NIT Calicut is a Government or Private university

NIT Calicut is a Government or Private university

The National Institute of Technology, Calicut (NITC) is a government institute under the central government of India. NIT-C is a public technical university governed by the NIT Act, passed by the Parliament of India.

The National Institute of Technology Calicut is located in Kattangal, Kozhikode, Kerala, on the Calicut Mukkam Road.

It was established in 1961 as Calicut Regional Engineering College (CREC) and became NIT in 2002.

Is NIT Calicut a top IIT?

No,  NIT Calicut is not an IIT, but it is one of India’s premier engineering institutes in its own right. NITC is a separate institution with a clear mission—to provide high-quality technical education to students from all over the country while fostering innovation, research, and practical skills.

The institute has a rich history. It was originally established as a Regional Engineering College (REC) in 1961 to serve the southern region of India. Over the years, it grew in reputation and infrastructure, and in 2002, it was upgraded to a National Institute of Technology (NIT), gaining the status of an Institute of National Importance. Today, NIT Calicut offers cutting-edge programs, state-of-the-art labs, and excellent placement opportunities, making it a top choice for aspiring engineers across India.

Is NIT Calicut better than IIT?

Some IIITs are better than NITs in terms of infrastructure, campus facilities, and placements, but the NITs, being entirely funded by the MHRD, have higher recognition across the country.

Both NITs and IIITs are ranked among the premier engineering institutes in India. IIITs often have a more industry-oriented and practical focus, while NITs can be more academically and theoretically focused. 

NITC is best for Students who want to explore different engineering branches or a broader engineering education with better placement opportunities.

IITs are best for Students who want to specialize exclusively in the IT and computer science fields. IIITs have extremely high placements in the IT sector.

What rank is needed for NIT Calicut?

Generally, students need a rank under 5000 to secure a seat in most branches. But for popular streams like Computer Science or Electronics and Communication, the competition is even tougher, and a rank under 2000 is usually required.

The rank needed can vary depending on the specific branch, category, and even the NIT you’re applying to, so it’s always advised to check the latest cutoff trends before applying.

It’s also worth noting that NIT Calicut is a government institute of national importance, which means it operates autonomously but is fully funded and supported by the government. Unlike private colleges, NITC ensures high-quality education, excellent infrastructure, and a strong focus on research and placements, making it one of the most sought-after engineering colleges in India.

What is the rank of NIT Calicut?

National Institute of Technology Calicut (NITC) is ranked 21st in engineering and 2nd in architecture and planning according to the NIRF 2025 ranking.

NITC ranking highlights

• NIRF 2025 (Engineering): 21st. This is an improvement from its 2024 ranking of 25th.

• NIRF 2025 (Architecture): The architecture program was ranked 2nd, rising from 3rd position previously.

NIT Calicut usually ranks within the Top 25–30 engineering colleges in India (NIRF ranking)

What is NIT Calicut famous for?

NITC is famous for Research and entrepreneurship, along with its academic achievements in the Department of Architecture.

NITC has NITC has research collaborations with organizations like DRDO and has incubated over 100 companies through its technology business incubator, while the Department of Architecture earned 3rd and 2nd rank, respectively, for the years 2024 and 2025.

NITC is among the top NITs in India, known for strong programs in Engineering, Architecture, and Science. Departments like Computer Science, Electrical, Mechanical, and Civil Engineering consistently rank high nationally. 

It offers B.Tech, M.Tech, MCA, MBA, M.Sc., and Ph.D. programs with high academic standards.

NITC is also known for being one of the few Indian institutions with a supercomputer and for a dedicated nanotechnology department. 

Is NIT Calicut a Tier 1 college?

Yes, NIT Calicut is considered a Tier 1 college in India, and it’s easy to see why. As one of the 31 National Institutes of Technology (NITs), it belongs to the elite category of Indian Institutes of National Importance (INI), a distinction it shares with IITs, IISc, and a few other top institutions.

Students at NIT Calicut have access to amazing career opportunities, with top companies like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Deloitte, and Intel regularly recruiting from the campus. Beyond placements, the institute stands out thanks to its strong collaborations with IITs, international universities, and industry partners, giving students exposure to cutting-edge research, global projects, and real-world industry experience. This combination of academic excellence, industry connections, and high-profile placements makes NIT Calicut a dream destination for aspiring engineers.