Top 20 Autonomous Engineering Colleges in India 2024

Some of the Top Autonomous engineering colleges in India include the colleges under the IIT Council (All IITs), NIT Council (all NITs), Jadavpur University, BITS Pilani, and KIIT.

Engineering is one of the most sought-after professional streams in India. More than 1 Lakh students sit for national and state level entrance exams like JEE Main, JEE Advanced, TNEA, MHT CET, WBJEE etc. to get admission into various engineering specializations and pave the way for a bright future. There are multiple college options available to the students; these include government, private, deemed, autonomous, and open schools, distance-learning colleges.

The following article covers the details about the Top 20 Autonomous Engineering Colleges in India that offer quality education, opportunities, and placements.

Table of Contents

• Top 20 Autonomous Engineering Colleges in India
• What is an Autonomous Engineering College?
• Why opt for an Autonomous Engineering College?

Top 20 Autonomous Engineering Colleges in India

The engineering curriculum in India is designed to provide a strong foundation in theoretical knowledge and practical skills. It typically spans four years, with the initial years focused on core subjects and the later years allowing for specialization. Given below is a list of top 20 autonomous engineering colleges in India (as per data submitted to NIRF 2023):

Also Read: Top Engineering Colleges in India 2024

1. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras

Image Source - iitm.ac.in

• Established In: 1959
• Courses Offered: BTech, MTech, PhD, MBA, DD, MA
• Accepted Entrance Exams: JEE Advanced, IIT-JAM, GATE, UGC-NET, CSIR-NET
• Total Tuition Fee: INR 10 Lakhs
• Average Placement Package: INR 19 LPA

IIT Madras is spread across 617.7 acres and offers state-of-the-art amenities. The IIT Madras Research Park (IITMRP), India's first university-based research park, aims to transform global research standards.

Spanning 11.42 acres with over 1.2 million square feet of workspace, it hosts 3000+ professionals from diverse sectors. Designed with interconnected towers and themed lounges, IITMRP promotes sustained innovation through Industry-Academia collaboration.

2. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi

Image source- iitd.ac.in

• Established In: 1961
• Courses Offered: BTech, BDes, MTech, PhD, PG Diploma, MS, MBA
• Accepted Entrance Exams: JEE Advanced, IIT-JAM, GATE, UGC-NET, CSIR-NET
• Total Tuition Fee: INR 8 Lakhs
• Average Placement Package: INR 21 LPA

 The academics and research at IITD span over 35 departments, centers, schools, and programs, supported by diverse faculty, post-doctoral fellows, PhD scholars, students, and staff. The institute aligns with industry needs by including industry experts as Professors of Practice.

It's global reputation stems from its high-quality research and education, fostering active collaborations with industries worldwide. Committed to equal opportunity, the institute welcomes talented individuals as faculty and students, regardless of geographical boundaries, gender, or other identities.

Also Read: Top Private Engineering Colleges in India without Entrance Exam

3. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay

• Established In: 1958
• Courses Offered: BTech, BDes, MTech, PhD, PG Diploma, MS, MBA
• Accepted Entrance Exams: JEE Advanced, IIT-JAM, GATE, UGC-NET, CSIR-NET
• Total Tuition Fee: INR 8 Lakhs
• Average Placement Package: INR 20 LPA

IIT Bombay has a 550-acre campus in Powai, Mumbai. With over 10,000 students, 41% undergraduate and 59% postgraduate, the institute has seen significant growth in student intake over the last decade. IITB features 14 Academic Departments, 10 Centers, 2 Schools, and 3 Interdisciplinary Programs.

The institute boasts state-of-the-art laboratories, diverse instructional facilities, and extensive recreational amenities, including gymnasiums, a swimming pool, and courts for various sports. This environment encourages new ideas and creativity to flourish.

4. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur

Image source- iitk.ac.in

• Established In: 1959
• Courses Offered: BTech, BDes, MTech, PhD, PG Diploma, MS, MBA
• Accepted Entrance Exams: JEE Advanced, IIT-JAM, GATE, UGC-NET, CSIR-NET
• Total Tuition Fee: INR 8 Lakhs
• Average Placement Package: INR 23 LPA

IIT Kanpur is a premier institution consistently ranked among India's top 5 engineering institutes. IITK excels in engineering, science, humanities, management, and medicine. Research is a focal point and the institute has fostered 1000+ IPR filings, 500+ patents, and 141 licensed technologies.

