Difference Between IT and CSE: Course Fee, Top Colleges & NIRF Rank

Explore the difference between IT and CSE including course fee, top colleges, NIRF rankings, and career scope to choose the right path.

Jun 18, 2025 - 12:17
Jun 18, 2025 - 12:18
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Difference Between IT and CSE: Course Fee, Top Colleges & NIRF Rank
IT vs CSE

Difference Between IT and CSE: Having an engineering course and getting interested in the growing sphere of technology, two especially famous directions, of such a course, may fall into the focus of potential students Information Technology (IT) and Computer Science Engineering (CSE). These two fields are both career-promising, market demand, and high exposure to new technologies. Nonetheless, they do not coincide with each other. The distinction between IT and CSE is an essential concept to learn so as to make a clear decision about academically relevant paths and career choices.

The paper investigates the difference between IT and CSE in the syllabus, area of concentration in terms of job opportunities, areas of specialization, and the future of this education.

Check this: IIT Madras CSE 2025 Cutoff

Difference Between IT and CSE

Feature 

CSE 

IT 

Full Form 

Computer Science Engineering

information technology

Core Subjects

OS, Algorithms, DBMS, Networks, AI. 

Web Tech, Security, Cloud, IT Services, and Networking 

Difficulty Level

Considered more rigorous and high-level maths 

In comparison, easier and more practical. 

Programming Level  

In-depth, High-level to low-level languages.

Focus on the application level, Programming, and script.

Industry Application 

Data Science, and research, software developer.

IT support, Software services, and infrastructure. 

Career Goal 

System Architect,  ML Engineer, and Software Engineer.

IT Consulate, Network Engineer, and system admin.

Job Domain 

R&D, Startups, and Tech giants (e.g., Google, Microsoft)

E-commerce, IT Services, Corporates, and Banks.

What is Computer Science Engineering (CSE)?

Computer Science Engineering (CSE), is one branch of engineering and it is concerned with designing, developing as well as maintaining computer software and hardware. It is directed to the theoretical background of computing and practical programming and system architecture.

Key domains in CSE include:

  • Machine Learning

  • Cybersecurity

  • Artificial Intelligence

  • Computer Networks

  • Algorithms and Data Structures

  • Operating Systems

What is Information Technology (IT)?

Information Technology (IT) is devoted to the use of computing technology in real-world processes. It entails the practice of managing data and information through the use of computers and software. It is more focused on installing, maintaining, and handling computer installations, networking, and administration of databases and systems of the enterprise.

Key topics in IT include:

  • Network Administration

  • Information Security

  • Database Management

  • Web Technologies

  • System Integration

  • Cloud Computing

  • Software Testing

  • IT Governance

Difference Between CSE vs IT Colleges in India with NIRF Rank

Though the two engineering fields-Information Technology (IT) and Computer Science Engineering (CSE) are amongst the most pursued engineering professions, CSE is the most common discipline where we get to see CSE dominating at the top scheduled positions of North Indian Ranking (NIRF) and IT is also a field of solidarity, it is present in lesser quantity of colleges, but still of major worth.

Top Colleges for CSE

Name Of College 

Course Fees

NIRF Ranking 

IIT Delhi 

3.75 Lakh 

1

IIT Bombay 

4 Lakh 

2

IIT Madras 

4 Lakh 

3

NIT Warangal 

5 Lakh 

19

NIT Durgapur 

6 Lakh 

19

SRM University Kattankulathur Campus

10 Lakh 

35

NIT Surathkal

8 Lakh 

9

Manipal Institute of Technology

14 Lakh 

55

Top Colleges for IT 

Name Of College 

Course Fees

NIRF Ranking 

NIT Surathkal

5 - 6  Lakh 

9

VIT Vellore

7 - 8 Lakh 

13

Jadavpur University

1 - 2 Lakh 

10

SRM University Kattankulathur Campus

8 - 10 Lakh 

28

IIIT Allahabad

5 - 6 Lakh 

25

PSG College of Technology

2 - 3 Lakh 

36

MIT Pune (COEP Tech)

3- 5  Lakh 

54

Read More: IIT vs NIT: Key Differences, Number of Institutes, Admission, Ranking & Cutoff

Conclusion 

IT and CSE are similar but differ in their level of study; orientation, and career. Fans are equipped with their CSE which is theory-intensive programming oriented with no issues to complex computing problems in nature. IT, however, is more practical and industry-based and is suited to people who like playing with systems and maintaining an organization in regard to its IT activity.

Both of these professions are great choices, and indeed your prosperity will be determined by your technique, capability to adjust and gain.

FAQs – Difference Between IT and CSE 

Q1. What is the main difference between IT and CSE?

Ans. CSE (Computer Science Engineering) subjects are fundamental programming, algorithms, AI, ML, operating systems, etc.

IT (Information Technology) is more concerned with networks, databases, cloud computing, and system management.

Q4. Which branch is offered in more IITs and NITs?

Ans. CSE is offered everywhere and everywhere with almost all the IITs, NITs, and IIITs.

         IT is restricted to a few NITs and state/private universities.

Q5. Does CSE have a better placement than IT?

Ans. Yes. CSE earns higher salary packages, particularly in product-based companies such as Google, Microsoft, and Amazon.

IT placements are also good, however, there are more positions in the area of network support, IT services, and systems administration.

Q7.Can I switch from IT to CSE or vice versa?

Ans. Yes, certain colleges do but after the first year based on academics, they are very competitive.

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