IIT List: Top Institutes and Famous Alumni Who Changed Tech
When people talk about IIT, India’s most selective and respected engineering institutes, run by the government and known for their tough entrance exam. Also known as Indian Institutes of Technology, they’re not just schools—they’re gateways to global tech leadership. The IIT list isn’t just a list of colleges. It’s a roadmap for some of the brightest minds in engineering, from Mumbai to Kanpur, each with its own culture, strengths, and alumni network.
These schools don’t just teach math and coding. They build problem-solvers. The IIT JEE, the single toughest engineering entrance exam in the world, with over a million students competing for 15,000 seats filters out everyone except those who can handle pressure, think fast, and stay consistent. That’s why so many IIT alumni, graduates who went on to lead companies like Google, Microsoft, and NVIDIA ended up shaping Silicon Valley. You’ll find IITians running AI labs, founding startups, and even advising governments. Their success isn’t luck—it’s built on years of grinding through tough problems, often with no coaching, just grit.
What makes an IIT different from other engineering colleges? It’s not just the brand. It’s the peer pressure, the culture of excellence, and the fact that your classmate might be the next CEO. The IIT institutes, 19 in total, each with unique specialties—from IIT Bombay’s entrepreneurship to IIT Madras’s robotics—don’t just prepare you for a job. They prepare you to lead.
Below, you’ll find real stories from IITians who made it big overseas, breakdowns of who topped JEE Advanced this year, and insights into how these institutes actually shape careers—not just degrees. Whether you’re dreaming of getting in, curious about the alumni network, or just wondering why IITs matter so much, the posts here cut through the noise and show you what’s real.
- By Nolan Blackburn
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- 15 Mar 2025
How Many IITs Are There in India?
India's network of Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) is famous for producing top-tier engineers and innovators. Initially starting in 1951, the IITs have expanded significantly across the country. Aspiring engineers and their parents often ask how many IITs exist today, hoping to understand their options. This overview also touches on the unique aspects that make each IIT stand out, offering insights during the crucial JEE preparation.