Last Updated on September 20, 2024
Tier 2 Colleges in India refer to institutions that offer quality education, solid infrastructure, and good placement opportunities, though they may have different international recognition than Tier 1 institutions. These colleges cater to students from diverse backgrounds, providing vital academic programs at a more accessible level than Tier 1 institutions.
While there’s no globally accepted list of Tier 2 colleges, several institutions fall into this category based on their reputation, faculty, and student outcomes. This article will take a detailed look at Tier 2 colleges in India.
List of Top 20 Tier 2 Colleges In India
If you’re looking for a Tier 2 college that offers a blend of good education and campus facilities, the following institutions are among the best options in India:
| Rank | College Name | City | QS Ranking (2024) | NIRF Ranking (2024) |
| 1 | Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) | Vellore | 1001-1200 | 13 |
| 2 | SRM Institute of Science and Technology | Chennai | N/A | 43 |
| 3 | Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) | Manipal | 751-800 | 4 |
| 4 | Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham | Coimbatore | 801-850 | 7 |
| 5 | Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology & Research Academy (SASTRA) | Thanjavur | N/A | 47 |
| 6 | Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) | Bhubaneswar | 801-850 | 15 |
| 7 | Shiv Nadar University | Greater Noida | 751-800 | 95 |
| 8 | University of Hyderabad | Hyderabad | 651-700 | 17 |
| 9 | Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) | New Delhi | 701-750 | 3 |
| 10 | Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra | Ranchi | N/A | 90 |
| 11 | Chandigarh University | Chandigarh | 801-850 | 20 |
| 12 | Symbiosis International University | Pune | N/A | N/A |
| 13 | Jain University | Bengaluru | N/A | 101-150 |
| 14 | Lovely Professional University (LPU) | Jalandhar | N/A | 45 |
| 15 | Christ University | Bengaluru | N/A | N/A |
| 16 | National Institute of Technology (NIT), Durgapur | Durgapur | 1001-1200 | 93 |
| 17 | Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) | Mumbai | N/A | 56 |
| 18 | Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) | New Delhi | N/A | 65 |
| 19 | Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology | Chennai | N/A | 51 |
| 20 | Acharya Institute of Technology | Bengaluru | N/A | 80 |
What are the Different Entrance Exams Required for Indian Universities?
There are many tests that students will be required to appear if they wish to get admission to the top universities in India. Some of the entrance exams for tier 2 colleges in India are as follows:
1. CUET (Common University Entrance Test)
CUET is conducted for admission to various central universities in India. The exam is used to evaluate the students’ knowledge on many subjects like General Knowledge, Language Proficiency, and Subject specific topics, providing a standardized platform for undergraduate admissions across multiple universities.
2. JEE (Joint Entrance Examination)
JEE is a national-level entrance exam for engineering aspirants. The exam is mainly divided into two stages, JEE Main and JEE Advanced, it tests students in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics for admission to premier engineering institutes like IITs, NITs, and IIITs.
3. NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test)
NEET is a medical entrance exam for MBBS, BDS, and other related programs in India. It assesses students’ knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, serving as the primary gateway for admission to medical colleges across the country.
4. CAT (Common Admission Test)
CAT is an entrance test for admission to MBA programs in top management institutes like IIMs. It evaluates candidates on Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability, emphasizing aptitude and decision-making skills.
5. CLAT (Common Law Admission Test)
CLAT is an entrance exam for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate law programs at National Law Universities (NLUs). It tests candidates on subjects like English, Logical Reasoning, Legal Aptitude, General Knowledge, and Mathematics.
