IITs vs NITs - Difference Between IIT and NIT

IITs vs NITs - Difference Between IIT and NIT

Edited By Jalla Venkatesh | Updated on Apr 15, 2025 05:25 PM IST | #JEE Main
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IITs Vs NITs: The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and National Institutes of Technology (NITs) are among the most prestigious engineering institutions in India, each offering distinct strengths and opportunities. Candidates can avail admission into NITs through JEE Main 2025 exam, on qualifying which students will be eligible to appear for JEE advanced 2025 exam and be considered into IITs. With a limited number of campuses, IITs are known for their highly competitive admission process, admitting only the top percentile of engineering aspirants.
Also Check: IIT Colleges in India 2025 | How to Get Admission in IITs

This Story also Contains
  1. Difference between IIT and NIT
  2. What is IIT vs NIT
  3. IITs vs NITs: Number Of Institutes
  4. IITs vs NITs: Admission Criteria
  5. IITs Vs NITs Cutoff
IITs vs NITs - Difference Between IIT and NIT
IITs vs NITs - Difference Between IIT and NIT
LiveJEE Main Result 2025 Live: NTA session 2 results, final answer key at jeemain.nta.nic.in soon; latest updatesApr 16, 2025 | 8:26 AM IST

With the help of JEE Main 2025 rank predictor tool, students can predict their probable JEE Main rank 2025 based on their scores on percentile. The tool uses artificial intelligence and analyses previous years' trends to predict ranks. Candidates will be required to provide their score, percentile, application number, difficulty level of exam, date of birth, and mobile number. 

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Established in 1951, the IITs are especially renowned for their rigorous academic curriculum, innovative research, and a distinguished global alumni network that has made significant contributions across diverse fields. On the other hand, the National Institutes of Technology (NITs) have a broader presence, with 31 campuses across the country. Established to promote regional diversity and provide quality technical education, NITs have gained prominence for their inclusive approach and focus on practical skills. While both IITs and NITs share the goal of fostering excellence in engineering education, each system offers a distinct environment, catering to diverse aspirations and preferences of students.

Difference between IIT and NIT

IITs and NITs, renowned for their outstanding educational standards, have significantly contributed to India's global standing in technology and science. Exploring the key distinctions between IITs and NITs provides a comprehensive understanding of these premier institutions' unique characteristics.

Criteria

IIT

NIT

Year Of Establishment

1950

1960

Number Of Institutions

23

31

Admission Criteria

JEE Advanced

JEE Mains

Average Total Fees

Rs. 2-5 Lakhs per annum

Rs. 1-2 Lakhs per annum

Average Package

INR 20 to 30 Lakhs per annum

INR 10 to 15 Lakhs per annum

What is IIT vs NIT

IITs and NITs, both being central government-owned public technical institutions, provide a diverse range of courses, excellent facilities, and notable placement opportunities.In the sections below, we will delve into a detailed comparison and highlight the difference between IIT and NIT.

IIT Full Form: The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are decentralised and publicly-funded educational institutions situated throughout India. Governed by the Institutes of Technology Act, 1961, they hold the status of being Institutes of National Importance. With a total of twenty-three IITs in India, they collectively offered around 16,050 seats in 2020. The inaugural IIT was established in West Bengal in 1950. Predominantly, IITs confer BTech degrees for undergraduate studies, alongside postgraduate degrees like MTech and MBA.

NIT Full Form: The National Institute of Technology (NIT) is an autonomous public higher education institution governed by the central government. Established under the National Institute of Technology Act, 2007, it holds the status of an institution of national importance. NITs are prestigious technical universities with a low acceptance rate and receive substantial grants, ranking among the top engineering colleges in India after the IITs.

IITs vs NITs: Number Of Institutes

India boasts a network of 23 premier institutions known as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), while the country is home to a total of 31 prestigious National Institutes of Technology (NITs). This includes both sets of institutions that play a significant role in advancing education, research, and technological innovation across the nation. The following section presents the comprehensive list of IITs and NITs, each contributing to the educational landscape with excellence and distinction.

IITs vs NITs: Admission Criteria

When comparing the admission criteria difference between IIT and NIT, distinctions arise based on the level of education.

Bachelors:

Admission to a bachelor’s degree program at National Institutes of Technology (NITs) necessitates clearing the JEE Mains examination. In contrast, eligibility for the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) demands success in the more challenging JEE Advanced examination, underscoring a higher level of academic proficiency and competitiveness.

