What are the top government engineering colleges in Punjab?

IIT Ropar, NIT Jalandhar (Dr B.R. Ambedkar NIT), and Punjab Engineering College (PEC), Chandigarh are the top government-run options.

Which exams are required for B.Tech admission in Punjab?

JEE Main is widely accepted by top colleges like IIT, NIT, and PEC. CUET and Class 12 merit are used by private universities such as LPU, CU, and Thapar.

What is the fee range for engineering colleges in Punjab?

Fees vary from ₹88,000 at SLIET to ₹16 lakh at private universities like LPU and Thapar, depending on the branch and infrastructure.

Do all colleges in Punjab accept JEE Main scores?

No. While IIT Ropar, PEC, and NIT require JEE Main, private universities may accept CUET scores or Class 12 marks directly.

Is Thapar Institute worth the high fee?

Yes, Thapar offers strong placement records (₹10–18 LPA in top branches), a global curriculum, and high NIRF rankings, making it a strong return on investment for tech-focused students.

Which colleges are good for CSE in Punjab?

Top picks for CSE include IIT Ropar, Thapar, Chandigarh University, LPU, and NIT Jalandhar, all offering AI/ML and Data Science tracks.

Are there any low-cost private colleges with decent placements?

Yes, CGC Landran, Chitkara University, and SLIET Longowal offer lower fee structures while maintaining placement support in CSE, ECE, and Mechanical.

What’s the average package offered by top Punjab colleges?

Average packages range from ₹4 LPA to ₹12 LPA, with IIT Ropar, PEC, and Thapar seeing top offers going above ₹50 LPA in CSE/AI fields.

Which engineering specialisations are trending in Punjab?

CSE, AI & ML, Cybersecurity, ECE, and Data Science are the most in-demand streams across public and private institutions.

Top Engineering Colleges in Punjab: Courses, Fees, & Exams

Heading 2

Heading 3

Punjab is home to over 260 engineering colleges, including top names like IIT Ropar, Thapar Institute, PEC Chandigarh, and LPU. These institutes stand out for their placement records, affordable to premium fee options, and wide entrance flexibility, from JEE Main and CUET to board merit and LEET.

In this blog, you’ll find the top 10 engineering colleges in Punjab for 2025 based on courses offered, fees, eligibility criteria, and placement outcomes.

‍

Key Takeaways:

Punjab is home to 60+ engineering institutes, including prestigious government colleges like IIT Ropar and NIT Jalandhar, alongside state-run universities such as Punjab Engineering College (PEC) and SLIET Longowal, and top-ranked private options like Thapar Institute, Chandigarh University, and Lovely Professional University (LPU).
Leading engineering colleges in Punjab consistently appear in national and international rankings, with IIT Ropar ranked within the top 20 nationwide (NIRF 2024: Rank 22). The Thapar Institute holds NAAC A+ accreditation and NBA accreditation, while LPU has gained ABET accreditation for several technology programs. These colleges offer modern labs, global tie-ups, and competitive placement records.
B.Tech admissions in Punjab are done through multiple channels. Government colleges like IIT and NIT participate in JEE Main + JoSAA counselling, while others use CUET UG, class 12 merit, or institute-specific exams such as LPU‑NEST. Lateral entry to the 2nd year is facilitated through LEET (Lateral Entry Entrance Test).
Fee structures vary widely: At SLIET, a centrally funded institute, a 4-year B.Tech costs around ₹88,000-1.2 lakh, while private universities like LPU and Chandigarh University may charge ₹8-16 lakh, depending on the specialisation, facilities, and scholarships.
Placement packages are competitive across streams. The average salary ranges from ₹4 to ₹ 24 LPA, especially in core branches such as CSE, AI/ML, and ECE. Top offers from global MNCs (e.g., Amazon, Atlassian, Adobe) have touched ₹55–60 LPA at IIT Ropar, CU, and LPU in 2024–25 drives.