Tier 2 Colleges in India By Courses
Engineering Colleges in India
For students aiming to pursue engineering, here are the best Tier 2 Colleges in India that offer solid academic programs and placements:
| Rank | Name Of Tier 2 colleges in India | QS Ranking (2024) | Total Course Fee (B.Tech) | Entrance Exam |
| 1 | VIT Vellore | 1001-1200 | ₹8-9 Lakhs | VITEEE |
| 2 | SRM Institute of Science and Technology | N/A | ₹10-12 Lakhs | SRMJEEE |
| 3 | Manipal Institute of Technology | 751-800 | ₹15-17 Lakhs | MET |
| 4 | Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham | 801-850 | ₹7-9 Lakhs | AEEE |
| 5 | KIIT Bhubaneswar | 801-850 | ₹13-15 Lakhs | KIITEE |
| 6 | Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology & Research Academy (SASTRA) | N/A | ₹7-8 Lakhs | N/A |
| 7 | Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University | N/A | ₹9-11 Lakhs | BVP CET |
| 8 | Lingaya’s University | N/A | ₹8-10 Lakhs | N/A |
| 9 | Jaipur National University | N/A | ₹12-14 Lakhs | JNU Entrance Test |
| 10 | Galgotias University | N/A | ₹11-13 Lakhs | GEEE |
Management Colleges in India
Here’s a list of the best Tier 2 Colleges in India for management courses:
| Rank | Name Of Tier 2 colleges in India | QS Ranking (2024) | Total Course Fee (MBA) | Entrance Exam |
| 1 | Symbiosis International University | N/A | ₹18-22 Lakhs | SNAP |
| 2 | Manipal Academy of Higher Education | 751-800 | ₹14-16 Lakhs | CAT/GMAT |
| 3 | NMIMS (Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies) | N/A | ₹18-20 Lakhs | NMAT |
| 4 | Christ University | N/A | ₹5-6 Lakhs | CAT/MAT |
| 5 | Jain University | N/A | ₹7-9 Lakhs | CAT/MAT/XAT |
| 6 | Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMT) | N/A | ₹12-14 Lakhs | CAT/MAT |
| 7 | International School of Business & Media (ISBM) | N/A | ₹8-10 Lakhs | SNAP/CAT |
| 8 | Great Lakes Institute of Management | N/A | ₹14-16 Lakhs | GMAT/CAT |
| 9 | Institute of Management Technology (IMT) Ghaziabad | N/A | ₹12-14 Lakhs | CAT/GMAT |
| 10 | Amity Business School | N/A | ₹10-12 Lakhs | CAT/MAT |
Medical Colleges in India
For those interested in pursuing medical studies, here are the top Tier 2 Colleges in India:
| Rank | Name of Tier 2 Colleges in India | QS Ranking (2024) | Total Course Fee (MBBS) | Entrance Exam |
| 1 | Kasturba Medical College, Manipal | N/A | ₹50-60 Lakhs | NEET |
| 2 | JSS Medical College, Mysore | N/A | ₹25-30 Lakhs | NEET |
| 3 | Sri Ramachandra Medical College, Chennai | N/A | ₹35-40 Lakhs | NEET |
| 4 | Amrita School of Medicine, Kochi | N/A | ₹20-25 Lakhs | NEET |
| 5 | Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) | N/A | ₹45-50 Lakhs | NEET |
| 6 | Sree Balaji Medical College, Chennai | N/A | ₹30-35 Lakhs | NEET |
| 7 | Saveetha Medical College, Chennai | N/A | ₹40-45 Lakhs | NEET |
| 8 | Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Navi Mumbai | N/A | ₹50-55 Lakhs | NEET |
| 9 | Mahatma Gandhi Medical College, Indore | N/A | ₹25-30 Lakhs | NEET |
| 10 | Sardar Patel Medical College, Bikaner | N/A | ₹15-20 Lakhs | NEET |
Law Colleges in India
Here are the best Tier 2 colleges in India for law:
| Rank | Name of Tier 2 Colleges in India | QS Ranking (2024) | Total Course Fee (LLB) | Entrance Exam |
| 1 | Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia National Law University, Lucknow | N/A | ₹3-5 Lakhs | CLAT |
| 2 | National University of Study and Research in Law, Ranchi | N/A | ₹2-4 Lakhs | CLAT |
| 3 | Army Institute of Law (AIL), Mohali | N/A | ₹3-5 Lakhs | AILET |
| 4 | Chanakya National Law University, Patna | N/A | ₹2-4 Lakhs | CLAT |
| 5 | National Law School and Judicial Academy, Assam, Guwahati | N/A | ₹2-3 Lakhs | CLAT |
| 6 | National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Kochi | N/A | ₹3-5 Lakhs | CLAT |
| 7 | I.L.S. Law College, Pune | N/A | ₹1.5-3 Lakhs | CLAT |
| 8 | National Law University, Shimla | N/A | ₹2-4 Lakhs | CLAT |
| 9 | Symbiosis Law School, Pune | N/A | ₹6-8 Lakhs | SLAT |
| 10 | Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University New Law College, Pune | N/A | ₹1.5-3 Lakhs | CET |
Scholarships for Tier 2 Colleges in India
Here are some of the scholarships available to help students pursuing education at Tier 2 colleges in India:
| Scholarship Name | Eligible Courses | Eligibility Criteria | Benefit Amount |
| Central Sector Scholarship Scheme | B.Tech, B.Sc., B.Com | Family income < ₹8 lakh, good academic performance | ₹10,000 – ₹20,000 annually |
| Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme | Professional courses (Engineering, Medical, etc.) | Children of ex-servicemen/widows, min 60% in previous exams | ₹30,000 – ₹36,000 per year |
| Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship | B.Tech, BBA, BA, B.Sc. | Financial need, good academic record | ₹500 – ₹2,500 per month |
| LIC Golden Jubilee Scholarship | Undergraduate courses | Family income < ₹1 lakh, min 60% in Class 12 | ₹20,000 annually |
