The IIT system began with the establishment of IIT Kharagpur in 1950, followed by IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur and IIT Delhi. Over the following decades, the IIT network expanded across different regions of India. The Council of Indian Institutes of Technology currently lists 23 IITs, from IIT Kharagpur and IIT Bombay to newer institutes such as IIT Dharwad, IIT Jammu and IIT Goa.
For students researching IIT admission, IIT courses, JEE Advanced, IIT campuses, engineering programmes, postgraduate education and IIT research, this guide provides an overview of the IIT system and its academic structure.
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What is an IIT?
IIT stands for Indian Institute of Technology.
The IITs form a national network of institutions established to provide advanced education and research in engineering, technology and related disciplines.
The Council of IITs describes the IIT system as having developed from the first institute at Kharagpur into a nationwide group of institutions with programmes and research spanning engineering, science, technology and interdisciplinary areas.
IITs today offer much more than traditional engineering degrees. Depending on the institute, students can study areas such as:
Computer Science and Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Biotechnology
Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Mathematics and Computing
Physics
Chemistry
Data Science
Artificial Intelligence
Design
Architecture
Economics
Management
Humanities and Social Sciences
Energy and sustainability
Interdisciplinary sciences
The Council of IITs maintains information on academic programmes and departments across the IIT system.
History of the Indian Institutes of Technology
The history of the IIT system is closely connected with the development of technical education in independent India.
IIT Kharagpur – The First IIT
The first IIT was established at Kharagpur, West Bengal, in 1950 at the site of the former Hijli Detention Camp. It was formally inaugurated on 18 August 1951.
You can also explore our related article on Bengal Engineering and Science University, another important institution in the history of technical education in West Bengal.
Expansion of the IIT System
The next major IITs were:
IIT Bombay – 1958
IIT Madras – 1959
IIT Kanpur – 1959
IIT Delhi – 1961
IIT Guwahati – 1994
IIT Roorkee – became the seventh IIT in 2001
Further expansion occurred from 2008 onwards, followed by the creation of additional IITs in different parts of India.
IIT Historical Timeline
| Year | Development |
|---|---|
| 1950 | IIT Kharagpur established |
| 1951 | IIT Kharagpur formally inaugurated |
| 1958 | IIT Bombay established |
| 1959 | IIT Madras established |
| 1959 | IIT Kanpur established |
| 1961 | IIT Delhi established |
| 1994 | IIT Guwahati established |
| 2001 | University of Roorkee became IIT Roorkee |
| 2008 | Several new IITs established |
| 2009 | IIT Indore and IIT Mandi established |
| 2012 | Institute of Technology, BHU became IIT (BHU) Varanasi |
| 2015 | IIT Palakkad and IIT Tirupati established |
| 2016 | IIT Bhilai, IIT Goa, IIT Jammu and IIT Dharwad established |
The official Council of IITs provides the historical development of the IIT network.
List of IITs in India
The current Council of IITs lists 23 Indian Institutes of Technology.
| No. | IIT | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | IIT Kharagpur | West Bengal |
| 2 | IIT Bombay | Maharashtra |
| 3 | IIT Madras | Tamil Nadu |
| 4 | IIT Kanpur | Uttar Pradesh |
| 5 | IIT Delhi | Delhi |
| 6 | IIT Guwahati | Assam |
| 7 | IIT Roorkee | Uttarakhand |
| 8 | IIT Bhubaneswar | Odisha |
| 9 | IIT Hyderabad | Telangana |
| 10 | IIT Patna | Bihar |
| 11 | IIT Gandhinagar | Gujarat |
| 12 | IIT Jodhpur | Rajasthan |
| 13 | IIT Ropar | Punjab |
| 14 | IIT Indore | Madhya Pradesh |
| 15 | IIT Mandi | Himachal Pradesh |
| 16 | IIT (BHU) Varanasi | Uttar Pradesh |
| 17 | IIT Palakkad | Kerala |
| 18 | IIT Tirupati | Andhra Pradesh |
| 19 | IIT (ISM) Dhanbad | Jharkhand |
| 20 | IIT Bhilai | Chhattisgarh |
| 21 | IIT Goa | Goa |
| 22 | IIT Jammu | Jammu and Kashmir |
| 23 | IIT Dharwad | Karnataka |
The Council of IITs currently provides information for these 23 institutes, including academic programmes, departments and institutional information.
IITs in Different Regions of India
The IIT network extends across many regions.
IITs in East India
IIT Kharagpur
IIT Bhubaneswar
IIT (ISM) Dhanbad
IITs in West India
IIT Bombay
IIT Gandhinagar
IIT Goa
IITs in North India
IIT Delhi
IIT Roorkee
IIT Jammu
IIT Ropar
IIT Mandi
IITs in South India
IIT Madras
IIT Hyderabad
IIT Palakkad
IIT Tirupati
IIT Dharwad
IITs in Central and Other Regions
IIT Kanpur
IIT Patna
IIT Jodhpur
IIT Indore
IIT Bhilai
IIT (BHU) Varanasi
IIT Guwahati
Students researching engineering institutions can also read our articles on National Institute of Technology (NIT) and National Institute of Technology.
