Planning to pursue MS in Karnataka? With 37 MS colleges offering MS in General Surgery, M.S. in Orthopaedics, MS in Ophthalmology, and MS in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, choosing the right college depends on key factors such as rankings, fees, placements, and entrance exams accepted.
Karnataka's MS landscape includes top government institutes like BMCRI, RGUHS Bangalore, and KIMS, along with leading private universities such as NITTE University, JSS Medical College, and KS Hegde Medical Academy. Admissions are conducted through exams like Neet PG, NEET, depending on the course and institution.
This page provides a complete list of MS colleges in Karnataka 2026, helping you compare colleges based on fees, placements, courses, and admission criteria to shortlist the best options.
Overview of MS Colleges in Karnataka
Karnataka has a diverse mix of ms colleges across government, private, and deemed categories, offering programs in core and emerging fields. These colleges vary in terms of fee structure, admission process, and placement outcomes, making comparison essential for informed decision-making.
Admissions to most top colleges are based on national-level exams like Neet PG, NEET, while state and private colleges accept CETs and institute-level entrance exams.
Key Highlights
| Particulars | Data |
| Total MS Colleges in Karnataka | 37 |
| Government Colleges | 13 |
| Private Colleges | 20 |
| Popular Courses | MS in General Surgery, MBBS-Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, MD in Pathology, MD in General Medicine |
| Top Exams Accepted | Neet PG, NEET |
| Average Fees | ₹1.1 L - ₹1.3 CR |
| Average Placement (sample) | ₹6.5 L |
| Top Recruiters | Amazon, biocon, Mphasis, Wipro |
Top MS Colleges in Karnataka 2026 (Rankings)
MS college rankings are based on parameters such as academic reputation, faculty quality, research output, placements, and infrastructure. Rankings from sources like NIRF, India Today, and The Week are widely used by students to shortlist top colleges.
Top MS Colleges in Karnataka (NIRF Rankings)
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) is the most credible ranking system in India, based on parameters like teaching, learning resources, graduation outcomes, and research.
| College | 2025 | 2024 |
| KMC Manipal | #10 | #9 |
| KMC Mangalore | #35 | #33 |
| JSS Medical College | #37 | #39 |
| Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College | #46 | — |
KMC Manipal, KMC Mangalore, and JSS Medical College are among the leading names in these rankings, typically combining strong academics, placements, and research or professional outcomes.
Top MS Colleges by India Today Ranking
India Today rankings are based on factors such as student quality, placement performance, infrastructure, and faculty strength.
| College | 2025 | 2024 |
| KMC Manipal | #13 | #12 |
| NITTE University | #13 | #12 |
| BLDE University | #14 | #13 |
| KLE University | #15 | #14 |
| BMCRI | #16 | #13 |
| KMC Mangalore | #29 | #30 |
| BIMS | #32 | #33 |
| SDM Medical College | #34 | #35 |
| KS Hegde Medical Academy | #35 | #37 |
These rankings highlight colleges with strong academic performance and placement outcomes, with KMC Manipal, KMC Mangalore, and JSS Medical College leading consistently.
Top MS Colleges by The Week Ranking
The Week rankings consider parameters such as academic excellence, infrastructure, faculty, and industry exposure, and also include top private colleges.
| College | 2025 | 2024 |
| KMC Mangalore | #7 | #19 |
| KS Hegde Medical Academy | #26 | #30 |
| SDM Medical College | #35 | #37 |
Along with BMCRI, RGUHS Bangalore, and KIMS, private institutes like NITTE University, JSS Medical College, and KS Hegde Medical Academy also feature prominently due to their infrastructure and placement performance.
Government vs Private MS Colleges in Karnataka
MS colleges in Karnataka are broadly divided into government and private institutions, with key differences in fees, placements, admission process, and ROI. Government colleges are generally more competitive with lower fees, while private colleges offer higher seat availability and modern infrastructure.
Top Government MS Colleges
Government institutes such as BMCRI, RGUHS Bangalore, and KIMS are known for high ROI, strong placements, and national-level competition.
