Top 10 CS Colleges Other than IIT and NIT which accept JEE Advanced Scores

Only 17,000 students get access to IITs and an unspecified number of seats in NITs. Competition is extremely tough, and the odds clearly don’t seem to be in your favour. But even then, not securing a seat in IIT or NIT doesn’t mean your career is in jeopardy. There are many other top institutions that accept JEE Advanced scores and have exceptional computer science programmes.

Every year, the prestigious IITs and NITs attract over a million students in India, all trying to crack the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE). As of 2024, the numbers have crossed a staggering 1.2 million registrations for JEE Main, out of which approximately 250,000 are eligible for JEE Advanced. Only 17,000 students get access to IITs and an unspecified number of seats in NITs. Competition is extremely tough, and the odds clearly don’t seem to be in your favour. But even then, not securing a seat in IIT or NIT doesn’t mean your career is in jeopardy. There are many other top institutions that accept JEE Advanced scores and have exceptional computer science programmes.

In this article, we’re compiling a list of such colleges you should have on your radar for a CS degree.

BITS Pilani

BITS Pilani stands out as one of India’s most renowned private universities, often described as a benchmark for academic excellence and innovation. The BE (Hons) in Computer Science is especially competitive, attracting top students across its Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad campuses.

The curriculum covers a broad spectrum: students dive into algorithms, operating systems, software engineering, and computational theory. What sets BITS apart, though, is its Practice School programme. This hands-on experience not only sharpens practical skills but also frequently leads to job offers before graduation.

Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore

VIT features among India’s top private engineering colleges, a status largely owed to its School of Computer Science Engineering (SCOPE). The department stands out for its advanced research initiatives, international partnerships, and an impressive placement record—often drawing comparisons to some well-known public institutions in the country. The academic structure is notably adaptable; students have the opportunity to pursue minors and specialize in contemporary fields like Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or Cybersecurity. VIT also offers an established international transfer programme, giving students the chance to study at partner universities across the US, Europe, and Australia.

Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Manipal

The Manipal Institute of Technology, a constituent of the Manipal Academy of Higher Education, distinguishes itself through a strong international orientation and commitment to interdisciplinary education. Within the CS and Engineering department, there is a balanced emphasis on both theoretical frameworks and practical implementation. The curriculum offers specialized tracks, including Cloud Computing, Blockchain, and Artificial Intelligence, addressing emerging areas in the field. Furthermore, the institute maintains a robust global alumni network and facilitates student exchange programmes with partner universities in Germany, the United States, and Singapore.

Shiv Nadar University

Shiv Nadar University has swiftly established itself as a noteworthy, research-driven institution within India’s academic landscape. The School of Engineering, in particular, offers a BTech in Computer Science and Engineering, with a curriculum that emphasizes foundational computing principles, artificial intelligence, data analytics, systems design, and cybersecurity. Notably, the university supports an interdisciplinary approach, allowing students to engage with subjects across business, the humanities, and natural sciences, which broadens their academic perspective.

Undergraduate research is strongly encouraged at an early stage, with students frequently collaborating with faculty on funded projects—something that sets the university apart from more traditional programmes.

Scaler School of Technology (SST)

Scaler School of Technology is carving out a unique space in India’s engineering education landscape. Instead of the old-school, theory-heavy approach, SST runs a full-time, residential UG programme in Computer Science and AI that’s laser-focused on practical, in-demand skills. The curriculum evolves constantly to keep up with the rapid pace of the tech industry - with 1 year of compulsory industry exposure via internships or entrepreneurship. They are the only college to have students with 2lakhs of internship in just the 2nd year.

Their teaching staff are not just your regular academics; they are experienced engineers from tech giants like Google and Amazon, bringing real-world expertise straight to the classroom. Students spend their days immersed in programming, algorithms, system design, backend engineering, and the latest in AI and machine learning, all hands-on. In just 4 years SST also offers a chance to study both bachelors (BITS and IIT Madras) and masters (european university - Woolf)

SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai

SRM has really carved out a reputation as a standout institution for computer science in South India. The campus itself is impressively modern—feels almost like you’re stepping into a tech hub rather than a traditional college. What sets SRM apart is how closely the curriculum tracks with what’s actually happening in the industry right now. They clearly prioritize giving students the chance to innovate and get hands-on experience alongside their academics. On top of all that, the range of electives—think Machine Learning, DevOps, Game Design, and more—means students can tailor their education to match their interests and the demands of the tech world.

Netaji Subhas Institute of Technology (NSIT/NSUT), Delhi

Netaji Subhas University of Technology (NSUT), formerly affiliated with the University of Delhi, now functions as an autonomous state university situated in Delhi. It has consistently maintained a reputation as one of the capital’s premier engineering institutions, particularly recognized for its flagship Computer Science programme. The curriculum at NSUT is regularly revised to align with emerging industry trends and technological advancements. Faculty members contribute both substantial academic expertise and relevant practical experience, enriching the educational environment. Additionally, student-run technical societies play a significant role by organizing events and workshops that promote collaborative learning. The culture of competitive programming is notably strong, with NSUT students frequently achieving high rankings in both national and international coding competitions.

Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore

Known primarily for its cutting-edge research, IISc Bangalore has emerged as one of India’s top choices for computer science aspirants, especially after it started accepting JEE Advanced scores. The CS department is backed by world-renowned faculty involved in research across AI, systems, theory, and more. The curriculum is deeply rooted in both theoretical and practical foundations, allowing students to work on advanced projects from early on. With strong links to industry and academia, IISc provides an environment where innovation thrives. For students aiming to blend academic excellence with real-world impact, IISc offers a unique blend of freedom, mentorship, and rigour.

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham has quietly built a strong reputation for its engineering programmes, especially in computer science. With campuses across India and a focus on research-driven education, Amrita combines technical training with interdisciplinary exposure. The faculty is actively involved in international collaborations, and students benefit from hands-on learning, regular hackathons, and internships with global companies. The curriculum is consistently updated to reflect current industry trends like cybersecurity, machine learning, and cloud computing. For those seeking a well-rounded CS education in a disciplined and supportive academic environment, Amrita offers a compelling alternative to the more traditional IIT-NIT route.

Jadavpur University, Kolkata

Jadavpur University stands out for offering high-quality computer science education at a fraction of the cost of many private institutions. The CS department boasts experienced faculty, many of whom are alumni of premier global universities and bring a strong research orientation to the classroom. The curriculum is rigorous, balancing theory with practical application, and the university's emphasis on academic freedom encourages students to explore, build, and innovate. Jadavpur also enjoys a strong placement record, with top tech firms regularly recruiting from its CS programme. For students seeking academic depth, affordability, and cultural richness, JU is a top-tier choice.