If you are preparing for JEE or planning your engineering career, you have probably asked this question: How many IITs are there in India?
The answer is simple: There are 23 IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology) in India as of 2026.
These 23 colleges are spread across the country. They are run by the Government of India. They are known all over the world for giving the best engineering education. Getting into an IIT is one of the biggest achievements for any Indian student.
In this guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about all 23 IITs — their names, locations, rankings, seats, fees, and how to get admission.
Quick Facts About IITs in India (2026)
- Total number of IITs in India: 23
- Total B.Tech seats across all IITs: approximately 17,385
- Admission exam: JEE Advanced (after clearing JEE Main)
- Top ranked IIT: IIT Madras (NIRF Rank 1 for many years in a row)
- Oldest IIT: IIT Kharagpur (established in 1951)
- First overseas IIT campus: IIT Madras – Zanzibar, Tanzania (opened 2023)
- Government budget for all IITs (2026-27): over Rs. 12,123 crore
- All IITs are declared “Institutes of National Importance” by the Government of India
Complete List of All 23 IITs in India (2026)
Here is the full list of all 23 IITs with their location, year of establishment, and NIRF 2025 rank:
| IIT Name | Location | Established | NIRF 2025 Rank |
| IIT Kharagpur | Kharagpur, West Bengal | 1951 | 5 |
| IIT Bombay | Mumbai, Maharashtra | 1958 | 3 |
| IIT Madras | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | 1959 | 1 |
| IIT Kanpur | Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh | 1959 | 4 |
| IIT Delhi | New Delhi, Delhi | 1961 | 2 |
| IIT Guwahati | Guwahati, Assam | 1994 | 8 |
| IIT Roorkee | Roorkee, Uttarakhand | 2001 | 6 |
| IIT Bhubaneswar | Bhubaneswar, Odisha | 2008 | — |
| IIT Gandhinagar | Gandhinagar, Gujarat | 2008 | — |
| IIT Hyderabad | Hyderabad, Telangana | 2008 | 7 |
| IIT Jodhpur | Jodhpur, Rajasthan | 2008 | — |
| IIT Patna | Patna, Bihar | 2008 | — |
| IIT Ropar | Ropar, Punjab | 2008 | — |
| IIT Indore | Indore, Madhya Pradesh | 2009 | 12 |
| IIT Mandi | Mandi, Himachal Pradesh | 2009 | — |
| IIT (ISM) Dhanbad | Dhanbad, Jharkhand | 2016 | — |
| IIT (BHU) Varanasi | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh | 2012 | 10 |
| IIT Palakkad | Palakkad, Kerala | 2015 | — |
| IIT Tirupati | Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh | 2015 | — |
| IIT Bhilai | Bhilai, Chhattisgarh | 2016 | — |
| IIT Dharwad | Dharwad, Karnataka | 2016 | — |
| IIT Goa | Goa | 2016 | — |
| IIT Jammu | Jammu, J&K | 2016 | — |
Note: NIRF ranks with “—” mean the IIT was not in the NIRF top 25 engineering list but is still a recognized national institute. All 23 IITs offer quality education.
History of IITs — How Did It All Start?
The story of IITs in India started in 1946. India was about to become independent. The government knew that the new country would need skilled engineers and scientists to grow.
A committee led by Nalini Ranjan Sarkar was formed. They suggested setting up world-class technology institutes. The idea was inspired by MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) in the USA.
How the IIT network grew over time:
- 1951 — IIT Kharagpur was the first IIT. It started in an old British jail building.
- 1958 — IIT Bombay was set up in Mumbai.
- 1959 — IIT Madras and IIT Kanpur were established.
- 1961 — IIT Delhi opened. The Institutes of Technology Act was also passed in 1961.
- 1994 — IIT Guwahati was set up in the northeast of India.
- 2001 — IIT Roorkee became an IIT (it was previously the University of Roorkee, India’s oldest technical institute from 1847).
