Did you know? During the 2023-24 admission cycle, Indian students made up MIT’s 2nd -largest international student group! At the same time, the 23 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) across India saw a total of 17,385 seats available, a slight increase from last year’s 16,598 seats.
According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, MIT has been ranked the #1 university globally, while IITs continue to secure their place among the top 50 engineering institutions worldwide. IIT and MIT are prestigious institutions that are highly regarded in their home countries and across the globe.
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In this blog, we’ll compare these two powerhouses across various parameters, including their history, academic curriculum, acceptance rates, salary outcomes, and industry exposure.
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Get a quick overview of the blog’s key highlights and unlock valuable information on IIT vs MIT.
At a Glance:
| Particulars | MIT | IIT |
| Fullform | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Indian Institute Of Technology |
| Established | April 10, 1861 | September 15, 1956 |
| Location | USA | India |
| Total Students | 11,300 | 10,000 |
| Entrance Exam | SAT & ACT | JEE Advanced & GATE |
| Acceptance Rate | 6.7% | 0.7% to 2% |
| Average Tuition Fee | INR 65L – INR 70L | INR 2L – INR 10L |
| Avg Salary Package | INR 99L | INR 20L |
| Type | Private Institution | Government Institutions |
| Top Recruiters | Google Boeing Raytheon Lockheed Samsung | Microsoft Tata Steel Qualcomm Dell Samsung |
Distinctive Features of IIT vs MIT
IIT and MIT are highly prestigious educational institutions focusing on engineering, technology, and science. MIT is located in Massachusetts, USA and has been at the forefront of technological innovation for over 150 years.
On the other hand, IIT is a group of 23 institutions across India offering science and engineering courses. IIT’s main aim is to produce world-class engineers and scientists who can contribute to India’s development.
These two universities have different approaches to teaching and learning, with MIT emphasising hands-on practical learning and IIT focusing more on theoretical concepts.
Both universities have world-class research facilities and actively encourage their students to participate in research projects. MIT has produced numerous groundbreaking inventions and discoveries, including:
- World Wide Web by MIT professor Tim-Berner Lee
- The invention of Email by Ray Tomlinson, an MIT graduate
- The invention of BOSE Sound Corporation was founded by Amar Gopal Bose, a professor at MIT for 45 years.
Likewise, IIT has contributed significantly to India’s technological development, with its alumni like:
- Sundar Pichai (CEO of Google)
- Nandan Nilekani (Chairman of UIDAI)
- Nr Narayana Murthy (Co-founder and ex-chairman of Infosys)
Many alumni of IIT founded successful startups and led research in various fields.
Additionally, both universities strongly focus on entrepreneurship and encourage their students to pursue their own ventures and startups.
Historical Outlook of IIT Vs MIT
MIT and IIT are two of the most prestigious institutions in the world. While MIT stands for Massachusetts Institute of Technology, IIT stands for Indian Institutes of Technology. Both universities are renowned for their excellence in engineering, technology, and science. MIT is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, and has been at the forefront of technological innovation for over 150 years.
On the other hand, IIT is a group of 23 institutions across India that offer engineering, technology, and science courses. The institutions were established to produce world-class engineers and scientists who can contribute to the development of India.
Let’s take a look at the table below to understand the origins and mottos of both universities:
| Parameters | IIT | MIT |
| Founded On | September 15, 1956 | April 10, 1861 |
| Motto | Knowledge Is The Supreme Goal | Mind and Hand (Mens et Manus) |
| Faculty | More Than 6000 | More Than 2000 |
| Campuses | 23 | 1 |
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Academic Curriculum: IIT Vs MIT
When it comes to the academic curriculum, both IITs and MIT are renowned for their rigorous and challenging courses that prepare students to excel in their chosen fields. While both institutions offer courses in engineering, technology, and science, the approach and teaching methodologies differ slightly.
- The MIT provides a broad range of educational options for international students. At the undergraduate level, 56 major programs and 58 minor programs are available. Additionally, there are various programs offered for graduate studies.
- The teacher-student ratio at MIT is 3:1 for undergraduate students.
