A friendly and practical guide for students & parents regarding India’s premier institution!
Introduction
Did you know that the foundation stone of IIT Delhi (IITD) was laid by Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, in 1959? Do you also know that it is the only Indian university campus to be designed by both (renowned American architect) J.A. Stein and (landscape architect) Garrett Eckbo. Being located in the heart of the national capital, IIT Delhi enjoys a strategic advantage. Students have direct access to central government ministries, policy think tanks, leading corporate headquarters, research institutions and one of the most vibrant startup ecosystems in India. This proximity often translates into unmatched internship opportunities, industry projects and networking avenues.
Well, if an institution’s legacy can be called rich, it’s got to be IIT Delhi. The name that is synonymous with cutting-edge innovation, top-tier placements, and a vibrant campus life. IITD, which features in the list of India’s premier engineering and technology institutions, boasts an alumni network featuring elite personalities, global leaders, CEOs, tech founders and renowned authors.
IITD was formally recognised as an Institute of National Importance in 1963 (which provided it with the autonomy for academic and examination policies) and became an ‘Institute of Eminence’ in 2018.
Let’s discover IIT Delhi’s placement trends, campus life, academics, fees, alumni impact, and much more in this clear and plain-English guide.
Quick Snapshot
| Particulars | Details |
| Established year | 1961 (Declared Institution of National Importance in 1963) |
| Location | Hauz Khas, New Delhi |
| Campus Size | 325 acres |
| NIRF 2024 Rank | #2 (Engineering Category), #4 Overall |
| JEE Advanced Cut-off range (2024) | AIR 1–126 for CSE; AIR ~5700 for other top branches |
| Notable Alumni | Sachin & Binny Bansal (Flipkart), Deepinder Goyal (Zomato), Vinod Khosla (Sun Microsystems), Raghuram Rajan (Former RBI Governor), Chetan Bhagat (Author & Public Speaker), and many more. |
About IIT Delhi:
Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD), located at Hauz Khas, New Delhi, was founded in 1961. It is the fifth-oldest IIT with a 325-acre campus with a lush green and serene environment.
IIT Delhi houses 13 academic departments spanning from streams like core engineering to cutting-edge interdisciplinary studies. The campus also features over 25 research centers and dedicated schools, including the prestigious Department of Management Studies (DMS), for various MBA and PhD programs.
It also oversees special outreach campuses:
- At Sonepat – It is an extension of IIT Delhi with a focus on innovation, executive education, faculty development, startup incubation, and industry collaboration.
- At Jhajjar – It’s being developed in partnership with AIIMS Delhi into a biomedical research hub.
The campus of IITD is divided into four functional zones: academic, residential for students, residential for faculty and staff, and a cultural-cum-social and recreational zone.
The institute is located strategically in the capital city of India, which provides students with unparalleled access to corporate networking, government institutions, policy think tanks, and a bustling startup ecosystem.
The institute has signed over 200 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with leading universities and research institutions worldwide, including those in the USA, UK, Germany, Japan and Australia. These collaborations offer semester-long student exchange programs, joints research projects and visiting faculty opportunities, providing students with global exposure while pursuing their degree.
History and Legacy
IIT Delhi started as the College of Engineering & Technology in 1961, in collaboration with the UK government. It was later declared an ‘Institution of National Importance’ under the ‘Institutes of Technology (Amendment) Act, 1963’ and was renamed as the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi. This declaration bestowed autonomy onto the institution and hence freedom to shape academic policies and award degrees.
IITD consistently secures top rankings in national frameworks like NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework) – in 2024, it ranked as no. 4 in the Overall Category, no. 2 in the Engineering Category and no. 4 in the Management Category. In the global rankings aspect, it ranks no. 150 globally and no. 2 among Indian universities; in the QS World University Rankings 2025, one of the most respected global rankings, published by Quacquarelli Symonds (UK).
Infrastructure
1. Academic & Research Facilities
The institute has a central library with a huge collection of over 4 lakh books, 2,000+ periodicals, thousands of international journals, dissertations, reports and digital resources accessible 24/7. Additionally, IIT Delhi’s each engineering and science department also has libraries with focused resources and digital access.
The institute, in addition to numerous academic centers and research hubs, also has state-of-art research laboratories for robotics, clean energy, digital tech, energy, AI/ML, clean water, nanotechnology, design, and sustainability etc. It also has ‘Special Centers’ like Biodesign Innovation Lab, Network for Detection Sciences, etc.
IITD’s campus also has essential amenities like a 24/7 ready hospital and an on-site pharmacy. The campus also has a post office, banking facilities and several convenience stores.
2. Hostels & Mess Facilities
The campus has 13 hostels (including two for girls) equipped with all amenities, including high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity. Each hostel has well-furnished rooms.
