NIT vs IIIT - Which is the Best Option after JEE Main 2024? (in terms of fee, placements, campus facilities, cutoffs)
Wondering NIT vs IIIT - which is the best option after JEE Main 2024? Check this article and compare the two based on institute type, programmes offered, total seats, reservation quota, tuition fees, placement cell and campus facilities before seeking admission.
NIT vs IIIT: Are you planning to appear for the JEE Main 2024 exam this year? If yes, then you must be aiming for the top engineering colleges, like NITs and IIITs. To get admission to these prestigious institutes, you will have to appear for the JoSAA counselling 2024, which will take place after the JEE Main 2024 and JEE Advanced 2024 exams. But many students often wonder - NIT vs IIIT - which is better? The key difference between NITs and IIITs is that NITs (National Institute of Technology) are a group of 31 autonomous public institutions offering undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the fields of Engineering, Management, Architecture, and Science, while IIIITs (Indian Institute of Information Technology) are an alliance of 26 centrally-funded technical institutes primarily offering courses on Information Technology and allied areas at the UG, PG, and PhD levels. Besides,NITs and IIITs also differ in terms of fee structure, infrastructure, admission cutoffs, placements and so on. This article will give students an insight into the various parameters that will make it easier for them to decide NIT vs IIIT - which is the best option after JEE Main 2024.
NIT vs IIIT: Overview
While drawing out an analysis between NIT vs IIIT, IIITs specialize in IT and Computer Science only, whereas NITs specialize in a variety of technical fields. The key highlights pertaining to NIT vs IIIT have been discussed below.
NIT (National Institutes of Technology)
NIT stands for National Institutes of Technology, which are prestigious institutes of India specializing in engineering education both at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
- NITs offer a wide range of scientific and technology-focused undergraduate and graduate programmes to the eligible candidates.
- Admission into the B.Tech programmes offered at any of India's 31 NITs is conducted via the JoSAA counseling process, taking into consideration the candidate's AIR rank from JEE Main 2024.
- The GATE entrance exam determines who gets admitted into the M.Tech programmes offered at NITs, while CCMT looks after seat allocation.
- NITs are funded adequately by the Central government. The low tuition fees at these institutes results from financing from the central government.
- Diversity is lower in NITs than in other state government colleges due to the 50% or higher reservations for state students.
IIIT (Indian Institute of Information Technology)
IIIT stands for Indian Institute of Information Technology. These institutes focus on information technology courses, along with other courses.
- IIIT colleges ofIndia provide candidates with technical education focusing on IT and CS.
- Various entrance exams such as JEE Mains, GATE, etc., are required for securing admission into the IIIT colleges of India.
- IIITs also conduct institutional entrance exams which candidates can appear for.
- After graduating from one of India's IIIT institutes, graduates have various great job opportunities.
- The IIT institutions which offer high packages in India are IIIT Bangalore, IIIT Hyderabad, IIITM Gwalior, and IIITDM Jabalpur.
NIT vs IIIT Comparison
While comparing NIT vs IIIT, it is evident that education at NITs is more academic and theoretical while that in IIITs is more specific and industry-oriented. The table below presents an NIT vs IIIT comparison based on multiple factors to help students make an informed decision as to which institute would be better for them based.
