Planning to pursue Science in Karnataka? With 127 Science colleges offering M.Sc., B.Agri, B.F.Sc., and B.Sc. Forensic Science, choosing the right college depends on key factors such as rankings, fees, placements, and entrance exams accepted.
Karnataka's Science landscape includes top government institutes like NIMHANS, Central Food Technological Research Institute, and National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS Karnataka), along with leading private universities such as JSS Mysore, IADC Bangalore, and VIT Bangalore. Admissions are conducted through exams like CUET, IIT JAM, depending on the course and institution.
This page provides a complete list of Science colleges in Karnataka 2026, helping you compare colleges based on fees, placements, courses, and admission criteria to shortlist the best options.
Overview of Science Colleges in Karnataka
Karnataka has a diverse mix of science 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 CUET, IIT JAM, while state and private colleges accept CETs and institute-level entrance exams.
Key Highlights
| Particulars | Data |
| Total Science Colleges in Karnataka | 127 |
| Government Colleges | 32 |
| Private Colleges | 96 |
| Popular Courses | M.Sc. in Biotechnology, M.Sc. in Chemistry, M.Sc. in Microbiology, M.Sc. in Biochemistry |
| Top Exams Accepted | CUET, IIT JAM |
| Average Fees | ₹4.3 K - ₹18.7 L |
| Average Placement (sample) | ₹3 L - ₹28 L |
| Top Recruiters | Infosys, Wipro, IBM, Amazon |
Top Science Colleges in Karnataka 2026 (Rankings)
Science 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.
These rankings highlight institutions with strong academic performance and placement outcomes for Science aspirants.
Top Science 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 |
| The Oxford College of Science | #36 |
| JSS Mysore | #64 |
Along with NIMHANS, Central Food Technological Research Institute, and National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS Karnataka), private institutes like JSS Mysore, IADC Bangalore, and VIT Bangalore also feature prominently due to their infrastructure and placement performance.
Government vs Private Science Colleges in Karnataka
Science 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 Science Colleges
Government institutes such as NIMHANS, Central Food Technological Research Institute, and National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS Karnataka) are known for high ROI, strong placements, and national-level competition.
| College | Fees | Total Courses | Popular Course | Latest Ranking |
| NIMHANS | ₹30 K - ₹30.1 K | 63 | M.Phil. in Biophysics | #7 NIRF 2025 |
| Central Food Technological Research Institute | — | 3 | M.Sc. in Food Technology | — |
| National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS Karnataka) | — | 1 | M.Sc. in Wildlife Biology and Conservation | — |
| Horticulture College Bagalkot | ₹2.7 L | 22 | M.Sc. in Entomology | — |
Top Private Science Colleges
Top private colleges offer higher seat intake, industry-focused curriculum, and strong infrastructure.
| College | Fees | Total Courses | Popular Course | Latest Ranking |
| JSS Mysore | ₹60 K - ₹13 L | 144 | M.D. in Hospital Administration | #11 NIRF 2025 |
| IADC Bangalore | ₹16.7 K - ₹2.8 L | 36 | M.Sc. in Biotechnology | — |
| VIT Bangalore | — | 6 | M.S. in Computer Science | — |
| NSAMFGC | — | 4 | B.Sc (Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science) | — |
Fee Comparison (Govt vs Private)
| Govt Colleges | Private Colleges | |
| B.Sc. | ₹30 K - ₹2.7 L | ₹90 K - ₹4.5 L |
| B.Sc(Hons.) | — | ₹1.2 L |
| M.Sc. | ₹30.1 K | ₹16.7 K - ₹13 L |
Government colleges are significantly more affordable compared to private institutions.
ROI Analysis
ROI is a key factor for most candidates, calculated based on fees vs placement outcomes.
| College | Fees | Popular Course |
| NIMHANS | ₹30 K - ₹30.1 K | M.Phil. in Biophysics |
| JSS Mysore | ₹60 K - ₹13 L | M.D. in Hospital Administration |
| Central Food Technological Research Institute | — | M.Sc. in Food Technology |
| IADC Bangalore | ₹16.7 K - ₹2.8 L | M.Sc. in Biotechnology |
| National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS Karnataka) | — | M.Sc. in Wildlife Biology and Conservation |
| VIT Bangalore | — | M.S. in Computer Science |
| Horticulture College Bagalkot | ₹2.7 L | M.Sc. in Entomology |
| NSAMFGC | — | B.Sc (Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science) |
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 science institutes.
Govt and Private
| College | Fees | Popular Course |
| NIMHANS | ₹30 K - ₹30.1 K | M.Phil. in Biophysics |
| JSS Mysore | ₹60 K - ₹13 L | M.D. in Hospital Administration |
| Central Food Technological Research Institute | — | M.Sc. in Food Technology |
| IADC Bangalore | ₹16.7 K - ₹2.8 L | M.Sc. in Biotechnology |
| National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS Karnataka) | — | M.Sc. in Wildlife Biology and Conservation |
| VIT Bangalore | — | M.S. in Computer Science |
| Horticulture College Bagalkot | ₹2.7 L | M.Sc. in Entomology |
| NSAMFGC | — | B.Sc (Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science) |
Top Science Colleges in Karnataka by Fees
Fees is a key parameter while shortlisting science colleges, as it directly impacts the overall cost of education and return on investment (ROI). In Karnataka, science 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.
