Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, is not only known for its scenic beauty and pleasant climate but is also home to several reputed engineering colleges. These institutions offer quality technical education along with serene learning environments. If you’re planning to pursue a B.Tech degree in Shimla, this detailed guide will help you choose the best college based on fees, cutoff, and placement records.
1. National Institute of Technology (NIT) Hamirpur (Near Shimla)
Although not in Shimla city itself, NIT Hamirpur is the top engineering institution in the region and is highly preferred by students from Shimla and Himachal Pradesh.
- Type: Government (Institute of National Importance)
- Established: 1986
- Entrance Exam: JEE Main + JoSAA Counseling
- Annual Fees: ₹1,49,000
- Cutoff (2024 – CSE): 97–98 percentile (Home State); 98+ percentile (Other State)
- Average Package: ₹11.2 LPA
- Highest Package: ₹52 LPA
- Top Recruiters: Amazon, Microsoft, Oracle, Infosys, Adobe
NIT Hamirpur is one of the top-ranked NITs in India with excellent infrastructure, research facilities, and placement opportunities.
2. Himachal Pradesh Technical University (HPTU), Hamirpur
While the university is headquartered in Hamirpur, it governs many engineering colleges in Shimla and other parts of the state.
- Type: State Government University
- Established: 2010
- Entrance Exam: HPCET / JEE Main
- Annual Fees: ₹80,000 – ₹1,00,000
- Cutoff (HPCET Rank): 150–500 (CSE), 500–1000 (Other branches)
- Average Package: ₹3.8 LPA
- Top Recruiters: TCS, HCL, Tech Mahindra
HPTU is the affiliating university for several engineering colleges in Shimla and provides a regulated academic structure.
3. Rajiv Gandhi Government Engineering College (RGGEC), Kangra
- Type: Government College
- Established: 2014
- Entrance Exam: JEE Main (through HPTU counseling)
- Annual Fees: ₹35,000 – ₹45,000
- Cutoff (JEE Main Percentile): 65–75 (CSE)
- Average Package: ₹4.2 LPA
- Top Recruiters: Infosys, Wipro, Cognizant
RGGEC is one of the top state-run colleges near Shimla that offers cost-effective engineering education.
4. Bahra University, Waknaghat (Near Shimla)
- Type: Private University
- Established: 2011
- Entrance Exam: JEE Main / Direct Admission
- Annual Fees: ₹1,20,000
- Cutoff: 60–70% in 12th boards or 60 percentile in JEE Main
- Average Package: ₹4.5 LPA
- Top Recruiters: Byju’s, Zycus, Infosys, Tech Mahindra
Bahra University is well-known in the private sector for offering engineering programs in Computer Science, Mechanical, Civil, and ECE.
5. AP Goyal Shimla University
- Type: Private University
- Established: 2012
- Entrance Exam: Direct Admission / JEE Main (Preferred)
- Annual Fees: ₹85,000
- Cutoff: Minimum 50% in PCM in 12th
- Average Package: ₹3.2 LPA
- Top Recruiters: Wipro, Dell, TCS, local startups
AP Goyal Shimla University is known for its cost-effective engineering programs and campus situated in the beautiful Shoghi hills, close to Shimla.
6. IEC University, Baddi (Nearby Option)
- Type: Private University
- Established: 2012
- Entrance Exam: Direct Admission / JEE Main
- Annual Fees: ₹95,000
- Cutoff: 50–60% in 12th PCM
- Average Package: ₹3.5 LPA
- Top Recruiters: IBM, HCL, Cognizant
Though located in Baddi (approx. 2.5 hours from Shimla), many students from the region prefer IEC due to its affordable fees and active placement cell.
Admission Process for Engineering Colleges in Shimla
✅ JEE Main
Most top colleges, including NIT Hamirpur and state government colleges, admit students based on JEE Main scores, followed by JoSAA or HPTU counseling.
✅ HPCET (Himachal Pradesh Common Entrance Test)
Conducted by HPTU for admissions to various state-affiliated engineering colleges.
✅ Direct Admission
Private universities like AP Goyal and Bahra University also offer direct admissions based on 12th-grade performance or JEE Main scores.
Cutoff Snapshot (2024)
| College | Branch | Expected Cutoff (JEE Main Percentile) | Fee (Per Year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NIT Hamirpur | CSE | 97–98 | ₹1.49 lakh |
| HPTU Colleges | CSE | 75+ | ₹85,000 |
| RGGEC Kangra | CSE | 70+ | ₹40,000 |
| Bahra University | CSE | 60+ | ₹1.2 lakh |
| AP Goyal University | CSE | 50+ | ₹85,000 |
| IEC University | CSE | 50+ | ₹95,000 |
Placement Overview
Although Shimla doesn’t have a large industrial belt, the presence of reputed universities, especially NIT Hamirpur, attracts big tech companies for campus placements. Private colleges are also increasingly focusing on industry tie-ups and employability skills.
Top Recruiters in Shimla Region:
- Infosys
- Wipro
- Cognizant
- Tech Mahindra
- Zycus
- TCS
- Dell
- Capgemini
FAQs – Engineering Colleges in Shimla
❓ Which is the best engineering college near Shimla?
NIT Hamirpur is the best, followed by Bahra University and RGGEC Kangra.
❓ Is NIT Hamirpur better than private colleges?
Yes. NIT Hamirpur ranks among the top engineering colleges in India and offers superior education, placements, and infrastructure.
❓ Are there any government engineering colleges in Shimla?
There are no direct government engineering colleges in Shimla city, but options like RGGEC and HPTU colleges are nearby and affordable.
❓ Can I get admission without JEE Main?
Yes, private universities like Bahra University and AP Goyal University offer direct admission based on 12th marks.
Conclusion
Shimla and its nearby regions offer a mix of government, state, and private engineering colleges suited to all types of students — from those aiming for IIT/NIT-level education to those seeking affordable B.Tech options. While NIT Hamirpur leads the list, private institutions like Bahra University and AP Goyal University ensure engineering remains accessible even for students with moderate scores.
Choose your college based on your entrance score, budget, and placement expectations. Always aim for colleges that offer practical exposure, industry tie-ups, and internship support.
- University Institute of Information Technology, Shimla
- Alakh Prakash Goyal Shimla University, Shimla
- Bells Institute of Management & Technology, Shimla
- Shoolini University, Shimla
- Bahra University, Shimla