Parameters | NITs | IIITs |
| Full Form | National Institute of Technology | Indian Institute of Information Technology |
Institute type | Public Technical Universities | 5 funded and managed by the Ministry of Human Resource Development; the remaining 21 based on the public-private partnership model |
Programmes offered | UG and PG programmes in Engineering, Architecture, Science, and Management | UG, PG, PhD programmes in Information Technology and allied fields of Engineering |
Total number of colleges | 31 | 26 |
Total seats | 24000 seats for UG programmes; 13600 seats for PG programmes | 6000 seats for UG programmes |
Reservations & quota | 50% seats reserved under the home state quota; the remaining 50% seats open to candidates from other states | No seat reservations applicable; all admissions are based on merit |
Admission process | JEE Main/GATE/CAT/NIMCET scores | JEE Main scores |
College fees | BTech course fee ranges from INR 8-10 lakhs for General students | BTech course fee ranges from INR 3-5 lakhs |
Top colleges | NIT Trichy, NIT Calicut, NIT Rourkela, NIT Surathkal, NIT Warangal | IIIT Allahabad, IIIT Bangalore, IIITDM Jabalpur, ABV-IIITM Gwalior, IIIT Hyderabad |
Average package | INR 10-16 LPA | INR 11-30 LPA |
| Highest package | INR 45-50 LPA | INR 46-60 LPA |
Placement ratio | 87% placement rate with an average package of INR 7.2 LPA | 74% placement rate with an average package of INR 10 LPA |
NIT vs IIIT: Number of Institutes
While comparing NIT vs IIIT, candidates might find various differences, but both have highly qualified faculty who are experts in their respective fields of study. In India, there are a total of 31 NIT colleges alongwith 25 IIIT colleges, both of which are renowned for offering excellent engineering programmes to the eligible candidates. The NIT and IIIT colleges have been listed below.
NITs | IIITs |
NIT Allahabad | IIIT Bhopal |
NIT Agartala | IIIT Hyderabad |
NIT Calicut | IIIT Bangalore |
NIT Delhi | IIIT Guwahati |
NIT Durgapur | PDSM IIITDM Jabalpur |
NIT Jalandhar | IIIT Surat |
NIT Goa | ABV IIIT Gwalior |
NIT Hamirpur | IIIT Allahabad |
NIT Karnataka | IIITDM Kanchipuram |
NIT Andhra Pradesh | IIIT Sonepat |
NIT Meghalaya | IIIT Pune |
NIT Nagaland | IIIT Kota |
NIT Patna | IIIT Sri City |
NIT Surat | IIIT Tiruchirappalli |
NIT Puducherry | IIIT Vadodara |
NIT Raipur | IIIT Nagpur |
NIT Sikkim | IIIT Kalyani |
NIT Jaipur | IIIT Kottayam |
NIT Arunachal Pradesh | IIIT Lucknow |
NIT Jamshedpur | IIIT Dharwad |
NIT Kurukshetra | IIIT Bhagalpur |
NIT Nagpur | IIIT Manipur |
NIT Manipur | IIITDM Kurnool |
NIT Mizoram | IIIT Ranchi |
NIT Rourkela | IIIT Una |
NIT Silchar | - |
NIT Uttarakhand | - |
NIT Srinagar | - |
NIT Tiruchirappalli | - |
NIT Warangal | - |
NIT Bhopal | - |
Is NIT and IIIT the same?
No, NITs and IIITs are not the same, although both are premiere institutes counted among the Top Engineering Colleges of India. A collection of 31 esteemed establishments, the National Institutes of Technology (NIT) was founded in India to offer additional engineering education. It has been demonstrated that NITs promote both regional and cultural diversity. On the other hand, 26 multidisciplinary technology-based engineering research institutions in India, with an emphasis on information technology, make up the Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs). Five of them are developed, sponsored, and run by the Ministry of Education (MOE).
Also Read:CSE Vs ECE: Which is Best in Today's Era?
NIT vs IIIT: Eligibility Criteria
One of the most common questions students have in mind is - 'Who is eligible for NIT and IIIT?' For students qualifying for admission to the list of top NIT colleges in India or for the IIITs based on JEE Main scores, a minimum aggregate of 75% in Class 12 is mandatory. For candidates belonging to the SC/ST categories, the minimum aggregate mark required is 65%.Also read:BTech Specializations Offered by IIITs
NIT vs IIIT: Top 5 Institutes as per NIRF Ranking 2023
Candidates can check NIT vs IIIT - which is better based on the NIRF ranking 2023. We have listed the top 5 institutes and their current rankings that will help the students make an informed decision before shortlisting the colleges.
