The National Institutes of Technology (NITs) are among the most prestigious engineering institutions in India, second only to the IITs. Every year, lakhs of students compete in the JEE Main exam to secure a seat in these institutes. With the 2026 admission season approaching, students are eager to know about the Top 5 NITs in India, their ranks, and cutoff trends. In this blog, we will provide a detailed overview of the Top 5 NITs in India for 2026 admissions, along with insights into their expected cutoffs and closing ranks.
Based on the NIRF 2025 engineering rankings, placement records, and academic reputation, the following NITs hold the top spots:
- NIT Trichy (Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu)
- NIT Surathkal (Karnataka)
- NIT Rourkela (Odisha)
- NIT Warangal (Telangana)
- NIT Calicut (Kerala)
FILL FORM FOR COUNSELLING
1. NIT Trichy (NIT Tiruchirappalli)
- NIRF 2025 Rank: #1 among NITs
- Highlights: Known for its excellent placements, research culture, and strong alumni base.
- Popular Branches: CSE, ECE, Mechanical, Electrical
Expected Cutoff 2026 (General Category, Home State):
- CSE: ~4,500 – 5,500
- ECE: ~6,000 – 7,000
- Mechanical: ~11,000 – 12,000
- Civil: ~14,000 – 15,000
2. NIT Surathkal (NITK Karnataka)
- NIRF 2025 Rank: #2 among NITs
- Highlights: Famous for its beachside campus, strong coding culture, and top IT placements.
- Popular Branches: CSE, IT, ECE
Expected Cutoff 2026 (General Category, Home State):
- CSE: ~4,800 – 5,800
- ECE: ~6,500 – 7,500
- Mechanical: ~11,000 – 12,500
- Civil: ~13,500 – 14,500
3. NIT Rourkela (Odisha)
- NIRF 2025 Rank: #3 among NITs
- Highlights: One of the largest campuses in India, strong research focus, and high placement opportunities.
- Popular Branches: CSE, ECE, Electrical, Mechanical
Expected Cutoff 2026 (General Category, Home State):
- CSE: ~5,000 – 6,000
- ECE: ~7,000 – 8,000
- Mechanical: ~12,000 – 13,000
- Chemical: ~14,000 – 15,000
4. NIT Warangal (Telangana)
- NIRF 2025 Rank: #4 among NITs
- Highlights: One of the oldest NITs, known for its academic excellence and placement records.
- Popular Branches: CSE, ECE, Electrical, Mechanical
Expected Cutoff 2026 (General Category, Home State):
- CSE: ~3,000 – 4,500
- ECE: ~6,000 – 7,500
- Mechanical: ~10,000 – 11,000
- Civil: ~13,000 – 14,000
5. NIT Calicut (Kerala)
- NIRF 2025 Rank: #5 among NITs
- Highlights: Known for its strong academics, placements, and vibrant student life.
- Popular Branches: CSE, ECE, Mechanical
Expected Cutoff 2026 (General Category, Home State):
- CSE: ~8,000 – 9,000
- ECE: ~9,000 – 10,500
- Mechanical: ~13,000 – 14,500
- Civil: ~15,000 – 16,000
📊 Comparison Table – Expected 2026 CSE Cutoffs
| NIT | CSE Closing Rank (Gen, Home State) |
|---|---|
| NIT Trichy | 4,500 – 5,500 |
| NIT Surathkal | 4,800 – 5,800 |
| NIT Rourkela | 5,000 – 6,000 |
| NIT Warangal | 3,000 – 4,500 |
| NIT Calicut | 8,000 – 9,000 |
📖 Additional Insights for Aspirants (2026)
While the cutoffs and ranks play an important role in determining admission, students must also look at other factors before finalizing their choice of NIT. Here are some extra insights to help you make a well-informed decision:
1. Placement Records
The Top 5 NITs in India have consistently delivered excellent placement results, especially in Computer Science and IT branches. Average salary packages for CSE students at NIT Trichy, Surathkal, Warangal, and Rourkela range between INR 18 – 25 LPA for top recruiters, while core engineering branches see packages in the range of INR 7 – 12 LPA.
2. Campus Life and Infrastructure
NITs are not just about academics; campus life also matters. NIT Rourkela is known for its vast and beautiful campus, NIT Surathkal boasts a beachside setting, and NIT Trichy is well-known for student festivals and cultural events. Students can expect excellent facilities, hostels, and extracurricular activities at these top institutes.
3. Research and Higher Studies
If you are inclined towards research or higher education, NIT Rourkela and NIT Trichy have well-established collaborations with foreign universities. Many students from these NITs pursue MS and PhD programs abroad in top universities due to their strong academic foundation.
4. State Quota Advantage
Each NIT reserves 50% of seats for Home State students. For example, if you belong to Tamil Nadu, your chances of getting into NIT Trichy increase significantly under the Home State quota. Understanding this quota system can help you strategically plan your choices during JoSAA counseling.
5. Alternative Choices
If you don’t make it to the Top 5 NITs in India, don’t be disheartened. Other NITs such as NIT Allahabad, NIT Jaipur, NIT Bhopal, and NIT Delhi are also highly reputed and offer excellent placement opportunities. Sometimes, the difference in cutoffs is narrow, so always keep backup options ready.
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