•  Content Creator : Prabhjot
• 03-10-2024

How many IITs are in India?: India is home to 23 prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), renowned for their excellence in engineering and technology education. Established to nurture skilled professionals and innovators, these IITs have become the backbone of India’s technological advancement. Each IIT operates autonomously, linked to the others through a common council, and offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. The rigorous admission process, primarily through the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), attracts the brightest minds nationwide, solidifying the IITs' reputation as a premier destination for aspiring engineers and technologists. With their cutting-edge research and strong industry connections, IITs continue to play a pivotal role in shaping India's future.

A Brief History of IITs in India

The first Indian Institute of Technology, IIT Kharagpur, was established in 1951. Over the decades, IITs have become autonomous public institutions of higher education, governed by the Institutes of Technology Act, 1961, which declares them "Institutions of National Importance." Since then, the number of IITs has grown to 23, spread across various states in India, offering world-class engineering and technology programs.

NIRF Engineering Ranking 2024: Top IITs in India

The NIRF Engineering Ranking 2024 showcases the continued excellence of IITs. These rankings are based on five core parameters: Teaching and Learning Resources, Graduation Outcome, Perception, Outreach and Inclusivity, and Research and Professional Practice. Below is a detailed list of the top IITs along with their NIRF ranks for 2024:

IITs: Admission and Competitive Exams

Securing a seat in an IIT is no small feat. In 2024, approximately 16,053 seats are available for B.Tech programs across all 23 IITs. With millions of students appearing for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main and Advanced exams, the competition is fierce. Less than 1% of those who sit for JEE Advanced eventually secure a spot in one of the IITs.

To be eligible for admission into IITs, students must first qualify the JEE Main exam and then appear for the JEE Advanced. After clearing these hurdles, students can pursue various undergraduate, postgraduate, and dual degree programs, including B.Tech, M.Tech, and B.Arch.

IITs are renowned for their engineering programs, but they offer a broad range of other courses. With a question often asked being, "How many IIT colleges are in India?" it's important to note that there are 23 IITs that require entrance exams for admission to their various programs. These exams vary depending on the specific course of study. Here is a comprehensive list of entrance exams required for different programs at IITs:

Degree Programs Offered at IITs

Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) offer a wide range of degree programs that cater to undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students. While IITs are primarily known for their flagship Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) and Master of Technology (M.Tech) degrees, they also offer diverse programs across various disciplines. These include dual-degree programs, architecture, design, and integrated science courses, making IITs a hub for multidisciplinary education.

1. B.Tech (Bachelor of Technology):
   The most popular undergraduate degree at IITs, B.Tech is offered in numerous specializations such as Computer Science, Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, and Chemical Engineering. Admission to B.Tech programs is highly competitive and is based on the JEE Advanced examination.
2. M.Tech (Master of Technology):
   Postgraduate students at IITs can pursue an M.Tech degree across a variety of specializations. This program is designed to enhance technical knowledge and research skills, and admission is typically through the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE).
3. Dual Degree (B.Tech-M.Tech):
   Several IITs offer integrated programs that allow students to earn both a B.Tech and an M.Tech degree in five years, providing an accelerated path to postgraduate education.
4. B.Arch (Bachelor of Architecture) & M.Arch (Master of Architecture):
   IITs like IIT Roorkee and IIT Kharagpur offer degrees in architecture, providing students with a comprehensive education in design and planning.
5. BSc (Bachelor of Science) & MSc (Master of Science):
   Many IITs offer science programs in disciplines such as Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Admission to MSc programs is based on the IIT Joint Admission Test (IIT JAM).
6. BS-MS Dual Degree:
   Some IITs offer a dual-degree BS-MS program that integrates undergraduate and postgraduate education in the sciences.
7. Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy):
   IITs are renowned for their research programs, offering Ph.D. degrees in engineering, sciences, humanities, and social sciences. Admission is typically based on GATE scores or other relevant entrance tests.
8. B.Des (Bachelor of Design) & M.Des (Master of Design):
   IITs like IIT Bombay and IIT Guwahati offer design programs focusing on creativity and innovation, with admission through the Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) and the Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED).
9. MBA (Master of Business Administration):
   Some IITs also offer management education, with MBA programs that are focused on the intersection of technology and business. Admission is through the Common Admission Test (CAT).

With more than 100 specializations available, IITs cater to a wide array of academic interests, making them not just centers for engineering, but comprehensive institutions for advanced learning and research.

Conclusion: The Prestige of IITs

The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) not only shape the careers of thousands of aspiring engineers but also play a vital role in advancing India's global standing in science, technology, and innovation. With their unparalleled academic rigor, cutting-edge research, and strong industry connections, IITs continue to produce world-class engineers, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders. As the demand for quality technical education grows, one common question is, "How many IITs are in India?" Currently, there are 23 IITs, each serving as a beacon of excellence. They offer students a transformative learning experience and a pathway to success in an increasingly technology-driven world. The legacy of the IITs will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations, solidifying their status as the pinnacle of engineering education in India.