Masters:

Postgraduate admissions follow a distinct pattern. The Joint Admission Test for MSc. (JAM) primarily caters to IIT programs. However, should an aspirant miss securing a seat at an IIT, National Institutes of Technology (NITs) present a pragmatic alternative. This highlights the adaptable and collaborative nature of the postgraduate admission process in the realm of technical education in India.

IITs Vs NITs Cutoff

National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli Round 1 Open category

Institute

Gender

Opening Rank

Closing Rank



Civil Engineering

Male

19131

30998

Female

25975

30486

Computer Science and Engineering

Male

1196

4178

Female

3258

9721

Mechanical Engineering

Male

9290

14173

Female

21318

25382

Electronic and Communication Engineering

Male

2712

6799

Female

11473

14428

National Institute of Technology Meghalaya (Open category)

Institute

Gender

Opening Rank

Closing Rank



Civil Engineering

Male

169930

169930

Female

253449

253449

Computer Science and Engineering

Male

31545

31545

Female

198857

198857

Mechanical Engineering

Male

58302

58302

Female

458027

458027

Electronic and Communication Engineering

Male

55668

102988

Female

365786

365786

National Institute of Technology, Warangal (Open category)

Institute

Gender

Opening Rank

Closing Rank


Male

12913

27249

Civil Engineering

Female

31822

35345

Computer Science and Engineering

Male

755

2698

Female

1921

4625

Mechanical Engineering

Male

10328

15135

Female

14239

21955

Electronic and Communication Engineering

Male

3393

4979

Female

5719

7145

Dr. B R Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar (Open category)

Institute

Gender

Opening Rank

Closing Rank

Civil Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology)

Male

46533

59226

Female

55142

58999

Computer Science and Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology)

Male

9686

15326

Female

13235

16903

Data Science and Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology)

Male

16090

19353

Female

19732

19732

Mechanical Engineering (4 Years, Bachelor of Technology)

Male

29363

44615

Female

42712

49438

Malaviya National Institute of Technology Jaipur (Open category)

Institute

Gender

Opening Rank

Closing Rank



Civil Engineering

Male

16373

27906

Female

25667

35785

Computer Science and Engineering

Male

3099

4774

Female

5725

8836

Mechanical Engineering

Male

11382

19469

Female

21644

27952

Electronic and Communication Engineering

Male

6149

9910

Female

10829

14522

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the main difference between IIT and NIT?

The primary distinction lies in their establishment, scope, and admission process. IITs are older, with fewer campuses, and have a highly competitive admission process. NITs, with 31 campuses, aim for regional diversity and generally have a broader admission scope.

2. How does the fee structure compare between IITs and NITs?

While both institutions have varying fee structures, IITs often have higher fees due to their well-established reputation and comprehensive facilities. NITs, with a more inclusive approach, generally have comparatively lower fees.

3. Which institutions are known for better research opportunities?

IITs are renowned for their extensive research contributions and cutting-edge projects. However, specific NITs also excel in research, providing ample opportunities for students to engage in innovative projects.

4. How does the campus infrastructure differ between IITs and NITs?

IITs typically boast well-established infrastructure, including state-of-the-art labs and libraries. NITs, while also well-equipped, may vary in facilities across their multiple campuses.

5. Is the admission process equally competitive for both IITs and NITs?

IITs have a notoriously competitive admission process, admitting only the top percentile of candidates. NITs, while competitive, have a broader admission scope, considering a wider range of candidates.

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Questions related to JEE Main

Have a question related to JEE Main ?

Hello there,

If you scored 65 marks in JEE Main 2025 (4th April, 2nd shift) , here’s a rough idea:

1. Estimated Percentile:

Your percentile may range between 70 to 78 , depending on the paper's difficulty and normalization process.

2. JEE Advanced Eligibility:

To qualify for JEE Advanced , you need to be:

  • In the top 2.5 lakh candidates across all categories.

  • Your percentile should generally be above:

    • 87–88 for General

    • 65–70 for OBC

    • 45–50 for SC/ST

So, with 65 marks , you may qualify only if you belong to SC/ST or PwD categories. If you're in General or OBC , it is unlikely to qualify for JEE Advanced with this score.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries, then feel free to share your questions with us, we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you, and I wish you all the best in your bright future.