Sl. No. | Name of the NITs | NIRF Rank 2023 | Name of the IIITs | NIRF Rank 2023 |
1 | NIT Trichy | 9 | IIIT Hyderabad | 55 |
2 | NIT Surathkal | 12 | IIIT Bangalore | 74 |
3 | NIT Rourkela | 16 | IIIT Gwalior | 88 |
4 | NIT Warangal | 21 | IIIT Allahabad | 89 |
5 | NIT Calicut | 23 | PDSM IIITDM Jabalpur | 97 |
Also read:Scholarships Offered by Top IIITs
NIT vs IIITs: Courses Offered
Both NITs and IIITs offer a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses. However, IIITs primarily focus on Information Technology and Computer Science courses, while NITs offer a broader range of engineering specializations, like Civil, Mechanical, Electrical etc. So, for candidates who are interested in Information Technology or Computer Science Engineering, IIITs are a better fit than NITs. Check out the list of top courses offered by both institutes below -
Courses offered at NITs | Courses offered at IIITs |
B.Sc | B.Tech |
B.Arch | M.Tech |
B.Tech | B.Tech + M.Tech |
B.Tech + M.Tech | MBA |
M.Tech | B.Tech + MBA |
BS + MS | PhD |
M.Sc | - |
MBA | - |
Also Read:List of B.Tech Specializations Offered by NITs
NITs vs IIITs: Fee Structure
The fee structure of a program is a deciding factor for many students who wish to seek admission after clearing JEE Mains. The fee structure of NITs varies according to the branch. There are a total of 31 NITs in India and their fees range from INR 1.5 Lakh to INR 3 Lakh per year. On the other hand, there are 26 IIITs across India with fees ranging from INR 50,000 to INR 5 Lakhs per year. The fee amount depends mainly on the program/course opted for. Let's take a look at a few courses offered by NIT and IIITs and their course fees.
Course | Course Fee at NIT (Approx.) | Course Fee at IIIT (Approx.) |
Btech CSE | INR 6.5 lakhs | INR 8.5 lakhs |
Btech Mechanical | INR 5.8 lakhs | INR 6.2 lakhs |
Btech Biotechnology | INR 6 lakhs | INR 13.2 lakhs |
Note: The amount mentioned above are approximate figures and may vary from one institute to another.
Also read: NIT Colleges Accepting JEE Main Score in India
NIT vs IIIT: Admission Procedure
Candidates find variations in the admission processes of NIT and IIIT. The qualifying entrance exam score at most IIIT and NIT colleges is the basic parameter for shortlisting candidates. The admission process for both NITs and IIITs have been explained in detail below.
NIT Admission Procedure
- Candidates are required to fill out the application form via the official website with all required information for NIT admissions.
- The application fee for NIT admission varies as per the institute and the programme candidates select.
- JoSAA conducts the counseling process for NIT admissions and is responsible for allotting seats at NITs.
- The final admission selection at NITs is based on factors such as JEE Main rank, availability of seats, and choices filled.
IIIT Admission Procedure
- Every IIIT has its online application form that eligible candidates should fill out and submit via the institution's official website.
- The registration fee for admission at IIITs vary as per the institution and the selected programme.
- After candidates qualify the entrance exam cutoff, they are notified about the counseling round.
- Counseling for the allocation of seats at is managed by the JoSAA. Thus, counseling requires candidates to register online and provide their programme and institution preferences.
- College authorities allocate the seats to the eligible candidates based on criteria such as the JEE Main rank, availability of seats, number of choices selected, etc.
NIT vs IIIT: Entrance Exams
The various entrance exams accepted by NIT & IIIT for admission into various courses have been listed below.
NIT Entrance Exams | IIIT Entrance Exams |
JEE Main | JEE Main |
GATE | GATE |
CAT | - |
NIMCET | - |
NITs vs IIITs Placements
The placement percentage and average placement package of a company are very crucial when it comes to taking admissions. NITs have a high placement rate of 89% and the average salary is 7.5LPA. Whereas IIITs have a placement rate of 75% and the average package for graduates is around 10LPA. Some of the major recruiters offering the highest placements include IT firms, like Amazon, Facebook, Google, and Microsoft.
Also read:NIT Placements 2024 - Check Highest Packages and Top Recruiters of all NITs
NIT vs IIIT: Cutoff
NIT Cutoff
All NITs have distinct JEE Main cut-offs, and the same may vary for different programs or courses. Top NITs have different JEE Main cut-offs for restricted and unreserved categories. The JEE Main cut-off for NITs is determined based on some variables, including the exam's level of difficulty, the total number of available seats, and many more. The table below shows the category-wise NIT cutoff as per the previous year's data.
