List of Top Ranked Engineering Colleges in Karnataka with Placement and Fees
Karnataka remains a magnet for engineering aspirants in 2025, with its vast spectrum of NIRF-ranked universities, industry-oriented private colleges, and government institutions. This curated resource empowers JEE and KCET candidates with verified data on top engineering colleges in Karnataka, including rankings, fees, entrance tests, and placements—ideal for comparing government, deemed, and private BTech options across leading cities like Bangalore, Manipal, Mysuru, and Dharwad.
Top 10 Engineering Colleges in Karnataka – NIRF 2025
Leading the 2025 NIRF rankings, NIT Surathkal maintains its position as the best engineering college in Karnataka. Top institutions in the state include MIT Manipal, IIIT Bangalore, MS Ramaiah Institute of Technology, and IIT Dharwad. These colleges excel in faculty expertise, infrastructure, and high placement rates.
| College Name | Location | Type | NIRF Rank 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| NIT Surathkal | Surathkal | Government | 17 |
| MIT Manipal | Manipal | Private | 56 |
| Visvesvaraya Technological University | Belagavi | Government | 69 |
| IIIT Bangalore | Bangalore | Private | 74 |
| MSRIT Bangalore | Bangalore | Private | 75 |
| Christ University | Bangalore | Private | 93 |
| Jain University | Bangalore | Private | 95 |
| RVCE Bangalore | Bangalore | Private | 99 |
| SIT Tumkur | Tumkur | Private | 100 |
| IIT Dharwad | Dharwad | Government | 101-151 |
Branch-Wise & Entrance-Focused Engineering Options
Most top engineering colleges in Karnataka offer highly sought-after branches like Computer Science, Mechanical, Civil, Electronics & Communication, and more. Admission to these is primarily through KCET, COMEDK UGET, JEE Main, MET, or university-specific tests. Each entrance exam has its unique cutoff trends, especially for competitive CSE admissions at campuses such as RVCE Bangalore, BMSCE, MSRIT, and NIT Surathkal.
Top Private Engineering Colleges in Karnataka (with Fees & Exams 2025)
Karnataka features several leading private engineering colleges combining strong placement support and academic excellence. The following table compares notable private institutes, their fees, and accepted entrance exams for 2025 aspirants.
| College Name | Fees (BTech Total) | Entrance Exam |
|---|---|---|
| BMSCE Bangalore | ₹88,240 | COMEDK UGET, KCET |
| MIT Manipal | ₹19,48,000 | MET |
| MSRIT Bangalore | ₹4,80,000 | COMEDK UGET, KCET |
| RVCE Bangalore | ₹3,86,000 | COMEDK UGET, KCET |
| SIT Tumkur | ₹4,02,000 | COMEDK UGET, KCET |
For more detailed fee structures and scholarships, students should check specific college admissions pages and connect with faculty during counseling rounds. Vedantu experts also share regular updates on the engineering admission process in Karnataka.
Top Government BTech Colleges in Karnataka (2025 Intake)
Students aiming for affordable yet prestigious BTech programs should consider these top government engineering colleges in Karnataka. Admissions mainly occur via JEE Advanced, JEE Main, KCET, or GATE for MTech.
| College Name | Fees (BTech Total) | Entrance Exam |
|---|---|---|
| IIT Dharwad | ₹9,29,000 | JEE Advanced, GATE |
| NIT Surathkal | ₹5,72,000 | JEE Main, GATE |
| Visvesvaraya Technological University | ₹88,240 | COMEDK UGET, KCET |
| IIIT Bangalore | ₹2,85,000 | GATE |
| UVCE Bangalore | - | KCET |
Placement Outcomes & Median Packages in Leading Karnataka Engineering Colleges
Top colleges such as IIIT Bangalore, IIT Dharwad, and NIT Surathkal offer outstanding placement opportunities. Median salary packages reflect strong campus recruitment by leading IT, core, and analytics companies. Here's a comparison of placement packages:
| College Name | Median Salary (INR) |
|---|---|
| IIIT Bangalore | ₹24,94,000 |
| IIT Dharwad | ₹14,13,000 |
| NIT Surathkal | ₹12,84,000 |
| MIT Manipal | ₹8,00,000 |
| MSRIT Bangalore | ₹6,15,000 |
Colleges in Bengaluru region report particularly high placement rates for CSE, ECE, and IT profiles, leveraging the state's tech ecosystem. Placement data is reviewed by expert counselors and aligned with official college disclosures yearly.
Cut-Off Trends for Computer Science 2025 – Top Karnataka Colleges
Computer Science is the top preferred branch. Below are the KCET closing ranks in 2025 for top colleges in Karnataka for BTech CSE:
| College Name | KCET Cut-Off Rank (CSE) |
|---|---|
| RVCE Bangalore | 1314 |
| UVCE Bangalore | 3018 |
| MSRIT Bangalore | 3317 |
| BMSCE Bangalore | 3361 |
| NMAM Institute of Technology | 4065 |
How to Get Admission in Karnataka Engineering Colleges – 2025 Route
Admission procedures typically involve the following steps for BTech aspirants in 2025:
- Appear for required entrance exams: KCET, COMEDK UGET, JEE Main, or university tests (e.g., MET).
- Participate in counselling: Register and fill preferences during the official state or university round.
- Seat allotment is based on merit, preferences, and reservation category.
- Confirm admission by paying the fees and submitting verification documents.