‍

Engineering Colleges in Punjab: Highlights

‍

Punjab has 260+ engineering colleges with top picks like IIT Ropar, Thapar, and PEC Chandigarh. Admissions are via JEE Main, CUET, or Class 12 marks. Fees range from ₹88K to ₹16L, and placements go up to ₹55 LPA in top streams like CSE and AI. Here’s an overview:

Parameter	Details
Total Colleges	260+ (59 government, 189 private)
Top 5 Colleges	IIT Ropar Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology PEC Chandigarh Chandigarh University Lovely Professional University (LPU)
Exams Accepted	JEE Main, CUET, Class 12 Merit, LPU-NEST, LEET
Fee Range	₹0.88 lakh (SLIET) – ₹16 lakh (LPU)
Popular Courses	CSE, Mechanical, Civil, ECE, AI/ML, Data Science
Top Govt Colleges	IIT Ropar, PEC, NIT Jalandhar, SLIET, GNDEC
Top Private Colleges	Thapar, CU, LPU, Chitkara, CGC
Avg Placements	₹4-24 LPA; top offers up to ₹60 LPA
Best ROI Picks	SLIET Longowal PEC Chandigarh GNDEC Ludhiana for affordable fees + reliable placements in core branches

Engineering Colleges in Punjab: Top 10 (2025)

These top 10 Engineering institutes in Punjab have been ranked based on their accreditation, placement records, course diversity, and entrance routes. They offer strong academic infrastructure and career outcomes, especially in high-demand fields like CSE, AI, and ECE.

1. IIT Ropar (Rupnagar)

Premier government IIT offering top-tier infrastructure, research, and industry outreach. Ideal for tech-driven aspirants. It is one of the top engineering colleges in India, according to the IIRF Rankings (ranked 11).

Type: Government (IIT)
Accreditation: NAAC A+; all major branches NBA accredited
NIRF Rank (Engineering): 22 (2024)
Approx. B.Tech Fee: ₹9 L total (~₹2.25 L/year)
Courses Offered: CSE, ECE, Mechanical, Civil, Metallurgical, Maths & Computing, Chemical, Pharma
Exams Accepted: JEE Main via JoSAA
Placement: ~70–82% placement rate; average ₹22.09 LPA; median ₹17.5 LPA; top offers ₹55–60 LPA

2. Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala

One of the best engineering colleges in Punjab, renowned for its strong academics and research collaborations, this university is recognised as a leader in modern programs in emerging technology.

Type: Private Deemed
Accreditation: NAAC A++; NBA accredited
NIRF Rank: 29 (Engineering, 2024)
Approx. Fee: ₹12.8–13 L total
Courses: Regular streams plus Aerospace, Biotechnology, AI and Mechatronics
Exams Accepted: JEE Main, CUET, Class 12 merit
Placement: Avg ~₹11–12 LPA; highest packages up to ₹35–55 LPA

3. Chandigarh University (CU), Mohali

Large-scale private university with extensive infrastructure. Counted amongst the top engineering colleges in Punjab with global tie-ups, and one of India’s strongest campus recruitment networks.

Type: Private University
Accreditation: NAAC A+; NBA; ABET (select programmes)
NIRF Rank: 32 (Engineering, 2024)
Approx. Fee: ₹5.7–14 L depending on branch
Courses: 20+ branches—AI, Data Science, Aeronautical, Cybersecurity, etc.
Exams Accepted: CUET, Class 12 marks; some JEE seats
Placement: 9,124 offers from 900+ recruiters; average ~₹9.5 LPA; highest ₹54.75 LPA domestic, ₹1.7 Cr international

4. Lovely Professional University (LPU), Jalandhar

One of India’s largest private universities, LPU, offers a wide curriculum and global exposure programmes.

Type: Private University
Accreditation: NAAC A++
NIRF Rank: ~50 (Engineering, 2024)
Approx. Fee: ₹8.4–16 L total
Courses: Core and modern fields such as AI, Bioinformatics, Aero, and Data Science
Exams Accepted: CUET, LPU-NEST, JEE Main, Class 12 marks
Placement: ~75% placement rate; avg ~₹6 LPA; highest ~₹12 LPA

5. Punjab Engineering College (PEC), Chandigarh

Legacy engineering institute with strong alumni network, technical culture and consistent academic delivery.

