How Many IITs in India? Total Count, Branches, and What They Offer

There are 23 IITs in India, each a public engineering institute funded by the government and recognized globally for producing top engineers. These institutions are not just universities—they’re gateways to high-paying careers, research leadership, and global tech roles. Also known as Indian Institutes of Technology, they’re the most sought-after engineering colleges in the country, with admission through JEE Advanced being one of the toughest competitive exams in the world. The first IIT was set up in 1951 in Kharagpur, and since then, the network has grown steadily to meet India’s demand for skilled engineers in tech, manufacturing, and innovation.

The IIT branches, the specific engineering disciplines offered at each institute—like Computer Science, Mechanical, Electrical, and Civil—don’t just differ in curriculum; they also lead to wildly different starting salaries. For example, Computer Science and Electrical Engineering at top IITs often land graduates in roles paying over ₹20 lakh per year right out of college, while other branches may start lower but grow fast with experience. IIT salaries, the average earnings of graduates across industries are heavily influenced by the branch, campus reputation, internships, and whether the student joins core engineering firms or tech giants like Google, Microsoft, or startups.

Not all IITs are the same in size, focus, or placement strength. IIT Bombay, Delhi, Madras, and Kanpur are often seen as the top four, but newer IITs like IIT Jodhpur, IIT Tirupati, and IIT Dharwad are catching up fast with better infrastructure and industry ties. What matters most isn’t just which IIT you get into, but what you do while you’re there—projects, internships, coding skills, and problem-solving ability often matter more than the name on your degree. Many students who don’t get into the top IITs still end up earning more than those who do, simply because they focused on real skills instead of just the label.

Behind every IIT graduate is a story of long hours, tough exams, and smart choices. The system isn’t perfect—there’s pressure, competition, and sometimes a mismatch between what’s taught and what the industry needs. But the opportunities are real. Whether you’re aiming for a job at a Fortune 500 company, starting your own tech firm, or working on clean energy solutions, an IIT degree still opens doors that few other degrees can match in India. Below, you’ll find real data on which IIT branches pay the most, how sleep and study habits affect JEE success, and what careers open up if you don’t make it into an IIT but still want a high-paying engineering path.