Looking for the top Engineering colleges in Karnataka in 2026? Karnataka has over 130+ engineering colleges. Top government institutes include NIT Surathkal, IISc Bangalore, IIT Dharwad, SJCE Mysore, PESCE , and leading private universities are IIIT Bangalore, IIIT Dharwad, Manipal Institute of Technology, PES University, MSRIT . These colleges offer B.E. / B.Tech, Ph.D. and other engineering programs. Admissions to these colleges are primarily conducted through exams such as JEE Main , GATE , JEE Advanced , KCET , MET .
When selecting the best engineering colleges in Karnataka, students should consider factors such as NIRF rankings, placement records, return on investment (ROI), location, faculty, and specializations. This guide highlights the top-ranked engineering colleges in Karnataka 2026 providing all key details on fees, placements, and entrance exams to help students make an informed choice.
Top Engineering Colleges in Karnataka 2026: Key Highlights
| Metric | Details |
| Total Colleges in Karnataka | 130+ |
| Top Exams Accepted | JEE Main , GATE , JEE Advanced , KCET , MET |
| Ownership | ~88% Private, ~12% Government |
| Top Recruiters | Infosys, IBM, Wipro, Cognizant, HCL |
| Average Fees | ₹ 10.4 K - ₹ 36.00 L |
| Average Placement | ₹ 2.40 L - ₹ 35.00 L |
Top Engineering Colleges in Karnataka by Rankings 2026
The NIRF 2025 is the most trusted ranking for engineering colleges in India, evaluating institutes on teaching, research, graduation outcomes, outreach, and perception. Below are the top 10 engineering colleges in Karnataka 2026 as per NIRF.
| College | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
| NIT Surathkal | 17 | 17 | 12 |
| Manipal Institute of Technology | 59 | 56 | 61 |
| IIIT Bangalore | 69 | 74 | 74 |
| MSRIT | 75 | 75 | 78 |
| IIT Dharwad | 77 | 101 | 93 |
| PES University | 101 | 101 | 101 |
| BMS College of Engineering | 151 | 151 | 101 |
Government vs Private Engineering Colleges in Karnataka 2026
Engineering aspirants in Karnataka can choose between government-funded institutes known for their affordability and high ROI, and private universities that offer modern infrastructure, global exposure, and multiple entrance options. The comparison below will help you determine which path best aligns with your academic and career goals.
Top Government Engineering Colleges in Karnataka 2026
| College | Avg Annual Fees (Total) | Entrance Exams | Average Placement Package | Median Placement Package | Highest Placement Package |
| NIT Surathkal | ₹ 1.85 L - ₹ 5.81 L | JEE Main, GATE | ₹ 12.50 L - ₹ 16.30 L | ₹ 12.50 L | ₹ 55.00 L |
| IISc Bangalore | ₹ 33.0 K - ₹ 8.15 L | JEE Main, GATE, JEE Advanced, KCET | ₹ 28.00 L | ₹ 28.00 L | ₹ 85.00 L - ₹ 86.00 L |
| IIT Dharwad | ₹ 52.5 K - ₹ 10.27 L | JEE Main, GATE, JEE Advanced | ₹ 12.60 L | ₹ 12.60 L | ₹ 52.00 L |
| SJCE Mysore | ₹ 45.0 K - ₹ 10.46 L | GATE, COMEDK UGET, KCET | - | - | - |
| PESCE | ₹ 84.3 K - ₹ 7.44 L | GATE, COMEDK UGET, KCET | - | - | - |
Top Private Engineering Colleges in Karnataka 2026
| College | Avg Annual Fees (Total) | Entrance Exams | Average Placement Package | Median Placement Package | Highest Placement Package |
| IIIT Bangalore | ₹ 24.3 K - ₹ 33.29 L | JEE Main, GATE, KCET | ₹ 24.00 L - ₹ 35.00 L | ₹ 25.70 L - ₹ 28.40 L | ₹ 38.00 L - ₹ 65.00 L |
| IIIT Dharwad | ₹ 19.68 L | JEE Main | ₹ 12.00 L | ₹ 12.00 L | ₹ 78.10 L |
| Manipal Institute of Technology | ₹ 3.92 L - ₹ 14.98 L | GATE, KCET, MET | ₹ 11.80 L | ₹ 11.80 L | ₹ 57.00 L |
| PES University | ₹ 1.90 L - ₹ 25.20 L | JEE Main, GATE, KCET | ₹ 12.00 L | ₹ 12.00 L | ₹ 68.00 L |
| MSRIT | ₹ 2.03 L - ₹ 10.46 L | JEE Main, GATE, COMEDK UGET, KCET | ₹ 7.70 L | ₹ 7.70 L | ₹ 48.00 L |
Top Trending Courses in Engineering 2026
Engineering in Karnataka offers a wide range of courses to match industry demand and student interest. The most popular fields include B.Tech.in Mechanical Engineering , B.Tech. in Computer Science and Engineering , B.Tech. in Civil Engineering . The table below highlights the top courses, their leading colleges, entrance exams, average fees, and placement packages.
