10 non-IIT engineering colleges in India & their ME branch: Rankings & placements

Here’s a list of the top 10 non-IIT institutes for BTech in Mechanical Engineering as per NIRF Rankings 2024–

National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli

Established in 1964, National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli (NIT Trichy) is home to one of the more popular Mechanical Engineering departments, which was among its earliest branches to be set up. The department offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs, with rigorous academia and advanced research in areas like thermal sciences and robotics.

NIT Trichy’s Mechanical Engineering graduates continue to attract top recruiters from both core and IT sectors, with recent placement rates around 91% and the average salary for 2024 standing at approximately Rs 9.5 lakh per annum.

Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT)

Vellore Institute of Technology, founded in 1984, features a School of Mechanical Engineering. According to its website, the institute houses state-of-the-art laboratories, collaborations with industry, and has a focus on multi-disciplinary research. The department, one of VIT’s largest, enables students to participate in innovative projects and research initiatives.

Placement outcomes reflect its industry network, with mechanical engineering students receiving average packages of Rs 9.9 lakh and the highest package reportedly touching Rs 88 lakh per annum; nearly half the department’s students secure roles each year with prominent tech and automotive recruiters.

Jadavpur University

Jadavpur University, established in 1955, boasts one of India’s oldest Mechanical Engineering departments, whose origins go back to 1906. The department is recognised nationwide for its prestigious alumni, a culture of research and innovation, and comprehensive educational offerings.

In the 2024 placement season, the department recorded a 100% placement rate, with top domestic packages up to Rs 57 lakh and average offers of Rs 11 lakh, underscoring strong ties to major engineering and technology firms.

SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST)

Since its establishment in 1985, SRMIST in Chennai has hosted the Department of Mechanical Engineering. As per their website, the institute emphasises both fundamental and applied research.

Recent placement drives placed about 70% of SRMIST’s mechanical engineering students, with average salaries ranging between Rs 4 lakh and Rs 8 lakh per annum, and the higher end of the range being achieved by top performers placed with leading multinational companies.

Anna University

Anna University was officially established in 1978, although its origins can be traced to the College of Engineering founded in 1794.

As per the most recent data, placement rates have been at about 95%, with packages for mechanical graduates ranging from Rs 8 lakh to Rs 39 lakh, with reputed Indian and global employers.

National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal (NITK)

Founded in 1960, NITK Surathkal’s Department of Mechanical Engineering has earned its reputation through academic rigor and close engagement with industry and research organisations.

The department’s recent placement record demonstrates its strength: 85% of mechanical engineering graduates were placed, earning average salaries between Rs 16 and Rs 24 lakh per annum at some of India’s biggest engineering and consultancy firms.

National Institute of Technology Rourkela

National Institute of Technology Rourkela, established in 1961, offers UG, PG, and research programs.

The department’s focus on both foundational and fast-evolving areas has contributed to standout placements, 98% in 2024, with an average CTC of Rs 16 lakh and the top offer reaching Rs 26 lakh from core engineering employers.

Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (BITS Pilani)

BITS Pilani was founded in 1964, but its Mechanical Engineering program dates back to 1946, making it one of the older institutes in the country.

The department is known for blending theoretical rigor with hands-on industrial and research exposure, maintaining over 90% placement rates. Mechanical graduates recently averaged Rs 18 lakh in salary, joining diverse sectors including core engineering, analytics, and consulting.

National Institute of Technology Warangal

National Institute of Technology Warangal, set up in 1959, houses a Mechanical Engineering department recognised for innovation and leadership in academics and research.

The 2024 placement figures: 83% of mechanical graduates secured roles, with an average CTC of Rs 13.6 lakh and the highest package going up to Rs 34.1 lakh per annum.

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham

Established in 1994 in Coimbatore, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham’s Department of Mechanical Engineering started the same year and has developed into a prominent center for core and interdisciplinary engineering education.

The department offers NBA-accredited BTech and specialised MTech programmes, as well as research opportunities in automation, robotics, design, and manufacturing  with 180 BTech seats, over 50 experienced faculty.