In India, an Institution of National Importance (INI) refers to a premier public higher education institution granted special status by an act of the Parliament of India.
Such institutions are recognized for their pivotal role in developing highly skilled personnel within a specified region of the country or state.
Institutes of National Importance enjoy special recognition, greater autonomy, and direct funding from the Government of India.
As of June 2024, there are 171 Institutes of National Importance under various Acts of Parliament.
These INIs include: 23 IITs, 20 AIIMSs, 21 IIMs, 31 NITs, 25 IIITs, 7 IISERs, 7 NIPERs, 5 NIDs, 3 SPAs, 2 NIFTEMs, 10 central universities, 4 medical research institutes, and 13 other specialized institutes.