- MIT places a strong emphasis on hands-on learning and practical applications.
- IITs, on the other hand, focus more on theoretical concepts in their teaching approaches. However, this generalisation may not capture the full range of teaching and learning approaches at IITs.
- The IIT throughout India provides a range of study programs for UG, PG, and PhD levels, primarily focusing on Science, Engineering, and Technology. The 23 IITs in India offer over 250 (B.Tech) programs, each specialising in different fields.
- MIT emphasises a hands-on approach to learning, while IITs focus on theoretical concepts.
Below, we have compiled a list of top courses offered by both universities.
Here is a table showing the comparison between the MIT vs IIT top Courses-
| Universities | Top Courses | Avg Annual Tuition Fee |
| MIT | Bachelor of Computer Science and Engineering Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering Bachelor of Science in Physics Master of Science in Technology and Policy Master of Science in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Master of Science Aeronautics and Astronautics Master of Science in Architecture Studies (SMArchS) | INR 65L – INR 70L |
| IIT | Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) Bachelor of Science (BS) Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) Master of Science (MSc) Master of Technology (M.Tech) Master of Design (M.Des) Master of Business Administration (MBA) | INR 2L – INR 10L |
Selection Criteria of IIT vs MIT
Check out the selection criteria for IIT vs MIT when comparing IIT and MIT.
When it comes to applying for universities, it’s essential to understand the selection criteria of the institutions you’re interested in. Both MIT and IIT have their own unique selection criteria, which are designed to select the best candidates for their programs.
Now, look at the selection criteria of each university closely:
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MIT
MIT evaluates applicants based on factors such as:
In addition, MIT requires applicants to submit their SAT scores for UG programmes and GRE/GMAT scores for PG programmes.
MIT considers SAT scores one factor in the admissions process, but it’s important to note that the university doesn’t have a minimum score requirement. Instead, they review each application comprehensively, considering all aspects of an applicant’s profile.
IIT
In contrast, IIT significantly focuses on performance in the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced. The JEE Advanced is a national-level entrance exam conducted in India for admission to undergraduate courses in engineering, science, and architecture.
The minimum JEE Advanced score to study in IIT is 31 to 63, based on the candidate’s specific category. The JEE Advanced exam is known for its high level of difficulty and is designed to test the candidate’s problem-solving skills and conceptual understanding.
Therefore, candidates who aspire to study at IIT must prepare extensively and perform exceptionally well in the JEE Advanced exam to secure admission to IIT.
Understanding the selection criteria of both universities can help you prepare a strong application and improve your chances of getting accepted.
IIT vs MIT Rankings
Regarding engineering and technology education, two names often stand out on the world stage: MIT and IIT. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has long been a global leader, setting innovation, research, and academic excellence benchmarks.
On the other hand, the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) have emerged as premier institutions in India, producing some of the world’s brightest minds in engineering and technology.
But how do these two giants compete against each other in the latest global rankings?
Let’s dive into the QS World University Rankings 2025 and see where IIT and MIT stand.
| Institution | QS World Ranking 2025 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | #1 |
| Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IITB) | #118 |
| Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IITD) | #150 |
| Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur (IIT-KGP) | #22 |
| Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IITM) | #227 |
| Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IITK) | #263 |
| Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee (IITR) | #335 |
| Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati (IITG) | #344 |
| Indian Institute of Technology, Varanasi (IIT-BHU Varanasi) | #531 |
| Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad (IITH) | #681 – #690 |
These rankings reflect MIT’s global prestige and impact, which continues to dominate the top spot. However, the IITs are steadily climbing the ladder, making their mark as leading engineering institutions worldwide.
IIT vs MIT Acceptance Rate
Have you ever wondered about the difference between MIT’s and IIT’s acceptance rates?
The acceptance rate is an essential factor to consider when applying to universities, as it reflects the level of competition among applicants. While both institutions have a high level of demand, the acceptance rates differ significantly.
The admissions process for MIT and IIT differs significantly. MIT receives over 23,000 applications annually, and only around 1,400 students are accepted for first-year admissions, resulting in an acceptance rate of 6.7%.
