The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025, released by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, highlights India’s best engineering institutes. Among them, the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) continue to dominate the rankings, with IIT Madras retaining the top position.
This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the top 10 IITs in India in 2025, their rankings, achievements, and what makes them stand out.
NIRF 2025 Top 10 IIT Rankings
| Rank | Institute Name | Location | NIRF Score | State |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | IIT Madras | Chennai | 88.72 | Tamil Nadu |
| 2 | IIT Delhi | New Delhi | 85.74 | Delhi |
| 3 | IIT Bombay | Mumbai | 83.65 | Maharashtra |
| 4 | IIT Kanpur | Kanpur | 81.82 | Uttar Pradesh |
| 5 | IIT Kharagpur | Kharagpur | 78.69 | West Bengal |
| 6 | IIT Roorkee | Roorkee | 75.44 | Uttarakhand |
| 7 | IIT Hyderabad | Hyderabad | 72.31 | Telangana |
| 8 | IIT Guwahati | Guwahati | 72.24 | Assam |
| 9 | NIT Tiruchirappalli* | Tiruchirappalli | 68.14 | Tamil Nadu |
| 10 | IIT (BHU) Varanasi | Varanasi | 67.24 | Uttar Pradesh |
Note: While NIT Tiruchirappalli ranked 9th in engineering, it is not an IIT. Hence, IIT (BHU) Varanasi is counted as the 10th among IITs.
Detailed Analysis of the Top IITs
1. IIT Madras – The Undisputed Leader
- Ranked #1 in engineering for the 10th consecutive year
- Ranked #1 overall for the 7th consecutive year
- Filed 417 patents in 2024-25
- Incubated 100+ startups for the first time
- Introduced Sports Excellence Admission (SEA) and FACE program
- Improved QS World Ranking to 180 (from 227)
2. IIT Delhi – The Capital’s Premier Institute
- Offers 17 B.Tech and 46 M.Tech programs
- Focus areas: AI, Data Science, Renewable Energy
- Strong research collaborations due to its location in New Delhi
3. IIT Bombay – Hub of Western India
- Developed NexCAR19, India’s first CAR-T cancer therapy
- ₹375.2 crore R&D funding in FY 2022-23
- Strong industry partnerships with 500+ collaborations
4. IIT Kanpur – Known for Academic Rigor
- Pioneer in research-driven teaching methods
- Strong placement record and industry outreach
5. IIT Kharagpur – The Oldest IIT
- Established in 1951, first IIT of India
- Known for its wide range of academic programs and large campus
6. IIT Roorkee – Legacy of Excellence
- Roots trace back to 1847 as Thomason College
- Strong focus on engineering research and heritage
7. IIT Hyderabad – Fastest Growing IIT
- Leading research in AI, Robotics, and Biomedical Engineering
- Notable rise in NIRF ranking in recent years
8. IIT Guwahati – Northeast’s Research Hub
- Expanding global collaborations
- Focus on nanotechnology, energy, and biotechnology
9. IIT (BHU) Varanasi – Tradition Meets Technology
- Combines India’s cultural capital with modern engineering education
- Offers strong research opportunities across engineering fields
What Makes These IITs Stand Out
- Academic Excellence: Rigorous admission process via JEE Advanced.
- Research Impact: Contributions in AI, Robotics, Clean Energy, and Biotechnology.
- Industry Connections: Strong placements with Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and top Indian companies.
- Innovation Ecosystem: Active startup incubation centers fostering entrepreneurship.
How to Apply for IIT Admissions 2025
Candidates seeking admission into IITs must qualify through the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE Advanced). The process is as follows:
- Appear for JEE Main conducted by NTA and secure the cutoff score.
- Qualify for JEE Advanced and register online at the official portal.
- Fill in academic and personal details accurately during registration.
- Choose preferred IITs and engineering branches during counselling.
- Seat allocation is carried out through the Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA).
- Complete admission formalities by submitting documents and fees at the allotted IIT.
The NIRF 2025 rankings reaffirm the IITs’ consistent performance in education, research, and innovation, keeping them at the forefront of India’s higher education landscape.
