Technical education in India is mainly provided by three types of institutions: the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT), the Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIIT), and the National Institutes of Technology (NIT).
The IITs were established with the primary objective of developing a class of scientists and engineers. The first IIT was established in Kharagpur in 1951.
The NITs have their roots in the Regional Engineering Colleges (RECs) established in the 1960s.
The IIITs were established more recently, starting in the late 1990s, with a specific focus on Information Technology and related fields like Computer Science and Engineering.
IITs are esteemed global research centers, securing significant funding from government agencies and industries, and leading innovation and technological advancements across a wide range of disciplines.
NITs are focusing more on research and innovation. They are improving their research facilities and building partnerships with businesses and other research organizations.
Many IIITs have close ties with the IT industry, leading to collaborative research projects and technology transfer.
Ultimately, the better choice between an IIT, IIIT, or NIT depends on the individual student's aspirations and priorities.
However, if you had to choose, an IIT would be the best option. The IIT-JEE is one of the toughest exams globally, which is why IITs are highly respected.