Introduction
The Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST), Shibpur stands as one of India’s earliest and most prestigious engineering institutes. If we go by the year the institution was started, IIEST is the third-oldest engineering college in India.
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 achieved a rank of #54 in the Engineering category, while also ranking 4th in Architecture and Planning, demonstrating strong performance across core 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:
The admission to all UG programmes is done through the JEE-main examinations, with candidates selected via the national counselling process (JoSAA/CSAB).
Conclusion
If you’re aiming for a premier engineering education with historical legacy and academic excellence, start your journey today by appearing for the JEE Main exam, the gateway to earning a B.Tech or B.Arch seat at IIEST Shibpur.
As one of India’s oldest and most respected engineering institutions, IIEST Shibpur combines a rich heritage with modern academic rigor and national recognition. Its strong focus on research, diverse engineering programmes, and competitive placement outcomes make it a compelling choice for students aspiring to build a future in technology and innovation.