On the other hand, IIT admissions are based on the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE). Around 9 lakh candidates took the JEE Main exam in recent years, out of which 1.4 lakh students qualified for the JEE Advanced exam. The acceptance rate at IIT is much lower than that of MIT, with only 0.7% to 2% of candidates selected for admission.
To help you better understand the difference between the two institutions, we have provided a table below comparing the acceptance rates of MIT vs IIT.
| Institute | Acceptance Rate |
| MIT | 6.7% |
| IIT | 0.7% – 2% |
How Challenging is MIT Compared to IIT?
Regarding the challenges, MIT can be less challenging for Indian students than IIT. One of the reasons for this is MIT’s focus on practical applications and hands-on learning. This approach to learning allows students to apply the theoretical concepts they learn in the classroom to real-world problems. This can be a more engaging and interesting way for some students to learn, making the academic experience less challenging.
MIT’s teacher-student ratio of 3:1 for undergraduate students ensures that students receive individual attention and guidance from their professors, which can help them succeed academically.
Another reason why MIT can be less challenging for Indian students is the academic environment. While MIT is known for its competitive and demanding academic environment, the institution also places a strong emphasis on collaboration and teamwork. Students are encouraged to work together and support each other in their academic goals.
Furthermore, the institution offers various resources and support services for students, including academic advising, tutoring, and study groups. These resources can significantly help Indian students who may be struggling with academic challenges at the institution.
Overall, the academic challenges at MIT may be less intense than at IIT, which can be a good fit for Indian students.
Moving on, let’s take a closer look at the career prospects of these universities and your prospective salary packages.
IIT Vs MIT: Salary Packages
When it comes to choosing a university, one of the most important factors that students often consider is the salary packages offered to graduates. After all, the ultimate goal of education is to secure a good job with a decent salary.
In this regard, both IITs and MIT have a strong reputation for producing highly skilled graduates who are in high demand in the job market. Also, both of them have highly credible degrees/courses in India and worldwide.
The table below shows the comparison between the average salary packages offered by IIT vs MIT.
| Universities | Avg Annual Package |
| IIT (Masters) | INR 20L |
| MIT (Masters) | INR 99L |
Top Recruiters Of IIT vs MIT
The top recruiters are one of the most essential factors in the comparison between MIT and IIT. Both institutions have a reputation for producing exceptional graduates who are leading companies in the industry and are highly sought after. The placement statistics of both universities are impressive, with many students landing jobs at some of the biggest names in the industry.
According to a survey conducted by The Economic Times, the median salary package offered to students at IIT is around INR 20L, while the median salary package offered to students at MIT is around INR 99L per annum.
The table below provides a comprehensive comparison of MIT vs IIT’s top recruiters:-
| Universities | Top Recruiters |
| MIT | Google Boeing Raytheon Lockheed Samsung Quanta Computers Intel BAE |
| IIT | Microsoft Tata Steel Qualcomm Dell Samsung Uber Goldman Sachs Rubrik |
Final Thoughts
MIT and IIT are two of the most prestigious institutions in the world, renowned for their excellence in engineering, technology, and science. Both institutions offer rigorous academic curriculums to prepare students for success in their chosen fields.
Both institutions provide competitive salary packages with excellent job prospects and growth potential. However, the teaching methodologies differ slightly, with MIT emphasising a hands-on approach to learning while IITs focus on theoretical concepts.
Ultimately, the choice between MIT and IIT depends on your preferences, career aspirations, and financial considerations. We hope this comparison of MIT vs IIT has helped you better understand the two institutions and their differences, allowing you to make an informed decision that suits you best.
Now, if you are all set and fully informed about IIT vs MIT, Leapscholar can help you and provide you with the best guidance for securing your admission to MIT. Schedule a free call today and get ready to study at the world’s best university.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. Is IIT more difficult than MIT?
