Top IITs in India: Which Campuses Do Toppers Really Choose?

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) is among the most respected centres of technical education in the world. IIT also has the best peer group, consisting of the brightest minds from the nation, who are funnelled through rigorous exams of JEE Advanced. It is not only a place for a degree, but it also houses a vibrant cultural aspect too, be it in the form of cultural clubs or even inter-IITs cultural meet. Here’s the list of the top IIT colleges in India.  

Ranking of IITs by different bodies:-

• National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) is the methodology adopted by the Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India, to rank all institutions of higher education in the country.. It accounts for Teaching, Learning and Resources, Resource and professional practice, Graduation outcomes, Outreach and inclusivity and Perception in the decreasing order of importance while ranking.

• The QS world university ranking is published annually by Quacquarelli Symonds and is one of the most widely consulted global university ranking systems. 

• An applicant’s mindset is mainly decided by the demand of the college and the branch determined by the opening and clozsing ranks of JEE Advanced for the college.

Parameters to consider while choosing your best IIT

Every aspirant is different in terms of their thinking, future goals and personal choices, so a single parameter will be enough to cater to everyone’s needs. 

One can consider the following parameters:

• Personal choice and future goals: If one wants exposure to industries right out of their IIT, then IIT-B and IIT-D are for them, as they reside in the heart of the city, or to pursue higher education abroad, then pure science branches are for them.

• Academic flexibility and interdisciplinary courses: Check the feasibility of Branch Change and the availability of Interdisciplinary Courses (Minors, Honours, Dual Majors) that allow you to customise your skill set.

• Departmental Reputation: Every IIT has its own perks. It depends on person to person which one he/she is interested in. For example:- CS of IIT Bombay is exceptional, and the startup culture at IIT Madras is fabulous. The core department of KGP stands out.

• Startup culture: Research and startup culture also matter, as they make one industry-ready and provide a platform to pitch ideas and improve.

• Location and campus life: It is a valid decision to choose a college near home for family support or far away for maximum independence and exposure.

Final non-biased ranking:- 

# For placement point of view 

# For research point of view 

# Lump sum fees of top IITs of India for the B.Tech programme

Disclaimer: The fee details mentioned in this article are approximate and meant only for general information. Actual fees at IITs may change from year to year and can differ based on the city, course, student category (General/OBC/SC/ST/PwD), and hostel or mess options. These figures are collected from public sources and may not reflect the most recent updates. Students are advised to check the official IIT websites for the latest and most accurate fee structures. VMC is not responsible for any differences or updates in the actual fees charged by the institutes.

From this blog, I want to conclude that:

It’s wise to avoid judging an IIT solely by a single source, as official rankings like NIRF measure broader university metrics, not just the B.Tech student experience. Your selection process must align with a clear understanding of your future goals: whether you prioritise the job market (Median Salary, Location) for immediate returns, or a strong research environment (Academic Rigour, Specialised Labs) for pursuing higher studies like an M.S. or PhD. Ultimately, the “best” IIT is the one that best supports your individual career trajectory and passion.