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses | Popular Course |
| BMCRI | ₹1.1 L - ₹3.4 L | — | 61 | B.Sc. in Cardiac Care Technology |
| RGUHS Bangalore | ₹1.1 L - ₹36.3 L | ₹6.5 L | 520 | Master of Hospital Administration (MHA) |
| KIMS | ₹3.4 L | — | 40 | MBBS-Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery |
| BIMS | ₹3.6 L | — | 30 | B.Sc. in Nursing |
| SIMS | ₹3.4 L | — | 27 | B.Sc. in Cardiac Care Technology |
| Chamarajanagar Institute Of Medical Sciences | ₹3.4 L | — | 16 | B.Sc. in Nursing |
| BMCRC | ₹3.4 L | — | 31 | MS in Ophthalmology |
| Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences, Mandya | ₹3.4 L | — | 26 | MS in Ophthalmology |
| RIMS | ₹3.4 L | — | 19 | MS in Ophthalmology |
| Khaja Banda Nawaz Rural Institute of Medical Sciences | — | — | 12 | MS in Opthalamology |
Top Private MS Colleges
Top private colleges offer higher seat intake, industry-focused curriculum, and strong infrastructure.
| College | Fees | Total Courses | Popular Course | Latest Ranking |
| NITTE University | ₹80 L - ₹92 L | 147 | B.Tech. Computer Science Engineering | #80 NIRF 2025 |
| JSS Medical College | — | 51 | B.Sc. in Forensic Science | #37 NIRF 2025 |
| KS Hegde Medical Academy | ₹80 L - ₹92 L | 37 | MBBS-Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery | — |
| BLDE University | ₹1.1 CR | 63 | MBBS-Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery | #151 NIRF 2025 |
| Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre | — | 53 | B.Sc. in Anaesthesia and Operation Theater Technology | — |
| KIMS | ₹21.4 L | 22 | MBBS-Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery | — |
| KIMS | ₹21.4 L - ₹37.9 L | 16 | MBBS-Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery | — |
| KLE University | ₹14.3 L - ₹92.3 L | 136 | MS in Ophthalmology | #11 NIRF 2025 |
| SIMSRC | ₹22.2 L | 33 | MS in Ophthalmology | — |
| Mahadevappa Rampure Medical College | ₹21.4 L | 20 | MS in Ophthalmology | — |
Fee Comparison (Govt vs Private)
| Govt Colleges | Private Colleges | |
| MS | ₹1.1 L - ₹36.3 L | ₹14.3 L - ₹1.1 CR |
Government colleges are significantly more affordable compared to private institutions.
Placement Comparison
| Govt Colleges | |
| Highest Package | ₹25 L |
| Average Package | ₹6.5 L |
| Median Package | ₹6.5 L |
Government colleges generally have stronger placement outcomes, especially in BMCRI, RGUHS Bangalore, and KIMS.
ROI Analysis
ROI is a key factor for most candidates, calculated based on fees vs placement outcomes.
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Popular Course | ROI Insight |
| BMCRI | ₹1.1 L - ₹3.4 L | — | B.Sc. in Cardiac Care Technology | — |
| NITTE University | ₹80 L - ₹92 L | — | B.Tech. Computer Science Engineering | — |
| RGUHS Bangalore | ₹1.1 L - ₹36.3 L | ₹6.5 L | Master of Hospital Administration (MHA) | Moderate ROI |
| JSS Medical College | — | — | B.Sc. in Forensic Science | — |
| KIMS | ₹3.4 L | — | MBBS-Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery | — |
| KS Hegde Medical Academy | ₹80 L - ₹92 L | — | MBBS-Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery | — |
| BIMS | ₹3.6 L | — | B.Sc. in Nursing | — |
| BLDE University | ₹1.1 CR | — | MBBS-Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery | — |
| SIMS | ₹3.4 L | — | B.Sc. in Cardiac Care Technology | — |
| Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre | — | — | B.Sc. in Anaesthesia and Operation Theater Technology | — |
Government colleges offer higher ROI due to lower fees and strong placements, while private colleges provide better infrastructure, flexibility, and more seat availability.
From a decision-making perspective, candidates targeting top ranks and ROI should prioritise government colleges, while those looking for backup options and infrastructure can consider top private ms institutes.
