Tier-2 Engineering Colleges With Top Placements

For most engineering aspirants in India, the ultimate goal is a coveted seat in a Tier-1 institution—the top IITs, NITs, and a handful of other elite colleges. While this dream is worth pursuing, a narrow focus on this top bracket often eclipses a crucial fact: a successful, high-paying engineering career can be launched from a much wider array of institutions.

There exists a robust category of "Tier-2" colleges that serve as powerhouses of opportunity. These are well-established, highly-reputed institutions that, while not having the same sky-high entrance cut-offs as the IITs, punch significantly above their weight in placements. They have cultivated strong industry linkages, modernised their curricula, and consistently deliver graduates who are snapped up by top companies with impressive salary packages. For the smart aspirant, these colleges represent incredible value and a direct path to success.

Before diving into the list, it's important to understand this category. A "Tier-2" college is not a second-rate institute. It typically refers to:

These colleges stand out because their placement statistics, particularly the average salary packages and the quality of recruiters, are often comparable to, or even better than, many Tier-1 institutions.

With a rich legacy spanning over six decades, Thapar Institute, a deemed-to-be university, is one of the most respected engineering colleges in North India. It has consistently maintained high academic standards and has built a formidable reputation among recruiters.

Thapar's placement record is a testament to its quality. For the 2024 graduating batch, the overall average package stood at a remarkable ₹11.90 LPA, with the highest offer touching ₹55.75 LPA. The institute attracts a wide array of top companies, including Amazon, J.P. Morgan, Deloitte, CISCO, and IBM, who recruit in large numbers. This consistent performance makes Thapar a safe and lucrative bet for any engineering student.

Established in 1854, COEP is one of the oldest and most respected engineering colleges in Asia. Its recent transition into a full-fledged technological university has further enhanced its autonomy and prestige. Its biggest draw is the incredible return on investment (ROI), offering top-tier education at highly subsidised government fees.

COEP has always been a favourite hunting ground for recruiters due to its strong emphasis on engineering fundamentals. For its 2023 pass-outs, the average salary package was an impressive ₹11.35 LPA, with the highest package reaching ₹50.50 LPA. It has a strong record in core engineering branches like Mechanical and Electrical, alongside outstanding placements in Computer and IT streams, with companies like Microsoft, Google, and Bajaj Auto recruiting regularly.

VIT Vellore is renowned for its highly organised and efficient placement process that manages a massive student intake with incredible success. As an Institute of Eminence, it has built a system designed to maximise recruitment opportunities for every student.

The scale of placements at VIT is staggering. For the 2024 batch, the university recorded over 3,300 "Super Dream" offers (CTC > ₹10 LPA) and an overall average package of ₹9.90 LPA. The highest package offered stood at ₹88 LPA. National records are often set here for the highest number of offers from a single company (like TCS). This well-oiled placement machine ensures that students have access to a vast number of recruiters and job profiles.

A constituent of the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), MIT Manipal is known for its excellent infrastructure, international outlook, and vibrant campus life. It attracts students from across India and the world, creating a diverse and competitive environment.

MIT Manipal's placements rival the best in the country. For the 2024 graduating batch, the average package was ₹10.49 LPA, with the highest offer at ₹51.03 LPA. More impressively, the average package for the top 100 offers stood at ₹21.46 LPA. Top-tier companies like Microsoft, Adobe, and Amazon are regular recruiters, ensuring that Manipal graduates are well-positioned for high-growth careers.

Established as a public-private partnership, LNMIIT has quickly carved out a niche for itself as a premier institution for Computer Science and related fields. With a smaller intake and a focused curriculum, it has cultivated an environment of academic excellence that punches well above its weight.

LNMIIT's placement statistics are exceptional and often outperform many established NITs. For the 2025 graduating batch (as of June 2025), the overall average package is a stunning ₹13.73 LPA, with a highest offer of ₹1.24 Crore. The placement percentage is consistently above 90%. It attracts top tech recruiters like Google and Microsoft, making it one of the best choices in India for students focused on a career in technology.

While the allure of a Tier-1 tag is strong, a successful engineering career is ultimately built on skills, knowledge, and opportunity. The institutions listed above prove that top-tier placements are not the exclusive domain of the IITs and top NITs. By looking at a college's placement track record, industry connections, and academic environment, students can make a smart choice that guarantees a fantastic launchpad for their professional journey.