Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi

About IIT (BHU) Varanasi

IIT (BHU) Varanasi has a history that goes back further than the IIT system itself. It started in 1919 as the Banaras Engineering College (BENCO) under the Banaras Hindu University — decades before the IIT tag was added in 2012. That makes it one of the oldest technical education institutions in Asia, with over a century of academic legacy.

The institute sits right inside the sprawling BHU campus in Varanasi, which is a unique setup among IITs. While most IITs are self-contained campuses outside the city, IIT (BHU) shares its grounds with one of India's oldest and largest central universities. The 1,300-acre BHU campus — with its iconic Vishwanath Temple, tree-lined roads, and colonial-era buildings — gives IIT (BHU) a character that no other IIT can replicate.

Academically, the institute runs 15 departments and 3 interdisciplinary schools, with around 6,500 students and 400+ faculty members. It offers one of the widest selections of B.Tech specializations among all IITs, including niche branches like Ceramic Engineering, Mining Engineering, and Pharmaceutical Engineering that most other IITs do not have.

Key Highlights of IIT (BHU) Varanasi 2026

• Established: 1919 as BENCO (Banaras Engineering College). Converted to IIT in 2012.
• Campus: Part of the 1,300-acre Banaras Hindu University campus — the only IIT located inside a central university.
• NIRF Ranking: Ranked 10th in Engineering (NIRF 2024).
• Accreditation: Institute of National Importance. NAAC A++ (as part of BHU).
• Unique Branches: Offers Ceramic Engineering, Mining Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, and Pharmaceutical Engineering — not available at most other IITs.
• Placement Record: Average B.Tech package around Rs. 16-18 LPA. Highest offers regularly cross Rs. 1 Crore.
• Heritage: Over 100 years of engineering education — the oldest among all IITs by a wide margin.

Courses Offered at IIT (BHU) Varanasi

One thing that sets IIT (BHU) apart is the sheer variety of B.Tech branches on offer. Apart from the standard CS, EE, ME, and Civil branches, you can study Ceramic Engineering, Mining Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, and Biochemical Engineering here — programmes that are hard to find at any other IIT.

The institute also runs Integrated Dual Degree (IDD) programmes (5 years, B.Tech + M.Tech), standalone M.Tech in 30+ specializations, an MBA through the Department of Management Studies, M.Pharm, M.Sc, and Ph.D. programmes. The IDD programmes are particularly popular because they offer a combined degree with just one extra year.

Admission Process

B.Tech and IDD admission happens through JEE Advanced followed by JoSAA counselling. The Computer Science cutoff is typically within the top 1,000-1,500 ranks in General category. Unique branches like Ceramic or Mining have more relaxed cutoffs — often in the 5,000-8,000 range — making them accessible options for students who want the IIT tag without an ultra-high rank.

M.Tech admission is through GATE, MBA through CAT, and Ph.D. through GATE/NET with interview.

Placements at IIT (BHU) Varanasi

The placement numbers at IIT (BHU) have improved significantly since the IIT conversion in 2012. The average B.Tech package now stands at Rs. 16-18 LPA, with the CSE department pulling averages north of Rs. 30 LPA. Companies like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Goldman Sachs, Uber, Samsung, and Texas Instruments are regular recruiters. The mining and metallurgy branches see placements in core companies like Tata Steel, Vedanta, Hindalco, and Coal India — firms that specifically target IIT (BHU) for these niche skill sets.

Campus and Student Life

Living inside the BHU campus means you get something no other IIT offers — access to a full-fledged central university ecosystem. The BHU central library (Sayaji Rao Library), the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum, the BHU Hospital (Sir Sunderlal Hospital), and the Vishwanath Temple are all within walking distance. The campus has its own market area (Lanka), food joints, and a cultural vibe that combines the energy of a tech institute with the depth of a 100-year-old university.

IIT (BHU) has 12 hostels for boys and 2 for girls. The annual tech fest — Technex — and the cultural fest — Kashiyatra — are landmark events. The Robotics Club, Aero Club, and Entrepreneurship Cell (E-Cell) are among the most active student groups. Being in Varanasi also adds a unique dimension — students get to experience one of the oldest living cities in the world, with its ghats, temples, and rich cultural fabric as a daily backdrop.