Hello there,

Yes, TIET (Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology) accepts NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling) students for B.Tech CSE as long as the student meets the eligibility criteria.

Admission Process for B.Tech CSE at TIET without JEE Main:

  1. Eligibility Criteria :

    • Educational Qualification : You must have completed your 12th or equivalent with a minimum of 60% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (for CSE) from a recognized board, including NIOS.

    • Age Limit : Candidates must be born on or after 1st October 2000 .

  2. Admission Without JEE Main :

    • TIET provides admission to B.Tech courses based on Thapar University’s Entrance Exam (THAPAR Entrance Test) or Direct Admission (based on merit).

    • For Direct Admission (without JEE Main), students with good academic performance (generally 80% and above) in 12th grade may be eligible. However, this depends on the cutoff for the specific year.

  3. Application Process :

    • Visit the official TIET website and fill out the online application form.

    • You may have to appear for the Thapar University Entrance Exam (if applicable) . For direct admission, the process is based on merit or marks obtained in 12th.

  4. Important Dates : Keep track of the application dates and exam schedules on the official TIET website.

  5. Admission Fee : After clearing the entrance exam or merit list, the next step will be counseling and document verification , where you'll submit your 12th-grade marks and other relevant documents.

If you don’t wish to take JEE, direct admission (based on merit) is an option, but it depends on your academic performance and availability of seats.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries, then feel free to share your questions with us, we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you, and I wish you all the best in your bright future.

Hello there,

Yes, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology (TIET) accepts students from the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) for admission to its B.Tech Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) program, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

Eligibility Criteria for B.Tech CSE at TIET:

  • Educational Qualification : Completion of 10+2 or equivalent examination with at least 60% aggregate marks (55% for SC/ST candidates) in Physics, Mathematics, and any one of the following subjects: Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, or a Technical Vocational subject.

  • Entrance Exam : A valid score in JEE Main 2024 is required for admission to B.Tech CSE at TIET.

  • Age Limit : Candidates must be born on or after 1st October 2000 .

    Admission Process for B.Tech CSE without JEE Main:

While JEE Main is the primary entrance exam for B.Tech admissions at TIET, there is an alternative pathway:

  • Mode-2 Admission : For candidates who have not appeared in JEE Main, admission is based on the merit of marks secured in 10+2 or equivalent examination in the aggregate of three subjects: Physics, Mathematics, and any one subject out of Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, or a Technical Vocational subject.

  • Eligibility for Mode-2 : Candidates must have passed 10+2 or equivalent examination with at least 70% marks (65% for SC/ST candidates) in the aggregate of the specified subjects.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries, then feel free to share your questions with us, we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you, and I wish you all the best in your bright future.


Hello there,

With a 74.82 percentile in JEE Main , getting CS , IT , or AI in top Mumbai colleges might be challenging. However, here are some options:

1. University of Mumbai Colleges :

  • VJTI : Highly competitive for top branches, but possible for others.

  • SVKM NMIMS (private): May accept JEE Main scores.

  • DJ Sanghvi : Competitive for CS/IT, but possible for other branches.

    2. Private Colleges :

  • L&T Institute of Technology and KJ Somaiya : They accept JEE Main scores but competition is high.

    3. Other Considerations :

  • MHT CET : As you're from Maharashtra, applying for MHT CET can improve your chances in top colleges.

  • Management Quota : Some private colleges may have lower entry requirements through this route.

You may also consider related branches like Electronics to increase your chances.


I would recommend you to use JEE Mains College Predictor Tool by Careers360 to get the list of possible colleges you can get with your rank or percentile.

I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries, then feel free to share your questions with us, we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you, and I wish you all the best in your bright future.

Hello there,

With a 94 percentile in JEE Mains, you have several options:

  1. NITs : You may get branches like Mechanical, Civil, or Electrical in lower-ranked NITs, especially under the Home State Quota .

  2. IIITs : You could secure a seat in newer IIITs like IIIT Pune or IIIT Vadodara .

  3. State Government Colleges : Apply through state counseling for good chances, especially in non-circuit branches .

  4. Private Colleges : Institutions like VIT , SRM , and Manipal may offer opportunities based on your JEE score.

    Suggestion: Participate in JoSAA counseling and explore state and private universities for better chances of admission. Focus on branches like Mechanical , Civil , and Electrical .


    I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries, then feel free to share your questions with us, we will be happy to assist you.

    Thank you, and I wish you all the best in your bright future.





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