Top 10 Colleges for AI Programs in India (NIRF 2025)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now a core part of modern technology. Companies in every sector, from finance and healthcare to retail, IT, education, and manufacturing, are hiring professionals with knowledge of AI and data science. According to the Future of Jobs Report 2025 by the World Economic Forum, the demand for AI and data skills is rising quickly across the world. If you are considering a course in AI, then our blog can help you. We have compiled a list of the top 10 colleges in India, as per the latest NIRF rankings for 2025.

Top 10 Colleges in India Offering AI Programs

The NIRF ranking is the official ranking methodology adopted by the Government of India to rank colleges under various categories. We are considering the rankings in the engineering category. Check out which colleges you should aim for if you looking to enroll to an AI program.

College Name	NIRF Rank
Indian Institute of Technology Madras	1
Indian Institute of Technology Bombay	3
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur	5
Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee	6
Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad	7
Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati	8
National Institute of Technology Rourkela	13
S.R.M. Institute of Science and Technology	14
Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines)	15
Vellore Institute of Technology	16

1. IIT MADRAS

IIT Madras is the top ranked college according to the NIRF 2025. It offers specialised undergraduate, postgraduate as well as doctoral AI programs under the Department of Data Science and AI at IIT Madras, which is the newest department at the college and is a part of the Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI. It was established to integrate AI and data science activities.

Programmes Offered

• B.Tech in Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics: B.Tech in AI and Data Analytics focuses on the basics of AI, math, and data analytics.

Duration: 4 Years

• B.S. in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence: The B.S. in Data Science and AI program is offered at the IITM Zanzibar campus. The course includes specialised AI subjects.

Duration: 4 Years

• Joint M.Sc. program in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence: The Joint M.Sc. in Data Science and AI is offered by IIT Madras in collaboration with the University of Birmingham, UK. Students can complete their research project in India or the UK. 

Duration:  18 months

• M.Tech in Data Science and AI: It is an integrated program that includes a PG Diploma and a two-year M.Tech in Data Science & AI at the Zanzibar campus of IIT Madras.

Duration: 2 Years

2. IIT Bombay

Holding the third rank according to the NIRF 2025 rankings, IIT Bombay offers artificial intelligence academic programmes under the Centre for Machine Intelligence and Data Science. Ranging from AI courses for undergraduates to seasoned doctoral candidates, IIT Bombay focuses on multidisciplinary AI and ML research.

Programmes Offered

• MS by Research in DS & AI: The Master of Science (MS) by Research program is designed to make the students job-ready. It can also be taken up by those willing to pursue a PhD in the future
• Duration: 18 months - 3 Years
• PhD in DS & AI: The PhD program in Data Science and AI is aimed at advancing the state-of-the-art in machine learning and artificial intelligence, leading to creation of novel concepts and technological breakthroughs. 
• Minor in AI & DS: The Minor in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science is designed for IIT Bombay undergraduate students from all branches of science and engineering. To complete a minor at IIT Bombay, students need to take 5 courses (30 credits) in the Minor.  To earn a minor in AI and Data Science students have to complete the following courses:
• 1a) DS 203: Programming for Data Science
• 1b) DS 303: Introduction to Machine Learning

3. IIT Kharagpur

The Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur offers Artificial Intelligence programmes through its Centre for Artificial Intelligence.

Programmes Offered

• B.Tech program in Artificial Intelligence: The Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur offers a 4-year B.Tech program in Artificial Intelligence through its Centre for Artificial Intelligence. The course covers theoretical, software, systems, and application aspects of AI, along with real-world projects. Students will also explore the applications of AI across different domains like healthcare, law, climate science, linguistics, and arts.
• Microspecialization in Artificial Intelligence: This course includes a foundational course on Artificial Intelligence and two electives. The foundation course on AI introduces fundamental techniques of AI and its applications.
• M.Tech in Artificial Intelligence: M.Tech in Artificial Intelligence includes four core theory courses and three core lab courses. Students can pick from a range of specialized electives from the artificial intelligence and data science domains. It also includes a project that would need students to spend one year on a research topic.
• PhD in Artificial Intelligence: The Department of AI accepts applications for PhD in Artificial Intelligence in different categories, including Regular with Institute Assistantship, Individual Fellowship (i.e. CSIR/UGC/DBT/ICMR/INSPIRE etc.), Sponsored, and Working Professionals. 

4. IIT Roorkee

The Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee offers B.Tech. and M.Tech.programmes in artificial intelligence under the school name Mehta Family School of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. 