Category | Cutoff marks |
General/Unreserved Category (UR) | 90 |
Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 70 |
Other Backward Class (OBC-NCL) | 70 |
Scheduled Caste (SC) | 50 |
Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 40 |
Also read:IIIT Placements: Check Highest Package & Top Recruiters of all IIITs
IIIT Cutoff
The cutoff marks for IIITs vary according to the chosen program. The minimum score needed for admission to different IIIT programs is known as the IIIT cut-off. A multitude of elements, such as seat availability, overall student enrollment, exam difficulty level, and others, determine the IIIT cut-off for the best engineering colleges. Check the expected JEE Main cutoff marks for qualifying for admissions in IIITs.
Course Name | Gender | EWS | General | SC | ST | OBC |
Electronics and Communication Engineering | Male | 1180 | 8309 | 2267 | 1051 | 3655 |
Female | 2818 | 13103 | 3823 | 1350 | 6906 | |
Information Technology | Male | 752 | 4382 | 1276 | 672 | 2068 |
Female | 1669 | 8499 | 2558 | 1225 | 5081 | |
Information Technology-Business Informatics | Male | 757 | 4744 | 1463 | 718 | 2244 |
Female | 1817 | 9359 | 2486 | 1691 | 5198 |
NIT vs IIIT Course wise Cutoff based Articles:
NIT vs IIIT: Campus Facilities
The facilities available at the campus make a multitude of differences when making the choice. The different facilities available for the students are an important factor as the students will spend a chunk of their time on campus after taking admission.
Parameter | NITs | IIITs |
Laboratories | The institute provides full-fledged laboratories for engineering undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. Students can do study in a variety of fields thanks to the cutting-edge resources given. | In contrast to schools and departments, IIIT is organized around research centers and labs. Each research center focuses on a large problem area and brings together professionals from many backgrounds to perform research and development on specific parts of that problem area, continually pushing science forward. |
Classrooms | Top NITs' new infrastructure is outstanding, and some of it is on par with top foreign universities. Only air-conditioned classrooms with projectors are provided at NITs. | IIITs designed a new modular space with several seating options, many different laboratory configurations, and other team spaces, maximizing energy efficiency and ventilation. Classrooms are spacious and naturally well-lit. There are two 120-seat classrooms and one 240-seat classroom accessible for workshops, conferences, and hackathons, both with live streaming capabilities. |
Library | NITs includes a sophisticated Central Library with over 2.5 lakh materials, including technical books, reports, standards, CD-ROMS, Audio Visual Educational Cassettes, and journal back volumes. In addition to a holding of 17690 back volumes of journals, the library subscribes to 83 print periodicals, 8210+ e-Journals, and 1995+ e-books. The Book Bank plan also has 16,750 volumes in the library. | The IIITs Library is at the heart of the Institute's Academic and Research Programs. After obtaining a library membership, all students, faculty members, and Institute employees are able to use the Library's facilities. The Library has a large collection of books, reference books, theses and dissertations, and back issues of magazines. The Library subscribes to a variety of national and international print journals and popular periodicals, as well as e-Journals. |
Wi-Fi | Laptop users can connect to the internet using Wi-Fi. | High speed broadband wifi will be provided to the students. |
Hostel | The Hostels may house a large number of boys and girls in their different buildings at the same time. As a result of restricted accommodation facilities, special educational needs students, aviation students, overseas students, and new entrants from upcountry areas are given preference. To alleviate accommodation concerns, NIT permits off-campus hostels that are reasonably priced and secure, with required utilities such as reliable water, power, security, and study rooms/areas. | On campus, IIIts has distinct dorms for guys and two for ladies. The wardens and in charge of the ladies' dormitory, as well as some faculty and staff members and their families, live on campus. The campus is well-protected by 24-hour security at the dorms, the main gate, and all academic and administrative buildings. Because there is just one entry and exit point, safety and security are never jeopardized. Evenings on campus are lovely, with well-lit walkways and common areas surrounded by large trees and lush foliage. |
Gym, Cafes, Restaurant | There are multiple gyms present one in the hostel and many on campus with multiple cafes/restaurants for more vegetarian and other diertary | There is, indeed. In fact, I believe IIITs have gyms. These are available at the individual hostels, as well as on campus. You will also have the opportunity of participating in other sports such as TT, pool, tennis, basketball, squash, and so on. Mess services are accessible at the student centre. |
Also read:JEE Main 2024 Cutoff for IIITs
NIT vs IIIT: Career Prospects
While both institutes offer great career prospects with very good placements and remuneration, the job roles offered may vary depending on the sectors and specializations. Here is a look at the various job opportunities available for NIT and IIIT degree holders.
