IIT Locations: Where India’s Top Engineering Colleges Are and What They Offer

When people talk about IIT, India’s premier public engineering institutions that set the standard for technical education and research. Also known as Indian Institutes of Technology, they are the most sought-after engineering schools in the country, with campuses spread across major cities and tech hubs. These aren’t just universities—they’re launchpads for careers in software, robotics, AI, and even entrepreneurship. Where an IIT is located often shapes what students study, who hires them, and how much they earn after graduation.

There are 23 IITs today, each with its own personality. IIT Bombay, located in Mumbai, is known for strong industry ties and high-paying placements in finance and tech. IIT Delhi, in the national capital, draws top recruiters from government agencies and startups alike. IIT Kharagpur, the oldest and largest, has deep roots in mechanical and civil engineering. Meanwhile, newer campuses like IIT Jodhpur and IIT Tirupati are building fast reputations in AI and data science. Location matters because it affects internships, campus culture, and even the types of companies that come to recruit. If you’re aiming for a job in fintech, Mumbai or Bangalore might be your best bet. For public sector roles, Delhi or Kanpur give you better access.

What you study at an IIT also ties directly to where you end up. IIT branch salary data shows that computer science and electrical engineering dominate the top earners, especially in campuses near tech centers. But even if you’re in a less popular branch, the IIT brand opens doors—especially if you’re willing to move. Many students from IIT Guwahati or IIT Roorkee end up working in Bengaluru or Hyderabad because those cities have the jobs. The real advantage of an IIT isn’t just the degree—it’s the network, the brand, and the fact that employers know exactly what it takes to get in.

There’s no single "best" IIT location—it depends on what you want to do after graduation. If you’re into startups, Bengaluru’s ecosystem is hard to beat. If you want government jobs or public sector research, Delhi or Chennai might be better. And if you’re looking for a quieter campus with strong fundamentals, Kharagpur or Madras still deliver. The posts below break down which IITs pay the most, which branches are growing fastest, and how your choice of campus can change your career path—no matter where you end up.