Academic diversity is offered across 20 departments, 3 interdisciplinary programs, and numerous centers and labs. It offers undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs and actively collaborates with industry, government, and society. IITK also has a Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) in 2000, nurturing successful startups like Curadev Biopharma and Nocca Robotics.

Also Check: Direct Admission to Engineering College without Donation

5. Jadavpur University

Image source- jadavpuruniversity.in

• Established In: 1955
• Courses Offered: BTech, BDes, MTech, PhD, BSc, MSc, BA, MA
• Accepted Entrance Exams: JEE Main, WBJEE, IIT-JAM, GATE, UGC-NET
• Total Tuition Fee: INR 21,000
• Average Placement Package: INR 10 LPA (for B.Tech)

Jadavpur University originated from the National Council of Education, Bengal, aiming for self-reliance through global knowledge and technical education. It excels in science, technology, humanities, and social sciences, supporting government policies and societal development through innovation and adaptation.

6. Anna University

Image course- annauniv.edu

• Established In: 1978
• Courses Offered: BTech, MTech, PhD, BSc, MSc, BA, MA, etc.
• Accepted Entrance Exams: JEE Main, TNEA, IIT-JAM, GATE, UGC-NET
• Total Tuition Fee: INR 48,000
• Average Placement Package: INR 8.54 LPA (for B.Tech)

Anna University is a multidisciplinary university that offers advanced education in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, and Applied Sciences. Formed by integrating four prestigious institutions in Chennai—College of Engineering (CEG, 1794), Alagappa College of Technology (ACT, 1944), Madras Institute of Technology (MIT, 1949), and School of Architecture & Planning (SAP, 1957)—it fosters academic and industrial cooperation.

The main campus is spread over 189 acres in Chennai and it includes 13 constituent colleges, 3 regional campuses in Tirunelveli, Madurai, and Coimbatore, and 593 affiliated colleges, ensuring uniform quality in engineering education across the state.

Also Read: Best 8 Engineering Branches in India

7. IIT-Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad

Image source- iitism.ac.in

• Established In: 1926
• Courses Offered: BTech, MTech, PhD, MBA, etc.
• Accepted Entrance Exams: JEE Advanced, IIT-JAM, GATE, UGC-NET
• Total Tuition Fee: INR 8 Lakhs
• Average Placement Package: INR 15 LPA (for B.Tech)

Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) [IIT (ISM)], Dhanbad, is a prestigious institute and an Institute of National Importance. Declared an IIT on September 6, 2016, it is fully funded by the Ministry of Education, Govt. of India. It offers programs across engineering, science, management, and arts & humanities, with a focus on mining, mineral, petroleum, and metallurgy sectors.

8. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Ropar

Image source- iitrpr.ac.in

• Established In: 2008
• Courses Offered: BTech, MTech, PhD, MBA, etc.
• Accepted Entrance Exams: JEE Advanced, IIT-JAM, GATE, UGC-NET
• Total Tuition Fee: INR 8 Lakhs
• Average Placement Package: INR 20 LPA (for B.Tech)

IIT Ropar is an Institute of National Importance that offers cutting-edge technical education. The campus is spread across 501 acres. and features several Centers of Excellence: the Centre for Studies and Applied Research in Defense and Security, the Centre for Applied Research and Data Engineering, the Centre for Engineering Education, the Center for Research for Energy and Decarburization (CRED), and the Indo-Taiwan Joint Research Center on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. The campus has earned a 5-Star GRIHA rating for its green building practices.

Also Check: Top Government Engineering Colleges in India

9. National Institute of Technology (NIT), Warangal

Image source- nitw.ac.in

• Established In: 1959
• Courses Offered: BTech, MTech, PhD, MSc, BSc, MBA, MCA, BSc-BEd, etc.
• Accepted Entrance Exams: JEE Main, IIT-JAM, GATE, UGC-NET
• Total Tuition Fee: INR 5 Lakhs
• Average Placement Package: INR 15.92 LPA (for B.Tech)

NIT Warangal is one of the leading engineering institutions with thirteen academic departments and advanced research centers. The campus is spread across 248 acres and features nearly 100 laboratories, a state-of-the-art Central Library, an auditorium, a student activity center, a mega computer center, an indoor games complex, a large stadium, seminar halls, and a health center.

