India is emerging as a hub of scientific research and innovation in the world. To foster a suitable environment for this, the Indian government and private bodies have established research institutes. To help research aspirants with their educational goals, SciAstra has prepared a list of the top research institutes in India in 2025 based on NIRF Rankings 2025.
What is a Research Institute?
A research institute is an organisation that provides research education and supports research and development work dedicated to the research and development in fields like Science, Technology, Engineering, Medical Science, Agriculture, Social Science etc. Some renowned institutes renowned for research education in India are IISC Bangalore, IIT Madras and IIT Delhi.
Also Read: How to Fill IIT JAM 2026 Application Form
What is NIRF Ranking?
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) is a system launched by the Ministry of Education, Government of India in 2015. This system ranks higher education institutions across the country based on the following parameters:
Teaching, Learning & Resources (TLR)
Research & Professional Practices (RP)
Graduation Outcomes (GO)
Outreach & Inclusivity (OI)
Perception (PR)
List of Top Research Institutes in India: NIRF 2025
The NIRF 2025 Rankings were published on September 4, 2025 on the official NIRF website – nirfindia.org. Based on these rankings, SciAstra has listed the top research institutes in India in 2025:
Top 10 Research Institutes in India: NIRF 2025 | ||
Research Institute | State | NIRF Ranking 2025 |
Karnataka | 1 | |
Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai | Tamil Nadu | 2 |
Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi | Delhi | 3 |
Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay | Maharashtra | 4 |
Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur | West Bengal | 5 |
Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur | Uttar Pradesh | 6 |
Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai | Maharashtra | 7 |
Institute of Technology, Roorkee | Uttarakhand | 8 |
Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad | Assam | 9 |
Indian Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi | Delhi | 10 |
Also Read: IIT JAM Participating Institutes
Indian Institute of Science Bengaluru (IISC Bengaluru)
The Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, is ranked 1st among research universities in India according to NIRF 2025. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and integrated Ph.D. programs. The institute has the following research divisions:
Core Lab for Co-Innovation and Research
STEM Cell for Deep Science Incubation
Time2 for New Product Development
SEED for Targeted Research and Innovation
Strategic Programs for Incubation Projects of National Importance
IISC Bengaluru Overview | |
Courses Offered |
|
Admission Process | IIT JAM exam/GATE |
Fee (approx.) | INR 78,000 |
Career Opportunities After Education |
|
Average Package | INR 28-30 Lakh per annum |
Top Research Institutes in India: Course, Admission Process & Career Options
Check out the courses offered by the top research institutes in India in 2025, along with their admission processes and the career opportunities available after these courses:
Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras)
IIT Madras, established in 1959, is ranked 2 among the top research institutes in India as per the NIRF Ranking 2025. The institute is renowned for providing research students with an entrepreneurial environment where they can understand the economic importance of research work, its commercial relevance, and its contribution to national well-being.IIT Madras offers diverse courses in engineering, sciences, humanities, and management. Students gain exposure through advanced labs, industry tie-ups, and exchange programs.
IIT Madras Overview | |
Courses Offered |
|
Admission Process | PhD in Applied Mechanics & Biomedical Engineering Admission:
1. Biomedical Engineering – MSc in all areas of sciences and mathematics 2. Fluid Mechanics – MSc in all areas of sciences and mathematics 3. Solid Mechanics – MSc in Physics / Mathematics / Chemistry / Nanoscience and nanotechnology / Material science and relevant departments |
Fee (approx.) | INR 50,000-55,000 |
Career Opportunities After Education |
|
Average Package | INR 28-30 Lakh |
Also Read: IIT JAM 2026 Seat Intake
Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi)
The Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, established in 1961, is a reputed institution offering advanced education in engineering, management, and research fields. The institute is renowned for its strong foundation in innovation. It played a crucial role in developing KisanMitra, a low-cost water management and agricultural solution. It also hosts India’s largest student entrepreneurship platform, the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT).
IIT Delhi Overview | |
Courses Offered |
|
Admission Process | GATE/CSIR/UGC/ICAR/NET/ICMR/DST-INSPIRE Fellowship |
Fee (approx.) | INR 55,000 - 60,000 (per year) |
Career Opportunities After Education |
|
Average Package | INR 25-26 Lakh |
Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay)
IIT Bombay was established in 1958. It ranks 3rd in the NIRF 2025 Rankings for research institutions. The institute offers UG, PG, and integrated Ph.D. courses in various areas of science and technology. It provides students with access to well-equipped, technologically advanced research labs and facilitates international collaborations that support career development and industrial exposure.
IIT Bombay Overview | |
Courses Offered |
|
Admission Process | GATE/CSIR/UGC/ICAR/NET/ICMR/DST-INSPIRE Fellowship |
Fee (approx.) | INR 55,000 - 60,000 (per year) |
Career Opportunities After Education |
Note: The career options after pursuing the mentioned are limited to the options listed above. |
Average Package | INR 22-24 Lakh |
Indian Institute of Kharagpur (IIT Kharagpur)
IIT Kharagpur, the first IIT in India, was established in 1951. It ranks 5th among the top research institutes in India according to NIRF 2025. With an area of 2,100 acres, it is the largest among all the IITs. The institute is renowned for its distinguished alumni, including business leaders such as Sundar Pichai (CEO of Alphabet Inc.) and Arjun Malhotra (Co-founder of HCL Technologies).
IIT Kharagpur Overview | |
Courses Offered | Joint MSc-Phd Program |
Admission Process | IIT JAM |
Fee (approx.) | INR 28,000-34,000 (per year) |
Career Opportunities After Education |
|
Average Package | INR 23-26 Lakh |
Conclusion
According to NIRF 2025, India’s leading research institutes are IISc Bengaluru (Rank 1), IIT Madras (Rank 2), IIT Delhi (Rank 3), IIT Bombay (Rank 4), and IIT Kharagpur (Rank 5). These institutes are shaping global innovation. With advanced programs, world-class labs, and strong industry ties, they provide unmatched opportunities for research excellence and career advancement.
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