The year 2025 saw an unmistakable shift in engineering education: AI and Data Science have gone from fringe electives to become full-fledged B.Tech programs across Indian premier institutes. With 11 IITs now offering dedicated AI/DS streams and IIITs expanding their offerings, this blog dives into the trend, round-wise cutoffs, and how things have evolved from 2024 to 2025. As a bonus, you’ll find a downloadable CSV and embeddable chart to support your blogging or counseling materials.
IITs Riding the AI/DS Wave
Just a few years ago, IITs offering a focused AI or Data Science B.Tech were rare. Fast forward to 2025, and three more IITs have jumped in, bringing the total to eleven institutions offering AI/DS programs.
| IIT | Program | First Offered | 2025 Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| IIT Hyderabad | B.Tech in AI | 2019 | 60 |
| IIT Kharagpur | B.Tech in AI & ML | 2021 | 40 |
| IIT Guwahati | B.Tech in DS & AI | 2021 | 40 |
| IIT Patna | B.Tech in AI & DS | 2022 | 50 |
| IIT BHU | B.Tech in AI | 2022 | 60 |
| IIT Indore | B.Tech in AI & DS | 2023 | 40 |
| IIT Roorkee | B.Tech in AI & DS | 2023 | 60 |
| IIT Mandi | B.Tech in AI | 2025 | 40 |
| IIT Ropar | B.Tech in AI & ML | 2025 | 50 |
| IIT Jodhpur | B.Tech in AI Systems | 2025 | 40 |
| IIT Delhi | B.Tech in Mathematics & Computing (AI track) | 2021 | 100 |
Most newer IITs are starting small—an effective strategy to maintain quality infrastructure and teaching standards.
IIITs Fueling the AI/DS Fire
IIITs, known for their nimbleness, are at the forefront when it comes to offering Data Engineering, AI, and ML undergraduate options. Here’s how their closing ranks are faring in 2025:
| IIIT | Program | 2025 Closing Rank (Round 6, Gen) | 2024 Closing Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| IIIT Hyderabad | CSE + AI | ~2,100 | ~2,400 |
| IIIT Gwalior | AI & DS | 12,800 | 14,250 |
| IIIT Nagpur | AI & ML | 15,250 | — (new) |
| IIIT Ranchi | Data Engineering | 16,900 | — (new) |
IIIT Hyderabad continues to attract top performers—its AI-integrated CSE program has tightened cutoff ranks noticeably.
2025 vs 2024: Round-Wise Closing Rank Shifts (Gen Category, Round 6)
| Institute | Program | 2025 Closing Rank | 2024 Closing Rank | Shift (Rank Gain) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IIT Hyderabad | AI | 670 | 720 | â–˛ 50 |
| IIT Kharagpur | AI & ML | 1150 | 1300 | â–˛ 150 |
| IIT Guwahati | DS & AI | 1420 | 1550 | â–˛ 130 |
| IIT BHU | AI | 1630 | 1820 | â–˛ 190 |
| IIT Roorkee | AI & DS | 1690 | 1800 | â–˛ 110 |
| IIT Mandi | AI (new) | 3210 | — | New |
| IIT Ropar | AI & ML (new) | 3480 | — | New |
| IIT Jodhpur | AI Systems (new) | 3620 | — | New |
Even brand-new AI programs at newer IITs are seeing respectable competition—with opening ranks in the 3000s, positioning them as solid mid-tier CSE alternatives.
What Round Patterns Reveal
- Rounds 1–3: Stiff competition in AI/DS tracks at established IITs as aspirants shuffle between traditional CSE and new AI options.
- Rounds 4–6: Smaller IITs and IIITs fill quickly, sometimes faster than standard ECE branches.
What This Means for Aspirants
- AI/DS is closing in fast on CSE. The gap in cutoff ranks is narrowing.
- New IITs like Mandi, Ropar, and Jodhpur are real contenders that offer quality-focused, AI-first learning environments.
- IIITs remain savvy options—especially IIIT Hyderabad for its competitive AI-CSE program, and Gwalior or Nagpur for newer AI entries.
Tip: Optimize Your JoSAA Preferences
For students hovering near cutoff thresholds, consider alternating CSE and AI/DS program choices—this strategy can maximize chances in both streams.
A Word on Smart Study Support
One platform that aligns perfectly with an aspirant's journey is jee-neet-solver — an AI-powered doubt solver with prior-year question practice and daily quizzes. It’s a smart choice if you're looking for concept clarity alongside admission strategies.
Final Thoughts
The AI/DS revolution in Indian undergrad tech education is not slowing—it’s accelerating. With 11 IITs now offering dedicated AI/DS B.Techs and IIITs expanding aggressively, the competitive landscape is shifting. Staying informed with the latest cutoff trends and program openings can make all the difference. This blog, CSV, and heatmap are designed to give you—and your readers—that edge.
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