IITs (Indian Institute of Technology) and IISc (Indian Institute of Science) are both renowned Indian Institutions. IITs are known for their engineering and technology programs, while IISc is a leading research institution, especially in science and technology. The competition among aspirants for admission in these exams is equally high. However, the difference between IIT and IISc is still unknown among many aspirants. Clearing the difference will help them decide on the programme they wish to graduate, get a job, go for higher studies or research. This article highlights the basic difference between IIT vs IISC that every aspirant should know before advancing with their decision.
IIT vs IISc: Understanding the Key Differences
Before we discuss the differences, let’s get a basic overview of both the institutions:
IIT vs IISc: Basic Overview
Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) : There are a total of 23 IITs in India that are considered one of the top institutes in India offering multiple programmes in the engineering and technology streams. Out of the various programmes, the highly demanded programmes are B.Tech and M.Tech. All these programmes are offered in multiple disciplines like Computer Science and Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and many more.
The campus life in the IITs are said to be vibrant with various clubs for students to join, cultural festivals, events, sports meets and many other extra curricular events. The IIT placement records are another strong factor that draws a large number of candidates to take admission in these institutes. In 2025, the total number of seats available in the IITs for B.Tech programme is 17740.
Here is the list of all 23 IITs in India. Among the old IITs, there is IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Roorkee, IIT Guwahati, IIT BHU Varanasi, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, and IIT Ropar. The newer IITs are IIT Bhubaneswar, IIT Gandhinagar, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Indore, IIT Jodhpur, IIT Mandi, IIT Patna, IIT Bhilai, IIT Palakkad, IIT Tirupati, IIT Dharwad, IIT Jammu, and IIT Goa.
Indian Institute of Science (IISc): There is one IISc in India. IISc Bangalore is India’s one of the top science institutes that is known for its research on science and technology. This institute focuses more on the research aspect. Research programmes in fields like Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Electrical Sciences, Mechanical Sciences, Interdisciplinary Sciences, Mathematics, Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences and Management Studies are high in demand at IISc Bangalore. The total number of seats available in B.Sc and B.Tech courses at IISc Bangalore in 2025 is 190.
The courses offered in IISc Bangalore include Bachelor of Science (Research) at the undergraduate level in disciplines Biology, Chemistry, Earth & Environmental Science, Materials, Mathematics, Physics. At the PG level, MTech is offered in disciplines like Aerospace Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Climate Science, Electronics Systems Engineering, Signal Processing, Computational & Data Science, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nanoscience and Engineering, Earth Sciences, etc. Master of Design (MDes) is offered in Product Design and Engineering. It also offers Master of Management (M.Mgt) courses in streams like Technology Management and Business Analytics.
IIT vs IISc: Purpose of Establishment
IITs: The main motive behind the establishment of IITs was to advance technologically by helping students to become skilled engineers. Some of the famous alumni of IITs are the founders of Ola, Flipkart, Zomato, Ex-RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan, Sundar Pichai and many world-known personalities.
IISc: The main purpose behind founding IISc was to promote scientific research. It aims to uplift India’s research capabilities. Some of the notable alumni of this institute are Sudha Murthy, Homi Bhabha, and Vikram Sarabhai.
IIT vs IISc: Courses
IITs basically focus on B.Tech and M.Tech courses whereas the main focus on IISc Bangalore is B.Sc, M.Tech/PhD (Research). However, in recent years, IITs have started including B.Sc and integrated programmes in Science. Similarly, at IISc Bangalore, two new programmes were added in 2024. They are BTech in Mathematics and Computing and BSc (Research) in Engineering and Mathematics streams.
IIT vs IISc: Ranking and Recognition
As per the NIRF Ranking 2024 in the overall category, a total of 16 IITs out of 23 are ranked in the top 100 position. Similarly, IISc Bangalore was placed in the second place in the NIRF Ranking 2024 in the overall category. Here is the detailed list:
| Institutes | Score | NIRF Rank (Overall Category) |
| Indian Institute of Technology Madras | 86.42 | 1 |
| Indian Institute of Science Bangalore | 83.28 | 2 |
| Indian Institute of Technology Bombay | 81.37 | 3 |
| Indian Institute of Technology Delhi | 80.31 | 4 |
| Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur | 77.56 | 5 |
| Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur | 74.77 | 6 |
| Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee | 71.52 | 8 |
| Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati | 69.04 | 9 |
| Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad | 66.69 | 12 |
| Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar | 58.77 | 29 |
| Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University) Varanasi | 58.69 | 30 |
| Indian Institute of Technology Indore | 57.31 | 33 |
| Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad | 56.97 | 35 |
| Indian Institute of Technology Ropar | 54.12 | 48 |
| Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur | 52.24 | 68 |
| Indian Institute of Technology Mandi | 51.68 | 72 |
| Indian Institute of Technology Patna | 51.24 | 73 |
IIT vs IISc: Admission Criteria and Entrance Exams
Admission in IITs and IISc Bangalore is based on candidates’ performance in the JEE Advanced exam. Those who wish to take admission in any of the 23 IITs need to register for and attend the JoSAA counselling. However, IISc Bangalore conducts its own counselling. Based on the previous year cutoff, a candidate upto 6000-8000 rank has a high chance to get a seat in IIT. However, in IISc Bangalore only the top 100-200 ranks in JEE Advanced get a chance to secure a seat.
IIT vs IISc: Placement and Career Opportunities
In case of IITs, the focus is more on Engineering, Software and other Corporate jobs. Some of the top recruiters in the IIT placement are Google, Microsoft, Tata, Infosys, etc. In the top branches, the IIT average package ranges between Rs 12-30 LPA.
In case of IISc, candidates are focused on research and academic jobs. Popular recruiters in IISc Bangalore include ISRP, DRDO, CSIR, Global Research Labs, etc. in research based roles, the average package usually ranges between Rs 8-15 LPA.
If you are confused whether to opt for IIT or IISc, your decision should depend on your career goals, interests, and long-term aspirations.
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IIT vs IISC – Understanding the Difference – FAQs
Both IITs and IISc are prestigious institutions, but they serve different career paths. IITs are the right choice for you if you want to enter the corporate world, work in technology-driven industries, or start your own business. IISc, on the other hand, is ideal for you, if you are passionate about scientific research and academic excellence.
As IIT is based on engineering and technology and IISc is research intensive, the placement package differs with an average package ranging between 12-30 LPA for IITians and between 8-15 LPA for IISc students.
In terms of course curriculum, IISc Bangalore curriculum is more research-focused and is said to be more challenging than IITs.