Engineering remains one of the most sought-after careers in India, with thousands of students aspiring to secure a seat in the top institutions. Choosing the right engineering college is crucial—not just based on reputation, but also considering fee structure, return on investment (ROI), placement ratings, and salary packages. Below is an in-depth analysis of the top 20 engineering colleges in India, including college-wise highest and lowest packages, average fees, ROI, and NIRF ratings.
1. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras

- NIRF Rank: 1
- Average Annual Fee: ₹2.1 Lakhs
- Highest Package: ₹1.98 Crore (International)
- Lowest Package: ₹12 LPA
- Average Package: ₹22 LPA
- ROI: Excellent
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi

- NIRF Rank: 2
- Average Annual Fee: ₹2.2 Lakhs
- Highest Package: ₹2.15 Crore
- Lowest Package: ₹10 LPA
- Average Package: ₹20 LPA
- ROI: Outstanding
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay

- NIRF Rank: 3
- Average Annual Fee: ₹2.1 Lakhs
- Highest Package: ₹3.67 Crore (International)
- Lowest Package: ₹9 LPA
- Average Package: ₹19 LPA
- ROI: Stellar
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur

- NIRF Rank: 4
- Average Annual Fee: ₹2.2 Lakhs
- Highest Package: ₹1.9 Crore
- Lowest Package: ₹8 LPA
- Average Package: ₹18 LPA
- ROI: High
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
5. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur

- NIRF Rank: 5
- Average Annual Fee: ₹2.3 Lakhs
- Highest Package: ₹2.4 Crore
- Lowest Package: ₹7.5 LPA
- Average Package: ₹17.5 LPA
- ROI: High
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
6. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee

- NIRF Rank: 6
- Average Annual Fee: ₹2 Lakhs
- Highest Package: ₹1.3 Crore
- Lowest Package: ₹7 LPA
- Average Package: ₹16.5 LPA
- ROI: Strong
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
7. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati

- NIRF Rank: 7
- Average Annual Fee: ₹2 Lakhs
- Highest Package: ₹1.2 Crore
- Lowest Package: ₹6.5 LPA
- Average Package: ₹15 LPA
- ROI: Impressive
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
8. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad

- NIRF Rank: 8
- Average Annual Fee: ₹2.2 Lakhs
- Highest Package: ₹60 LPA
- Lowest Package: ₹6 LPA
- Average Package: ₹13.5 LPA
- ROI: Very Good
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
9. National Institute of Technology (NIT) Trichy
- NIRF Rank: 9
- Average Annual Fee: ₹1.5 Lakhs
- Highest Package: ₹49 LPA
- Lowest Package: ₹5 LPA
- Average Package: ₹11 LPA
- ROI: Excellent
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
10. National Institute of Technology (NIT) Surathkal

- NIRF Rank: 10
- Average Annual Fee: ₹1.4 Lakhs
- Highest Package: ₹45 LPA
- Lowest Package: ₹4.5 LPA
- Average Package: ₹10 LPA
- ROI: High
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
11. Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani

- NIRF Rank: 25
- Average Annual Fee: ₹4.3 Lakhs
- Highest Package: ₹60 LPA
- Lowest Package: ₹6 LPA
- Average Package: ₹14 LPA
- ROI: Good (despite high fees)
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
12. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) BHU Varanasi

- NIRF Rank: 13
- Average Annual Fee: ₹2.1 Lakhs
- Highest Package: ₹1.1 Crore
- Lowest Package: ₹6 LPA
- Average Package: ₹13 LPA
- ROI: Great
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
13. Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Hyderabad

- NIRF Rank: 55 (not NIT/IIT but premier in CS)
- Average Annual Fee: ₹3 Lakhs
- Highest Package: ₹74 LPA
- Lowest Package: ₹8 LPA
- Average Package: ₹20 LPA
- ROI: Outstanding for CS students
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
14. Jadavpur University, Kolkata

- NIRF Rank: 10 (State University)
- Average Annual Fee: ₹12,000
- Highest Package: ₹55 LPA
- Lowest Package: ₹4 LPA
- Average Package: ₹9 LPA
- ROI: Exceptional
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
15. Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) Vellore

- NIRF Rank: 11
- Average Annual Fee: ₹2 Lakhs
- Highest Package: ₹75 LPA
- Lowest Package: ₹4.5 LPA
- Average Package: ₹8.5 LPA
- ROI: Good
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
16. Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai
- NIRF Rank: 18
- Average Annual Fee: ₹85,000
- Highest Package: ₹20 LPA
- Lowest Package: ₹5 LPA
- Average Package: ₹10 LPA
- ROI: Strong
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
17. Delhi Technological University (DTU), Delhi

- NIRF Rank: 29
- Average Annual Fee: ₹2 Lakhs
- Highest Package: ₹1.2 Crore
- Lowest Package: ₹6 LPA
- Average Package: ₹12 LPA
- ROI: Very High
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
18. Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST), Shibpur

- NIRF Rank: 35
- Average Annual Fee: ₹1.2 Lakhs
- Highest Package: ₹46 LPA
- Lowest Package: ₹4.5 LPA
- Average Package: ₹8.5 LPA
- ROI: Great
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
19. SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai

- NIRF Rank: 28
- Average Annual Fee: ₹2.5 Lakhs
- Highest Package: ₹44 LPA
- Lowest Package: ₹3.5 LPA
- Average Package: ₹7 LPA
- ROI: Moderate
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
20. Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore

- NIRF Rank: 15
- Average Annual Fee: ₹1.8 Lakhs
- Highest Package: ₹28 LPA
- Lowest Package: ₹3.8 LPA
- Average Package: ₹7.5 LPA
- ROI: Good
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Conclusion:
Choosing the right engineering college is crucial to building a successful career. With so many excellent institutions across India, it’s essential to consider factors like course offerings, faculty, infrastructure, placements, and your personal goals. Whether you’re aiming for an IIT, NIT, or a reputed private university, what truly matters is your dedication, passion, and willingness to learn.
Remember, the top 20 engineering colleges in India can open doors, but your effort will define the journey. So, stay focused, prepare well, and take confident steps toward your engineering dreams.
Good Insights sir.