Type: Government Deemed
Accreditation: NAAC A+; NBA; AICTE, UGC
NIRF Rank: 101–150 (Engineering, 2024)
Approx. Fee: ~₹7–8 L total
Courses: 8 core streams including Aerospace & Civil
Exams Accepted: JEE Main via JoSAA
Placement: ~65.7% placement rate; avg ₹13.6 LPA; CSE avg ₹16.7 LPA; highest ₹61 LPA

6. NIT Jalandhar (Dr. B.R. Ambedkar NIT)

Central government institute offering a steady academic and placement track record in core disciplines.

Type: Government (NIT)
Accreditation: NAAC A+; NBA
NIRF Rank: 58 (Engineering)
Approx. Fee: ₹1.6–6.6 L per year (~₹6–25 L total)
Courses: Core + Biotechnology, AI electives
Exams Accepted: JEE Main via JoSAA
Placement: ~74% placed; avg ₹12.4 LPA; highest ~₹51 LPA

7. Chitkara University (Patiala)

Emerging tech-focused private university with good industry collaborations and accreditation quality.

Type: Private University
Accreditation: NAAC; NBA
NIRF Rank: ~94 (Engineering, 2024)
Approx. Fee: ₹2.4 L first year (~₹10 L total)
Courses: CSE, ECE, Mechanical, AI & Robotics
Exams Accepted: CUET, 12th marks
Placement: Growing campus placement base; strong regional recruiter presence

8. CGC Landran (CGC University), Mohali

Regionally respected private university offering affordable engineering programmes and consistent local placement performance.

Type: Private University
Accreditation: NAAC; NBA
NIRF Rank: ~101 (Engineering)
Approx. Fee: ₹2–3 L first year (~₹8–10 L total)
Courses: Core disciplines with electives
Exams Accepted: CUET, 12th marks
Placement: Steady local recruiter base; good core offers

9. Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering & Technology (SLIET), Sangrur

Government technical institution with ultra-low fees and reliable placements in core sectors, even for diploma entry students.

Type: Government Deemed
Accreditation: NAAC B+; NBA
NIRF Rank: ~76 (Engineering)
Approx. Fee: ₹0.88 L total
Courses: CSE, ECE, Mechanical, Civil
Exams Accepted: JEE Main; LEET for diploma lateral entry
Placement: Focused core placements; stable computing/engineering offers

10. Guru Nanak Dev Engg College (GNDEC), Ludhiana

Well-established PTU-affiliated government college known for strong infrastructure, internships and regional placement reach.

Type: Government (PTU-affiliated)
Accreditation: NAAC Accredited
NIRF Rank: Not ranked in 2024; recognised in state/industry lists
Approx. Fee: ₹3.5 L total
Courses: Core branches with strong CSE/ECE emphasis
Exams Accepted: JEE Main (JoSAA) or state merit
Placement: Good internship conversion; consistent industry roles

Explore career options after B.Tech that you can pursue after graduation.

‍

Dream College? We’ll Fund It

‍

Things to Consider When Choosing an Engineering College in Punjab

Accreditation Matters: Look for NAAC (for overall institutional quality), NBA (for program-level accreditation), or ABET (for international relevance) when shortlisting colleges.
Branch Availability: Not all colleges offer high-demand branches like AI, Data Science, or Aerospace. Core streams like CSE, ECE, Mechanical, and Civil are more widely available.
Placements vary by Branch: CSE and AI/ML departments generally secure higher placement packages. In contrast, branches like Civil or Mechanical may have modest returns unless supplemented by skill certifications or internships.
Fee Structure vs ROI: Government colleges (like SLIET or IIT Ropar) offer low-cost, high-value education. Private colleges may charge more but offer better infrastructure, global exposure, or placement networks.
Admission Route: Your choice of exam (JEE Main, CUET, or LEET) determines the colleges you’re eligible for. JEE-based colleges include IITs/NITs; CUET-accepting colleges are private universities like LPU or Chandigarh University.

Sceptical about which engineering course to pursue? Exploring about Chemical Engineering Scope in India might help.

