Introduction
The Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST), Shibpur stands as one of India’s oldest engineering institutions. Established on 24 November 1856, it is the third-oldest engineering college in India by establishment, after IIT Roorkee (1847) and COEP Tech (1854). It also holds the distinction of being the second-oldest institution in the country to produce engineering graduates, making it an important milestone in India’s engineering education history.
Historical Legacy
The institute’s roots go back to 24 November 1856, when the Civil Engineering College was set up inside the Writers’ Building in Calcutta (now Kolkata) to train engineers for the Public Works Department under British rule. Soon after, when Calcutta University was established in 1857, the college became one of its first affiliated engineering institutions.
In 1880, the institution moved to its present site in Shibpur, Howrah, and was renamed Government College, Howrah. Over the years, it expanded its engineering disciplines, became fully residential by 1889, and in 1921 was renamed Bengal Engineering College (B.E. College).
The college continued to grow through the 20th century, adding Mechanical, Electrical, Metallurgical and other departments, before gaining Deemed University status in 1992, becoming Bengal Engineering and Science University in 2004, and finally being elevated to to become Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST) in India in 2014.
UG Programmes
In the NIRF 2025 Rankings, IIEST Shibpur secured #54 in the Engineering category and #4 in Architecture and Planning, reflecting its academic strength across engineering, architecture, and allied disciplines.
The institute’s academic structure supports interdisciplinary learning and research excellence, with 16 departments and 8 specialised schools covering engineering, architecture, and emerging areas of technology.
Undergraduate programmes offered at IIEST Shibpur include:
- B. Tech. (4 Years)
- B. Arch. (5 Years)
- Integrated B. Tech. – M. Tech (5 Years)
- Dual Degree (BS-MS, 5 Years) – Application link to be updated soon
Admissions
B.Tech., B.Arch., and Integrated B.Tech.-M.Tech. admissions are through JEE Main followed by JoSAA/CSAB counselling. Integrated BS-MS admissions are offered through both JEE Main (JoSAA/CSAB) and the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT), giving science-focused students an additional pathway into IIEST.
Conclusion
With nearly 170 years of academic excellence, IIEST Shibpur continues to be one of India’s premier destinations for engineering, architecture and science education. Its combination of rich heritage, strong research ecosystem, interdisciplinary programmes and national reputation makes it an excellent choice for students aspiring to careers in technology, innovation and scientific research.
If you have appeared for JEE Main 2026, consider including IIEST Shibpur among your preferred institutes during the JoSAA/CSAB counselling process. Students interested in the Integrated BS-MS programme should also explore admission through the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT). Before filling your choices, review the latest seat matrix, fee structure, and programme details on the official IIEST website to make an informed decision.