Govt and Private
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Popular Course | ROI |
| BMCRI | ₹1.1 L - ₹3.4 L | — | B.Sc. in Cardiac Care Technology | — |
| NITTE University | ₹80 L - ₹92 L | — | B.Tech. Computer Science Engineering | — |
| RGUHS Bangalore | ₹1.1 L - ₹36.3 L | ₹6.5 L | Master of Hospital Administration (MHA) | 35% |
| JSS Medical College | — | — | B.Sc. in Forensic Science | — |
| KIMS | ₹3.4 L | — | MBBS-Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery | — |
| KS Hegde Medical Academy | ₹80 L - ₹92 L | — | MBBS-Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery | — |
| BIMS | ₹3.6 L | — | B.Sc. in Nursing | — |
| BLDE University | ₹1.1 CR | — | MBBS-Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery | — |
| SIMS | ₹3.4 L | — | B.Sc. in Cardiac Care Technology | — |
| Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre | — | — | B.Sc. in Anaesthesia and Operation Theater Technology | — |
Top MS Colleges in Karnataka by Fees
Fees is a key parameter while shortlisting ms colleges, as it directly impacts the overall cost of education and return on investment (ROI). In Karnataka, ms college fees vary significantly based on the type of institution—government colleges are more affordable, while private universities have higher fee structures due to infrastructure and facilities.
Mid-Range MS Colleges (₹1 L - ₹10 L)
Mid-range colleges include BMCRI, RGUHS Bangalore, and KIMS, offering a balance between fees, academic quality, and placement outcomes.
| College Type | Fees | Popular Course | Total Courses |
| Public/Government | ₹1.1 L - ₹36.3 L | MS | ~7 avg courses (12 colleges) |
These institutes provide strong ROI, with moderate fees and competitive placement packages, making them a preferred choice for many aspirants.
High Fee MS Colleges (Above ₹10 L)
High-fee ms colleges are mainly private universities, offering modern infrastructure, higher seat intake, and flexible admission options through institute-level exams.
| College | Fees | Popular Course | Total Courses |
| KMC Mangalore | ₹49.8 L - ₹55.7 L | M.Sc. in Medical Microbiology | 6 |
| NITTE University | ₹80 L - ₹92 L | B.Tech. Computer Science Engineering | 5 |
| Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College | ₹45.5 L - ₹92.3 L | Diploma in Ophthalmic Medicine & Surgery ( D.O.M.S.) | 5 |
| KS Hegde Medical Academy | ₹80 L - ₹92 L | MBBS-Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery | 5 |
| BLDE University | ₹1.1 CR | MBBS-Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery | 6 |
| KIMS | ₹21.4 L | MBBS-Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery | 5 |
| KIMS | ₹21.4 L - ₹37.9 L | MBBS-Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery | 4 |
| KMC Manipal | ₹51.1 L - ₹57.1 L | MS | 5 |
| KLE University | ₹14.3 L - ₹92.3 L | MS | 6 |
| Mahadevappa Rampure Medical College | ₹21.4 L | MS | 5 |
These colleges are suitable for candidates seeking private ms colleges with better infrastructure, diverse course offerings, and higher seat availability.
Best ROI MS Colleges in Karnataka
Return on Investment (ROI) is a key factor while selecting ms colleges, as it compares the total cost of education with placement outcomes. Colleges with lower fees and higher salary packages offer better long-term value.
ROI Comparison Across Top Colleges
| College | Average Fees | Average Salary |
| RGUHS Bangalore | ₹1.1 L - ₹36.3 L | ₹6.5 L |
| BMCRI | ₹1.1 L - ₹3.4 L | — |
| KIMS | ₹3.4 L | — |
| BIMS | ₹3.6 L | — |
| SIMS | ₹3.4 L | — |
| Chamarajanagar Institute Of Medical Sciences | ₹3.4 L | — |
| BMCRC | ₹3.4 L | — |
| Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences, Mandya | ₹3.4 L | — |
| RIMS | ₹3.4 L | — |
Government institutes such as BMCRI, RGUHS Bangalore, and KIMS consistently offer high ROI due to subsidised fees and strong placement records.
MS Colleges in Karnataka with Best Placements
Placements are a critical parameter in evaluating ms colleges, as they reflect career opportunities, industry exposure, and earning potential. Top colleges in India maintain strong placement records across technology, consulting, and core sectors.