Low Fee Science Colleges (Below ₹1 L)
Low-fee science colleges are primarily state government institutions and central universities, offering Science programs at subsidised costs. Admissions are usually based on state-level entrance exams together with CUET and IIT JAM (where applicable).
| College Type | Fees | Popular Course | Total Courses |
| Private | ₹16.7 K - ₹13 L | Science | ~22 avg courses (2 colleges) |
| Public/Government | ₹30 K - ₹30.1 K | Science | ~3 avg courses (1 colleges) |
These colleges are suitable for candidates looking for affordable science education with reasonable placement opportunities, especially in core sectors and government roles.
Mid-Range Science Colleges (₹1 L - ₹10 L)
Mid-range colleges include Horticulture College Bagalkot, offering a balance between fees, academic quality, and placement outcomes.
| College Type | Fees | Popular Course | Total Courses |
| Public/Government | ₹2.7 L | Science | ~19 avg courses (1 colleges) |
These institutes provide strong ROI, with moderate fees and competitive placement packages, making them a preferred choice for many aspirants.
Best ROI Science Colleges in Karnataka
Return on Investment (ROI) is a key factor while selecting science 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 |
| NIMHANS | ₹30 K - ₹30.1 K |
| Horticulture College Bagalkot | ₹2.7 L |
| JSS Mysore | ₹60 K - ₹13 L |
| IADC Bangalore | ₹16.7 K - ₹2.8 L |
Government institutes such as NIMHANS, Central Food Technological Research Institute, and National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS Karnataka) consistently offer high ROI due to subsidised fees and strong placement records.
Science Colleges in Karnataka with Best Placements
Placements are a critical parameter in evaluating science 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.
Top Recruiters Hiring Science Professionals
Leading companies regularly recruit from top science colleges in India across domains such as software, consulting, analytics, and core science:
- Anthem Bio Sciences
- Apotex Research
- BIOCLINICA
- Dr Reddys LaboratoriesLtd
- Himalaya Drugs
Popular Science Courses in Karnataka
Science 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.
M.Sc. in Biotechnology
- Average Salary (Top Colleges): ₹3.1 L - ₹14.5 L
- Top Recruiters: Wipro, Infosys, TCS, Cognizant
| Course | Duration | Fees | Colleges | Mode | Level |
| M.Sc. in Biotechnology | 2 Years | ₹5.7 K - ₹4.4 L | 26+ | Full-time | UG/PG |
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Average Salary (Top Colleges): ₹2.5 L - ₹6.3 L
- Top Recruiters: Wipro, Infosys, CapGemini, TCS
| Course | Duration | Fees | Colleges | Mode | Level |
| Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | 3–4 Years | ₹45 K - ₹4.5 L | 23+ | Full-time | UG/PG |
M.Sc. in Chemistry
- Average Salary (Top Colleges): ₹6.3 L - ₹8 L
- Top Recruiters: Infosys, Wipro, TCS, ICICI
| Course | Duration | Fees | Colleges | Mode | Level |
| M.Sc. in Chemistry | 2–5 Years | ₹2.3 K - ₹4.4 L | 22+ | Full-time | UG/PG |
Science Admission Process in Karnataka 2026
Admission to science 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.
Counselling Process
After qualifying entrance exams, candidates must participate in counselling for seat allocation based on rank, preferences, and availability.
The counselling process includes choice filling, seat allotment, document verification, and final admission confirmation.
State-wise Science Colleges in India
India has 127 science colleges distributed across states like Karnataka, with a mix of government and private institutions. Top government colleges include NIMHANS and Central Food Technological Research Institute, while leading private colleges include JSS Mysore and IADC Bangalore.
State-wise distribution helps candidates shortlist colleges based on location preference, fees, and admission through state-level exams like state-level exams.
Science Colleges in Karnataka
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses | Ranking |
| IADC Bangalore | ₹15.5 K - ₹3.6 L | — | 36 Courses | Outlook #80 |
| National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS Karnataka) | — | — | 1 Courses | — |
| NIMHANS | ₹15.5 K - ₹1.6 L | ₹16.1 L | 63 Courses | IndiaToday #4 |
| Central Food Technological Research Institute | — | — | 3 Courses | — |
| NSAMFGC | — | — | 4 Courses | — |
| JSS Mysore | ₹5 K - ₹1 CR | ₹8.3 L - ₹13.6 L | 144 Courses | IndiaToday #12 |
| Horticulture College Bagalkot | ₹1.1 L - ₹2.7 L | ₹5.2 L | 22 Courses | — |
| VIT Bangalore | — | — | 6 Courses | — |
City-wise Science Colleges in India
Top cities like Bangalore, Mysore, Udupi, and Karnataka - Other host a large number of science colleges, including both government and private institutions. Leading colleges include NIMHANS, Central Food Technological Research Institute, and National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS Karnataka), along with private institutes like JSS Mysore, IADC Bangalore, and VIT Bangalore.