Each hostel also has its own mess that provides hygienic and nutritious food. In addition, a variety of canteens and eating joints are also available across the campus, satisfying the diverse taste buds!
3. Sports & Extra-curricular Activities
IITD houses a large stadium, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a cricket ground, squash, tennis, volleyball, basketball, and gymnasium facilities. All sports facilities are maintained to professional standards, with trained coaches available for select sports. The institute also hosts inter-IIT tournaments and state-level competitive and recreational participation.
IITD organised three festivals, including:
- ‘Tryst’ – North India’s largest science & tech fest
- ‘Rendezvous’ – the institute’s flagship cultural festival
- ‘Esperanza’ – an annual management and entrepreneurship fest
Fees
The total fee for the four-year B. Tech program (including tuition, hostel, mess, gymkhana, and other mandatory charges) ranges from ₹8.63 lakh to ₹17.25 lakh for 2025–26.
1. IIT Delhi Fee Structure for 2025 (Undergraduate Programs)
Particulars | Gen/OBC/EWS (>₹5 lakh/year) | Gen/OBC/EWS (₹1–5 lakh/ year) | Gen/OBC/EWS (<₹1 lakh/ year) | SC/ST/PwD |
| Tuition Fee | ₹1,00,000 | ₹33,333 | NIL | NIL |
| One-Time Payment | ₹8,150 | ₹8,150 | ₹8,150 | 8,150 |
| Other Charges | ₹6,250 | ₹6,250 | ₹6,250 | 6,250 |
| Caution Deposit | ₹8,000 | ₹8,000 | ₹8,000 | 8,000 |
| Total 1st Semester | ₹1,22,400 | ₹55,733 | ₹22,400 | 22,400 |
| Amount Paid to JoSAA | ₹30,000 | ₹30,000 | ₹30,000 | 12,500 |
| Balance Due | ₹92,400 | ₹25,733 | ₹-7,600 (Refunded) | 9,900 |
In addition to the tuition and institute charges, students typically spend around ₹20,000 to ₹25,000 per semester on hostel and mess facilities. This includes room rent, electricity, water and mess charges. These costs can vary slightly depending on the hostel and mess choice.
Placements Statistics (from 2021 to 2024)
Several domestic and multi-national companies flock to IIT Delhi for recruiting the students, who are considered amongst the best minds in India.
Average Salary
The ‘Average Salary’ (including all courses like B. Tech, M. Tech, etc.) is as follows:
- 2021-22: For this year the average salary was ₹23.8 lakhs per annum (LPA).
- 2022-23: For this year the average salary was ₹21.9 LPA.
- 2023-24: The final data are still being compiled; however, the average salary is expected to be around ₹21.9 LPA.
Placement Percentage
The Placement Percentages for IIT Delhi’s B. Tech are:
- 2021-22: 87.69%
- 2022-23: 89.88%
- 2023-24: 72.81%
Highest International & Domestic Salary
Here is a breakdown of the Highest International & Domestic salaries for IITD:
- 2021-22:
- Highest domestic package: around ₹1.25 Crore per annum and,
- Highest International package is ₹ 2 crore
- 2022-23:
- Highest domestic package: 50+ students received offers of more than ₹1 Crore
- Highest International package is ₹ 2.5 Crore
- 2023-24:
- Highest domestic package: around ₹1.25 Crore per annum and,
- Highest International package is ₹ 2 crore
The Office of Career Services (OCS) at IIT Delhi plays an active role in preparing students for recruitment. It conducts pre-placement talks, organise resume building workshops, facilitates internship fairs and provides industry mentorship programs to align students’ skills with employer expectations.
Faculty & Academics
1. Faculty
IIT Delhi, as an institute, is well respected for its highly acclaimed academic staff, including professors, researchers, and consultants. The faculty includes the recipients of various national and international awards (including Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize and Padma awards)
2. Academic features
IIT Delhi’s academic process follows a Research-Oriented Approach, wherein the institute has a strong focus on research and encourages its students to participate in cutting-edge projects.
A Flexible Curriculum ensures you can choose from a plethora of flexible electives, which allows you to follow your academic journey as per your interests. Consequently, IITD has a Comprehensive Evaluation System, a combination of assignments, mid-semester exams, and end-of-semester assessments.
The institute has partnerships with various top-ranking universities of the world, which allows you the opportunity to participate in student exchange programs and collaborative research.
IIT Delhi runs a structured faculty-student mentorship program where each student is assigned a faculty advisor to guide them academically and professionally. The campus regularly hosts guest lectures by industry experts, entrepreneurs and academicians from reputed institutions across the globe. Visiting professors often conduct specialised short-term courses, adding variety to the learning experience.