- 2008 onwards — The government set up 8 new IITs in one go to reach more parts of India.
- 2015–2016 — Six more IITs were opened: Palakkad, Tirupati, Bhilai, Goa, Jammu, and Dharwad.
- 2016 — Indian School of Mines (ISM) Dhanbad became IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.
Today, India has 23 IITs. The network keeps growing to bring good engineering education to every corner of the country.
3 Generations of IITs — Old, Middle, and New
All 23 IITs are not the same. They are usually divided into 3 groups based on when they were set up:
Generation 1 — The Old IITs (Before 2000)
These 7 IITs have been around for many decades. They have the strongest reputations, the best infrastructure, the biggest alumni networks, and the highest placement packages.
- IIT Kharagpur (1951)
- IIT Bombay (1958)
- IIT Madras (1959)
- IIT Kanpur (1959)
- IIT Delhi (1961)
- IIT Guwahati (1994)
- IIT Roorkee (2001)
Generation 2 — The Middle IITs (2001–2012)
These IITs were set up between 2001 and 2012. They now have their own campuses, experienced teachers, and good placement records. IIT Hyderabad is the best among this group.
- IIT Bhubaneswar, IIT Gandhinagar, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Jodhpur
- IIT Patna, IIT Ropar, IIT Indore, IIT Mandi
- IIT (BHU) Varanasi, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad
Generation 3 — The Newest IITs (2015–2016)
These 6 IITs were established most recently. They are still growing. Some are still building permanent campuses. But they offer the same IIT degree and are improving fast.
- IIT Palakkad, IIT Tirupati, IIT Bhilai, IIT Goa, IIT Jammu, IIT Dharwad
Top 5 IITs — Rankings, Fees & Placements (2026)
Here is a quick comparison of the top 5 IITs as per NIRF 2025 rankings:
| IIT Name | NIRF Rank | Year | B.Tech Fees | Avg Placement |
| IIT Madras | 1 | 1959 | ~₹8.5 L/year | ~₹21 LPA avg |
| IIT Delhi | 2 | 1961 | ~₹8.5 L/year | ~₹24 LPA avg |
| IIT Bombay | 3 | 1958 | ~₹8.5 L/year | ~₹25 LPA avg |
| IIT Kanpur | 4 | 1959 | ~₹8.5 L/year | ~₹20 LPA avg |
| IIT Kharagpur | 5 | 1951 | ~₹8.5 L/year | ~₹19 LPA avg |
Note: Fees shown are approximate total course fees. Actual fees may vary. SC/ST students and students from low-income families get heavy fee waivers and scholarships.
IIT Seats & Numbers at a Glance (2026)
| Category | Detail | Number |
| Total IITs in India | As of 2026 | 23 |
| Total B.Tech Seats | Approx. 2026 | ~17,385 |
| Old IITs (pre-2000) | Kharagpur, Bombay, Madras, Kanpur, Delhi, Guwahati, Roorkee | 7 |
| 2nd Gen IITs (2001–2012) | Hyderabad, Gandhinagar, Jodhpur, Patna etc. | 9 |
| Newest IITs (2015–2016) | Palakkad, Tirupati, Bhilai, Goa, Jammu, Dharwad | 7 |
| Overseas Campus | IIT Madras – Zanzibar, Tanzania | 1 |
How to Get Admission Into an IIT?
Admission to all 23 IITs is through one process only — JEE Advanced. Here is a simple step-by-step guide:
Step 1 — Appear in JEE Main
JEE Main is held twice a year — once in January and once in April. All students who want to join an IIT must first clear JEE Main. Only the top 2.5 lakh students from JEE Main can appear for JEE Advanced.
Step 2 — Qualify JEE Advanced
JEE Advanced is the final gateway to all IITs. It is considered one of the hardest entrance exams in the world. Students can attempt JEE Advanced a maximum of 2 times in 2 consecutive years.
