India's elite engineering schools are proving to be a global talent hub for software engineering, according to Karat's 2024 "Best Schools To Hire Software Engineers" report.  Five Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Hyderabad are ranked among the top 25 universities worldwide, based on the high percentage of graduates who excel in technical interviews.

Topping the charts for India is the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, securing the 16th position worldwide. An impressive 53% of IIT Madras graduates are considered "elite engineers," scoring in the top quartile of Karat's technical interviews used by leading tech companies.  

Close on its heels is IIT Varanasi at 21st globally, with 49% of its students classified as elite engineers. While a relatively smaller institution producing around 50 computer science graduates annually, IIT Varanasi punches above its weight by offering a unique blend of academic rigour and rich cultural heritage.

The International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Hyderabad, located in India's thriving tech hub, earned the 23rd global rank. With 49% elite engineers, IIIT Hyderabad's specialised and research-oriented approach to computer science, coupled with strong industry ties, has solidified its position as a top talent producer outside the IIT system.

Two other prestigious IITs – Delhi (24th globally) and Kanpur (26th globally) – also featured in the top 30, each boasting an impressive 48% of graduates achieving elite status in technical interviews. These institutions' extensive industry collaborations and cutting-edge research opportunities consistently attract India's brightest minds.

The report's findings highlight India's emergence as a hub for software engineering excellence, attracting the attention of tech giants and startups worldwide. As the demand for skilled engineers continues to rise, India's top-ranked universities are well-positioned to fuel the global tech talent pipeline with their steady stream of highly qualified graduates.

While the elite IITs and IIIT Hyderabad lead the pack, the report also recognises the contributions of other Indian institutions, such as the National Institutes of Technology (NITs) and regional engineering colleges. These institutions play a vital role in expanding the talent pool and providing opportunities for a diverse range of students across the country.

As the world continues to embrace emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning, India's role in shaping the future of these fields will be pivotal.

The report's findings serve as a call to action for companies seeking to tap into India's rich talent pool. By fostering strong relationships with these top-ranked universities and investing in dedicated recruitment efforts, organisations can gain a competitive edge in attracting and retaining the brightest minds in software engineering.

Topping the worldwide rankings are National Taiwan University with 72% elite engineers, and Caltech with 68% scoring in the top quartile of technical interviews. 

Karat is a tech talent recruitment platform founded in 2014 that assists companies in hiring engineering professionals.