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Bengaluru City University (Formerly Known as Bengaluru Central University) Admissions 2025

Public/Government|Estd. 1858

• Updated on 25 Nov, 2025 by Alshifa Taj

Bengaluru City University, a state public university established in 2017, is located in the heart of Bangalore, Karnataka. The university was formed following the trifurcation of Bangalore University and currently oversees 204 affiliated colleges, 24 education colleges, and 9 autonomous colleges as of the 2019-20 academic year. BCU operates under the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) formulated by UGC and offers a comprehensive range of programs across Arts, Commerce, Science, Education, and Language disciplines at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. Notable affiliated institutions include Mount Carmel College, St. Joseph's College of Commerce, Government Science College, and Jyoti Nivas College. The university's motto "Be Boundless" reflects its commitment to providing accessible higher education across Bangalore's central districts. With Lingaraja Gandhi serving as Vice-Chancellor since April 2021, BCU continues to expand its academic offerings while maintaining quality standards through UGC-approved curricula and competitive admission processes.

 

Table of Contents
  1. Bengaluru City University (Formerly Known as Bengaluru Central University) Admission Deadlines
  2. Bengaluru City University (Formerly Known as Bengaluru Central University) UG Admission
  3. Bengaluru City University (Formerly Known as Bengaluru Central University) PG Admission
  4. Bengaluru City University (Formerly Known as Bengaluru Central University) PhD Admission
  5. Bengaluru City University (Formerly Known as Bengaluru Central University) Application Process

 

Bengaluru City University (Formerly Known as Bengaluru Central University) Admission Deadlines

Bengaluru City University admission deadlines vary across different programs and levels of study. For the 2025-26 academic session, undergraduate admissions typically commence in May-June 2025 and extend through July-August 2025 depending on the specific course and affiliated college. Postgraduate programs generally follow a similar timeline, with applications opening around June 2025 and closing by August 2025. The university conducts admissions in multiple phases to accommodate merit-based selections and entrance exam results. MBA admissions, which require entrance exam scores like Karnataka PGCET, KMAT, CAT, MAT, CMAT, XAT, or ATMA, usually have specific windows aligned with exam result announcements. PhD admissions are announced separately, typically twice a year in January-February and July-August cycles. Students are advised to regularly check the official university website and affiliated college portals for exact dates as these can vary by department and program.

 

Bengaluru City University (Formerly Known as Bengaluru Central University) UG Admission

Bengaluru City University undergraduate admissions for 2025-26 are primarily merit-based across most programs including BA, BSc, BCom, BBA, BCA, B.Des, BVA, BFA, BHM, B.Ed, and B.Voc courses. The university requires candidates to have completed Class 12 from a recognized board with aggregate percentages ranging from 35% to 60% depending on the specific program. For instance, BSc programs typically require 35-60% aggregate, BCom demands 50-55%, while BBA requires 45-55% in the qualifying examination. The application process is conducted online through the official BCU website, with an application fee typically ranging between INR 500-1,000. Total annual fees for undergraduate programs vary by course and affiliated college but generally range from INR 10,000 to INR 80,000 for government colleges and INR 40,000 to INR 2 Lakh for private affiliated institutions. Selection is based on merit lists published after application closure, and students must confirm admission by paying the course-specific fees within the stipulated timeline.

 

Bengaluru City University (Formerly Known as Bengaluru Central University) PG Admission

Postgraduate admissions at Bengaluru City University for 2025-26 follow both merit-based and entrance-based selection processes depending on the program. Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree with 50% aggregate marks from a recognized university for most PG programs including MA, MSc, MCom, MCA, MVA, M.Des, M.Ed, and MSW. The MBA program specifically requires entrance exam scores from Karnataka PGCET, KMAT, CAT, MAT, CMAT, XAT, or ATMA, making it one of the most competitive postgraduate offerings. Application fees for PG programs typically range from INR 800-1,500, while annual tuition fees vary considerably from INR 15,000 to INR 1.5 Lakh depending on the course and affiliated institution. The university releases merit lists based on qualifying exam marks and entrance test scores where applicable. MCA admissions may also consider relevant entrance exam scores in some affiliated colleges. The entire admission process is managed online through the official BCU portal, with document verification conducted at affiliated colleges after provisional selection.

 

Bengaluru City University (Formerly Known as Bengaluru Central University) PhD Admission

Bengaluru City University offers PhD programs across multiple disciplines including Arts, Science, Commerce, Education, and Social Sciences. The university conducts PhD admissions twice annually through entrance examinations followed by interviews for shortlisted candidates. Applicants must hold a master's degree with minimum 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC candidates) from a recognized university in the relevant discipline. The PhD entrance exam tests research aptitude, subject knowledge, and analytical skills, with candidates securing qualifying marks proceeding to the interview round. Application fees for PhD programs typically range from INR 1,000-2,000, while annual course fees vary between INR 20,000-60,000 depending on the department and whether the candidate is full-time or part-time. Candidates with UGC NET/JRF, SLET/SET, or equivalent qualifications may receive exemption from the entrance examination. The university allocates research supervisors based on faculty availability and research area alignment, with the total duration of the PhD program being 3-6 years.

 

Bengaluru City University (Formerly Known as Bengaluru Central University) Application Process

The Bengaluru City University application process for 2025-26 admissions is conducted entirely online through the official university website. Prospective students must first register by creating an account with valid email and mobile number, then proceed to fill the comprehensive application form with personal, academic, and program preference details. The application fee varies by program level, typically ranging from INR 500-1,000 for UG programs, INR 800-1,500 for PG programs, and INR 1,000-2,000 for PhD programs. Payment can be made through multiple modes including credit/debit cards, net banking, and UPI. After form submission, candidates must upload scanned copies of required documents including mark sheets, certificates, photographs, and category certificates where applicable. The university follows a multi-stage selection process involving merit list publication for most programs and entrance exam results for specific courses like MBA. Selected candidates receive provisional admission letters and must complete document verification at their chosen affiliated college within the specified timeframe to confirm enrollment.

  • Visit the official BCU website and click on the Admissions portal

  • Register with valid email ID and mobile number to create login credentials

  • Fill the online application form with accurate personal and academic details

  • Select program preferences and affiliated colleges in order of priority

  • Upload scanned documents including Class 10, Class 12 mark sheets, graduation certificates, photographs, and signature

  • Pay the application fee through online payment gateway

  • Submit the completed application form and download confirmation receipt

  • Track application status and merit list announcements on the portal

  • Complete document verification at the allocated college upon selection

  • Pay the admission fees to confirm enrollment

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