A n institute of technology (also: university of technology, polytechnic university, technikon, and technical university) is a type of university which specializes in engineering, technology, applied science, and sometimes natural sciences. In some countries, institutes of technology and polytechnic universities are well-defined categories; in others, such as the United States, they are simply names with no formal meaning.

The English term polytechnic appeared in the early 19th century, from the French ÉcolePolytechnique, an engineering school founded in 1794 in Paris. The French term comes from the Greek πολύ polú or polý meaning many and τεχνικός tekhnikós meaning arts.

In India there are many polytechnic institutes and colleges that offer a polytechnic education. In India a Diploma in Engineering is a specific academic award usually awarded in technical or vocational courses e.g. Engineering, Pharmacy, Designing, etc. These Institutions offer three year diploma in engineering post Tenth class. These institutes have affiliation from state bord of technical education of respective state governments. after which one can apply for post of junior engineer or continue higher studies by appearing for exams of AMIE to become an engineering graduate.