Difference between India's foremost engineering colleges, IITs, IIITs, and NITs

Difference between India's foremost engineering colleges, IITs, IIITs, and NITs

Difference between India's foremost engineering colleges, IITs, IIITs, and NITs,Jun 13, 2025

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Jun 13, 2025

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Do you know that entry into IITs, NITs, and IIITs is strictly competitive? Thus, it is considered an achievement to achieve some of these institutions, as it can open up educational and career opportunities for students. 

 

Choices between IIT, IIIT, and NIT are an important decision for any student for further studies in India. To begin at the beginning of the explanation, these are some of the most prominent engineering schools in India. 

 

They are very famous in the working industry as employee training in these institutions is done with the best resources and by outstanding teachers. If you want to know the biggest difference between IIT, IIIT, and NIT, continue reading this blog.

 

Distinctions among IIT, NIT, and IIIT

The alumni are excellent and highly skilled in their subject areas at these universities, with courses and facilities that meet the highest standards. These central government-financed institutions help students gain a thorough foundation in engineering. The main differences between IIT, IIIT, and NIT are as under.

 

Basis

IIT

IIIT

NIT

Full Forms

Indian Institute Of Technology

Indian Institutes of Information Technology

National Institutes of Technology

Establishment Year

1950s

1990s

1960s

Number of Institutions

23

26

31

Eligibility Criteria

Minimum of 75% aggregate marks in Class XII is required for the general category, while it's 65% for SC, ST, and PwD categories

Passed the 10+2 (or equivalent) examination with a good academic record, including a specific subject like Mathematics

Minimum of 75% marks in their Class 12 board exam (or be in the top 20th percentile). For SC/ST candidates, this requirement is 65%. Additionally, they need to qualify for the JEE Main exam

Entrance Examinations

JEE Mains and JEE Advanced

JEE Mains

JEE Mains

Average Fees for B.Tech Course

INR 8-10 lakh per annum

INR 6.20 lakh to INR 19.55 lakh per annum

INR 5 lakhs per annum

Basic Admission Process

Mainly the joint entrance test (JEE) through the Main and Jee Advanced

 

Mainly the JEE Main Examination and the Joint Seat Allocation Authority) participate in the counseling process

 

Get qualified for the Joint Entrance Examination (Main) (Main Main) and participate in the Consultation for the Joint Seat Allocation Authority  

Exams other than 

JEE

JAM, GATE, UCEED, CEED, and HSEE  

BITSAT, VITEEE, COMEDK, and state-level entrance exams like KCET

State-level entrance exams like KCET, KEAM, and WBJEE, and national-level exams like BITSAT, VITEEE, SRMJEEE, and COMEDK

Placement Rate

90.43%

90%+

between 80% and 90%

 

IIIT vs. IIT

Indian Institutes of Technology, or IIT, are a group of 23 colleges set up by the government, offering courses in engineering, science, and arts. Please note that the 26 IIITs impart technical education, primarily in computer science and information technology. This is essentially the distinction between IITs and IIITs. Out of 26 IIITs, 20 are Public-Private Partnership institutions, while 5 are sponsored and administered by the MHRD.

 

Both are rated among the top engineering colleges in India. IITs generally top the charts and have a more lively campus life. 

 

IIIT vs. NIT

First and foremost, both institutes were considered to sponsor regional, but also cultural diversity. The Indian Institutes of Information Technology specialize in IT-oriented engineering courses and multidisciplinary engineering courses. The two institutes are considered among the esteemed top engineering institutes of India.

 

The Last Word

In short, we now observe that IITs, IIITs, and NITs are government-sponsored, top-notch engineering universities. We also understand the major differences between IIT, IIIT, and NIT. These universities are scattered all over India, and studying in one will lead to successfully landing your dream job as a career. To pass engineering exams for these institutes, use various methods and best practices.

 

FAQs

1. IIT or IIIT: What's better for you?

Since IIITs and IITs are basically separate institutions with different reputations and strengths, it is quite hard to compare them. IITs are the most well-known and respected engineering schools in India, whereas IIITs are also well-known institutions, distinguished in research in information technology.

 

2. Are IIIT and NIT the same?

IIIT means Indian Information Technology, and NIT stands for the National Institute of Technology. They are two separate institutions; NITs are centrally funded engineering colleges that rank among the top in India, while IIITs are autonomous institutions for information technology that receive partial funds from the government.

 

3. Is NIT a private institution or a government institution?

All NITs are under the Government of India. Candidates must have a valid JEE Main ranking to secure admission to Indian NIT Colleges for undergraduate Engineering courses.

 

4. Is IIIT more significant than IIT?

Both IITs and IIITs have their unique reputations and strengths, which, in essence, make the size irrelevant. Whereas IIITs are known for information technology courses, IITs are the most elite and famous engineering colleges. It all comes down to the choice of the student, what interests them, and what they can afford to pursue.

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