Mechanical Engineering has long been one of the foundational disciplines of engineering and continues to draw lakhs of aspirants each year. While Computer Science has emerged as a popular choice in the last two decades, Mechanical Engineering remains a preferred stream among students inclined towards core engineering and design, energy systems, robotics, thermal sciences, and manufacturing.
Among India’s leading institutions offering this stream, the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) dominate the space, not just in terms of academic excellence but also in research output, laboratory facilities, industry collaborations, and campus placements.
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Below is an overview of the Mechanical Engineering departments at the top IITs based on the NIRF 2024 rankings.
Top 10 Engineering Colleges in India
| NIRF Engg. Ranks 2024 | Institute Name | QS World Rankings 2026 |
| 1 | IIT Madras | 180 |
| 2 | IIT Delhi | 123 |
| 3 | IIT Bombay | 129 |
| 4 | IIT Kanpur | 222 |
| 5 | IIT Kharagpur | 215 |
| 6 | IIT Roorkee | 339 |
| 7 | IIT Guwahati | 334 |
| 8 | IIT Hyderabad | 664 |
| 9 | NIT Tiruchirappalli | – |
| 10 | IIT BHU Varanasi | 566 |
IIT Madras – Department of Mechanical Engineering
Established alongside the founding of the institute, the Mechanical Engineering Department at IIT Madras comprises over 60 faculty members and nearly 1000 students across UG, PG, MS, and PhD programmes.
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It offers three specialised Master’s programmes, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Design, and Thermal Engineering. The department has strong ties with companies like Caterpillar, Tata Steel, GE, Rolls Royce India, Mercedes-Benz R&D, and Royal Enfield, among others, facilitating research internships and industry collaboration. Students also engage in global research projects through collaborations with universities such as Purdue, RWTH Aachen, Caltech, and the University of Tokyo.
IIT Delhi’s Department of Mechanical Engineering
IIT Delhi’s Mechanical Engineering department was set up in the early 1960s and houses over 30 dedicated labs including the Design Research Lab, Mechatronics Lab, and the Vibration & Instrumentation Lab.
These support work in areas ranging from mechanics and thermal sciences to robotics and materials science.
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In terms of placements, IIT Delhi undergraduates across departments received 781 unique offers in 2024, a rise from the previous years. Mechanical students benefit from the department’s strong research infrastructure and consistent recruitment from both core and interdisciplinary sectors.
IIT Bombay – Department of Mechanical Engineering
Founded in 1958, the Mechanical Engineering Department at IIT Bombay is one of the largest on campus, with more than 1500 students and over 60 full-time faculty members. The department offers B.Tech, Dual Degree (B.Tech + M.Tech), M.Tech, and PhD programmes.
During the 2022–23 placement season, 191 students from the mechanical engineering department were placed, up from 151 in 2020–21. This reflects a steady demand for graduates across manufacturing, automotive, energy, and aerospace industries.
IIT Kanpur – Mechanical Engineering Department
IIT Kanpur’s mechanical department dates back to 1960 and offers B.Tech, M.Tech, MS (Research), and PhD programmes. It currently has 148 PhD scholars and also admits sponsored candidates from industry.
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According to the NIRF 2025 data, the department recorded a placement percentage of 74.6% with an average CTC of Rs 19.7 LPA and median CTC of Rs 19.2 LPA in 2024. The B.Tech programme overall recorded an 88.7% placement rate, with 754 students placed and 283 opting for higher studies.
IIT Kharagpur – Department of Mechanical Engineering
Established in 1951, the department has evolved to include key focus areas such as Bond Graph Modeling, Intelligent Systems, Combustion Modeling, Robotics, and Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing. The department trains students in applied mechanics, energy systems, and precision engineering.
In the 2024–25 placement season, more than 400 companies recruited from IIT Kharagpur. Nine students from across branches received compensation packages exceeding Rs 1 crore per annum, including international offers in the core and technology sectors.
IIT Roorkee – Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
The mechanical department at IIT Roorkee dates back to 1946 and began offering Industrial Engineering courses in 1974. It currently provides M.Tech specialisations in Machine Design, Production Systems, Thermal Systems, Welding Engineering, and CAD/CAM/Robotics. Facilities include modern labs and workshops supporting research across mechanical and production disciplines.
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In the 2024 placement drive, 607 job offers were made in the first three days alone, including four international positions. The highest domestic and international CTCs offered were Rs 1.3 crore and Rs 1.06 crore respectively.