Step 3 — JoSAA Counselling
After JEE Advanced results, students participate in JoSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority) counselling. Based on your rank, category, and preference, you get a seat in an IIT and a branch. Once you get a seat in an IIT, you cannot transfer to another IIT.
Who Can Apply?
- Must have passed Class 12 (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
- Must be born on or after October 1, 2001 (for general category students).
- Maximum 2 attempts at JEE Advanced.
- Must be in the top 2.5 lakh of JEE Main to qualify for JEE Advanced.
Reservation Policy in IITs
IITs follow the Government of India reservation policy. Here is how seats are divided:
- 27% seats for OBC-NCL (Other Backward Classes – Non-Creamy Layer)
- 15% seats for SC (Scheduled Caste)
- 5% seats for ST (Scheduled Tribe)
- 10% seats for EWS (Economically Weaker Section from General category)
- 20% of all seats are reserved for female students (supernumerary seats)
- 5% seats for PwD (Persons with Benchmark Disability)
This means roughly 50% of seats are reserved for students from backward and weaker sections of society. Female students also get extra seats to encourage more women in engineering.
What Courses Do IITs Offer?
IITs are not just about B.Tech. They offer a wide range of programs:
- Tech (Bachelor of Technology) — 4 years — Most popular course
- Dual Degree (B.Tech + M.Tech) — 5 years — Combines undergraduate and postgraduate
- Tech (Master of Technology) — 2 years — Entry through GATE exam
- Sc (Master of Science) — 2 years — Entry through IIT JAM exam
- MBA (Master of Business Administration) — Entry through CAT exam
- D. (Doctor of Philosophy) — Research degree
- Des / M.Des — Design courses — Entry through UCEED / CEED
Popular branches include: Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and Data Science.
How Much Does an IIT Education Cost?
One of the best things about IITs is that they are very affordable compared to private colleges. The government pays about 80% of the actual cost of IIT education.
- Average B.Tech fee: around Rs. 2.25 to 2.8 lakh per year
- Total 4-year B.Tech cost: approximately Rs. 9 to 11 lakh
- SC/ST students: Very heavy fee waivers, almost free education
- Students with family income less than Rs. 5 lakh per year: Full tuition fee waiver
- All M.Tech and Ph.D. students: Receive scholarships from the government
Compared to private engineering colleges that can charge Rs. 10–25 lakh per year, IITs are extremely affordable for the quality of education they give.
IIT Placements — How Are the Jobs?
IIT graduates are hired by the best companies in India and the world. Placement packages at top IITs are very high.
Key Placement Highlights:
- IIT Bombay: Highest package recorded — Rs. 3.67 crore (from Google, USA). Average around Rs. 25 LPA.
- IIT Delhi: Strong placements in tech, consulting, and finance. Average around Rs. 24 LPA.
- IIT Madras: Average around Rs. 21 LPA. Top in research-based placements.
- IIT Kanpur: Highest average CTC around Rs. 28.7 LPA (as per recent data).
- Computer Science is the highest-paying branch, with average packages of Rs. 30–40 LPA at top IITs.
Top Recruiting Companies:
- Tech companies: Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Adobe, Samsung, Qualcomm, IBM
- Finance companies: Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan
- Consulting: McKinsey, BCG, Bain
- Indian companies: TATA Group, Infosys, Wipro, ONGC, Accenture, Walmart
IITs in Global Rankings (2026)
IITs are not just famous in India — they are recognized worldwide.
- QS World University Rankings 2026: IIT Delhi ranked 123rd, IIT Bombay at 129th, IIT Madras at 180th.
- QS World Engineering Rankings: Five IITs are in the top 100 globally.
- Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings 2026: Multiple IITs feature among the top universities in interdisciplinary science.
- IIT Madras: NIRF Rank 1 for many years in a row — both in engineering and in overall university rankings.
This makes IIT degrees truly valuable even if you want to work or study abroad.
