Likhith · October 24, 2025 
Introduction
Have you ever wondered why some top engineering colleges in India suddenly vanish from the elite Top 20 list? Each year, thousands of aspiring engineers and their families sift through the NIRF engineering rankings, hoping for clarity on where to apply. Yet, one pattern always stands out: even long-established colleges can lose their prestige spots overnight.
What causes these declines? Do they signal deep-rooted problems with those colleges? Or are they part of the normal ebb and flow of academic competition? In this blog, we’ll compare the official NIRF 2024 and NIRF 2025 rankings, list every college that dropped out of the Top 20, and explore why these shifts happen. You’ll find actionable advice on using ranking data, what else to consider in a college hunt, and trusted guidance from Career Plan B. Let’s dive into the numbers and stories behind the big drops!
Comparing NIRF 2024 vs NIRF 2025 Top 20: Who Dropped Out?
To make things clear, here’s a side-by-side table of the Top 20 colleges from NIRF 2024 and where they stand in NIRF 2025. This analysis is based entirely on the official NIRF lists for both years.
| Rank 2024 | College Name | 2024 Score | Rank 2025 | 2025 Score | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | IIT Madras | 89.46 | 1 | 88.72 | Stable |
| 2 | IIT Delhi | 86.66 | 2 | 85.74 | Stable |
| 3 | IIT Bombay | 83.09 | 3 | 83.65 | Stable |
| 4 | IIT Kanpur | 82.79 | 4 | 81.82 | Stable |
| 5 | IIT Kharagpur | 76.88 | 5 | 78.69 | Stable |
| 6 | IIT Roorkee | 76.00 | 6 | 75.44 | Stable |
| 7 | IIT Guwahati | 71.86 | 8 | 72.24 | -1 |
| 8 | IIT Hyderabad | 71.55 | 7 | 72.31 | +1 |
| 9 | NIT Tiruchirappalli | 66.88 | 9 | 68.14 | Stable |
| 10 | IIT (BHU) Varanasi | 66.69 | 10 | 67.24 | Stable |
| 11 | VIT Vellore | 66.22 | 16 | 65.25 | -5 |
| 12 | Jadavpur University | 65.62 | 18 | 64.54 | -6 |
| 13 | SRM Institute | 65.41 | 14 | 65.83 | -1 |
| 14 | Anna University | 65.34 | 20 | 63.51 | -6 |
| 15 | IIT (ISM) Dhanbad | 64.83 | 15 | 65.37 | Stable |
| 16 | IIT Indore | 64.72 | 12 | 66.65 | +4 |
| 17 | NIT Surathkal | 64.27 | 17 | 64.59 | Stable |
| 18 | IIT Gandhinagar | 63.42 | 25 | 62.31 | -7 OUT |
| 19 | NIT Rourkela | 63.38 | 13 | 66.62 | +6 |
| 20 | BITS Pilani | 63.04 | 11 | 67.02 | +9 |
Colleges Dropped Out of Top 20 (2025)
After matching the ranks, the following colleges dropped OUT of the Top 20 in 2025:
- IIT Gandhinagar: Fell from 18th to 25th.
- VIT Vellore: Fell from 11th to 16th (remains in Top 20, but a significant drop).
- Jadavpur University: Dropped from 12th to 18th (remains barely).
- Anna University: Down from 14th to 20th (still in, but at the edge).
The only clear dropout from the NIRF Engineering Top 20 in 2025 is IIT Gandhinagar. Others had substantial drops without completely exiting the Top 20.
Why Did Rankings Change? The Major Drop Explained
The NIRF uses a transparent methodology, analyzing factors like Teaching & Learning Resources, Research and Professional Practice, Graduation Outcomes, Outreach & Inclusivity, and Perception. A shift in any of these can noticeably change ranks.
Case: IIT Gandhinagar’s Drop from Top 20
IIT Gandhinagar slipped from 18th (2024) to 25th (2025). While the core NIRF parameters aren’t visible in the rank list, small dips in research output, a less competitive placement year, or perception shifts (such as fewer corporate tie-ups or outreach) may all play a part.
Typical Reasons for a Drop in NIRF Rank
- Placement Statistics: Drop in median or average placement salaries, or fewer students placed.
- Research Output: Lower research publications, patents, or sponsored projects.
- Perception: Stakeholder surveys affect perception scores.
- Outreach & Inclusivity: If programs to include more diverse student bodies slow down, scores fall.
- Resource Allocation: Changes in faculty recruitment or lab/facility investments.
Other colleges (e.g., VIT, Jadavpur, Anna University) saw slips of several spots that nearly forced them out of the Top 20, mostly likely for similar reasons—though explicit year-on-year breakdowns are not provided in the public NIRF summary.
Does Dropping in NIRF Rankings Hurt College Reputation?
Let’s pause for a moment: Does a rank drop take away the true value of a college, or is it mostly about optics? While NIRF rankings draw media attention and can sway applicants, the on-ground experience (quality of faculty, peer group, and exposure) may remain unchanged. There’s also a lag between effort (like new research centers) and reflected NIRF scores. For savvy applicants, a single-year rank drop is more of a signal to take a closer look at the data rather than to panic.
Actionable Insights: What Should Students Do?
Thinking strategically, here’s how to respond if a college you like drops in the NIRF charts:
- Review Core Data: Check placement stats, research activities, and infrastructure growth.
- Watch the Trend, Not Just the Year: Is it a one-time blip or multi-year decline?
- Talk to Alumni/Current Students: First-hand insights trump only what’s on the chart.
- Compare with Peer Colleges: Look at alternatives in the same rank bracket.
- Consider Long-Term Value: A degree’s credibility isn’t made (or lost) by a single ranking.
A small rank fall may not reflect drastic changes—always use multiple data points when making life-changing decisions!
How Career Plan B Helps
At Career Plan B, we simplify counselling with expert guidance:
- One-on-One Counselling Support – Personalized guidance for your career path.
- Psychometric Assessments: Identify your 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
- Why did IIT Gandhinagar drop out of the top 20 in 2025?
The exact reasons for IIT Gandhinagar’s decline are not specified in the NIRF rankings. Possible factors include changes in faculty, research output, or industry collaborations.
- Is BITS Pilani still a reputable institution despite falling out of the top 20?
Yes, BITS Pilani remains a prestigious institution with strong industry ties and a robust academic framework. Its exclusion from the top 20 does not diminish its overall reputation.
- How can I assess the quality of an engineering college beyond rankings?
Consider factors such as faculty qualifications, research opportunities, industry partnerships, campus facilities, and alumni success. Visiting campuses and speaking with current students can also provide valuable insights.
- Should I reconsider my choice if my preferred college drops in rankings?
A drop in rankings doesn’t necessarily indicate a decline in quality. It’s essential to evaluate the specific factors that contributed to the change and determine if they align with your personal and academic goals.
- How often do NIRF rankings change, and what factors influence them?
NIRF rankings are updated annually and are influenced by factors such as teaching-learning resources, research and professional practices, graduation outcomes, outreach and inclusivity, and perception. - Can I still apply to colleges that have dropped out of the top 20?
Absolutely. Many institutions that have experienced a decline in rankings continue to offer quality education and have strong industry connections.
Conclusion
Rankings can be a helpful compass, but they shouldn’t be the only map. If your top-choice college drops in the NIRF Top 20, use it as a signal, not a verdict. Dive into the data, ask pointed questions, and lean on expert help like Career Plan B.
Ready to make your best-fit college list? Book a free session with Career Plan B today—turn every stat into a strategy worth following!