Explore More Engineering College Options
Comparing colleges across states helps in making the right BTech decision. Aspirants can explore additional guides:
Also read: Top Engineering Colleges in Andhra Pradesh
Also read: Top Engineering Colleges in Tamil Nadu
Go deeper into Karnataka: Top Engineering Colleges in Bangalore
Why Karnataka Remains a Top BTech Destination in 2025
Karnataka’s engineering education combines academic rigour, AICTE and UGC recognition, and strong campus recruitment. The state’s colleges benefit from tech industry support, leading to top NIRF ranks and outstanding student outcomes. From BTech CSE to AI, Karnataka attracts bright minds eyeing placements and a future-ready curriculum, with officers and educators verifying every admission update. For the latest JEE or KCET guidance, Vedantu provides counseling and exam support hand-in-hand with experienced mentors.
FAQs on Karnataka's Best Engineering Colleges: 2025 Guide for Students
1. Which are the top engineering colleges in Karnataka?
The top engineering colleges in Karnataka include institutions ranked highly in NIRF and known for excellent placements. Some of the best are IIT Dharwad, NIT Surathkal, RV College of Engineering (Bangalore), PES University (Bangalore), Manipal Institute of Technology, BMS College of Engineering, MS Ramaiah Institute of Technology, IIIT Bangalore, Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering, and SJCE Mysore. These colleges offer top BTech specializations and have good placement records.
2. What is the admission process for government engineering colleges in Karnataka in 2025?
Admission to government engineering colleges in Karnataka for 2025 is mainly through the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) and JEE Main. Candidates need to:
1. Appear for KCET (for most state colleges) or JEE Main (for NIT/IIT/IIIT).
2. Meet the cutoff ranks specified by the colleges based on exam scores.
3. Participate in the online counseling process (KCET or JoSAA).
4. Submit required documents and pay the admission fee after seat allotment.
3. What are the top 10 engineering colleges in Bangalore?
The top 10 engineering colleges in Bangalore (based on rankings, placements, and faculty) include:
- RV College of Engineering
- PES University
- BMS College of Engineering
- MS Ramaiah Institute of Technology
- IIIT Bangalore
- Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering
- Bangalore Institute of Technology
- Sir M. Visvesvaraya Institute of Technology
- New Horizon College of Engineering
- CMR Institute of Technology. These institutes are known for strong industry connections, high NIRF rankings, and diverse BTech courses.
4. Which city is best for engineering in Karnataka?
Bangalore is considered the best city for engineering in Karnataka due to its large number of top-ranked colleges, excellent infrastructure, and proximity to IT and tech industries. Other cities like Manipal, Mysore, and Dharwad also host renowned institutes with good academic environments. Students often prefer Bangalore for engineering studies because of better campus placements, internships, and exposure to industry projects.
5. How can I get admission to Karnataka engineering colleges through KCET?
Admission through KCET involves these steps:
1. Register and fill the KCET application form online.
2. Appear for the KCET exam and secure a valid rank.
3. Check cutoff ranks for your desired colleges and branches.
4. Participate in the KCET counseling process and select your colleges in preference order.
5. Complete document verification and pay admission fees upon seat allotment.
6. What is the fee structure for top private engineering colleges in Karnataka?
The fee structure for top private engineering colleges in Karnataka generally varies between ₹2 lakh to ₹4 lakh per year for tuition. Prestigious institutes like PES University, RV College of Engineering, and MS Ramaiah Institute of Technology have higher fees compared to government colleges. Additional costs may include hostel charges, which typically range from ₹50,000 to ₹1.2 lakh per year.
7. What is the difference between deemed and private engineering colleges in Karnataka?
Deemed universities are higher education institutions granted 'deemed to be university' status by the UGC, allowing greater academic flexibility and autonomy. Private engineering colleges operate under state universities’ regulations and offer courses affiliated with those universities. Deemed universities can set their own curriculum and fee structure, while private colleges must generally follow university guidelines.
8. Which entrance exams are accepted by top engineering colleges in Karnataka?
Karnataka’s top engineering colleges accept scores from:
- KCET (for state quota and state government colleges).
- COMEDK UGET (for most private colleges).
- JEE Main (for NIT Surathkal, IIIT Bangalore, and some select colleges).
Admissions are mostly through merit lists and online counseling.
9. Which engineering college has the best placement record in Karnataka?
NIT Surathkal leads in placement records among Karnataka colleges, with top recruiters like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and TCS visiting the campus. RV College of Engineering, BMSCE, MS Ramaiah, IIIT Bangalore, and PES University also consistently offer strong average packages (up to ₹24 LPA for top branches), high placement percentage, and numerous industry partnerships.
10. Are hostel facilities compulsory for first-year engineering students?
Hostel facilities are generally optional, but some colleges may make them compulsory for first-year students to ensure a smooth transition, better discipline, and campus engagement. It is best to check the specific hostel policy with your chosen college before admission.
11. Are scholarships available for non-Karnataka students in Karnataka engineering colleges?
Many engineering colleges in Karnataka offer scholarships based on merit, financial need, and entrance exam ranks. Non-Karnataka students can apply for:
- Merit-based scholarships provided by universities or private institutions.
- Central and state government scholarships if eligible.
- Special fee waivers, especially at deemed universities and private colleges.
12. Do NIRF rankings impact placements in Karnataka engineering colleges?
NIRF rankings enhance the reputation of a college, making it attractive to recruiters and students. While a high NIRF rank may bring more companies for placements and increase opportunities, actual placements depend on factors like student performance, branch, and industry trends. Thus, rankings are important but not the only factor affecting placements.
