Engineering has always been one of the most sought-after career choices in India. With rapid technological growth in fields like AI, robotics, aerospace, renewable energy, and data science, the demand for skilled engineers is rising faster than ever. Top engineering colleges not only offer quality education, but also provide industry exposure, research-oriented learning, global internship opportunities, and excellent placement records.
In 2026, thousands of students will appear for entrance exams like JEE Main, JEE Advanced, GATE, BITSAT, and VITEEE to secure admission in India’s premier institutions. If you are planning to pursue B.Tech, M.Tech, or research programs, this updated list will help you choose the right college based on rankings, fees, placements and course options.
Top 10 Engineering Colleges in India 2026
Indian Institute of Technology, Madras in the Top Engineering Colleges
IIT Madras continues to rank No.1 in the NIRF engineering category for multiple years and maintains strong global recognition. The institute offers 100+ programs through 19 departments including Mechanical, CS, AI, Aerospace, Chemical and more.
- Admission: JEE Advanced (B.Tech), GATE (M.Tech)
- Fees: ₹2–3 lakhs/year for UG, ₹60,000–₹1.5 lakh/year for PG
- Placements 2025-26: Highest package crossed ₹1.3 crore, 150+ offers above 30 LPA
IIT Delhi: Among the Top Engineering Colleges
Established in 1961, IIT Delhi remains one of the most prestigious engineering institutions with strong research culture, startup ecosystem, and global collaborations.
- Courses: BTech, MTech, MS, MBA, PhD
- Admission: JEE Advanced / GATE
- Fees: UG ₹2-3 lakhs/year, PG ₹50,000+ approx
- Placements Trend: 2025 batch recorded multiple offers above ₹1 crore, tech sector hiring at peak
Top Engineering Colleges Highlight: IIT Bombay
A dream institution for JEE toppers, IIT Bombay consistently ranks among the best engineering colleges globally.
- Programs: BTech, MTech, MDes, MSc, PhD, MBA
- Fees: UG ₹2-3 lakhs/year, PG ₹1-2 lakhs/year
- Placement Highlights: Highest package ~₹1 crore+, avg package ~36–40 LPA
Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur in Top Engineering Colleges
Since its founding in 1959, the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, has grown to become one of the top engineering colleges for engineering studies. Its 1050-acre campus is situated 15 km to the west of Kanpur city. The institution provides over eighty courses in science, engineering, humanities, and management.IIT Kanpur features a sizable library with a vast array of books and electronic resources, department-specific labs, separate dorms for males and girls, and an indoor entertainment area.
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is used for postgraduate programs and the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) for undergraduate programs, both of which are very competitive for admission to IIT Kanpur.
Indian nationals pay an average of ₹2 lakh annually for undergraduate programs; postgraduate costs are subject to variation. Different cost schedules apply to international students. Numerous undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate courses, including BTech, MSc, MBA, MDes, and so on, are offered at IIT Kanpur. Aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, computer science and engineering, and many more are popular courses. The PhD program at IIT Kanpur provides a variety of specialisations in addition to UG and PG courses.
As of right now, the average bundle is worth INR 26.27 LPA. Top employers included Reliance, ICICI Bank, Goldman Sachs, and others. Before this, IIT Kanpur postings 2023 offered the largest domestic package at INR 1.90 crore annually.
Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, which was founded in 1951, has become one of the top engineering colleges and knowledge centres for the dissemination of technical education. Students in the Management, Law, Engineering, and other streams can take UG, PG, PhD, and other courses offered by IIT KGP through its many departments and schools of study. Around 200–500 is the minimum cutoff needed to get a seat at IIT Kharagpur. A student exchange program between IIT Kharagpur and over ten of the world’s best universities exists.
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) for postgraduate programs and the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) for undergraduate programs are the main admissions criteria at IIT Kharagpur.
Undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate-level courses in engineering, science, and management are available at IIT Kharagpur. Its main programme, BTech, is available in a variety of specialisations. The annual cost of undergraduate programs (B.Tech) for Indian citizens is roughly ₹2 lakh. The costs for postgraduate degrees differ depending on the program and discipline. You may find out the precise cost schedule by visiting the institute’s official website or getting in touch with the admissions office.
During the first day of the 2024 IIT Kharagpur placements, more than 600 placement offers were given. The highest package offered by IIT Kharagpur was ₹2.6 LPA on the first placement day. Apple, EXL Services, Google, and Microsoft were among the main employers.
Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee
It is one of India’s oldest and top engineering colleges. It was founded in 1847. Courses at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate levels are available at IIT Roorkee. The median pay package for UG 4-year students at IIT Roorkee was Rs. 17,00,000.
By accessing the official website, qualified applicants can submit an application for admission to the preferred course at IIT Roorkee. The primary entrance requirements at IIT Roorkee are the Joint Entrance Examination for undergraduate programs and the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) for postgraduate programs offered in their college.
Undergraduate and graduate, courses are available at the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee in various subjects. In general, Indian students must pay between ₹2 and ₹3 lakhs a year for undergraduate degrees. The annual fees for postgraduate studies are often lower, ranging from ₹40,000 to ₹1 lakh.
Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati
Founded in 1994, the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati is acknowledged by the Indian Ministry of Education as an “Institute of Eminence.”Students at IIT Guwahati have access to a wide variety of opportunities on campus. It was the sixth IIT family member to be founded in 1994.
A valid score from the Joint Entrance Examination is required for admission to Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) programs for candidates. Admission to M.Tech and MS programs requires a valid score on the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) and the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE).
Numerous undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate degrees in numerous engineering and technology-related subjects of science are available at IIT Guwahati. In general, students must pay between ₹2 and ₹3 lakhs a year for undergraduate degrees (B.Tech). The annual fees for postgraduate studies are often lower, ranging from ₹40,000 to ₹1 lakh on average.
Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad
The Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad is a government institute and is one of the Top engineering colleges that was founded in 2008 and has rapidly gained recognition for its academic excellence and research contributions to various fields of science.
It is a relatively young institute, and its entrance to its flagship program, BTech, is determined by JEE Advanced score. Candidates must have a valid score from the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE Advanced) to be admitted to the Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) program. Candidates must also have a valid score on the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) and the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE).
Undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate degrees in various fields are available in Hyderabad. Exams at the national level are the basis for admission to the courses. In general, Indian students must pay between ₹2 and ₹3 lakhs per year for undergraduate degrees (B.Tech). The annual fees for postgraduate studies (M.Tech) are often lower, ranging from ₹40,000 to ₹1 lakh.
National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli
Since its founding in 1960, the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Tiruchirappalli, has strived to provide high-quality technical education and research. Originally founded as the Regional Engineering College in 1964, it attained the status of NIT in 2003. The NIT in Tiruchirappalli is a self-governing institution.
Entrance to NIT Trichy’s undergraduate programs (B.Tech) is via the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main. To be eligible for postgraduate programs (M.Tech), students must pass the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering or GATE. To apply and get the required information, candidates must visit the official webpage of the examination.
Numerous undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate programs in engineering, technology, architecture, science, and management are available at NIT Trichy. For Indian students, the cost of undergraduate degrees (B.Tech) typically ranges from ₹1-2 lakhs annually. The annual fees for postgraduate studies (M.Tech) are usually less, ranging from ₹30,000 to ₹70,000.
The greatest package for Trichy NIT went up 32% to INR 52.89 LPA. The average package for the CSE batch at NIT Trichy was INR 27.27 LPA, for the ECE batch it was INR 23 LPA, and for the EEE batch, it was INR 19.30 LPA.
National Institute of Technology, Karnataka
The Surathkal-based National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal, or NITK Surathkal, was founded in 1960. The institute is well known for its high-calibre academic programs and for disseminating superior technological information.
Entrance to NIT Karnataka’s undergraduate programs (B.Tech) is via the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main. To be eligible for postgraduate programs (M.Tech), students must pass the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering or GATE.
NITK provides doctorate (Ph.D.), postgraduate (M.Tech, M.Sc., MBA), and undergraduate (B.Tech) programs in several subject areas. For Indian students, the cost of undergraduate degrees (B.Tech) typically ranges from ₹1-2 lakhs annually. The annual fees for postgraduate programs (M.Tech, M.Sc., and MBA) are often less, ranging from ₹30,000 to ₹1 lakh.
The academic year and discipline have an impact on the average placement package at NITK. It usually varies between ₹6 and 10 lakhs annually for undergraduate students.
FAQs
Q1. Which engineering college is best in India in 2026?
Ans. IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay and IIT Kanpur remain top choices for 2026 based on rankings, research output and placements.
Q2. What is the average fee of B.Tech in IITs?
Ans. Most IITs charge ₹2–3 lakhs/year for undergraduate programs, while PG courses are comparatively lower.
Q3. How to get admission to IITs in 2026?
Ans. Students must clear JEE Main → JEE Advanced for B.Tech. For M.Tech, GATE score is required.
