Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Science have become the backbone of modern technology. From self-driving cars and voice assistants to fraud detection in banks and personalized shopping, AI is transforming every industry. With this massive growth, it’s no surprise that students after 12th are now setting their sights on AI and Data Science degrees.
For years, IITs have been considered the ultimate destination for engineering aspirants. But here’s the truth—getting into IIT is not the only way to build a great career in AI. Across India, several non-IIT colleges are offering strong AI and Data Science programs with cutting-edge labs, updated curriculum, and great placement records.
If you are passionate about AI, machine learning, and data, this article will guide you through the best non-IIT colleges for AI and Data Science in India (2025).
Table of Contents
Why Choose AI and Data Science?
Before we dive into the list of colleges, let’s understand why students are rushing toward AI and Data Science:
- High-paying jobs – Companies across the globe are offering impressive packages for skilled AI and Data professionals.
- Future-proof skills – Unlike many traditional fields, AI and Data Science are only going to expand in demand.
- Industry-wide application – From healthcare to entertainment, every sector is embracing AI-powered solutions.
- Global opportunities – With the right expertise, you can work in India or abroad.
Simply put: If you want a career that combines technology, innovation, and creativity, AI and Data Science is a fantastic choice.
Top Government Colleges Offering AI and Data Science
Government institutes are known for quality education at affordable fees. Here are some of the leading government colleges providing AI and Data Science courses in 2025:
- Delhi Technological University (DTU) – Delhi
- Netaji Subhas University of Technology (NSUT) – Delhi
- Anna University – Tamil Nadu
- Jadavpur University – West Bengal
- NIT Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) – Tamil Nadu
- NIT Surathkal – Karnataka
- NIT Rourkela – Odisha
- NIT Warangal – Telangana
- NIT Calicut – Kerala
- College of Engineering, Pune (COEP Tech University) – Maharashtra
Most of these colleges admit students via JEE Main or respective state entrance exams.
Top Government Colleges for AI and Data Science in India (2025)
Government colleges provide affordable education, strong faculty, and solid research opportunities. Here are some top names:
Anna University, Chennai
Program: B.Tech in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science
Highlights: Industry collaborations, advanced computing labs, strong alumni base.
Placements: 80–85% with recruiters like TCS, Wipro, Zoho, and Deloitte.
Jadavpur University, Kolkata
Program: B.Tech in AI & Data Science (introduced in recent years)
Strengths: Renowned faculty, research-driven environment, affordable fee structure.
Placements: Avg ₹9–12 LPA; students often get international research offers.
Osmania University, Hyderabad
Program: B.E. AI & Data Science
Why Consider? Located in India’s IT hub; strong tie-ups with tech startups.
College of Engineering, Pune (COEP Tech University)
Program: B.Tech in AI & Data Science
Highlights: One of India’s oldest engineering colleges, upgraded with modern AI labs.
Delhi Technological University (DTU), New Delhi
Program: B.Tech in AI and Machine Learning / Data Science
USP: High placement rate with MNCs like Microsoft, Amazon, Google.
Top Private Colleges Offering AI and Data Science
Private institutions are no less—they often provide modern labs, research-driven environments, industry tie-ups, and strong placement support. Here are the top private colleges to consider:
- Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) – Tamil Nadu
- SRM Institute of Science and Technology – Chennai
- PES University – Bangalore
- Christ University – Bangalore
- Amity University – Noida
- Shiv Nadar University – Greater Noida
- Chandigarh University – Punjab
- MIT-WPU – Pune
- Lovely Professional University (LPU) – Punjab
- University of Petroleum & Energy Studies (UPES) – Dehradun
Admission to these colleges is usually through entrance exams like VITEEE, SRMJEEE, LPUNEST, or sometimes direct admission based on 12th marks.
Top Private Colleges for AI and Data Science in India (2025)
Private colleges often lead in industry partnerships, modern infrastructure, and global exposure.
Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore
Program: B.Tech in AI & Data Science
Placements: Highest package ₹75 LPA; average ₹8–10 LPA.
Special Edge: International exchange programs with US & European universities.
SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai
Program: B.Tech in AI, Data Science, Machine Learning
Strengths: AI research labs, hackathons, tie-ups with IBM and Microsoft.
Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal
Program: B.Tech Data Science & Engineering
Highlights: Strong innovation ecosystem, startup incubators.
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore
Program: AI & Data Science specializations
Placements: 90%+ placement rate with avg ₹7 LPA.
PES University, Bengaluru
Program: B.Tech in AI and ML
Why It Stands Out: Located in India’s Silicon Valley, giving unmatched exposure.
Quick Fee and Placement Comparison
Here’s a quick look at fees and average salary packages to help you compare colleges:
| College Name | Type | Approx. Fees | Average Package (per year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| VIT, Vellore | Private | ₹7–8 Lakh | ₹8–10 Lakh |
| Jadavpur University | Govt | ₹20k–50k | ₹6–8 Lakh |
| SRM, Chennai | Private | ₹4.5–5 Lakh/Yr | ₹7–9 Lakh |
| Anna University | Govt | ₹50k–1 Lakh | ₹6–7 Lakh |
| NIT Surathkal | Govt | ₹2–2.5 Lakh | ₹9–11 Lakh |
| BITS Pilani | Private | ₹19–22 Lakh | ₹20–25 Lakh |
(Note: Figures are approximate and may vary year to year.)
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Placements and Career Opportunities
One of the biggest reasons students opt for these colleges is their strong placement record.
Top recruiters include:
- Microsoft
- Amazon
- Infosys
- TCS
- Deloitte
- Accenture
Apart from final-year placements, students also get internship opportunities in leading firms. Many of these internships convert into full-time offers, giving students a head start in their careers.
How to Get Admission?
Here’s a simple breakdown of the admission process:
- Government Colleges – Mostly via JEE Main or state-level exams.
- NITs – Through JEE Main + JoSAA counseling.
- Private Universities – Entrance exams like VITEEE, SRMJEEE, LPUNEST, etc.
- Direct Entry – Some universities consider 12th board exam scores for admission.
AI and Data Science vs CSE – Which One Should You Choose?
This is a common doubt for many students.
- Computer Science Engineering (CSE): Covers a wide range of computer-related subjects—programming, databases, networks, operating systems, and more. AI/ML is taught as a subject within CSE.
- AI and Data Science: A specialized program that focuses deeply on machine learning, big data, neural networks, and analytics.
- If you want broader career flexibility, CSE might be better.
- If you are passionate about AI-driven careers, then AI & Data Science is the smarter choice.
Final Words
Yes, IITs are prestigious, but remember—your career does not depend on one college name.
India has several non-IIT colleges like VIT, SRM, Jadavpur University, Anna University, and NITs that are producing brilliant AI and Data Science professionals every year. With the right effort, you can land in top companies, earn high salaries, and even build a career abroad.
So don’t limit yourself. Choose the right college, stay motivated, and work hard. The future of technology is waiting for you!
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