Alumni Impact
IIT Delhi has a powerful block of alumni who are renowned leaders and innovators in the domestic as well as global industrial and service landscape.
1. Notable Alumni Snapshot
| Names | Details |
| Sachin & Binny Bansal | Co-founders of Flipkart |
| Deepinder Goyal | Founder & CEO, Zomato |
| Vinod Khosla | Co-founder of Sun Microsystems and a respected venture capitalist |
| Padmasree Warrior | Former CTO of Motorola and Cisco Systems |
| Sameer Gehlaut | Founder, Indiabulls |
| Kiran Bedi | Ex-IPS Officer (first woman to join the Indian Police Service) |
| Jayant Sinha | A politician and former Union Minister of State for Finance |
| Raghuram Rajan | Former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India |
| Chetan Bhagat | Author & Columnist |
In essence, many alumni of the IITD helm the Fortune 500 companies, government organisations, major think tanks and major start-ups.
In recent years, several IIT Delhi graduates have made their mark in the startup space, founding companies in AI, Fintech and clean energy. Examples include founders of Innov8 Coworking, Razorpay (early team members) and leading AI-based healthcare startups. Their success reflects the entrepreneurial spirit nurtured on campus.
Comparison with Other Top Institutions
| Metric | IIT Delhi | IIT Bombay | IIT Madras | IIT Kanpur | IIT Kharagpur |
| NIRF 2024 Ranking | 2 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Highest International Package (2024) | ₹2.05 Crore | ₹3.67 Crore | ₹1.98 Crore (in 2023) | ₹1.90 Crore | ₹2.14 Crore |
| B. Tech Average Package (2024) | ₹21.9 LPA (UG Average) | ₹23.5 LPA (Approx.) | ₹22 LPA (Overall) | ₹26.27 LPA (Overall) | ₹24 LPA (B. Tech) |
| B. Tech Placement Rate (2024) | 84.94% | 83.39% | 80% | 95.90% (CSE) | 79.7% |
| Campus Size | 325 acres | 550 acres | 617 acres | 1055 acres | 2100 acres |
To Sum It Up
IIT Delhi has positioned itself as a launchpad for future leaders and innovators. If you intend to pursue a financially and professionally rewarding career, then the institute must be among your top choices. It offers a promising academic ambiance, a vibrant culture, and a vast array of opportunities for your professional growth.
In other words, if you are a serious JEE aspirant, IIT Delhi is a goal worth pursuing. Just think of any aspect of academia or professional life, IIT Delhi is amongst the best in India, in any such parameter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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How can I get admission into IIT Delhi?
The only way to secure admission into the B. Tech at IIT Delhi is by cracking JEE Advanced. For that, you have to first crack JEE Main, the screening exam for appearing in JEE Advanced. After JEE Advanced, you will need to appear in JoSAA counselling, which is the primary mechanism to get an IIT allotted (in India).
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What kind of rank do I need in JEE Advanced to get into IIT Delhi?
For a popular branch like Computer Science Engineering, you will need an All India Rank (AIR) within the top 150. For other branches like Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, a rank within the range of 500-2000 shall do the job. For other branches, the rank for admission to IIT Delhi can extend up to around 6000.
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When should I start preparing for JEE Advanced if I aim for IIT Delhi?
You can start preparing for JEE Advanced after passing your class 10th. The syllabus for JEE Main and Advanced is based on the Class 11 and 12 curriculum for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. However, you can also take this exam after passing your 12th class.
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What are the hostel facilities available at IIT Delhi?
IIT Delhi has 13 hostels, including two for women and 1 for international students. The hostels are named after hill ranges in India (like Aravali, Girnar, and Himadri).
The institute’s hostels are secure, safe and offer best-in-class amenities. -
What is Campus Life and Activities like at IIT Delhi?
IIT Delhi offers opportunities for personal and professional development. The institute’s Students’ Activity Centre (SAC) engages in organising various extracurricular activities.
SAC has many clubs and societies like the Dramatics Club, Music Club, Dance Club, Photography Club, and Debating Clubs; and also many technical clubs focused on fields like robotics & coding, etc. -
Will I get a separate/single room at IIT Delhi?
In the first year, B. Tech students usually get shared rooms (two students per room). From the second year onwards, you will most likely be allotted a single room, well-furnished and with high-speed internet connectivity.
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What is the student-teacher ratio at IIT Delhi?
The student-teacher ratio at IIT Delhi is approximately 17:1. This ensures greater personal attention and mentorship from the institute’s highly distinguished faculty.
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Does IIT Delhi offer dual-degree programs?
Yes, IIT Delhi offers integrated B. Tech and M. Tech programs in selected disciplines. These programs typically allow students to complete both the degrees in five years, saving time and offering an advanced qualification.