Colleges with Highest Placement Packages
Top ms institutes, especially RGUHS Bangalore, report some of the highest placement packages in India.
| College | Highest Package |
| RGUHS Bangalore | ₹25 L |
These offers are typically made by international recruiters and top product-based companies.
Colleges with Best Average Salary
Average salary provides a more realistic view of placement outcomes across the student cohort.
| College | Average Salary |
| RGUHS Bangalore | ₹6.5 L |
Colleges with higher average salaries generally indicate strong industry connections, better training, and higher-quality recruiters.
Top Recruiters Hiring MS Professionals
Leading companies regularly recruit from top ms colleges in India across domains such as software, consulting, analytics, and core ms:
- ACCENTURE
- Amazon
- Anglo Eastern Ship Management Ltd.
- Anthem Bio Sciences
- L&T Ecc
Popular MS Courses in Karnataka
MS colleges in Karnataka offer a wide range of specialisations, with demand driven by placement trends, industry requirements, and long-term career growth. Among these, certain branches consistently attract higher enrolment due to better salary outcomes and job opportunities.
MS in General Surgery
- Average Salary (Top Colleges): ₹4 L
- Top Recruiters: Wipro, CapGemini, Infosys, Tech Mahindra
| Course | Duration | Fees | Colleges | Mode | Level |
| MS in General Surgery | 2–3 Years | ₹5.8 K - ₹1.9 CR | 171+ | Full-time | UG/PG |
M.S. in Orthopaedics
- Average Salary (Top Colleges): ₹4 L - ₹6.5 L
- Top Recruiters: Wipro, Amazon, CapGemini, HCL
| Course | Duration | Fees | Colleges | Mode | Level |
| M.S. in Orthopaedics | 2–3 Years | ₹3 K - ₹1.9 CR | 159+ | Full-time | UG/PG |
MS in Ophthalmology
- Average Salary (Top Colleges): ₹4 L - ₹6.5 L
- Top Recruiters: Wipro, Amazon, CapGemini, HCL
| Course | Duration | Fees | Colleges | Mode | Level |
| MS in Ophthalmology | 3 Years | ₹5.8 K - ₹1.9 CR | 156+ | Full-time | UG/PG |
MS Admission Process in Karnataka 2026
Admission to ms colleges in Karnataka follows a structured process based on entrance exams, result evaluation, and centralised or institute-level counselling. Candidates can apply through national, state, or college-level exams, depending on their target institutions and courses.
National Level Entrance Exams
National-level exams are the primary gateway to top government ms colleges such as NITTE University, KMC Mangalore, and BMCRI. These exams have high competition and wider acceptance across India.
Key National MS Exams
| Exam | Full Form | Conducting Body | Duration (Minutes) | Application Mode | Exam Mode | Level | Colleges Participating |
| Neet PG | National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduates | National Board of Examinations | 210 | Online | Computer-based test | PG | 26+ Colleges |
| NEET | National Eligibility cum Entrance Test | National Testing Agency (NTA) | 200 | Online | Offline | UG | 27+ Colleges |
These exams are widely accepted by top-ranked ms colleges and require strong preparation due to their competitive nature.
Counselling Process
After qualifying entrance exams, candidates must participate in counselling for seat allocation based on rank, preferences, and availability.
Counselling Overview
| Counselling Type | Conducting Authority | Colleges Covered | Basis |
| National Counselling | National Board of Examinations and National Testing Agency (NTA) | All-India ms colleges | National exam rank / score |
The counselling process includes choice filling, seat allotment, document verification, and final admission confirmation.
Entrance Exams for MS Colleges in Karnataka
MS admissions in Karnataka are conducted through a mix of national and state-level entrance exams, each varying in terms of acceptance, difficulty, and participating colleges. A structured comparison helps candidates choose the right exams based on their target colleges and preparation level.
National Level MS Entrance Exams (UG & PG)
| Exam | Level | Conducting Body | Mode | Duration | Colleges Accepting | Courses | Difficulty |
| Neet PG | PG | National Board of Examinations | Computer-based test | 210 mins | 26+ Colleges | MD | Medium–High |
| NEET | UG | National Testing Agency (NTA) | Offline | 200 mins | 27+ Colleges | MBBS | Medium–High |
These exams are the primary pathway to top government ms colleges and postgraduate programs in Karnataka.
