Bengaluru City University (Formerly Known as Bengaluru Central University) is a state public affiliating university located in the heart of Bangalore, Karnataka. Established in 2017 after the trifurcation of Bangalore University, it carries forward the legacy of the historic Central College campus, which dates back to 1858. The university is recognized by the Government of Karnataka and UGC, and is affiliated with over 200+ colleges in Bangalore. With a student strength exceeding 30,000 across its affiliated and constituent colleges, BCU offers a wide array of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in arts, science, commerce, management, and education.
- Bengaluru City University (Formerly Known as Bengaluru Central University) Highlights
- Bengaluru City University (Formerly Known as Bengaluru Central University) Rankings
- Bengaluru City University (Formerly Known as Bengaluru Central University) Courses & Fees
- Bengaluru City University (Formerly Known as Bengaluru Central University) Admission Process
- Bengaluru City University (Formerly Known as Bengaluru Central University) Scholarships
- Bengaluru City University (Formerly Known as Bengaluru Central University) Campus & Facilities
- Bengaluru City University (Formerly Known as Bengaluru Central University) Placements
- Bengaluru City University (Formerly Known as Bengaluru Central University) Notable Alumni
Bengaluru City University (Formerly Known as Bengaluru Central University) Highlights
Established in 2017, BCU is a state public affiliating university situated on the iconic 43-acre Central College campus in Bangalore. The university is approved by the Government of Karnataka and UGC, and has a rich legacy spanning more than 160 years. It currently affiliates over 200+ colleges and supports a vibrant academic community with a diverse faculty base and notable programs in commerce, science, arts, and education.
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
Established |
2017 (Legacy since 1858) |
|
Type |
State Public Affiliating University |
|
Approvals/Accreditations |
UGC, Government of Karnataka |
|
Location |
Bangalore |
|
Student Intake / Strength |
30,000+ (including affiliated colleges) |
|
Faculty |
300+ (across university and constituent colleges) |
|
Flagship Program & Fees |
B.Com: INR 15,000–25,000 per year |
|
Entrance Exams |
Merit-based / University Entrance (PG) |
|
Official Website |
Bengaluru City University (Formerly Known as Bengaluru Central University) Rankings
BCU is a relatively new university and does not feature in major national rankings like NIRF or QS as of 2024. However, its affiliated colleges such as Mount Carmel College and St. Joseph’s College of Commerce are consistently ranked among the top in India by India Today and The Week.
|
Year |
Ranking Body |
Category |
Rank |
|
2024 |
India Today (Affiliated College: Mount Carmel College) |
Arts & Science Colleges |
Top 10 |
|
2024 |
The Week (Affiliated College: St. Joseph’s College of Commerce) |
Commerce Colleges |
Top 15 |
Bengaluru City University (Formerly Known as Bengaluru Central University) Courses & Fees
BCU offers a diverse portfolio of programs at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels through its campus and affiliated colleges. Popular courses include B.Com, BA, B.Sc, BBA, MA, M.Sc, M.Com, and PhD. Fees are highly affordable, with government-regulated rates for most programs.
|
Program |
Level |
Duration |
Eligibility |
Total Fees |
|
B.Com |
UG |
3 years |
10+2 (any stream) |
INR 45,000–75,000 |
|
BA |
UG |
3 years |
10+2 (any stream) |
INR 40,000–70,000 |
|
B.Sc |
UG |
3 years |
10+2 (Science) |
INR 50,000–80,000 |
|
BBA |
UG |
3 years |
10+2 (any stream) |
INR 50,000–90,000 |
|
MA |
PG |
2 years |
BA or equivalent |
INR 35,000–60,000 |
|
M.Sc |
PG |
2 years |
B.Sc or equivalent |
INR 40,000–70,000 |
|
M.Com |
PG |
2 years |
B.Com or equivalent |
INR 40,000–65,000 |
|
PhD |
Doctoral |
3–5 years |
Master’s degree + Entrance |
INR 30,000–50,000 |
Bengaluru City University (Formerly Known as Bengaluru Central University) Admission Process
Admissions to BCU’s programs are primarily merit-based for undergraduate courses, while postgraduate and doctoral programs may require entrance exams and interviews. The application window typically opens in May–June each year, with counseling and document verification following soon after.
