Top Engineering Colleges in India: Getting into the top IITs and NITs is a dream for every engineering student. But because there are only a few seats and a lot of competition, not everyone can get admission into these famous colleges. However, there’s no need to be discouraged.
India has many other top engineering colleges that also provide excellent education, great job opportunities, and modern facilities similar to those at IITs and NITs. These colleges help students develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in engineering, with strong industry connections, experienced teachers, and lively campus life.
List of Top Engineering Colleges Other than IITs and NITs
Here's a list of the top 10 engineering universities/colleges in India other than IITs and NITs, along with their NIRF rankings in the engineering category:
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List of Top Engineering Colleges Other than IITs and NITs |
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College Name |
NIRF Ranking 2024 |
Ranking Category |
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Jadavpur University, Kolkata |
9th |
Universities |
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Jadavpur University, Kolkata |
2nd |
State Public Universities |
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Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore |
10th |
Universities |
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Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore |
11th |
Engineering |
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Anna University, Chennai |
14th |
Engineering |
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Anna University, Chennai |
3rd |
State Public Universities |
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Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham |
7th |
Universities |
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Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham |
15th |
Overall |
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Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology |
20th |
Engineering |
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Birla Institute of Technology & Science - Pilani |
6th |
Engineering |
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Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi |
3rd |
Universities |
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Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan |
19th |
Engineering |
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SRM Institute of Science and Technology |
13th |
Engineering |
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Delhi Technological University |
12th |
Engineering |
1. Jadavpur University, Kolkata
Jadavpur University is a public university in Jadavpur, Kolkata, West Bengal, known for research and technology. The university has two campuses: one in Jadavpur and another in Salt Lake, covering 58 and 26 acres. The campus is lively, with active student groups and cultural events. Jadavpur University offers many courses in Science, Arts, Engineering, and Technology, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. It is well-regarded for its high standards and has a competitive online admission process. The university also has a strong placement record, with 80 to 90% of students getting job offers each year.
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Feature |
Details |
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University Name |
Jadavpur University, Kolkata |
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Location |
Kolkata, West Bengal |
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Type |
Public State University |
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Campuses |
Jadavpur (58 acres), Salt Lake (26 acres) |
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Courses Offered |
Science, Arts, Engineering, Technology (UG, PG, Doctoral) |
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Admission Process |
Competitive Online Selection |
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Placement Rate |
80-90% |
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Minimum Package* |
7 Lakh PA |
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Top Recruiters |
Google, Microsoft, Texas Industries, Samsung, Citi Bank, HSBC, and others |
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Website |
www.jadavpuruniversity.in |
2. Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore
VIT, a private university in Katpadi, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, was established in 1984. It is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and is named an Institution of Eminence by the government, making it a top private university for innovation. VIT Vellore has received an "A++" grade from NAAC for its quality.
The university offers many undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) courses like B.Tech, M.Tech, MBA, PhD, B.Sc (Hons), M.Sc, BCA, BCom, MCA, and MDes. In the B.Tech program, students can choose from over 10 specializations, including Computer Science and Engineering, Electronics and Communications, and Civil Engineering.
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Feature |
Details |
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University Name |
VIT Vellore University |
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Established |
1984 |
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Location |
Vellore, Tamil Nadu |
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Type |
Private Deemed University |
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Accreditation |
NAAC "A++" Grade |
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Courses Offered |
B.Tech, M.Tech, MBA, PhD, B.Sc (Hons), M.Sc, BCA, BCom, MCA, MDes |
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B.Tech Specializations |
Computer Science, Electronics and Communications, Civil Engineering |
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Fees* |
2 Lakh Per Year (For Engineering) |
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Minimum Package* |
11 Lakh PA |
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Top Recruiters |
Apple, Microsoft, TCS, Intel, Accenture, Salesforce, Deloitte, Infosys, etc. |
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Website |
https://vit.ac.in/ |
3. Anna University, Chennai:
Anna University is a public state university in Chennai, established on 4th September 1978, and named after C. N. Annadurai, a former Chief Minister. The University Grants Commission (UGC) recognizes it as a "University with Potential for Excellence" (UPE), and it has received an "A" grade from NAAC.
The university offers 29 undergraduate, 90 postgraduate, and Doctorate level courses across 8 faculties and 30 departments on its 189-acre campus, which is equipped with modern facilities. The admission process for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses is conducted entirely online.