| Course | Top Colleges | Entrance Exams | Average Fees (Total) | Average Package |
| B.Tech.in Mechanical Engineering | IIT Dharwad, Manipal Institute of Technology, PES University, NITTE Meenakshi Bangalore, Reva University Bengaluru | JEE Main, GATE, JEE Advanced, BITSAT, WBJEE | ₹ 10.5 K - ₹ 28.77 L | ₹ 2.00 L - ₹ 23.91 L |
| B.Tech. in Computer Science and Engineering | IIT Dharwad, IIIT Dharwad, Manipal Institute of Technology, PES University, Manipal Institute of Technology | JEE Main, GATE, JEE Advanced, BITSAT, WBJEE | ₹ 10.0 K - ₹ 28.60 L | ₹ 2.00 L - ₹ 52.32 L |
| B.Tech. in Civil Engineering | Manipal Institute of Technology, NITTE Meenakshi Bangalore, Reva University Bengaluru, Presidency University Bangalore, GSSS Institute of Engineering and Technology for Women | JEE Main, GATE, JEE Advanced, BITSAT, WBJEE | ₹ 10.0 K - ₹ 28.60 L | ₹ 2.00 L - ₹ 23.91 L |
| B.Tech.in Electronics and Communication Engineering | IIIT Bangalore, IIT Dharwad, IIIT Dharwad, Manipal Institute of Technology, PES University | JEE Main, GATE, JEE Advanced, BITSAT, WBJEE | ₹ 6.0 K - ₹ 28.60 L | ₹ 2.00 L - ₹ 27.30 L |
| M. Tech. in Computer Science and Engineering | NIT Surathkal, IISc Bangalore, IIIT Bangalore, Manipal Institute of Technology, MSRIT | JEE Main, GATE, JEE Advanced, BITSAT, WBJEE | ₹ 15.5 K - ₹ 12.10 L | ₹ 2.40 L - ₹ 28.00 L |
| Diploma in Mechanical Engineering | NITTE Meenakshi Bangalore, SHC TPT, Bearys Institute of Technology (BIT, Mangalore), JSS Polytechnic, PES Polytechnic College,Shivamogga | JEE Main, WBJEE, JEECUP, GUJCET | ₹ 1.8 K - ₹ 7.80 L | ₹ 1.00 L - ₹ 8.00 L |
| Diploma in Civil Engineering | NITTE Meenakshi Bangalore, PES Polytechnic College,Shivamogga, JSS Polytechnic, Siddaganga Polytechnic, Sanjay Gandhi Polytechnic College,Bellary | JEE Main, WBJEE, JEECUP, GUJCET | ₹ 1.8 K - ₹ 7.80 L | ₹ 1.00 L - ₹ 8.00 L |
| B.Tech. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering | IIT Dharwad, Manipal Institute of Technology, PES University, NITTE Meenakshi Bangalore, Sapthagiri NPS University | JEE Main, GATE, JEE Advanced, BITSAT, WBJEE | ₹ 10.5 K - ₹ 22.05 L | ₹ 2.28 L - ₹ 17.00 L |
| BTech in Electrical Engineering | IIT Dharwad | JEE Main, GATE, JEE Advanced, BITSAT, WBJEE | ₹ 34.6 K - ₹ 15.52 L | ₹ 2.00 L - ₹ 27.28 L |
| BTech IT | Manipal Institute of Technology, Rai Technology University | JEE Main, GATE, JEE Advanced, BITSAT, WBJEE | ₹ 34.6 K - ₹ 30.58 L | ₹ 2.00 L - ₹ 18.00 L |
Entrance Exams Accepted by Top Engineering Colleges in Karnataka 2026
Admission to the top Engineering colleges in Karnataka is primarily determined through national, institute-level, and state-level entrance exams.
