Yes, NIT Calicut is better than VNIT and COEP. If you are getting your desired branch at NIT C go for it. It has better brand recognition and offers better placements and opportunities. NIT Calicut placements 2022 ended with an average CTC of INR 13 LPA. While the highest CTC offered was INR 67.6 LPA.
I have friends from all three of these institutes. Based on what I heard from them, I will say there is not much difference between NIT Calicut and VNIT, as per college reputation. If you are getting admission in your preferred branch at any of these three institutes then you should go for it. All three institutes have good reputations.
Here is a brief comparison of the institutes.
Parameters | NIT Calicut | VNIT | COEP |
Highest CTC | 49 LPA | 36 LPA | 39 LPA |
Average CTC | 11 LPA | - | 7 LPA |
Major recruiters | AutoNinja, Bosch, Nokia | Accenture, Capgemini, Deloitte | ABB, Bosch, Akash Institute |
A general ranking for the institutes will be NIT C>VNIT>COEP.