The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced is undoubtedly one of the toughest exams in India. While qualifying opens doors to prestigious IITs, it’s not the end for aspiring engineers. Several other institutions are rapidly gaining prominence and offering top-tier education, facilities, and industry exposure. Let’s explore 5 such institutes that are challenging the IITs’ monopoly:

BITS Pilani

The Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS), Pilani, is a prestigious all-India higher education institute. Founded by the industrialist and freedom fighter Mr. G.D. Birla, BITS aims to train young men and women to create and implement innovative ideas and techniques. Established in the early 1900s as a small school, it evolved into a set of colleges that merged in 1964 to form a university of international repute.

BITS Pilani offers top-quality education in various fields, including engineering, science, and commerce. It has a dedicated placement department that organizes workshops and seminars to prepare students for careers. The median salary for BITS Pilani graduates is Rs. 18,00,000 per year for undergraduates and Rs. 12,17,698 for postgraduates. Graduates are placed in leading companies like Pfizer, PayPal, Maruti Suzuki, Alphonso, and Goldman Sachs. The campus is located in Vidya Vihar, near Pilani, Rajasthan.

Manipal Institute of Technology


The Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), ranked 5th by Outlook among private engineering colleges in India, is renowned for its cutting-edge laboratories, state-of-the-art innovation centre, and extensive libraries. With a dedicated faculty of 65 experienced members, MIT provides an enriching educational environment. In the 2015-16 academic year, the average annual package for graduates and post-graduates stood at Rs. 5.5 LPA and Rs. 5 LPA respectively. Expanding its legacy, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) has established MIT Bengaluru, offering eight B.Tech programs approved by AICTE and MHRD. MAHE, recognized as a deemed-to-be university since 1993 and an Institute of Eminence by the MHRD, supports a diverse student body of over 33,000 from  natover 67 nations, with campuses across India and abroad. With over 375 academic programs across 31 disciplines, MAHE continues to be a beacon of excellence in higher education.

Scaler School of Technology (SST)

Scaler School of Technology (SST) offers a distinctive 4-year computer science program designed to equip students for the tech industry. SST provides a curriculum created by industry experts, emphasizing hands-on learning through building numerous apps and products. Students gain practical experience through a mandatory 1-year internship, benefit from one-to-one mentorship, and attend masterclasses led by industry veterans. The program culminates in specialization in high-demand fields like AI, ML, and Algo Trading. With such new-age methodologies, SST positions itself as a promising alternative to traditional engineering colleges.

The brand Scaler has been around for about 10 years now, led by founders with backgrounds at top product companies. In 2021, Amazon hired more people from Scaler than all other companies combined. Additionally, 65% of India’s unicorns have hired students from Scaler. With connections to over 1,200 product-based companies and a 100-member placement team, Scaler comes off as a lucrative option for aspirants.

Scaler’s placement report, audited by B2K Analytics (the same firm that audits placement reports for top institutions like IIM Ahmedabad and XLRI), showed that the top 25% of their students secured an average package of 48 lakhs per annum, while the middle 80% received 25 lakhs per annum.

VIT, Vellore Institute of Technology

VIT has consistently been a preferred choice for engineering students. Known for its excellent infrastructure, diverse programs, and strong industry collaborations, VIT has established itself as a leading private engineering institute in India.

A testament to its academic excellence, VIT was ranked as the 13th-best engineering institution in India by the MHRD as of 2016. For instance, the Computer Science Engineering department boasts specialized labs in programming languages, multicore programming, microprocessor technology, and cloud computing, equipping students with industry-relevant skills. The institute has also secured a place in the Limca Book of Records three times (2009, 2011, and 2012) for achieving the highest number of campus placements by a single company.

Notable alumni from VIT have made significant contributions to various fields. Shubhangi Swaroop, the first female pilot in the Indian Navy, is a proud alumna. Anand Prakash, a renowned ethical hacker, and Anurag Jain, the founder of Asira Labs and Oyelabs, are other illustrious names associated with the institute.

SRM Institute of Science and Technology

SRM has witnessed significant growth in recent years. With multiple campuses across India, it offers a variety of engineering programs. The institute’s emphasis on research and innovation has contributed to its rising reputation. The institution provides a comprehensive range of programs, from undergraduate to doctoral levels, nurturing talent at every stage.

Backed by a faculty of 125 highly qualified and experienced professionals, the Computer Science Engineering department at SRM is at the forefront of research and innovation. Their focus on areas like data mining, bioinformatics, machine learning, and IoT aligns the curriculum with the demands of the evolving technological landscape.

SRM graduates have a strong track record of securing coveted placements. While the average salary package for most students falls within the 3.5-4.5 LPA range, the institute consistently produces top talent who attract lucrative offers from industry giants like Amazon and Cisco.

Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology (TIET)

The Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology (TIET), ranked 20th among engineering colleges by the MHRD, stands out as a premier institution focused on cutting-edge areas such as algorithm analysis, computer graphics, high-performance computing, and cloud computing. With a strong emphasis on research in cloud computing, theoretical computer science, and information systems, TIET fosters an environment of innovation and academic excellence. In 2017, the institute saw remarkable campus recruitment, with 160 companies offering jobs and an average CTC of 6.69 LPA. Established in 1956 in Patiala, TIET spans a sprawling 250-acre campus and is accredited with an ‘A+’ grade by NAAC. As one of India’s oldest and most prestigious engineering institutions, TIET continues to evolve its teaching methods, ensuring quality education and unparalleled infrastructure, while its alumni make significant contributions across various fields globally.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Institute:

While these institutes offer excellent opportunities, it’s essential to consider various factors before making a decision:

  • Program Specialization: Research the specific programs offered by each institute and align them with your career goals.
  • Placement Records: Analyze the institute’s placement statistics, including average salary packages and top recruiters.
  • Infrastructure and Facilities: Assess the quality of labs, libraries, hostels, and other campus amenities.
  • Faculty Expertise: Look into the qualifications and experience of the faculty members.
  • Campus Culture and Environment: Consider the institute’s overall atmosphere, student life, and extracurricular activities.

While IITs continue to be coveted, the landscape of engineering education is evolving. The institutes mentioned above are providing strong alternatives for students seeking quality education and promising career prospects.