| Exam | Top Accepting Colleges | Exam Date (2026) |
| JEE Main | IIT Dharwad, NITs, IIITs, IISc Bangalore, PES University, MSRIT | 21 Jan - 30 Jan 2026 |
| GATE | IIT Dharwad, NITs, IIITs, IISc Bangalore, Manipal Institute of Technology, PES University | - |
| JEE Advanced | IIT Dharwad, IISc Bangalore, Reva University Bengaluru, GITAM School of Technology, Bengaluru | - |
| KCET | NITs, IIITs, IISc Bangalore, PES University, MSRIT | - |
| COMEDK UGET | NITs, MSRIT, SJCE Mysore, JSS Science and Technology University | - |
| REVA CET | Reva University Bengaluru | - |
| AP EAMCET | GITAM School of Technology, Bengaluru | - |
| MET | Manipal Institute of Technology | - |
| Amity JEE | Amity University Bengaluru | - |
State-wise & City-wise Top Engineering Colleges in Karnataka 2026
Engineering education in Karnataka varies by state and city, with some regions offering better institutions, private universities, and placement opportunities. Use the list below to explore the top Engineering colleges by state and city.
Top Cities for Engineering Colleges in Karnataka 2026
Top Engineering Colleges in Bangalore
| College | Ownership | Entrance Exams |
| RVCE Bangalore | Private | - |
| BMS College of Engineering | Private | - |
| IISc Bangalore | Public/Government | JEE Main, GATE, JEE Advanced |
| IIIT Bangalore | Private | JEE Main, GATE, KCET |
| PES University | Private | JEE Main, GATE, KCET |
Top Engineering Colleges in Karnataka - Other
| College | Ownership | Entrance Exams |
| K L E S`s K L E College of Engineering and Technology, Chikodi | Private | COMEDK UGET, KCET |
| PESCE | Public/Government | GATE, KCET, COMEDK UGET |
| SDM Institute of Technology | Private | COMEDK UGET, KCET |
| Shri Madhwa Vadiraja Institute of Technology and Management (SMVITM) | Private | COMEDK UGET, KCET |
| VCET - Vivekananda College of Engineering and Technology | Private | GATE, COMEDK UGET, KCET |
Top Engineering Colleges in Mangalore
| College | Ownership | Entrance Exams |
| MITE | Private | GATE, KCET, COMEDK UGET |
| NIT Surathkal | Public/Government | JEE Main, GATE |
| ST. ALOYSIUS COLLEGE | Private | - |
| St. Joseph Engineering College | Private | COMEDK UGET, KCET |
| Alva's Institute of Engineering and Technology | Private | COMEDK UGET, KCET |
Top Engineering Colleges in Mysore
| College | Ownership | Entrance Exams |
| NIE Mysore | Private | JEE Main, GATE, KCET |
| Vidyavardhaka College of Engineering | Private | GATE, KCET, COMEDK UGET |
| JSS Science and Technology University | Private | GATE, KCET, COMEDK UGET |
| SJCE Mysore | Public/Government | GATE, KCET, COMEDK UGET |
| GSSS Institute of Engineering and Technology for Women | Private | GATE, COMEDK UGET, KCET |
Top Engineering Colleges in Belgaum
| College | Ownership | Entrance Exams |
| Government Polytechnic College, Belgaum | Public/Government | - |
| Hirasugar Institute of Technology - HSIT | Private | GATE, COMEDK UGET, KCET |
| Jain College of Engineering - JCE | Private | GATE, COMEDK UGET, KCET |
| S.G.Balekundri Institute Of Technology - SGBIT | Private | GATE, KCET, COMEDK UGET |
| Gomatesh Polytechnic College | Public-Private | - |
FAQ About Engineering Colleges in Karnataka 2026
Which is the No.1 engineering college in Karnataka?
According to NIRF 2026, the No.1 engineering college in Karnataka is NIT Surathkal , followed by IISc Bangalore and IIT Dharwad .
Which entrance exam is required for engineering ?
For admission to top engineering colleges in Karnataka, students primarily need to appear for JEE Main , GATE , JEE Advanced , KCET and MET .
What is the average engineering fee in Karnataka?
The average fees range from ₹ 10.4 K - ₹ 36.00 L per year. Government colleges typically charge ₹ 1.85 L - ₹ 5.81 L per year, while private colleges may charge ₹ 24.3 K - ₹ 33.29 L per year.
Which private engineering college has the best placements?
Among private institutions, IIIT Bangalore and IIIT Dharwad and Manipal Institute of Technology have the strongest placement records.