‍

Eligibility Criteria Summary

Admission Route	Eligibility
General B.Tech Admission	10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics; ≥45% (general), ≥40% (reserved)
JEE Main + JoSAA	Required for IIT Ropar, PEC Chandigarh, NIT Jalandhar, etc.
CUET UG / Board Merit	Accepted by LPU, Chandigarh University, Thapar, Chitkara, etc.
LEET (Lateral Entry)	Diploma holders can enter the 2nd year B.Tech; accepted at SLIET, PEC, etc.

So, whether you're a Class 12 student or a diploma graduate, multiple admission routes are available, depending on your academic background and target colleges.

‍

Fund College Fees + Living Expenses

‍

Struggling to Choose? Here’s What Recent Reddit Questions Reveal About Real Student Priorities in Punjab

Choosing the right college in Punjab goes beyond rankings; students want clarity on placements, curricula, and credibility. Recent Reddit threads echo these exact doubts. Let’s see what was asked and how these insights can help you decide smarter.

1. “People of Punjab, please help me choose a college for B.Tech CSE”

Posted in r/punjab (3 months ago)

“If possible, college should not have high fees, affordable for a middle‑class family, and should be chill enough, like lenient in attendance. Our hometown is Bathinda. I can’t expect big placements, but pool placements would be a plus.”

Insight:

This highlights concerns around affordability, relaxed campus culture, and minimal but decent placement options, especially for students from smaller towns. If background, commute, or fees are constraints, colleges like SLIET Longowal, PEC Chandigarh, or GNDEC Ludhiana offer low tuition and decent local placements consistent with student expectations.

2. “PEC Chandigarh review, for students choosing between colleges”

Posted in r/Btechtards (2 months ago)

“Pros: Chill, relaxed college life; decent placements; preferable over NIT Jalandhar, NIT Kurukshetra… Cons: poor infrastructure, slow admin, about 50% day scholars.”

Insight:

Redditors see PEC as a solid alternative to NITs for students seeking decent placements, a balanced campus life, and location benefits, despite infrastructure or management concerns.

What Do We Infer from These Discussions?

Budget and campus comfort matter as much as brand name.
Students from smaller towns prioritise friendly, affordable environments with modest yet reliable outcomes.
Reputation sometimes beats tier ranking.
Even though NITs are top-tier, some students prefer PEC for its more relaxed culture and Chandigarh location.
Don’t rely solely on the highest package claims.
Median placement rates and placement percentages give a better idea of what most students get.

‍

Upcoming Entrance Exams for B.Tech Colleges in Punjab (Late 2025 – 2026)

1. JEE Main 2026

Accepted By: IIT Ropar, NIT Jalandhar, PEC Chandigarh

Session 1 Exam Window: Late January 2026
Session 2 Exam Window: Early April 2026
Registration for Session 1: Likely in November 2025
Counselling Mode: JoSAA

JEE Main is the primary route to the top-tier government engineering colleges in Punjab.

2. CUET UG 2026

Accepted By: Chandigarh University, LPU, Thapar Institute, Chitkara University, CGC

Registration Period: February–March 2026
Exam Dates: May–June 2026

CUET UG is ideal for students targeting private or deemed universities that accept board merit or CUET scores.

3. JoSAA Counselling 2026

Accepted By: IIT Ropar, NIT Jalandhar, PEC Chandigarh

Start Date: June 2026
Rounds: Multiple seat allotment rounds through July 2026

JoSAA manages seat allocation for top government colleges through JEE Main and JEE Advanced ranks.

4. LEET (Lateral Entry for Diploma Holders) 2026

Accepted By: SLIET Longowal, PEC (select seats)

Expected Application Deadline: May–June 2026
Exam Period: Likely in June 2026

LEET allows diploma and B.Sc holders to directly enter the second year of B.Tech programmes.

Choosing the right engineering college in Punjab depends on your entrance exam scores, branch preference, and long-term goals. Focus on colleges that align with your budget, career plans, and academic strengths.

Thinking of applying but worried about the fees? Propelld can help you secure up to 100% financing for your B.Tech programme with zero collateral and faster processing.

Register now for an education loan consultation and take the next step towards your engineering dream.