Likhith · October 25, 2025 
Introduction
Every year, the NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework) rankings spark conversations among students and parents about which institute is better for higher education in India. With over 1,000 engineering colleges evaluated, the NIRF 2025 rankings once again underline the dominance of IITs. But when it comes down to choosing between two strong contenders like IIT Hyderabad and IIT Indore, the decision is not as simple as just looking at the overall ranks.
Both institutions have climbed steadily over the years and are often the top choices for students who don’t make it to the “old IITs” like Bombay or Madras. But how do these two IITs stack up against each other in 2025? Let’s dive into their overall ranks, metric-wise performance, and what these numbers actually mean for your career.
Understanding NIRF 2025 Engineering Rankings
Before comparing, it’s important to understand how NIRF evaluates institutions. The ranking is based on five parameters:
- Teaching, Learning & Resources (TLR): Faculty, infrastructure, and learning environment.
- Research & Professional Practice (RPC): Publications, quality of research, and patents.
- Graduation Outcomes (GO): Placements, higher studies, and entrepreneurship.
- Outreach & Inclusivity (OI): Regional diversity, gender representation, and inclusivity.
- Perception: Employer, academic, and public perception of the institute.
Each parameter is given a score out of 100, and the weighted total determines the final rank.
Overall Ranks – Hyderabad vs Indore
According to the NIRF 2025 Engineering Rankings, here’s where the two IITs stand:
- IIT Hyderabad: Ranked 7th in India (up from 8th in 2024).
- IIT Indore: Ranked 12th in India (up from 16th in 2024).
This makes IIT Hyderabad the higher-ranked institute, breaking into the top 10 engineering colleges in India. IIT Indore, however, has shown an impressive jump of four places in just one year, highlighting its growing stature.
Metric-Wise Comparison
To get a clearer picture, let’s break down their scores across each NIRF parameter:
| Parameter | IIT Hyderabad | IIT Indore | Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teaching, Learning & Resources (TLR) | 88.02 | 81.25 | Hyderabad has stronger faculty strength and infrastructure |
| Research & Professional Practice (RPC) | 61.39 | 59.55 | Both are close, but Hyderabad edges ahead in research output |
| Graduation Outcomes (GO) | 79.20 | 76.52 | Hyderabad has slightly better placement and higher studies record |
| Outreach & Inclusivity (OI) | 54.39 | 63.77 | Indore is stronger in diversity and inclusivity |
| Perception | 61.98 | 27.15 | Hyderabad enjoys far stronger reputation among employers and academia |
What These Rankings Translate Into – Real-World Implications?
So, what do these numbers mean for students?
- Placements & Opportunities: Hyderabad’s stronger perception and GO scores suggest better recruiter confidence and alumni presence. If placements and networking are your top priority, Hyderabad edges ahead.
- Research: Hyderabad has slightly better RPC scores, but both institutes are competitive. If you’re aiming for PhD programs or research-driven roles, both are solid choices.
- Campus Experience: Indore offers a more inclusive environment, which can enhance the student experience for those who value diversity.
- Reputation: Hyderabad’s higher perception score means the name carries more weight outside India, which matters if you’re considering global opportunities.
Which One Is Better for Different Student Goals?
Choosing between IIT Hyderabad and IIT Indore depends on what you value most:
- For placements and global recognition, IIT Hyderabad is the safer bet.
- For inclusivity and diverse peer groups, IIT Indore stands out.
- For research: Both are competitive, but Hyderabad’s slight edge in collaborations may matter.
- For those aiming at civil services or higher studies: Both provide strong graduation outcomes, so either works well.
How Career Plan B Helps
At Career Plan B, we simplify career counselling with expert guidance to help you make informed choices:
- One-on-One Counselling Support: Personalized advice on whether IIT Hyderabad or IIT Indore fits your goals.
- Psychometric Assessments: Identify your strengths and interests to align with the right institute.
- Career Roadmaps: Clear strategies tailored to your aspirations, whether placements, research, or higher studies.
- Backup Strategies: Alternatives so you never miss opportunities in case preferences shift.
Book your free counselling session with Career Plan B today and secure your path to success.
FAQs
- Why is IIT Hyderabad ranked higher than IIT Indore in NIRF 2025?
Hyderabad has higher scores in TLR, GO, and Perception, giving it a stronger overall standing. - Does IIT Indore have better inclusivity than Hyderabad?
Yes. Indore scores higher in Outreach & Inclusivity, showing a more diverse student body and gender balance. - Are placements at IIT Hyderabad better than those at IIT Indore?
Hyderabad has a slight edge due to its stronger perception score and location near Hyderabad’s IT hub. - Which IIT is better for research, Hyderabad or Indore?
Both are competitive, but Hyderabad edges out with a marginally higher RPC score and more collaborations. - How reliable are NIRF rankings for choosing a college?
They provide a standardized comparison, but should be combined with personal factors like location, branch, and career goals. - Is IIT Indore improving its rank over time?
Yes. Indore jumped from 16th in 2024 to 12th in 2025, showing significant progress. - Should I choose IIT Hyderabad over an older IIT with a lower branch?
It depends. If branch interest matters more, go with the branch. If brand and placements matter, Hyderabad is a strong choice. - Does perception really affect job opportunities?
Yes. Recruiters often favor institutions with better perception scores, as they signal stronger alumni and employer confidence.
Conclusion
The NIRF 2025 rankings show that IIT Hyderabad has established itself as a top-10 engineering powerhouse with strong placements, perception, and resources. IIT Indore, though ranked lower, has made impressive strides and offers a more inclusive student environment.
Ultimately, your choice depends on your personal goals—whether you value placements, inclusivity, research, or reputation.
If you’re still uncertain, expert guidance can make the decision clearer. Book your free counselling session with Career Plan B today and take the first confident step toward your future.