IIT Courses and Academic Programmes
IITs offer programmes at undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels.
The exact courses vary between institutes.
The Council of IITs' academic-programme database includes undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes across the IIT system.
Undergraduate Courses at IITs
Common undergraduate programmes include:
B.Tech
B.Arch
B.Des
B.S.
Integrated and dual-degree programmes
Bachelor of Science programmes
Other institute-specific undergraduate programmes
B.Tech programmes remain an important part of IIT undergraduate education, but the academic portfolio is broader than engineering alone. For example, the Council's programme database includes B.Arch, B.Tech, B.Des and BS programmes at different IITs.
B.Tech Programmes
Depending on the IIT, B.Tech specialisations can include:
Computer Science and Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Electronics and Communication Engineering
Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Biotechnology
Engineering Physics
Mathematics and Computing
Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
Environmental and related engineering disciplines
Students should consult the individual IIT and current JoSAA programme information for the exact programmes and seat structure for a particular admission year.
Postgraduate Courses at IITs
IIT postgraduate education includes programmes such as:
M.Tech
M.Sc
MBA
M.Des
MPP
MS by Research
Integrated postgraduate programmes
Dual-degree programmes
Other specialised Master's programmes
For example, the Council of IITs lists M.Tech, M.Sc, MBA, Master of Public Policy, MS by Research and other postgraduate programmes across different IITs.
PhD Programmes
IITs also have extensive doctoral research programmes.
PhD research is conducted in areas including:
Engineering
Computer Science
Artificial Intelligence
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Biotechnology
Materials Science
Energy
Environmental Science
Economics
Humanities
Management
Interdisciplinary research
The Council of IITs maintains information on doctoral programmes and academic departments across individual institutes.
IIT Departments
IIT academic departments differ from institute to institute.
Common departments and schools include:
Engineering Departments
Computer Science and Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Biotechnology
Electronics and Electrical Engineering
Science Departments
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Biological Sciences
Interdisciplinary Areas
Modern IIT academic structures also include centres and departments related to:
Artificial Intelligence
Data Science
Energy
Climate and sustainability
Nanotechnology
Robotics
Computational science
Materials
Healthcare technology
The Council of IITs provides an academic-department directory covering the IIT system.
IIT Admission
IIT admission depends on the programme.
For undergraduate engineering admission, JEE (Advanced) is the key examination associated with admission to IIT undergraduate programmes.
The Council of IITs identifies JEE (Advanced) as the joint entrance examination for undergraduate courses.
IIT Admission Through JEE Advanced
A typical undergraduate pathway involves:
Completing the required school-level qualification.
Appearing for JEE (Main).
Meeting the applicable qualification requirements for JEE (Advanced).
Appearing for JEE (Advanced).
Obtaining a qualifying rank.
Participating in the applicable seat-allocation process.
Selecting eligible IIT programmes according to the current admission rules.
The exact requirements are revised periodically, so candidates should always refer to the current JEE (Advanced) information brochure.
For 2026, the official JEE (Advanced) information brochure specifies the applicable eligibility criteria and other requirements for candidates.
IIT Eligibility
IIT eligibility differs according to the programme and admission route.
For undergraduate admission through JEE (Advanced), candidates must satisfy the eligibility conditions published for the relevant examination year.
These can include conditions relating to:
Class XII or equivalent examination
Subjects studied
Year of appearance
Age
JEE (Main) qualification
Number of previous attempts
Earlier IIT admission
Category-specific requirements
Because these rules can change, students should not use an old IIT eligibility article as the final source for an admission decision.
The official JEE (Advanced) 2026 brochure should be consulted for current requirements.
IIT Entrance Examinations
Different IIT programmes use different admission routes.
Undergraduate Engineering
JEE (Advanced) is the principal entrance examination associated with undergraduate IIT engineering admission.
M.Tech
GATE is an important examination used for admission to postgraduate engineering programmes at IITs and other institutions.
M.Sc Programmes
JAM is used for admission to several postgraduate science programmes.
Design Programmes
CEED is associated with postgraduate design admissions.
The Council of IITs identifies JEE (Advanced), GATE, JAM and CEED among the principal entrance examinations associated with IIT programmes.
IIT Fees
IIT fees vary by:
Institute
Programme
Academic year
Category
Family income
Hostel requirements
Other institutional charges
Therefore, there is no single IIT fee applicable to every student.
Students should check the current fee circular of the specific IIT and programme before making financial decisions.
IIT Scholarships and Financial Assistance
Students may have access to different forms of financial support depending on:
Government schemes
Institute scholarships
Merit-based assistance
Means-based assistance
Category-specific schemes
Research fellowships
External scholarships
The eligibility and amount depend on the applicable scheme and current rules.
IIT Research and Innovation
Research is a major component of the IIT system.
Research at IITs covers areas such as:
Artificial intelligence
Semiconductor technology
Advanced materials
Biotechnology
Energy
Climate science
Aerospace
Robotics
Manufacturing
Healthcare technology
Data science
Quantum technologies
Agricultural and food technology
The Council of IITs maintains information on research initiatives, facilities and technologies developed by IITs.