A. A. Both IIT and MIT are highly regarded institutions and have rigorous academic curriculums. While the approach and teaching methodologies differ slightly, it is difficult to say which institution is more difficult as it ultimately depends on individual strengths and abilities. Both institutions have low acceptance rates, but IIT’s acceptance rate is slightly lower than MIT’s. It is essential to carefully consider the programs and courses offered by both institutions to determine which one is the best fit for you.
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Q. Is MIT better than IIT for Indian students?
A. It’s difficult to say which is better between MIT and IIT for Indian students as both institutions have their strengths and weaknesses. While MIT has a higher global ranking and acceptance rate, IITs have a larger student population and offer a wide range of courses. It ultimately depends on the individual student’s preferences, career goals, and academic interests.
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Q. Which is better, IIT or MIT, for International students?
A. Both IIT and MIT are great schools with challenging academic programs and high chances of acceptance. MIT is considered the best university in the world, and it offers a variety of courses for international students. IITs mainly focus on courses related to science, technology, and engineering. They teach slightly differently, with MIT using a more hands-on approach and IITs focusing more on theory. It all depends on what a student wants and their career goals.
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Q. What is the average MIT vs IIT salary?
A. MIT vs IIT salaries differ from each other in various factors; the average annual salary package of IIT is around INR 20- INR 50 LPA, while the average salary package offered to students at MIT is around INR 90L – INR 1Cr per annum.
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Q. What is the MIT vs IIT acceptance rate?
A. The MIT vs IIT acceptance rates differ from each other. The acceptance rate for MIT is higher than that of IIT. MIT has an acceptance rate of around 6.7%, while IIT’s acceptance rate is slightly lower at around 0.5%- 2%. However, it’s important to note that both institutions are highly regarded and have rigorous academic programs.
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Q. Is an IIT degree valid in the USA?
A. Yes, an IIT degree is recognised and valued in the USA. Many IIT graduates have gone on to work for top multinational corporations in the USA, and their degrees have been acknowledged by various American universities and employers. However, it’s essential to have your degrees evaluated by the relevant authorities to ensure they meet USA standards.
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Q. How do IIT vs MIT compare in terms of global recognition?
A. Both IIT vs MIT are globally recognised institutions that are highly regarded for their academic excellence and research contributions. MIT is generally considered more prestigious and has a higher global ranking, while IIT is known for producing top-quality engineers and scientists. However, both institutions offer challenging academic programs and are recognised for contributing to various fields.
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Q. What academic programmes do IIT vs MIT offer?
A. Both IIT vs MIT offer a variety of academic programs, with a focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. IITs mainly provide undergraduate and postgraduate programs in engineering, science, and technology-related subjects. MIT offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in various fields, including engineering, mathematics, computer science, and natural sciences.
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Q. Which is easier to gain admission to IIT vs MIT?
A. It’s easier to get admission to MIT than IIT. While both institutions have strict admission criteria, IIT has a lower acceptance rate of around 0.5% to 2%, while MIT’s acceptance rate is about 6.7%. However, it’s important to note that both institutions are highly regarded and offer various academic programs. Admission to these universities requires hard work and dedication.
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Q. Which exams are required for admission to IIT vs MIT?
A. For admission to IIT, students must clear the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) conducted by the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). The admission process for MIT varies depending on the level of study. For undergraduate programs, students must take the SAT exam for the UG programmes and the GRE for PG programmes. Additionally, international students are required to take an English proficiency test such as the IELTS or TOEFL.
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Q. Why do students prefer MIT over IIT for higher studies?
A. Students prefer MIT over IIT for higher studies because of its higher global ranking and acceptance rate, as well as the variety of courses it offers. MIT is considered the best university in the world and provides a more hands-on approach to teaching. Additionally, MIT has a strong focus on research and innovation, which is appealing to many students.
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Q. Can I study at MIT after IIT?
A. Yes, it’s possible to study at MIT after completing your degree at IIT. However, admission to MIT differs from IIT’s, and you’ll need to meet their admission requirements. Additionally, you’ll need to go through the application process and show your academic excellence and potential to succeed at MIT. Many IIT graduates have successfully been admitted to MIT for higher studies.
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