Programmes Offered

• B.Tech. in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence: The B.Tech. programme in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence offers expertise in statistics, probability, linear algebra, programming, and specialized AI/ML topics such as Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing, and Computer Vision. The curriculum covers both core and non-credit elements like internships and professional development programs. The number of available seats is 45.
• M.Tech. in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence: The M.Tech. in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence focuses on advanced topics, such as Mathematics for Data Science, Principles of Database Systems, Machine Learning, Data Structures and Algorithms, along with electives in Core AI and Applications of AI. The number of available seats is 50.

5. IIT Hyderabad

Under the Department of Artificial Intelligence (AI), IIT Hyderabad offers a B.Tech program offering a deep understanding of AI theory and practical applications. IIT Hyderabad ranks 3rd in the Innovation Category and 7th in the Engineering Category as per NIRF 2025 rankings.

Programme Offered

• B. Tech in Artificial Intelligence: The B. Tech in Artificial Intelligence by IIT Hyderabad is a 4-Years program that covers basic computer science, math, and AI topics such as including machine learning and deep learning. Students can select electives to specialize in specific AI subfields from 3rd year. The program also offers an option for semester-long internship.

6. IIT Guwahati

IIT Guwahati holds the 8th rank in the engineering category of the NIRF 2025 rankings and offers B.Tech. programme Data Science and Artificial Intelligence under the Mehta Family School of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. 

Programme Offered

• B.Tech in Data Science and AI: The B.Tech in Data Science and AI is a four-year, full-time degree program offered by IIT Guwahati. The course starts with foundational topics, then progresses to core and advanced AI topics like machine learning, big data analytics, data mining, data visualisation, etc. In the final year of the programme, students will learn applications of AI.

7. NIT Rourkela

The Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela offers a B.Tech. in Artificial Intelligence programme. The institute holds the 13th position as per the NIRF 2025 rankings.

Programme Offered

• B.Tech. in Artificial Intelligence: The programme covers practical skills in AI, machine learning, and data analytics. Admission to the programme is done through JoSAA and CSAB counselling based on JEE Main scores.

8. S.R.M. Institute of Science and Technology 

S.R.M. Institute of Science and Technology offers a B.Tech in AI through its Department of Computational Intelligence in Kattankulathur (KTR) campus. The institute ranks 14th in the engineering category of the NIRF 2025 rankings.

Programme Offered

• B.Tech. Artificial Intelligence: B.Tech. in Artificial Intelligence is a four-year undergraduate degree programme covers foundation in Computer Science and artificial intelligence in the first two years. In the next two years, students will learn about development of intelligent machines and intelligent software using a combination of machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques.
• M.Tech. in Artificial Intelligence: The M.Tech. in Artificial Intelligence is an integrated five-year postgraduate degree programme that covers advanced AI topics like reasoning and decision making, human-AI interaction, intelligent robotics, machine learning, and data science. 

9. Indian School of Mines (IIT-ISM Dhanbad) 

Established in 1997, the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at ISM Dhanbad (now IIT-ISM Dhanbad) offers an M.Tech. and an executive M.Tech. in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science. The institute ranks 15 in NIRF 2025 rankings.

Programmes Offered

• M.Tech. in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science: It is a two-year postgraduate programme covering advanced coursework, laboratory training, and a dissertation. The course covers advanced AI and data science topics like machine learning, data structures, algorithms, and programming for AI.
• Executive M.Tech. Artificial Intelligence and Data Science: This course is specifically designed for working professionals with at least 2 years of experience. It also covers advanced coursework, laboratory training, and a dissertation.

10. Vellore Institute of Technology 

Ranked 16th in the NIRF rankings, VIT is the first private institute in our list. VIT Chennai offers B.Tech. Computer Science and Engineering with Specialisation in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics.

Programme Offered

• B.Tech. Computer Science and Engineering with Specialisation in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics: This 4-year undergraduate engineering programme course covers computer science, AI and Robotics in designing, developing, testing and evaluating automation in robots. 

How to Choose the Right College

NIRF Rankings can help you understand the market standing and quality of the program and the college offering it. But if in case you are unable to get into any of these colleges then considering some below-mentioned pointers can be helpful:

Faculty: Look at the experience, research work, and industry involvement of professors.

Curriculum and Specialisations: Check if the program covers trending topics such as:

• Machine learning
• Deep learning
• Big data
• Cloud computing
• AI ethics and governance
• Data engineering
• Business analytics

Infrastructure: Good universities provide:

• AI labs
• High-performance computing systems
• Access to datasets and research tools

Industry Connections: Strong ties with companies mean - 

• Better internships
• More real-world projects
• Higher placement opportunities

Exchange Programs and Global Exposure: International collaborations help students learn global best practices.

Class Size and Learning Approach: Smaller class sizes and practical, project-based learning often improve understanding. 

All the best!