Likhith · February 18, 2026 
Introduction
Choosing the right engineering college can be a daunting decision in 2026. With older institutes like VJTI Mumbai boasting a legacy of over a century and newer IITs rising rapidly in prestige, students often ask: Is VJTI Mumbai a better option than newer IITs like IIT Hyderabad, IIT Roorkee, or IIT Kharagpur? This blog breaks down the comparison across rankings, placements, fees, research opportunities, and more. By understanding these factors, students can align their education decisions with their career goals and financial realities.
Why Compare VJTI Mumbai and Newer IITs?
Both VJTI Mumbai and newer IITs have unique strengths. VJTI, established in 1887, has a strong regional presence and affordable education. Newer IITs, despite being younger, benefit from the IIT brand’s national and international recognition, cutting-edge research, and strong recruitment networks. This comparison highlights what sets each apart so students can choose the best fit for 2026 admissions.
Rankings and Reputation: Legacy vs Emerging Powerhouses
VJTI Mumbai ranks within the 101-150 band in the NIRF 2025 engineering rankings published by the Ministry of Education’s National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), reflecting solid regional respect. Newer IITs like Hyderabad, Roorkee, and Kharagpur consistently feature in the top 20-30, boosted by strong government funding, research output, and faculty qualifications. While VJTI carries historic prestige, IITs’ brand recognition often provides an edge in competitive job markets and higher studies abroad
Admission Process and Eligibility
Admission to VJTI primarily involves Maharashtra’s MHT-CET or JEE Main cutoffs, which are relatively accessible compared to IITs. Newer IITs require cracking the highly competitive JEE Advanced for undergraduates and GATE for postgraduates, making admission tougher but rewarding. This factor heavily influences a student’s chances based on their preparation and exam performance.
Curriculum, Research, and Infrastructure
VJTI offers a robust curriculum with practical exposure and industry collaborations, supported by well-maintained labs and facilities. However, newer IITs outshine with greater research funding, newer infrastructure, and interdisciplinary programs in emerging fields like AI, data science, and sustainable engineering. Access to cutting-edge projects and international collaborations is more pronounced at IITs, benefiting students keen on innovation and research careers.
Fees and Financial Considerations
- VJTI Mumbai: Significantly affordable with tuition fees around ₹30,000 for a two-year M.Tech program and similarly reasonable UG fees, making it accessible to budget-conscious students. Details available at the VJTI official fees page.
- Newer IITs: Higher fees typically ranging from ₹70,000 to ₹1,00,000 in postgraduate programs. However, IITs offer scholarships, assistantships, and government loans to offset costs. For fee structure, refer to the respective official IIT admission pages: IIT Hyderabad Fees, IIT Roorkee Fees, and IIT Kharagpur Fees.
Placements and Career Opportunities
| Institute | Median Package (INR LPA) | Highest Package (INR LPA) | Recruiter Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| VJTI Mumbai | ~7 LPA | Up to 60+ LPA (exceptional) | Strong regional firms, growing multisector recruiters |
| IIT Hyderabad | 20-21 LPA | Up to ₹1 crore+ (exceptional) | Top MNCs, global tech giants, startups |
| IIT Roorkee | ~18 LPA | High packages in core branches | Established recruiters with global reach |
| IIT Kharagpur | ~18 LPA | High packages in select branches | Multinational companies and public sector |
While VJTI maintains good local placement ties, newer IITs provide access to larger multinational companies and better international exposure through internships and co-op programs. Work visa opportunities abroad and alumni networks further enhance career prospects at IITs. For a detailed placement report 2025, visit VJTI Placements .
Student Life and Location Advantage
VJTI’s location in Mumbai, India’s financial capital, offers abundant internship opportunities and industry interactions. Students benefit from a vibrant city life balanced with a focused campus environment. Newer IITs, located in emerging tech hubs or academic towns, provide intensive academic focus with growing cultural facilities. Both offer distinct experiences with their own advantages.
Final Thoughts: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between VJTI Mumbai and newer IITs depends on your priorities:
- If you seek affordable education with a solid legacy and good regional placement, VJTI is an excellent choice.
- If you aim for top-tier education, research, broader career options, and global recognition, newer IITs are preferable.
Both paths are valuable, and your decision should align with your academic strength, financial capacity, and long-term career goals.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Is VJTI Mumbai’s degree valued as highly as newer IIT degrees?
VJTI has good regional value and industry respect, but IIT degrees typically hold higher national and international recognition. - Are placements significantly better at newer IITs?
Yes, newer IITs generally offer higher median and top packages along with more diverse recruiters. - How much more expensive are IITs compared to VJTI?
IIT fees can be 2-3 times higher than VJTI but scholarships and loans help mitigate costs. - Can I switch from VJTI to an IIT later?
Transfers are rare; focus on performing well to secure higher education or job opportunities. - What about cultural and lifestyle aspects?
VJTI offers Mumbai’s urban exposure while newer IITs provide focused academic environments in diverse cities.
conclusion
VJTI Mumbai remains a strong and reputable choice for engineering aspirants in 2026, especially for those seeking quality education at affordable fees with good regional industry exposure. However, newer IITs like IIT Hyderabad, IIT Roorkee, and IIT Kharagpur generally offer higher national rankings, superior research facilities, and better placement packages, making them ideal for students aiming for global career opportunities and advanced research. Your decision should balance factors like budget, academic goals, and career aspirations to select the institution best suited to your future