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Category |
Details |
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University Name |
Anna University |
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Location |
Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
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Type |
Public State University |
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Established |
4th September 1978 |
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Named After |
C. N. Annadurai (Former Chief Minister) |
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UGC Recognition |
University with Potential for Excellence (UPE) |
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NAAC Accreditation |
"A" Grade |
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Courses Offered |
29 Undergraduate, 90 Postgraduate, and Doctorate level courses |
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Faculties |
8 Faculties |
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Departments |
30 Departments |
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Campus Size |
189 Acres |
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Facilities |
Modern Facilities |
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Admission Process |
Online for both Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses |
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Minimum Package (Approx.) |
7 Lakh PA |
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Major Recruiters |
Accenture, Wipro, Infosys, Ashok Leyland, and many others |
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Official Website |
www.annauniv.edu |
4. Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore:
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, also known as Amrita University, is a top private university in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. It has received an “A++” rating from NAAC, making it one of the best universities in India. The university has 15 schools across six campuses in southern India.
Some of the most popular courses are B.Tech, M.Tech, and MBA. To get admission into the undergraduate engineering program, students need to take the JEE entrance exam. The university has an excellent placement record, with over 90% of students finding jobs in well-known companies each year.
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Category |
Details |
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University Name |
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (Amrita University) |
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Location |
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu |
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Type |
Private Deemed University |
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NAAC Rating |
“A++” |
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Campuses |
6 Campuses in southern India |
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Schools |
15 Schools |
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Popular Courses |
B.Tech, M.Tech, MBA |
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Admission Exam |
JEE (for undergraduate engineering program) |
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Placement Record |
Over 90% of students get jobs in well-known companies each year |
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Fees (Approx.) |
1 Lakh – 5 Lakh (for Engineering) |
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Minimum Package (Approx.) |
9 Lakh PA |
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Major Recruiters |
Apple, Tesla, Google, Amazon, and many others |
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Official Website |
www.amrita.edu |
5. Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala
Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology (TIET), which used to be called Thapar University, is a private university in Patiala, India. It was founded in 1956 by Karam Chand Thapar. The university offers many different courses, including arts, computer science, and business administration. The campus is about 250 acres large. TIET is known for its focus on innovation and has received an “A+” grade from NAAC. The university has partnerships with top global universities like Virginia Tech, Trinity College, and the University of New South Wales. It also offers various scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students based on their performance and family income.
TIET (Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology), formerly known as Thapar University, is a private deemed-to-be university located in Patiala, India. Established in 1956 by Karam Chand Thapar, it offers a diverse range of academic courses, including arts, computer science, and business administration. The campus occupies an area of approximately 250 acres. Thapar University is highly regarded for its emphasis on innovation and has been accredited with an “A+” grade by NAAC. The university has established institutional MoUs with leading global universities such as Virginia Tech, Trinity College, and the University of New South Wales. Additionally, Thapar University provides various scholarships for deserving undergraduate and postgraduate students based on merit and family income.
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Detail |
Information |
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Name |
Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology (TIET) |
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Former Name |
Thapar University |
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Location |
Patiala, Punjab |
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Type |
Private Deemed-to-be-University |
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Established |
1956 |
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Founder |
Karam Chand Thapar |
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Campus Size |
Approximately 250 acres |
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Accreditation |
“A+” grade by NAAC |
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Global Partnerships |
Virginia Tech, Trinity College, University of New South Wales |
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Courses Offered |
Arts, Computer Science, Business Administration |
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Fees |
2 Lakh – 3 Lakh |
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Minimum Package |
10 Lakh per Annum |
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Recruiters |
Apple, TCS, Microsoft, Nestle, Bosch, Whirlpool, Samsung Engineering, Reliance, Adobe, and others |
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Website |
www.thapar.edu |
6. Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani
Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, also called BITS Pilani, is a private university in Pilani, Rajasthan. It was set up in 1964 and has other campuses in Goa, Hyderabad, and Dubai. BITS Dubai is well-known around the world.
In 2018, BITS was named an Institute of Eminence. The university has its own entrance test called BITSAT, which is a computer-based test for admission. BITS offers 7 specializations in B.Tech, including Computer Science, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE), and Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE).