For example, the Council's technology database records technology-development activity at several IITs across different academic years.
IITs and Industry
IITs have academic and research relationships with industry, government organisations and international institutions.
These relationships can include:
Research collaborations
Technology transfer
Consultancy
Innovation programmes
Entrepreneurship
Industry-sponsored projects
Incubation
Internships
Academic partnerships
The IIT system's research and technology ecosystem therefore extends beyond classroom education.
IIT Placements and Careers
IIT graduates enter a wide range of professional fields.
Potential career sectors include:
Information technology
Software engineering
Finance
Consulting
Manufacturing
Core engineering
Research
Data science
Artificial intelligence
Semiconductor technology
Energy
Public-sector organisations
Entrepreneurship
Higher education
Civil services
Placement outcomes vary by IIT, department, programme, graduating year and economic conditions. Students should consult the official placement report of the individual IIT rather than relying on a single IIT-wide figure.
IIT Alumni
The IIT system has produced alumni working in:
Engineering
Technology
Research
Business
Public administration
Academia
Entrepreneurship
Finance
International organisations
The Council of IITs describes the contribution of IIT faculty and alumni across sectors in India and internationally.
IITs and Other Engineering Institutions
Students often research IITs alongside other engineering institutions.
India has several categories of higher-education institutions, including:
IITs
NITs
IIITs
State universities
Central universities
Deemed universities
Autonomous engineering colleges
Private universities
Our readers can also explore:
These contextual links connect the IIT article to your site's broader engineering education and Indian university content cluster.
IITs in West Bengal
IIT Kharagpur is the IIT located in West Bengal and was the first IIT established in India.
Readers interested in higher education in West Bengal can also explore:
The Council of IITs identifies IIT Kharagpur as the first IIT in the system.
IITs in Tamil Nadu
IIT Madras is located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
Students searching for engineering and higher education institutions in Tamil Nadu can also explore:
IIT Academic Programmes
The IIT academic portfolio is diverse.
For example, the Council of IITs database lists programmes such as:
| Level | Examples |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | B.Tech, B.Arch, B.Des, B.S. |
| Postgraduate | M.Tech, M.Sc, MBA, M.Des |
| Research | MS by Research, PhD |
| Dual Degree | B.Tech + M.Tech and other integrated programmes |
| Interdisciplinary | Institute-specific programmes and research degrees |
The actual programmes offered vary by IIT and academic year.
Frequently Asked Questions About IITs
What does IIT stand for?
IIT stands for Indian Institute of Technology.
How many IITs are there in India?
The Council of Indian Institutes of Technology currently lists 23 IITs.
Which was the first IIT in India?
IIT Kharagpur was the first IIT. It was established in 1950 and formally inaugurated in 1951.
Which entrance exam is required for IIT B.Tech admission?
JEE (Advanced) is the principal entrance examination associated with undergraduate admission to IITs. Candidates must satisfy the applicable eligibility requirements for the relevant examination year.
Is JEE Main enough for IIT admission?
JEE Main by itself does not constitute the complete IIT undergraduate admission process. Candidates seeking IIT undergraduate admission generally need to qualify through the applicable JEE (Advanced) route and satisfy the relevant admission conditions.
What courses are available at IITs?
IITs offer B.Tech, B.Arch, B.Des, BS, M.Tech, M.Sc, MBA, research degrees, PhD and several dual or interdisciplinary programmes, depending on the institute.
Do IITs offer courses other than engineering?
Yes. Depending on the institute, IIT academic programmes include science, design, architecture, management, public policy, humanities and interdisciplinary programmes in addition to engineering.
Which IIT is in West Bengal?
IIT Kharagpur is located in West Bengal.
Which IIT is in Tamil Nadu?
IIT Madras is located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
Does every IIT offer the same courses?
No. Academic programmes differ between IITs. The Council of IITs maintains an institute-wise academic-programme directory.
What examinations are used for postgraduate IIT admission?
The examination depends on the programme. GATE, JAM and CEED are among the examinations associated with specific IIT postgraduate admission routes, while individual programmes may have additional requirements.
Important IIT Admission Note
IIT admission rules, eligibility criteria, programmes, fees and seat information can change between academic years.
Students should therefore verify the latest information from:
The relevant IIT's official website
JEE (Advanced)
JoSAA
GATE
JAM
CEED
Other official admission authorities
For example, the JEE (Advanced) 2026 Information Brochure contains the current examination-year eligibility provisions and should be used instead of older admission information.
Related Engineering and University Articles
Continue exploring higher education in India:
Conclusion
The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) form a nationwide system of institutions offering education and research across engineering, technology, science, design, management and interdisciplinary fields.
The system began with IIT Kharagpur and subsequently expanded to 23 IITs across India. Today, the institutions offer a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes, while also contributing to research, innovation and technology development.
For students considering an IIT, the appropriate institute and programme should be evaluated using current information about eligibility, entrance examinations, academic programmes, fees, financial assistance, campus facilities and admission rules.
The most important admission-related information should always be verified from the official examination and institute websites for the relevant academic year.
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