IIT Kanpur Overview: 2025 Admissions, Cutoffs, Placements

IIT Kanpur stands out due to its strong emphasis on academic excellence, research innovation, and industry collaboration. Founded in 1959 with the assistance of a consortium of US universities, it has developed a reputation for producing world-class engineers and scientists. Its world-class faculty, cutting-edge labs, interdisciplinary curriculum, and leadership in research initiatives such as the National Supercomputing Mission make it a preferred destination for aspiring engineers. The institute also has one of the highest faculty-to-student ratios among IITs, allowing for better mentorship and academic guidance.

While IIT Kanpur offers a wide array of programs, the B.Tech programs in Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), Electrical Engineering, and Aerospace Engineering are the most sought-after due to their excellent faculty, research opportunities, and high placement packages. M.Tech and Ph.D. programs in Artificial Intelligence, Materials Science, Environmental Engineering, and Robotics are also gaining traction. The CSE department, in particular, is renowned for its coding culture and startups nurtured by the SIDBI Innovation and Incubation Centre (SIIC).

Undergraduate admissions to B.Tech programs at IIT Kanpur are through the highly competitive JEE Advanced exam. Candidates must first qualify JEE Main and then secure a top rank in JEE Advanced. For postgraduate programs like M.Tech, M.Des, and MSc, admissions are through GATE, CEED, and JAM respectively. The institute also considers academic records and conducts interviews for certain programs. International students can apply through DASA or direct application with valid SAT or GRE scores.

For undergraduate programs like B.Tech, the tuition fee for general category students is approximately ₹1.16 lakhs per semester, excluding hostel, mess, and other expenses. For SC/ST/PwD students, tuition fees are waived. Postgraduate programs such as M.Tech, M.Des, and MSc typically cost ₹25,000–₹40,000 per semester. Ph.D. scholars often receive stipends and are exempted from tuition fees. Additionally, students can avail of numerous scholarships, fee waivers, and financial aid schemes offered by the institute.

IIT Kanpur boasts one of the highest placement rates among IITs, with top companies across sectors like technology, finance, consulting, core engineering, and R&D participating in its placement drives. In 2023–24, over 300 companies visited, with average packages ranging from ₹18–25 LPA for B.Tech CSE and ₹12–18 LPA across core branches. Global recruiters like Google, Microsoft, Goldman Sachs, Apple, and McKinsey have offered international packages exceeding ₹1 crore. The Career Development Cell also offers robust pre-placement training and internship support.

IIT Kanpur is a research-intensive institute where students, even at the undergraduate level, are encouraged to undertake real-world projects. It houses over 20 advanced research centers such as the National Wind Tunnel Facility, the Centre for Environmental Science and Engineering, and the Centre for Nanosciences. Students can also participate in the Undergraduate Research Initiative (UGRI) and the Summer Research Internship Program (SRIP), working with faculty on cutting-edge problems in AI, aerospace, robotics, energy, and more.

Life at IIT Kanpur is both intellectually stimulating and culturally vibrant. The 1,000-acre campus provides state-of-the-art facilities including libraries, labs, sports complexes, a swimming pool, and auditoriums. Students actively participate in cultural festivals like Antaragni, Techkriti (technical fest), Udghosh (sports fest), and E-Summit. The Students’ Gymkhana oversees clubs in music, dance, drama, coding, astronomy, literature, and entrepreneurship, ensuring a balanced life that nurtures creativity alongside academics.

IIT Kanpur has 13 halls of residence for students, each equipped with essential facilities like high-speed internet, reading rooms, TV lounges, messes, sports areas, and laundry services. Hostels are allocated upon admission and follow a structured fee system. The campus also offers family accommodation for married Ph.D. scholars and guest houses for visiting faculty. Clean, green surroundings and strict safety protocols ensure a comfortable and secure stay for students.

Yes, IIT Kanpur is a hub for innovation and startup incubation. The SIDBI Innovation and Incubation Centre (SIIC) has supported over 150 startups across sectors like healthcare, agriculture, edtech, and sustainability. Students can pitch ideas, access mentorship, funding, co-working spaces, and legal/business advisory. Programs like the E-Summit and Entrepreneurship Cell provide additional exposure through networking, speaker sessions, and investor connects. Some of India’s successful startups like Weather Risk and Curadev have roots in IITK.

IIT Kanpur actively collaborates with global universities for exchange programs, internships, and joint research. Students can apply for semester exchanges, dual-degree options, or internships at partner institutions such as MIT, Caltech, University of Tokyo, ETH Zurich, and NUS. The International Relations Office assists students with applications, visas, and funding options. Many students also receive DAAD, Mitacs, and Charpak scholarships for research in Germany, Canada, and France.

IIT Kanpur offers extensive support through its Counselling Service Centre, Academic Assistance Program, Equal Opportunities Cell, and Career Development Cell. From psychological counselling and peer mentoring to academic tutorials and resume-building workshops, the institute ensures that students have access to guidance at every stage. Special services are available for differently-abled students, and emergency medical help is provided through the on-campus Health Centre, which operates 24/7.