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Feature |
Details |
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Name |
Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (BITS Pilani) |
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Location |
Pilani, Rajasthan |
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Type |
Deemed University |
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Established |
1964 |
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Other Campuses |
Goa, Hyderabad, Dubai |
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International Recognition |
BITS Dubai is internationally recognized |
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Awards |
Institute of Eminence (2018) |
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Entrance Test |
BITSAT (BITS Admission Test) |
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B.Tech Specialisations |
Computer Science, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE), Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE) |
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Fees |
3 Lakh – 5 Lakh |
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Minimum Package |
11 Lakh per Annum (PA) |
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Recruiters |
Google, Microsoft, Dell, Deloitte, Nestle, Microsoft Research, Adobe, Atlassian, and many others |
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Website |
www.bits-pilani.ac.in |
7. Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) is a central university in New Delhi, the capital of India. It was set up in 1920 and is recognized by the UGC and has an “A” grade from the NAAC. JMI offers undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG), and research programs. It provides courses in various fields like engineering, humanities, law, management, education, and science.
Popular courses include B.Tech, M.Tech, MBA, PhD, B.Sc., and M.Sc. To get admitted, students need to take entrance exams like JEE, NATA, CUET, and NEET. The university works with over 100 national and international institutions for exchange programs, including famous ones like the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Harvard University, and Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
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Feature |
Details |
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Name |
Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) |
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Location |
New Delhi, Capital of India |
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Type |
Central University |
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Established |
1920 |
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Recognition & Accreditation |
Recognised by UGC, accredited with “A” grade by NAAC |
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Programs Offered |
UG, PG, and Research Level Programs |
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Disciplines |
Engineering, Humanities, Law, Management, Education, Science, etc. |
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Popular Courses |
B.Tech, M.Tech, MBA, PhD, B.Sc., M.Sc. |
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Admission Tests |
JEE, NATA, CUET, NEET |
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Collaborations |
University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Harvard University, Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) |
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Fees (Engineering)* |
1 Lakh – 2 Lakh |
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Minimum Package |
6 Lakh per Annum (PA) |
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Recruiters |
KPMG, Accenture, ICICI Bank, CDOT, Deloitte, DLF, HCL, and many others |
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Website |
www.jmi.ac.in |
8. Siksha ‘O’ Aunsandhan, Bhubaneswar
Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (SOA) is a private deemed university located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. It was established in 1996 as the Institute of Technical Education and Research (ITER) and got approval from AICTE for its B.Tech programs. SOA is approved by the UGC and has an “A++” grade from NAAC. It is one of the 35 universities in India that is internationally ranked by QS. To get admitted, students need to take the SAAT (Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan Admission Test), JEE Main, GATE, NEET, or other national-level exams depending on the course. The university also offers scholarships to its students.
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Feature |
Details |
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Name |
Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (SOA) |
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Location |
Bhubaneswar, Odisha |
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Type |
Private Deemed University |
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Established |
1996 (as Institute of Technical Education and Research) |
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Approval & Accreditation |
AICTE approval for B.Tech, UGC-approved, NAAC “A++” grade |
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International Ranking |
One of the 35 universities in India ranked by QS |
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Admission Tests |
SAAT, JEE Main, GATE, NEET, and other national-level exams |
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Fees (Engineering) |
1 Lakh – 2 Lakh |
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Minimum Package |
6 Lakh per Annum (PA) |
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Recruiters |
Infosys, Wipro, Capgemini, Microsoft, Amazon, Adobe, Deloitte, PWC, HCL, and many others |
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Website |
www.soa.ac.in |
9. SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai
SRM Institute of Science and Technology, formerly SRM University Chennai, was established in 1985. It is a top-ranked university approved by UGC and AICTE and has high ratings from IET Engineering, ABET, and NAAC with an “A++” grade. The university is located in Kattankulathur, Chennai, and offers a wide range of courses, including undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG), PhD, and diploma programs in areas like Management, Architecture, Engineering, Agriculture, and more. SRM also provides distance and online education. Popular courses at SRM Chennai are MBA and B.Tech. To get admitted, students usually need to take entrance exams. For B.Tech, admission is based on SRMJEEE UG scores, but the university also accepts other national-level entrance exams.
