 45 |
| NIT Warangal | 21 | 3 | 80 |
| NIT Rourkela | 19 | 4 | 80 |
| NIT Calicut | 25 | 5 | 47 |
| NIT Allahabad | 60 | 6 | 60 |
| NIT Jaipur | 43 | 7 | 60 |
| NIT Nagpur | 39 | 8 | 64 |
| NIT Surat | 59 | 9 | 52 |
| NIT Kurukshetra | 81 | 10 | 60 |
Comparison of Top 3 NITs in India
Among the top NITs, NIT Trichy, NIT Surathkal and NIT Warangal are widely recognized as leaders. Here’s a comparison focusing on key aspects such as fees, placements, and rankings.
| Criteria | NIT Trichy | NIT Surathkal | NIT Warangal |
| Established | 1964 | 1960 | 1959 |
| NIRF Rank 2024 | 9 | 17 | 21 |
| Fees (B.Tech) | ₹1.5 lakh/year | ₹1.6 lakh/year | ₹1.5 lakh/year |
| Average Placement Package | ₹11.5 LPA | ₹14 LPA | ₹20 LPA |
| Highest CTC | ₹42 lakh/year | ₹45 lakh/year | ₹80 lakh/year |
| Placement Rate | 98% | 95% | 96% |
Quotas in Top NITs
NITs offer specific quotas to ensure diverse representation in the admission process:
1.Home State Quota: 50% of seats each NIT are reserved for students domiciled in the NIT’s state. For instance, Tamil Nadu residents can claim this quota at NIT Trichy by providing a domicile certificate and school records.
2.CIWG Quota: The Central Seat Allocation Board (CSAB) offers specialized quotas, such as the CIWG Quota for children of Indian workers in Gulf countries. Eligible candidates must provide proof of the parent’s employment in GCC countries and qualify for JEE Main. This quota offers reduced tuition fees.
Admission for NRIs in NITs
Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Foreign Nationals, Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) can apply for admission to top NITs through the Direct Admission of Students Abroad (DASA) scheme, coordinated by the Ministry of Education.
DASA Counseling Procedure:
Eligibility: Candidates must complete 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Mathematics, and one optional subject like Chemistry, Biology, or Computer Science. A valid JEE Main score is required.
Admission Process: Students must register on the DASA portal, submit required documents, and await seat allotment based on JEE Main merit. Higher tuition fees apply, with some relaxations for CIWG candidates.
FAQs about NITs in India
1. What are the best NITs to study in India?
NIT Trichy, NIT Warangal, NIT Surathkal, NIT Rourkela and NIT Calicut are the best NITs in India.
2. Which is the No. 1 NIT in India?
NIT Trichy is considered the best NIT in India, consistently holds the No.1 position among NITs in NIRF rankings.
3. What is the admission process for NITs?
Admission to undergraduate programs in NITs is based on the JEE Main exam followe by JoSAA orCSAB counseling
4. What are the eligibility criteria for NITs?
Candidates must have a valid JEE Main score, be at least 17 years old by December 31st, and have passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, securing 75% marks (65% for reserved categories).
5. What is the average fee for an NIT undergraduate program?
The average fee for an NIT undergraduate program is between INR 1.5 lakhs to INR 2.5 lakhs per year.
6. Are scholarships available in NITs?
Yes, NITs offer various scholarships, including merit-based, means-based, and government scholarships for SC/ST/OBC students. Each NIT also provides specific internal scholarships based on academic, sports, or research achievements.
7. Which NITs are best for placements?
NIT Warangal and NIT Rourkela are known for excellent placements, with packages reaching up to ₹80 LPA.
8. How can a foreign student take admission in an NIT?
Foreign students can apply through the Direct Admission of Students Abroad – DASA scheme based on their JEE Main score and meet the required academic qualifications.
NITs offer academic excellence, top placements, and vibrant campus life, making them the ideal choice for aspiring engineers. Have questions or experiences about NIT admissions or campus life? Share in the comments!