| INSPIRE Scholarship | B.Sc., M.Sc. in natural and basic sciences | Top 1% in Class 12, pursuing science | ₹80,000 annually |
| National Scholarship Scheme (SC/ST) | Any professional course | SC/ST students with financial need | Full tuition fee waiver |
| ONGC Scholarship (SC/ST) | Engineering, MBBS, MBA, Geology | SC/ST students, min 60% in previous academic year | ₹48,000 annually |
| MOMA Scholarship (Minority Communities) | Professional and technical courses | Minority communities, family income < ₹2.5 lakh | ₹25,000 – ₹30,000 annually |
| ONGC Scholarship (OBC) | Engineering, MBA, Medicine | OBC students, good academic record, financial need | ₹48,000 annually |
| Aditya Birla Scholarship | Engineering, Management | Outstanding academic performance from top colleges | ₹1 lakh annually |
Difference Between Tier 1 and Tier 2 Colleges in India
Tier 1, in the case of India, refers to the best institutions in India, known for academic excellence, excellent faculty, and world-class infrastructure. IITs, IIMs, NITs – these are some of the examples of tier 1 colleges in India. It includes colleges with a higher global ranking, better research facilities, and excellent placements. The admission process is highly competitive, often requiring the highest marks in entrance tests such as JEE or CAT.
While Tier 2 colleges in India, such as VIT, SRM, and Manipal, provide a better education infrastructure, they are not international bodies of prestige or reputation and have less stringent cutoffs and entrance exam requirements for entry into the respective institutions. To that effect, the Tier 2 colleges are known to provide quality education and promising career opportunities despite lesser research facilities and industry connections than the Tier 1 colleges. Overall, they offer safe programs and could be an option for students seeking better ones which could be more competitive.
Final Insights
Tier 2 colleges in India provide quality education, solid infrastructure, and competitive placement opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds. Top Tier 2 colleges include VIT Vellore Institute of Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, and more. They offer solid academic programs and placements in engineering, such as B.Tech, MBA, MBS, and LLB. Medical students can find top Tier 2 colleges like Kasturba Medical College, JSS Medical College, and Amrita School of Medicine. Scholarships available for Tier 2 colleges include the Central Sector Scholarship Scheme, Prime Minister’s Scholarship, and ONGC Scholarship. These colleges often provide more accessible education with solid infrastructure and industry connections. Whether aiming for engineering, management, law, or medicine, Tier 2 institutions can help you build a promising career.
FAQs
What are Tier 2 Colleges in India?
Tier 2 colleges in India are institutions that offer good academic programs and infrastructure but lack the global recognition of Tier 1 colleges. They still provide quality education and competitive placements.
Are Tier 2 Colleges in India worth it?
Yes, Tier 2 colleges in India provide solid academic foundations, excellent infrastructure, and strong placement opportunities, making them a viable option for many students.
How are Tier 2 Colleges different from Tier 1 Colleges?
Tier 1 colleges are globally recognized with elite infrastructure and placements. Tier 2 colleges offer good education and placements but lack the same level of international standing.
Is VIT a Tier 2 college?
VIT is considered a Tier 2 college due to its strong infrastructure, good placement rates, and quality academic programs.
Which are some top Tier 2 colleges in India?
Some of the top Tier 2 colleges in India include Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), SRM Institute of Science and Technology, and Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham. These institutions offer quality education and good placement opportunities.
Do Tier 2 colleges in India offer good placements?
Yes, many Tier 2 colleges in India provide strong placement opportunities in reputed companies, with students often securing jobs in top industries. Their placement cells work closely with industry leaders to ensure students get good offers post-graduation.
Can I get into a Tier 1 college after studying in a Tier 2 college?
Yes, students from Tier 2 colleges can pursue higher education or research in Tier 1 colleges. With a strong academic record and relevant entrance exams, they can transition to Tier 1 institutions for postgraduate programs or research.
Are Tier 2 colleges in India recognized internationally?
While Tier 2 colleges may not have the global recognition of Tier 1 institutions, many still have collaborations with international universities and offer exchange programs, allowing students to gain global exposure and credentials.
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