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Feature |
Details |
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Name |
SRM Institute of Science and Technology |
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Former Name |
SRM University Chennai |
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Location |
Kattankulathur, Chennai |
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Type |
Private Deemed University |
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Established |
1985 |
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Approval & Accreditation |
Approved by UGC and AICTE, accredited by IET Engineering, ABET, and NAAC with “A++” grade |
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Programs Offered |
UG, PG, PhD, Diploma in Management, Architecture, Engineering, Agriculture, and more |
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Popular Courses |
MBA, B.Tech |
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Admission Tests |
SRMJEEE UG for B.Tech, and other national-level exams for various courses |
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Fees (Engineering) |
4 Lakh – 5 Lakh |
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Minimum Package |
5 Lakh per Annum (PA) |
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Recruiters |
Accenture, Air Asia, Infosys, Nokia, Philips, Reliance, Samsung, Siemens, Tata Technology, HCL, and many others |
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Website |
www.srmist.edu.in |
10. Delhi Technological University
Delhi Technological University, commonly known as DTU, is a leading technical university located in Rohini, Delhi. The university holds an “A” grade accreditation from NAAC and NBA. It is also recognised by UGC and AICTE and has obtained an ISO certification. DTU offers over 60 courses across 17 different departments. The university is renowned for its flagship programs, namely MBA and B.Tech. Admission to the B.Tech program is based on JEE Main scores followed by the JAC Delhi counselling process. The courses at Delhi Technological University are designed to provide a wide range of opportunities and tools to develop skilled professionals with a focus on creative thinking, problem-solving, and national development.
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Feature |
Details |
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Name |
Delhi Technological University (DTU) |
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Location |
Rohini, Delhi |
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Type |
State University |
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Accreditations |
NAAC and NBA “A” grade, UGC, AICTE, ISO certified |
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Programs Offered |
Over 60 courses across 17 departments |
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Flagship Programs |
MBA, B.Tech |
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Admission Tests |
JEE Main scores and JAC Delhi counselling for B.Tech |
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Fees (Engineering)* |
2 Lakh – 5 Lakh |
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Minimum Package |
12 Lakh per Annum (PA) |
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Recruiters |
Samsung, Microsoft, Infosys, Wipro, Capgemini, Zomato, Adobe, Deloitte, PWC, HCL, and many others |
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Website |
While IITs and NITs are known as the top engineering colleges in India, there are many other great institutions offering similar opportunities. These top engineering colleges, apart from IITs and NITs, are known for their excellent academics, strong placement records, and focus on student development. Students who choose these colleges can receive high-quality education, support, and good career prospects. With hard work and proper guidance, they can achieve great success in their engineering careers. Aspiring engineers can confidently consider these colleges as strong alternatives, knowing they offer a solid start for a successful career in engineering.
Top Engineering Colleges FAQs
Q1. What are some top engineering colleges in India other than IITs and NITs?
Answer: Several excellent engineering colleges in India offer high-quality education similar to IITs and NITs. Some of these include Jadavpur University, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Anna University, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, and Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology (TIET). These colleges are known for their strong academic programs, good placement records, and modern facilities.
Q2. How can I get admission to these top engineering colleges?
Answer: Admission processes vary by college. For most, you will need to take entrance exams like JEE Main, or specific tests like VITEEE for VIT or BITSAT for BITS Pilani. Some colleges also accept scores from national-level exams or their own entrance tests. Check each college’s website for detailed admission requirements and procedures.
Q3. What is the placement scenario like at these colleges?
Answer: Top engineering colleges other than IITs and NITs generally have strong placement records. Many of them report high placement rates with competitive salary packages. For example, VIT and Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham have excellent placement records with top companies recruiting their students.
Q4. Are the fees for these colleges high?
Answer: The fees for engineering programs at these colleges vary. Generally, private institutions like VIT and SRM Institute have higher fees compared to public universities like Jadavpur and Anna University. Fees can range from approximately 1 lakh to 5 lakhs per year, depending on the institution and course.
Q5. What should I consider when choosing an engineering college?
Answer: When selecting an engineering college, consider factors such as the college's accreditation, placement records, campus facilities, faculty experience, and the specializations offered. It’s also important to look at the entrance exam requirements and whether the college’s culture and environment match your preferences and career goals.
DASA Admission for NRI Students 2026 requires JEE Main scores for UG and GRE/GMAT for PG admissions. Registration starts online at dasanit.org in June 2026, with 15% supernumerary seats and a CIWG quota. Tuition fees are around USD 4,000 per semester (USD 2,000 for CIWG), and counselling will be conducted online in July after JEE Main results.