Job Opportunities after NIT
After completing a degree from NIT, engineering graduates are offered various roles across different sectors and domains. The highest demand can be seen in the domains of Software Development, Coding, and Business Analytics. Various FMCG and automobile companies also visit the NITs to hire engineering graduates, mostly for the role of Engineering Consultants.
Job Opportunities after IIIT
For IIIT graduates, there's a plethora of job opportunities in the domain of Information Technology and Computer Science. Top companies, like Adobe, Amazon, Samsung, Uber and Walmart recruit qualified candidates during the IIIT placements. These graduates are offered roles in the fields of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity., Data Science, and Software Engineering, among others.Is IIIT better than NIT?
Both NITs and IIITs are ranked among the premier engineering institutes in India. Some IIITs are better than NITs in terms of infrastructure, campus facilities, and placements but the NITs being entirely funded by the MHRD have higher recognition across the country.
Be it IIIT or NIT, admission to both these institutes is done based upon the JEE Main scores and ranks obtained by candidates. Without a valid JEE Main rank, candidates will not be eligible for counselling and admission. Candidates should carefully weigh out their options before seeking admission since their career prospects will depend on this major decision.
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FAQs
Which are the best NIT colleges in India for placement?
Generally, the top NIT colleges in India offer high placement packages. NIT Warangal, NIT Surathkal, and NIT Calicut are some of the best institutes offering placement in India.
Which is the No. 1 NIT in India?
NIT Trichy is the No 1 NIT in India. NIT Trichy has been ranked 8th by NIRF among the top Engineering colleges in India.
What is the minimum percentage required for admission into NITs?
Candidates are required to score 75 percent or above in the qualifying exam (JEE Main 2024) or rank in the top 20 percentile in their respective boards to secure admission into NITs.
Are IIITs better than NITs?
The preference between IIITs and NITs depends upon individual circumstances and course offerings. Some IIITs excel in terms of placement, faculty, and infrastructure, whereas NITs are centrally funded institutes and more widely recognized.
How many IIIT colleges are there in India?
There are a total of 26 International Institute of Information Technology (IIITs) in India.
What are the different undergraduate programmes offered by the IIITs in India?
The undergraduate programmes offered by the IIITs in India include BTech with specializations such as CSE, ECE, dual degree programmes, and research-integrated programmes.
What are the top 10 IIITs in India as per their NIRF rank?
The top 10 IIITs in India are IIIT Hyderabad (NIRF Rank - 62), IIIT Delhi (NIRF Rank - 69), IIIT Guwahati (NIRF Rank - 73), IIIT Bangalore (NIRF Rank - 76), IIIT Jabalpur (NIRF Rank - 80), IIIT Allahabad (NIRF Rank - 87), IIIT Gwalior (NIRF Rank - 106), IIIT Kanchipuram (NIRF Rank - 184), and IIIT Bhubaneswar (NIRF Rank - 190).
What is the fee structure across the different IIITs in India?
The fee structure for different IIITs range from INR 28,000 to INR 141,000 per semester.
How many NITs are there in total?
There are in total 31 NITs. Each one of them are categorized under autonomous public institutions for higher education in India. Out of the 31 NITs, 11 are relatively newly established whereas the remaining 20 are old engineering institutes.
What is the fee structure for the NITs?
MHRD is responsible for setting down the fee structure of the NITs according to their consultation with the council, the regulatory body for all NITs. The tuition fee is INR. 62,500 per annum.