The primary difference between IIITs and NITs lies in their focus and structure. NITs consist of 31 prestigious institutions dedicated to advancing engineering education and promoting cultural diversity. In contrast, IIITs are a network of 25 colleges that specialise in IT education and development, with 5 institutions sponsored and managed by the Ministry of Education, while the remaining 20 are public-private partnerships.
IIITs and NITs differ in areas such as specialisation, research emphasis, education quality, and historical background. Both are regarded as top choices for engineering education in India.
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IIIT Vs NIT
When comparing NIT and IIIT, it is clear that IIITs offer a more practical, industry-oriented education, while NITs focus more on theoretical and academic learning. The table below outlines the differences between IIIT and NIT across multiple factors.
| Factors | IIIT | NIT |
| Full Form | Indian Institute of Information Technology | National Institutes of Technology |
| Establishment | MHRD | Government of India |
| Type of Institution | 5 sponsored by MHRD & 20 are public-private partnerships | Public technical institutions |
| No of colleges | 25 IIIT colleges | 31 NIT colleges |
| No of Seats | 6000 for UG Courses | For UG -24000, For PG - 13650 |
| Quota Seats | Admission based on merit. | 50% state reservation |
| Placement | 74% placement rate with 10 LPA average salary | 87% placement rate with 7.2 LPA average salary |
| Fees | INR 2 to 5 lakhs | INR 8 to 11 lakhs |
| Average CTC | INR 11 to 30 lakhs | INR 10 to 18 lakhs |
Overview
In the comparison of IIIT and NIT, IIITs focus specifically on IT and Computer Science, while NITs offer a broader range of technical disciplines. A more detailed overview of both institutions is provided below.
IIIT (Indian Institute of Information Technology)
- The full form of IIIT stands for Indian Institute of Information Technology. These institutions primarily focus on information technology courses, although they also offer a select range of other programs.
- IIIT colleges in India offer a technical education with a focus on IT and Computer Science.
- Admission to these institutions requires various entrance exams, such as JEE Mains, NTA, and others. Additionally, some IIITs conduct their own entrance tests for applicants.
- Graduates of IIIT institutes in India have access to excellent job opportunities. Notable IIT institutions with high salary packages include IIIT Hyderabad, IIIT Bangalore, IIITDM Jabalpur, and IIITM Gwalior.
NIT (National Institutes of Technology)
- The full form of NIT is National Institutes of Technology, which are renowned institutions in India that specialise in engineering education at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
- All NITs offer a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs focused on science and technology.
- Admission to B.Tech programs at any of India's 31 NITs is conducted through the JoSAA counseling process, where the candidate's AIR rank from JEE Main is taken into account.
- Admission to M.Tech programs at NITs is based on the GATE exam, with seat allocation managed by CCMT.
- NITs receive substantial funding from the central government, which helps keep tuition fees relatively low. However, diversity at these institutions is lower compared to other state government colleges due to the 50% or higher reservation for state students.
IIIT Vs NIT: Number of Institutes
When comparing IIIT and NIT, several differences may arise, but both institutions boast highly qualified professors who are experts in their respective fields. India is home to 25 IIITs and 31 NITs, both renowned for providing exceptional engineering programs. A list of the colleges under IIIT and NIT is provided below.
| IIITs | NITs |
| PDSM IIITDM Jabalpur | |
| ABV IIIT Gwalior | |
| IIITDM Kanchipuram | |
| NIT Silchar | |
| NIT Bhopal | |
| - | |
| - | |
| - | |
| - | NIT Surat |
| - | NIT Nagpur |
| - | NIT Shibpur |
| - |
IIIT Vs NIT: Courses Offered
IIITs primarily concentrate on Information Technology and Computer Science programs, whereas NITs offer a wider variety of engineering courses. The leading courses offered by IIITs and NITs in India are listed below.
| Courses Offered by IIITs | Courses Offered by NITs |
| B.Tech | |
| B.Tech + M.Tech | B.Arch |
| B.Tech + MBA | |
| M.Tech | B.Tech |
| M.Tech | |
| MBA | |
| - | B.Tech + M.Tech |
| - | BS + MS |
IIIT Vs NIT: Admission Procedure
Admission Procedure of IIIT
When comparing IIIT and NIT, applicants may notice differences in the admission process. The entrance exam score plays a crucial role in the selection of students at most IIIT and NIT institutions. The detailed admission process for both is outlined below.
- Each IIIT has its own online application form, which prospective students can complete and submit through the institution's website.
- The application fee varies depending on the institution and the selected course. Once students meet the entrance cut-off, they will be informed about the counseling round. JoSAA manages the counseling process for seat allocation at IIITs. During counseling, candidates must register online and specify their program and institution preferences
- Seats will be allocated by the college authorities based on factors such as JEE Main rank, availability of seats, and the number of preferences chosen.
Admission Procedure of NIT
- Candidates need to complete the application form on the official website and submit all required documents for NIT admissions. The application fee differs based on the institute and the chosen program.
- JoSAA manages the counseling process and handles the allocation of NIT seats.
- The final admission decision is based on factors such as JEE Main rank, seat availability, and the preferences submitted by candidates.
IIIT Vs NIT: Entrance Exams
Entrance exams assess students' abilities and suitability for the courses they wish to pursue. The table below compares the entrance exams for IIIT and NIT.
| IIIT Entrance Exams | NIT Entrance Exams |
| JEE Main | |
| GATE | |
| - | |
| - | NIMCET |
IIIT Vs NIT: Placements
Graduates from both IIITs and NITs are highly sought after by major IT companies like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Facebook, reflecting their strong reputation for producing employable talent.
The average placement package offered by a company is an important factor to consider when applying for admission. National Institutes of Technology (NITs) have an impressive placement rate of 89%, with an average annual salary of 7.5 LPA. In comparison, IIITs show a placement rate of 75%, and the average salary for graduates is around 10 LPA.
IIIT Vs NIT: Fees Comparison
The fee structure for IIIT and NIT programs can vary considerably depending on the branch and course chosen. In India, there are 31 NITs with annual fees ranging from 1.5 to 3 lakh, while the 25 IIITs charge between 50k and 5 lakh annually. The table below compares the fees for some of the top courses at IIITs and NITs.
| Course Name | IIIT | NIT |
| BTech Biotechnology | INR 8.5 lakhs | INR 6.5 lakhs |
| BTech Mechanical | INR 6.2 lakhs | INR 5.8 lakhs |
| BTech CSE | INR 13.2 lakhs | INR 6 lakhs |
IIIT Vs NIT: Which Is Better
- IIITs and NITs are among India's leading engineering institutions, with several being recognised in prominent national and global rankings. However, there are various aspects through which IIITs and NITs can be compared.
- Another key difference between NIT and IIIT lies in their history and years of establishment. Additionally, their areas of specialization are a major factor in distinguishing between the two.
- The selection process for both IIITs and NITs is highly competitive, yet both institutions offer significant benefits to students. Each student should take their individual preferences into account when comparing and choosing between IIIT and NIT. It is important for students to carefully evaluate their interests and career goals before making a decision.
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