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2026

JoSAA

College Predictor

IITs · NITs · IIITs · GFTIs

10 Branches Ranked  |  Based on Average Packages Across IITs

Highest Paying IIT Branches 2026 – Placement-wise Ranking

All IIT branches ranked by average package. CSE leads at ₹25–50 LPA. Mathematics & Computing surges in quant finance roles. Key insight: branch matters less than IIT tier for top placements, but significantly for median outcomes.

⚠ Data Notice

Placement averages shown are approximate ranges from old IITs (IIT Bombay, Delhi, Madras, Kanpur, Kharagpur, Roorkee). New IIT packages are typically 30-50% lower. Individual outcomes vary significantly based on performance.

IIT Branches Ranked by Average Package 2026

#BranchAvg PackageTop PackageCareer Paths
1CSE / Computer Science₹25–50 LPA₹1.5–3 CrSoftware Engineering, ML/AI, Quant Finance
2Mathematics & Computing / Data Science₹20–40 LPA₹1–2.5 CrQuant Finance, Data Science, ML Research
3Electrical Engineering₹18–30 LPA₹80 L–1.5 CrPower electronics, VLSI, Software, Semiconductor
4Engineering Physics₹15–25 LPA₹60–80 LQuantitative Finance, Research, Semiconductor
5ECE / Electronics & Communication₹12–22 LPA₹60–80 LVLSI, Semiconductor, Telecom, Software
6Mechanical Engineering₹8–15 LPA₹40–60 LCore Engineering, Consulting, Manufacturing, Software
7Chemical Engineering₹8–14 LPA₹30–50 LPetroleum, Pharma, Consulting, Core Chemical
8Civil Engineering₹6–10 LPA₹25–40 LGovt/PSU, Infrastructure, Consulting, Tech startups
9Mining Engineering₹6–12 LPA₹25–40 LCoal India, NMDC, ONGC, Mining PSUs
10Metallurgical & Materials Engineering₹6–10 LPA₹20–35 LSteel, Aerospace, Defence, Materials R&D

Key Insight: Branch vs IIT Tier

Branch matters significantly for median outcomes: CSE graduates earn 2–3x what Civil or Metallurgy graduates earn on average. However, for top-quartile outcomes, individual performance dominates: a 9.5 CPI Mechanical student at IIT Bombay can access the same opportunities as a 7.5 CPI CSE student.

Strategy: Get into the best IIT your rank allows, prioritising CSE/M&C if possible. If your rank only allows non-CS branches at a good IIT, still consider it — the IIT environment, brand, and the opportunity to develop CS skills through projects and internships can lead to excellent CS career outcomes even from non-CS branches.

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Frequently Asked Questions – Highest Paying IIT Branches 2026

1
Which IIT branch has the highest salary?
CSE (Computer Science & Engineering) consistently has the highest average salary across all IITs. At IIT Bombay and IIT Delhi, CSE average packages are ₹35–50 LPA, with top packages touching ₹1.5–3 Cr (international). Mathematics & Computing is second (₹20–40 LPA), followed by Electrical Engineering (₹18–30 LPA). Even at newer IITs, CSE leads all branches in placement outcomes by a significant margin.
2
CSE vs ECE – which has better package at IITs?
CSE consistently outperforms ECE in average package at IITs. IIT Bombay/Delhi CSE: ₹35–50 LPA avg vs ECE: ₹15–25 LPA avg. At IIT Roorkee: CSE ₹18–25 LPA vs ECE ₹14–20 LPA. However, ECE is growing faster in recent years due to India's semiconductor boom — companies like Qualcomm, Texas Instruments, Intel, and TSMC (India operations) are increasing ECE hiring significantly. The gap is narrowing, especially for VLSI-specialised ECE roles.
3
What is the scope of Mathematics & Computing at IITs?
Mathematics & Computing (M&C) at IITs is one of the most lucrative programmes. It combines deep mathematical foundations with computer science, making graduates highly sought after for: (1) Quantitative Finance/Algorithmic Trading — DE Shaw, Tower Research, Jane Street, Citadel (packages ₹60–150 LPA), (2) Machine Learning Research (₹25–60 LPA), (3) Data Science (₹20–40 LPA), (4) Software Engineering at top companies (₹25–50 LPA). M&C is offered at IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Roorkee, and several other IITs.
4
Which IIT branch is best for quantitative finance?
For quantitative finance (hedge funds, HFT firms, investment banks): (1) Engineering Physics at IIT Bombay — historically produces the most quant finance professionals due to its strong physics and mathematics foundation, (2) Mathematics & Computing at IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi — directly targeted by DE Shaw, Tower Research, Goldman Sachs, (3) CSE at top IITs — also recruits strongly at quant firms. If your goal is quant finance, Engineering Physics or M&C at IIT Bombay/Delhi is the optimal path, assuming your rank can access these programmes.
5
Does branch matter less than IIT tier for placements?
For top-tier placements, yes — your individual performance (CGPA, internships, competitive programming) matters more than branch for the best job offers. A 9.5 CPI Mechanical student at IIT Bombay can and does get software engineering roles. However, for average placements, branch matters significantly — CSE graduates on average earn 2-3x what Civil or Metallurgy graduates earn across IITs. For median outcomes, branch is the most important factor after IIT tier. For top-quartile outcomes, individual performance dominates.

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Disclaimer

Placement data is approximate from old IIT reports. New IITs have lower averages. Individual outcomes vary. Verify at official institute placement reports.