Likhith · November 4, 2025 
Introduction
When it comes to engineering education in India, rankings matter. Every year, thousands of students and parents turn to the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) for clarity on where the best colleges stand. The NIRF Engineering Ranking 2025 is particularly revealing, highlighting not just individual institutions but also the states leading the race in higher education.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Which states in India have the most engineering colleges in the NIRF Top 100?” you’re not alone. The answer helps students plan applications, understand state-level competition, and gauge regional strengths in higher education.
This blog highlights the top three states with the most colleges featured in the NIRF Engineering Top 100 2025 list. We’ll explore why these states dominate, the institutions that set them apart, and what this means for aspiring engineers.
What is NIRF Engineering Ranking 2025?
Before diving into state-level performance, it’s important to understand what the NIRF Engineering Ranking 2025 represents. Released annually by the Ministry of Education, NIRF evaluates institutions based on five key parameters:
- Teaching, Learning & Resources (TLR)
- Research & Professional Practice (RPC)
- Graduation Outcomes (GO)
- Outreach & Inclusivity (OI)
- Perception (PR)
These categories ensure a holistic assessment, covering academic rigor, research output, employability, inclusivity, and reputation. For students, this ranking is more than just numbers—it’s a guide to making informed choices.
How Many Colleges Per State in the Top 100?
The official NIRF 2025 Engineering Ranking list reveals the distribution of institutions across states. While every state wants representation in the top 100, only a few dominate:
| State | Number of Colleges in Top 100 (2025) | Examples of Institutions |
|---|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu | 14 | IIT Madras, Anna University, VIT Vellore |
| Uttar Pradesh | 10 | IIT Kanpur, MNNIT Allahabad, HBTU Kanpur |
| Karnataka | 7 | NIT Surathkal, RV College of Engineering |
| Delhi | 6 | IIT Delhi, DTU, IIIT Delhi |
| Maharashtra | 6 | IIT Bombay, COEP Pune, ICT Mumbai |
Clearly, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka lead the way. Let’s dive deeper into what makes these states frontrunners.
Tamil Nadu: Why It Leads the Pack
When talking about states with the most engineering colleges in the NIRF Top 100 Engineering 2025, Tamil Nadu dominates with 14 institutions—a number unmatched by any other state.
Reasons for dominance:
- Strong Educational Culture: The state prioritizes higher education and invests heavily in engineering and technical institutions.
- Diverse Mix of Institutions: From IIT Madras (rank 1) to Anna University and private leaders like VIT Vellore, Tamil Nadu, shows excellence across types of institutions.
- Private Sector Contribution: Institutions like SRM Institute of Science and Technology and Amrita School of Engineering consistently rank high, reflecting quality infrastructure and global collaborations.
- Accessibility for Students: Tamil Nadu attracts students nationwide due to the large number of top-tier colleges.
Key Highlights:
- IIT Madras continues its reign at the top spot.
- Anna University offers strong state-run programs.
- VIT Vellore showcases private sector innovation in education.
Uttar Pradesh: A Rising Powerhouse
Uttar Pradesh emerges as the second-highest state with 10 colleges in the Top 100. This northern state combines legacy institutions with a growing number of quality engineering colleges.
Reasons for prominence:
- Prestigious IITs: IIT Kanpur consistently ranks among India’s top institutes.
- Expanding Technical Education: Colleges like MNNIT Allahabad and HBTU Kanpur strengthen UP’s presence in technical education.
- Strategic Location: Proximity to northern industrial hubs helps with internships and placements.
Key Highlights:
- IIT Kanpur maintains a high research output and strong global recognition.
- MNNIT Allahabad balances academics with industry-driven projects.
- HBTU Kanpur contributes to regional skill development in engineering.
Karnataka: South India’s Strong Contender
Karnataka holds the third position with 7 institutions in the Top 100, reinforcing the state’s reputation as a South Indian tech hub.
Reasons for Karnataka’s success:
- Diverse Institutions: Includes NIT Surathkal, RV College of Engineering, and other emerging private colleges.
- Tech Ecosystem: Bengaluru’s status as India’s IT capital provides students with internships, startups, and employment opportunities.
- Research & Innovation: Institutions actively collaborate with industry and focus on innovation-driven research.
Key Highlights:
- NIT Surathkal combines legacy with academic rigor.
- RV College of Engineering is renowned for practical exposure and entrepreneurship.
How Career Plan B Helps
At Career Plan B, we help students make sense of rankings like the NIRF and choose the right fit for their goals:
- One-on-One Counselling Support – Personalized guidance for your career path.
- Psychometric Assessments – Identify strengths and interests to make informed decisions.
- Career Roadmaps – Clear strategies based on your interests and strengths.
- Backup Strategies – Alternative options so you never miss opportunities.
Book your free counselling session with Career Plan B today and secure your path to success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Which state has the most engineering colleges in the NIRF Top 100 2025?
Tamil Nadu has 14 institutions.
- Why does Tamil Nadu dominate the rankings?
Strong mix of public and private institutions, state focus on education, and national-level accessibility.
- Does having more colleges in the top 100 mean easier admissions?
Not necessarily. It increases opportunities, but competition remains high in reputed institutions.
- How does NIRF rank engineering colleges?
Based on teaching, research, graduation outcomes, inclusivity, and perception.
- Which state has the best IITs?
Tamil Nadu hosts IIT Madras (rank 1), Uttar Pradesh has IIT Kanpur, and Karnataka has NIT Surathkal among the top choices. - Are private colleges included in NIRF rankings?
Yes, private colleges like VIT and SRM are featured.
- Should I only apply to colleges in the top 3 states?
Not necessarily. States like Delhi and Maharashtra also offer excellent options. Rankings are one factor to consider.
- Does the location of the college matter for placements?
Yes, proximity to industries can improve internships and placement opportunities, but reputation and alumni networks are equally important.
Conclusion
The NIRF Engineering Ranking 2025 highlights the dominance of three states, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka, in India’s engineering education landscape. Tamil Nadu leads with sheer numbers, Uttar Pradesh combines legacy with expanding institutions, and Karnataka leverages its tech ecosystem for innovation and opportunities.
For students, this isn’t just about rankings; it’s about opportunities, competition, and making informed choices. Whether you aim for an IIT, a top private university, or a specialized state institution, knowing state-wise trends gives you a competitive edge.
Ready to plan your career with confidence? Let Career Plan B guide your journey and help you turn rankings into opportunities.