It offers ten UG programs, 37 PG programs, and research opportunities across various disciplines. NIT Warangal is a residential campus with 16 hostels, serving about 6,000 students, and is known for its excellent placement service and distinguished alumni.

10. National Institute of Technology (NIT), Calicut

Image source- nitc.ac.in

• Established In: 1961
• Courses Offered: BTech, BArch, MPlan, MSc, MCA, MTech, PhD, MBA, etc.
• Accepted Entrance Exams: JEE Main, NATA, IIT-JAM, GATE, UGC-NET
• Total Tuition Fee: INR 5 Lakhs
• Average Placement Package: INR 10.80 LPA (for B.Tech)

NIT Calicut is a fully funded autonomous college under the NIT council. It has a Central Computing Facility, campus networking, Central Instrumentation Facility, and Library that form the core support for academics and research. The Technology Business Incubator significantly boosts social outreach and startup growth. Additionally, sixteen multidisciplinary centers have been established in alignment with NEP 2020, enhancing research and innovation across various fields.

In addition to the above-mentioned top 20 autonomous engineering colleges in India, the other prominent engineering colleges include Birla Institute of Technology & Science -Pilani, Delhi Technological University, Malaviya National Institute of Technology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology and KL College of Engineering.

Also Read: Private Engineering Colleges with Best Placements

What is an Autonomous Engineering College?

In the Indian education system, the term “autonomous” refers to a type of college/university that operates independently of external control by a governing body or central authority. These institutions have the freedom to design their own curriculum, set academic policies, and manage administrative decisions. 

An autonomous engineering college is, thus, an education institute that brings innovation in teaching methods, evaluates student performance, and awards degrees under their own name, albeit often still under the broad framework of national education standards or accreditation bodies. Autonomy typically aims to enhance the quality of education, foster academic excellence, and encourage innovative practices tailored to the needs of the institution and its students.

Read More: Know the Difference: Autonomous, Deemed, Private, State, Central Universities

Why opt for an Autonomous Engineering College?

Choosing the right engineering college is a crucial decision that can significantly impact a student's academic and professional future. Autonomous engineering colleges offer several advantages that make them a preferred choice for higher studies, these include:

• Flexible Curriculum

One of the primary benefits of autonomous engineering colleges is the flexibility they have in designing and updating their curriculum. Unlike affiliated colleges, which must adhere to university-prescribed syllabi, autonomous institutions quickly incorporate the latest industry trends and technological advancements into their programs. This ensures that students receive a modern and relevant education that prepares them well for the rapidly evolving job market.

• Dynamic Pedagogy

The pedagogy at autonomous engineering colleges is changing in accordance with the evolving engineering landscape. Faculty members are often more engaged in research and development, bringing cutting-edge knowledge and practices into the classroom. The teaching methodologies are updated through training, introducing new technologies for practical learning and advanced learning modules.

• Student-centric Approach

Autonomous engineering colleges have the liberty to implement innovative teaching methodologies and assessment systems. This academic freedom allows for a more student-centric approach, fostering a conducive learning environment. This encourages creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. 

• Better Placement Opportunities

Autonomous Engineering colleges in India often have strong industry connections and dedicated placement cells that work and maintain corporate relations to ensure students secure desirable job placements. Since the curriculum is updated regularly the students possess relevant skills and knowledge employers seek. As a result, students from autonomous colleges often enjoy better job prospects and higher starting salaries. 

Kindly note that placements are objective in nature and depend on other factors like student’s performance, soft skills etc. but having industry knowledge goes a long way.

The choice of an autonomous college over a regular one offers numerous advantages, from a flexible and relevant curriculum to enhanced infrastructure and better placement opportunities. They provide a dynamic environment to excel in engineering careers.

Also Check: Tier 1 Engineering Colleges in India