In the lap of the Arabian Sea coastline and Southwest India, Karnataka is a charming state in India that grabs the attention and countless visits of people for its lush greenery and enchanting wildlife. The state is regarded as one of the top holiday destinations where nature lovers can embrace endless fun. Beyond its natural beauty, Karnataka is a global education hub and the first state to implement the National Education Policy (NEP). As a result of this academic forwardness, there are esteemed Universities In Karnataka 2026 that serve as pillars for the nation’s “Silicon Valley” ecosystem.
Aspirants from various parts of India come to the state to get admitted to top colleges so they can embrace high-growth career opportunities in IT, Research, and Management. If you are willing to pursue your desired course at Karnataka’s top university, then our list of the best colleges and universities in Karnataka will help you find the most suitable institution for your future.
Besides the list of colleges, we have provided you with other details such as eligibility criteria, entrance exams, NIRF 2025 rankings, and typical fee structures.
Highlights!
- Admission Procedure & Entrance Exams – To check the ability of students, the state conducts the KCET (for Karnataka domiciles) and COMEDK UGET (for pan-India students). Other university-specific exams include PESSAT and MET. Once you score good marks and clear the cut-off, you can secure your seat in your desired field.
- Degrees and Courses Offered – There are more than 400 degrees offered in many fields such as Arts, Commerce, Business, Science, and Information Technology. The colleges offer Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Ph.D. programs.
- Total Universities in Karnataka – Karnataka is an educational powerhouse with over 70 Universities, including 30+ State Universities, 20+ Private Universities, and 14+ Deemed-to-be Universities.
- Silicon Valley Advantage – Studying in Bengaluru provides you with direct access to internships and placements in world-leading tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Infosys.
Top 10 Universities & Institutes in Karnataka (2026 Rankings & Placements)
Based on the latest academic excellence and industry feedback, here are the top 10 institutions that lead the way in Karnataka for 2026-27.
| Rank | Institution Name | NIRF 2025 Rank (Univ) | Approx. Annual Fee | Avg. Placement (LPA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indian Institute of Science (IISc) | #1 | ₹48,000 – ₹1.5L | ₹28.00 LPA |
| 2 | Manipal Academy of Higher Education | #3 | ₹2.8L – ₹5.5L | ₹11.75 LPA |
| 3 | NIT Karnataka (NITK) | #17 (Engg) | ₹1.2L – ₹2.5L | ₹12.80 LPA |
| 4 | IIIT Bangalore (IIIT-B) | #69 (Engg) | ₹4.5L – ₹6.5L | ₹24.00 LPA |
| 5 | JSS Academy of Higher Education | #21 | ₹1.1L – ₹2.7L | ₹9.54 LPA |
| 6 | Jain University | #62 | ₹2.5L – ₹5.8L | ₹7.00 LPA |
| 7 | Christ University | #63 | ₹1.8L – ₹4.5L | ₹4.46 LPA |
| 8 | Bangalore University | #65 | ₹10k – ₹80k | ₹5.00 LPA |
| 9 | Mysore University | #71 | ₹5k – ₹40k | ₹4.50 LPA |
| 10 | NITTE Deemed University | #80 | ₹2.5L – ₹4.5L | ₹8.00 LPA |
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria of institutes in Karnataka are based on educational background and qualifying scores:
- Undergraduate (UG): You must have completed Class 12th with a minimum of 45-60% marks, depending on the course and category.
- Postgraduate (PG): You must hold a valid UG degree with at least 50-60% aggregate marks.
KCET vs. COMEDK: Which One Should You Choose?
For engineering aspirants, the choice between these two exams is critical:
- KCET: This is a state-level exam restricted to Karnataka-domiciled students. It offers access to government-aided seats with highly subsidized fees.
- COMEDK: This exam is open to all Indian students. It provides access to a massive consortium of private engineering colleges across the state.
Typical Fee Structure (Approximate)
| College Type | Approx. Annual Fee (Engineering) | Approx. Annual Fee (Medical) |
|---|---|---|
| Government | ₹45,000 – ₹85,000 | ₹64,350 – ₹1,10,000 |
| Private (Govt Quota) | ₹1,15,000 – ₹1,30,000 | ₹1,50,000 – ₹12,00,000 |
| Private/Deemed | ₹2,50,000 – ₹5,50,000+ | ₹15,00,000 – ₹45,00,000+ |
NIRF Rankings & Campus Insights
According to the latest NIRF 2025 data, IISc Bangalore continues to hold the #1 position in the University category nationally. For a visual guide on the campus life and ranking methodology, you can watch this breakdown:
FAQs!
How many universities are there in Karnataka?
There are currently over 70 universities organized by the UGC in Karnataka, including state, private, and deemed-to-be institutions.
Which is the number 1 university in Karnataka?
The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, is consistently ranked #1 in the University category in India by NIRF.
Can a non-Karnataka student write KCET?
No, KCET is generally restricted to students with Karnataka domicile. Non-domicile students should apply via COMEDK.
The Last Note!
Many top Universities In Karnataka offer various reputed courses in fields such as Science, Arts, and IT. Apart from the list of institutes, we have provided details on eligibility and your career roadmap. Start your preparation today for the 2026 session!
Official Reference Links (E-E-A-T):
- NIRF India Rankings 2025 – University Category
- Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) Official Portal
- UGC Approved List of Universities in India
Tags:
- Best Universities In Karnataka
- Government Universities In Karnataka
- List Of Government Universities In Karnataka
- List Of Universities In Karnataka
- List Of Universities In Karnataka Pdf
- Top 10 Universities In Karnataka
- Top 5 University In Karnataka
- Top Universities In Karnataka
- Universities In Karnataka