City-wise selection helps candidates choose colleges based on placement opportunities, industry exposure, and proximity to tech hubs.
Science Colleges in Bangalore
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses | Ranking |
| IADC Bangalore | ₹15.5 K - ₹3.6 L | — | 36 Courses | Outlook #80 |
| National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS Karnataka) | — | — | 1 Courses | — |
| NIMHANS | ₹15.5 K - ₹1.6 L | ₹16.1 L | 63 Courses | IndiaToday #4 |
| VIT Bangalore | — | — | 6 Courses | — |
Science Colleges in Mysore
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses | Ranking |
| Central Food Technological Research Institute | — | — | 3 Courses | — |
| JSS Mysore | ₹5 K - ₹1 CR | ₹8.3 L - ₹13.6 L | 144 Courses | IndiaToday #12 |
Science Colleges in Udupi
| College | Total Courses |
| NSAMFGC | 4 Courses |
Science Colleges in Karnataka - Other
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses |
| Horticulture College Bagalkot | ₹1.1 L - ₹2.7 L | ₹5.2 L | 22 Courses |
Course wise Science Colleges in India
Science colleges in India offer admissions across popular branches and emerging fields. NIMHANS, Central Food Technological Research Institute, and National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS Karnataka) lead in core and tech branches, while private colleges like JSS Mysore, IADC Bangalore, and VIT Bangalore offer a wide range of specialisations.
Course-wise selection helps candidates choose colleges based on branch preference, placement trends, and career opportunities.
B.Sc. in Biotechnology Colleges in Karnataka
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses | Ranking |
| JSS Mysore | ₹5 K - ₹1 CR | ₹8.3 L - ₹13.6 L | 144 Courses | IndiaToday #12 |
| IADC Bangalore | ₹15.5 K - ₹3.6 L | — | 36 Courses | Outlook #80 |
M.Sc. in Biochemistry Colleges in Karnataka
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses | Ranking |
| JSS Mysore | ₹5 K - ₹1 CR | ₹8.3 L - ₹13.6 L | 144 Courses | IndiaToday #12 |
| IADC Bangalore | ₹15.5 K - ₹3.6 L | — | 36 Courses | Outlook #80 |
M.Sc. in Biotechnology Colleges in Karnataka
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses | Ranking |
| JSS Mysore | ₹5 K - ₹1 CR | ₹8.3 L - ₹13.6 L | 144 Courses | IndiaToday #12 |
| IADC Bangalore | ₹15.5 K - ₹3.6 L | — | 36 Courses | Outlook #80 |
M.Sc. in Microbiology Colleges in Karnataka
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses | Ranking |
| JSS Mysore | ₹5 K - ₹1 CR | ₹8.3 L - ₹13.6 L | 144 Courses | IndiaToday #12 |
| IADC Bangalore | ₹15.5 K - ₹3.6 L | — | 36 Courses | Outlook #80 |
B.Sc. (Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Genetics) Colleges in Karnataka
| College | Fees | Total Courses | Ranking |
| IADC Bangalore | ₹15.5 K - ₹3.6 L | 36 Courses | Outlook #80 |
Comparison of Top Science Colleges
Comparing top science 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 | 96 | 32 |
| Top Colleges | JSS Mysore, IADC Bangalore, and VIT Bangalore | NIMHANS, Central Food Technological Research Institute, and National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS Karnataka) |
| College distribution % | 75% | 25% |
| Top Courses | M.Sc. and B.Sc. | M.Sc. and B.Sc. |
| Fees Range | ₹16.7 K - ₹13 L | ₹30 K - ₹2.7 L |
Top Colleges Comparison Table
| College | Type | Fees | Ranking |
| NIMHANS | Government | ₹30 K - ₹30.1 K | #7 NIRF 2025 |
| Central Food Technological Research Institute | Government | — | — |
| National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS Karnataka) | Government | — | — |
| Horticulture College Bagalkot | Government | ₹2.7 L | — |
| JSS Mysore | Private | ₹60 K - ₹13 L | #11 NIRF 2025 |
| IADC Bangalore | Private | ₹16.7 K - ₹2.8 L | — |
| VIT Bangalore | Private | — | — |
| NSAMFGC | Private | — | — |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many science colleges are there in Karnataka?
There are over 127 science colleges in Karnataka, including government, private, and deemed universities offering UG, PG, and doctoral programs.
Which are the top science colleges in Karnataka?
Top science colleges in Karnataka include NIMHANS, Central Food Technological Research Institute, National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS Karnataka), Horticulture College Bagalkot, JSS Mysore, and IADC Bangalore, based on rankings, placements, and academic reputation.
What exams are required for admission to science colleges in Karnataka?
Admission is mainly through exams like CUET and IIT JAM, along with other institute-specific and state-level entrance tests depending on the course and college.
What is the average fee for science colleges in Karnataka?
The fee range for science colleges in Karnataka is ₹4.3 K - ₹18.7 L.
Which science 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 science 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 science 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 science college in Karnataka?
Compare colleges by rankings, fees, placements, available courses, location, and the exams they accept to shortlist options that match your goals.
