Personally, I do not like rankings. One interesting teacher, even from a remote college, may transform your life. Think of this list as alternatives to Indian Statistical Institute and Chennai Mathematical Institute's excellent undergraduate programs.
Part of the historical remarks was created using LLM.
Mathematics has once again become a highly sought-after subject in the age of artificial intelligence. Some Indian colleges and universities offer great math programs. This list is largely dependent on the input gathered from our students and our analysis of the research output from the faculty members.
This is not a ranking. The institutes are mentioned alphabetically.
At the final section of this article we also discuss the next steps if you are interested in a research career in mathematical sciences.
Located in Pilani, Rajasthan, BITS Pilani is a premier institution recognized for its strong emphasis on engineering and sciences, with a notable mathematics program as part of its interdisciplinary approach. Established in 1964, BITS Pilani has grown to become one of India’s most respected private universities. For admission into its undergraduate programs, BITS conducts the BITSAT exam, a rigorous entrance test designed to identify students with high academic aptitude.
BITSAT - Link
The Chennai Mathematical Institute (CMI), located in Tamil Nadu, is a specialized institute that excels in mathematics, theoretical computer science, and physics. Founded in 1989, CMI has established itself as a leader in theoretical research and attracts some of the brightest minds from across the country. CMI conducts its own entrance exam, aimed at students with strong mathematical and logical skills, making it highly selective and esteemed in the academic community.
Indian National Math Olympiad awardees are directly invited to interviews.
CMI Entrance Exam - Link
Established in 1885, Fergusson College is one of India’s oldest educational institutions, known for its tradition of academic excellence. Situated in Pune, Maharashtra, it offers a solid undergraduate program in mathematics and other sciences. Admission to Fergusson College is primarily merit-based, with students selected based on qualifying exams. The college’s historical legacy and commitment to quality education make it a top choice in the region.
Hindu College, affiliated with the University of Delhi, is celebrated for its strong programs in both sciences and humanities, including a distinguished mathematics department. Established in 1899, it is one of Delhi’s oldest and most respected colleges. Admission to the mathematics program at Hindu College is through the Common University Entrance Test (CUET), which is highly competitive and attracts talented students from all over India.
Located in Bangalore, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) is an advanced research institution known globally for its contributions to scientific and mathematical research. Established in 1909, IISc offers a unique and rigorous undergraduate program in mathematics, admitting students primarily through JEE exams. IISc’s focus on research-driven education makes it a prime destination for students with a strong interest in scientific research.
IISER Bhopal, part of the IISER network, is dedicated to integrating research with undergraduate education. Established in 2008 in Madhya Pradesh, IISER Bhopal offers a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with admission through IISER’s own aptitude test, or JEE. It has quickly developed a reputation for excellence in the sciences, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies.
IISER Aptitude Test - Link
Founded in 2006, IISER Kolkata in West Bengal is a leading institute for science education and research, with a respected mathematics department. Known for its innovative curriculum that emphasizes research from an undergraduate level, IISER Kolkata admits students via IISER aptitude tests or JEE. Its focus on holistic scientific training has made it a preferred choice for aspiring mathematicians and researchers.
Located in Punjab, IISER Mohali was established in 2007 with the goal of integrating high-quality education and research. The mathematics program at IISER Mohali is notable for its research-oriented approach, admitting students through IISER’s aptitude test and JEE. The institute is celebrated for fostering a research-intensive environment that prepares students for advanced studies.
IISER Pune, established in 2006 in Maharashtra, is known for its comprehensive science education with a strong emphasis on mathematics. IISER Pune follows the same admission routes as other IISERs, allowing students entry through JEE or IISER’s aptitude test. Its modern research facilities and focus on multidisciplinary education have placed it among India’s leading institutes for science education.
Located in the capital city of New Delhi, IIT Delhi is one of India’s premier engineering and technology institutes, offering a highly respected mathematics program as part of its undergraduate offerings. Established in 1961, IIT Delhi admits students to its mathematics courses through the JEE Advanced exam. The institute is known for its vibrant academic community and robust research output in mathematics and related fields.
IIT Kanpur, established in 1959 in Uttar Pradesh, is widely recognized for its engineering and science programs, including a competitive mathematics department. Undergraduate admissions to IIT Kanpur’s mathematics courses are through the JEE Advanced exam. The department’s focus on a blend of theoretical and applied mathematics makes it a highly sought-after program in India.
Situated in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, IIT Madras was founded in 1959 and is renowned for its technical and scientific research programs. The mathematics department at IIT Madras offers a robust curriculum and opportunities for research, admitting students via the JEE Advanced exam. Its collaborative environment and strong industry connections make it one of the top choices for mathematics students.
Located in Powai, Mumbai, IIT Bombay is another top-tier institution that offers an excellent undergraduate program in mathematics. Founded in 1958, it admits students through the JEE Advanced exam, and its mathematics department is known for its strong theoretical foundation and research opportunities. IIT Bombay’s vibrant campus life and academic rigor attract some of the country’s brightest students.
With its main campus in Kolkata, the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) is a world-renowned institute for mathematics, statistics, and computer science. Established in 1931, ISI offers specialized mathematics and statistics programs and admits students through its own challenging entrance test followed by an interview. ISI’s rigorous training and research opportunities make it highly respected in the mathematical community.
Indian National Math Olympiad awardees are directly invited to interviews.
ISI Entrance Exam - Link
Loyola College, located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is one of India’s premier institutions under the University of Madras. Founded in 1925, Loyola is known for its rigorous mathematics program, attracting students based on merit through state and national eligibility criteria. The college’s commitment to holistic education has consistently placed it among India’s top institutions.
Affiliated with the University of Calcutta, Narendrapur Ramakrishna Mission College in West Bengal offers a well-rounded mathematics program with a focus on ethics and spiritual values. Founded in 1960, it selects students based on merit, creating an environment of academic excellence rooted in the Ramakrishna Mission’s values.
Established in 1817, Presidency University in Kolkata has a legacy of academic excellence. Its mathematics department is well-regarded for its faculty and curriculum, admitting students through entrance exams. As one of India’s oldest educational institutions, Presidency combines historical significance with modern academic standards, making it highly respected in the mathematics community.
Presidency University Entrance - Link
Founded in 1917, Ramjas College in New Delhi is one of the oldest colleges under the University of Delhi. It offers a strong undergraduate program in mathematics, admitting students via the Common University Entrance Test (CUET). The college’s commitment to diversity and academic rigor has made it a popular choice for mathematics students.
CUET - Link
Located in Kolkata, St. Xavier’s College is an autonomous institution. It is is known for its holistic approach to education. Established in 1860, the college has a respected mathematics program, admitting students through entrance exams and merit-based criteria. St. Xavier’s legacy, combined with its focus on quality education, makes it one of the most prestigious institutions for mathematics in eastern India.
If you are interested in research in mathematical science, you may want to work toward a PhD Program, We usually suggest students to try for PhD outside India. There are some options inside the country but they are small in number.
Suggestion: I believe that National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar can also be included in the list. The School of Mathematical Sciences in NISER is decent as well, like IISER Mohali and Bhopal. (I'm a student at NISER and I did summer project in IISER Bhopal hence drawing a comparison) I want to say this mainly because NISER is a research institute unlike many private institutions, hence it focuses towards research oriented learning.
(check: niser.ac.in)