State Level MS Entrance Exams
State-level exams provide access to government and private colleges within specific states, often with domicile-based advantages.
Upcoming MS Exams in Karnataka
Staying updated with ms entrance exam dates is essential for planning applications, preparation timelines, and revision strategy. In Karnataka, most UG exams are scheduled across the upcoming cycle, while major PG exams like Neet PG are scheduled around August 2026.
Tracking upcoming exams helps candidates avoid missing deadlines, manage multiple exams, and align preparation effectively.
Upcoming MS Exams 2026
| Exam | Level | Exam Date | Status |
| Neet PG | PG | 30 Aug 2026 | Upcoming |
Month-wise MS Exam Timeline 2026
August 2026 Exams
| Date | Exam | Description |
| 30 Aug 2026 | Neet PG | NEET PG 2026 Exam Date |
From a planning perspective, candidates should track at least 3–4 upcoming exams and align their preparation schedule based on exam sequence, difficulty level, and application deadlines to maximise admission opportunities.
Comparison of Top MS Colleges
Comparing top ms colleges helps candidates evaluate options based on fees, placements, rankings, infrastructure, and ROI. Government colleges like IITs, NITs, and IIITs offer lower fees and higher ROI, while private colleges such as BITS, VIT, and SRM provide better infrastructure and higher seat availability.
A structured comparison allows candidates to shortlist colleges based on their budget, rank, preferred course, and career goals, ensuring better decision-making during admission.
Private vs Government Comparison
| Private | Government | |
| Total Colleges | 20 | 13 |
| Top Colleges | NITTE University, JSS Medical College, and KS Hegde Medical Academy | BMCRI, RGUHS Bangalore, and KIMS |
| College distribution % | 61% | 39% |
| Top Courses | MD and MS | MD and MS |
| Fees Range | ₹14.3 L - ₹1.1 CR | ₹1.1 L - ₹36.3 L |
| Highest Salary | — | ₹25 L |
| Median Salary | — | ₹6.5 L |
| Average Salary | — | ₹6.5 L |
Top Colleges Comparison Table
| College | Type | Fees | Average Salary | Median Salary | Highest Salary |
| BMCRI | Government | ₹1.1 L - ₹3.4 L | — | — | — |
| RGUHS Bangalore | Government | ₹1.1 L - ₹36.3 L | ₹6.5 L | ₹6.5 L | ₹25 L |
| KIMS | Government | ₹3.4 L | — | — | — |
| BIMS | Government | ₹3.6 L | — | — | — |
| SIMS | Government | ₹3.4 L | — | — | — |
| Chamarajanagar Institute Of Medical Sciences | Government | ₹3.4 L | — | — | — |
| BMCRC | Government | ₹3.4 L | — | — | — |
| Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences, Mandya | Government | ₹3.4 L | — | — | — |
| RIMS | Government | ₹3.4 L | — | — | — |
| Khaja Banda Nawaz Rural Institute of Medical Sciences | Government | — | — | — | — |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many ms colleges are there in Karnataka?
There are over 37 ms colleges in Karnataka, including government, private, and deemed universities offering UG, PG, and doctoral programs.
Which are the top ms colleges in Karnataka?
Top ms colleges in Karnataka include BMCRI, RGUHS Bangalore, KIMS, BIMS, SIMS, and NITTE University, based on rankings, placements, and academic reputation.
What exams are required for admission to ms colleges in Karnataka?
Admission is mainly through exams like Neet PG and NEET, along with other institute-specific and state-level entrance tests depending on the course and college.
What is the average fee for ms colleges in Karnataka?
The fee range for ms colleges in Karnataka is ₹1.1 L - ₹1.3 CR.
Which ms colleges have the best placements?
Colleges with strong industry connections, high placement rates, and better salary outcomes typically include top-ranked institutes and leading private universities in Karnataka.
Which is better: government or private ms colleges?
Government colleges often offer lower fees and higher ROI, while private colleges may provide better infrastructure and more seat availability. The best choice depends on budget, location, and goals.
What is the admission process for ms colleges in Karnataka?
The process generally includes application → entrance exam → result → counselling/selection → seat allotment → admission, depending on the exam and college.
How to choose the best ms college in Karnataka?
Compare colleges by rankings, fees, placements, available courses, location, and the exams they accept to shortlist options that match your goals.