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Application Window: May–June 2025
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Entrance Exams (if any): University Entrance for PG/PhD
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Selection Stages (GD/PI/WAT/etc.): Interview for PG/PhD
|
Step |
Details |
Indicative Timeline |
Documents |
|
Online Application |
Register and fill application on university portal |
May–June 2025 |
10th & 12th Marksheet, Photo, ID Proof |
|
Merit List / Entrance Test |
UG: Merit; PG/PhD: Entrance Test |
June–July 2025 |
Degree Certificates, Caste Certificate (if applicable) |
|
Interview / Counseling |
PG/PhD: Interview/Counseling |
July 2025 |
All Original Certificates |
|
Admission Confirmation |
Fee payment and document verification |
July–August 2025 |
Fee Receipt, Admission Letter |
Bengaluru City University (Formerly Known as Bengaluru Central University) Scholarships
BCU facilitates several scholarships for meritorious and economically weaker students, including state government schemes, SC/ST scholarships, and merit-based awards. Eligible students can apply online or through the university’s scholarship cell during the admission process.
|
Scholarship |
Eligibility |
Benefit |
How to Apply |
|
Karnataka State Post-Matric Scholarship |
SC/ST/OBC students |
Tuition fee waiver, stipend |
Apply via state scholarship portal |
|
Merit Scholarship |
Top 5% in qualifying exam |
Fee concession |
Apply at university office |
|
Minority Scholarship |
Minority community students |
Financial assistance |
Apply through university |
|
Single Girl Child Scholarship |
Single girl child in family |
Fee waiver |
Apply at admission |
Bengaluru City University (Formerly Known as Bengaluru Central University) Campus & Facilities
The university’s Central College campus in Bangalore spans 43 acres and is renowned for its heritage architecture, lush greenery, and modern amenities. Facilities include a well-stocked library, advanced laboratories, seminar halls, hostels, sports grounds, and robust transport connectivity.
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Library / Digital Resources: Central Library with 1,00,000+ volumes, e-journals, digital access
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Labs / Research Centres / Special Equipment: Science labs, computer centres, research wings
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Classrooms / Seminar Halls / Auditoriums: Smart classrooms, multiple seminar halls, heritage auditorium
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Hostel / Dining: Separate hostels for boys and girls, dining hall, mess facilities
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Sports / Gym / Grounds: Cricket ground, basketball court, gymnasium, indoor sports
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Connectivity / Transport: Located centrally, accessible via BMTC buses, Metro (Cubbon Park/Dr. Ambedkar station)
Bengaluru City University (Formerly Known as Bengaluru Central University) Placements
BCU’s affiliated colleges report strong placement records, especially in commerce, science, and management streams. Top recruiters include Infosys, Wipro, Deloitte, EY, and Tata Consultancy Services. The highest package for 2024 reached INR 12 LPA, with average packages in the range of INR 4–6 LPA.
|
Year |
Highest Package |
Average Package |
Median Package |
Top Recruiters |
|
2024 |
INR 12 LPA |
INR 4–6 LPA |
INR 4 LPA |
Infosys, Wipro, Deloitte, EY, TCS |
|
2023 |
INR 10 LPA |
INR 4–5 LPA |
INR 3.8 LPA |
Accenture, Cognizant, IBM |
Bengaluru City University (Formerly Known as Bengaluru Central University) Notable Alumni
BCU and its predecessor Central College have produced distinguished alumni who have contributed to academia, government, science, and industry. Alumni include Padma awardees, senior bureaucrats, and thought leaders.
|
Name |
Role / Achievement |
|
Dr. E.P. Metcalfe |
Former Principal, Central College; Educationist |
|
Prof. C.R. Narayana Rao |
Renowned Scientist; Former Faculty |
|
T.P. Issar |
IAS Officer; Former Registrar, Bangalore University |
|
John Guthrie Tait |
Physicist; Former Principal, Central College |