IIT Goes Global — First Overseas Campus
In a historic step, India launched its first overseas IIT campus in 2023. IIT Madras opened a satellite campus in Zanzibar, Tanzania. This is a major milestone — it shows that the IIT brand is now going global.
This campus offers the same quality education as the main IIT Madras campus. It gives students from Africa and other parts of the world a chance to study at an IIT without coming to India.
Why Should You Aim for an IIT?
IITs give you much more than just a degree. Here is why lakhs of students dream of getting into an IIT:
- World-class faculty and research facilities
- Affordable education with government subsidies
- Strong placement records with top Indian and global companies
- Access to incubation centres, startup accelerators, and innovation hubs
- Strong alumni networks — IIT alumni are CEOs, scientists, entrepreneurs, and leaders around the world
- International exposure through exchange programs and collaborations
- The IIT degree is recognized and respected globally
- A peer group of the best and most hardworking students in India
Which IIT Is Best for You?
The best IIT depends on what you want to study and what rank you get in JEE Advanced. Here is a simple guide:
- Best overall: IIT Madras (NIRF Rank 1), IIT Delhi (Rank 2), IIT Bombay (Rank 3)
- Best for Computer Science: IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur
- Best for Electrical Engineering: IIT Delhi, IIT Kanpur, IIT Madras
- Best for Mechanical Engineering: IIT Kharagpur, IIT Bombay, IIT Madras
- Best for Chemical Engineering: IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IIT Kharagpur
- Best among new IITs: IIT Hyderabad, IIT Indore, IIT Jodhpur — rapidly improving
Remember: Even a newer IIT gives you the prestigious IIT tag. The degree is an IIT degree no matter which campus you attend.
Tips to Get Into an IIT
- Start preparing early — ideally from Class 9 or 10.
- Focus on NCERT books first, then move to advanced study material.
- Practice as many previous year JEE papers as possible.
- Join a good coaching institute or use online resources if you cannot afford coaching.
- Keep your Class 11 and 12 school marks strong — you need at least 75% to be eligible.
- Stay consistent and do not give up — JEE preparation takes time and patience.
- Focus on concepts, not just formulas. JEE Advanced tests deep understanding.
Conclusion
So now you know — there are 23 IITs in India in 2026. They are spread across the country, from Jammu in the north to Palakkad in the south, and from Gandhinagar in the west to Guwahati in the east.
Each IIT has its own strengths. The older ones like IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, and IIT Bombay are world-famous. The newer ones are growing fast and providing excellent opportunities to students from all parts of India.
If you are a student dreaming of getting into an IIT, start preparing today. It is a tough journey, but it is completely worth it. An IIT degree can open doors to the best jobs and opportunities in India and around the world.
Work hard, stay focused, and believe in yourself. Your IIT dream is possible!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How many IITs are there in India in 2026?
There are 23 IITs in India as of 2026. All of them are run by the central government.
Q2. Which is the No. 1 IIT in India?
IIT Madras is the number 1 IIT in India as per NIRF Rankings 2025. It has held this position for many years in a row.
Q3. Which is the oldest IIT in India?
IIT Kharagpur, established in 1951, is the oldest IIT in India.
Q4. How many seats are available in all IITs?
There are approximately 17,385 B.Tech seats across all 23 IITs in 2026.
Q5. Can I transfer from one IIT to another?
No. IITs do not allow transfers between institutes. You can only change your branch within the same IIT, based on your academic performance in the first year.
Q6. Is there an IIT outside India?
Yes. IIT Madras opened a satellite campus in Zanzibar, Tanzania in 2023. It is the first IIT campus outside India.
Q7. What is the fee for B.Tech at an IIT?
The approximate fee is Rs. 2.25 to 2.8 lakh per year. SC/ST students and economically weaker students get major fee waivers.
Q8. How many attempts are allowed for JEE Advanced?
Students can attempt JEE Advanced a maximum of 2 times in 2 consecutive years.