Karnataka is renowned for its thriving educational ecosystem, particularly in engineering. The state hosts some of the most prestigious institutions that blend academic rigor with industry relevance. Admission to engineering colleges in Karnataka primarily occurs through KCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test) and COMEDK UGET (Consortium of Medical, Engineering, and Dental Colleges of Karnataka Undergraduate Entrance Test). Additionally, some institutions, such as PES University and Manipal Institute of Technology, conduct their own entrance exams to assess candidates. For management quota admissions, several colleges also accept JEE Main scores. Below is a list of the top 10 engineering colleges in Karnataka, ranked based on reputation, NIRF rankings, placements, and KCET Counselling preferences.
Established in 1963, RV College of Engineering (RVCE) is an autonomous private institution affiliated with Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Belgaum. It offers 16 undergraduate, 5 postgraduate, and MCA programs. Known for its exceptional academic environment, RVCE ranked 99th in the NIRF Engineering Rankings 2024. During the 2023 placement season, the highest package offered was ₹62 LPA, with an average package of ₹11 LPA.
Founded in 1946, BMSCE or Bhusanayana Mukundadas Sreenivasaiah College of Engineering is a partially government-funded autonomous college affiliated with VTU. The institution offers 14 undergraduate, 15 postgraduate, and research programs in diverse engineering fields. Accredited with an “A++” grade by NAAC, BMSCE ranked in the 100–150 band in the NIRF Engineering Rankings 2024. The 2023 placements recorded a 74% placement rate, with the highest package reaching ₹33.4 LPA and an average package of ₹10.3 LPA.
Established in 1988, PES University became a private university in 2013 and operates three campuses in Bangalore. It offers programs in engineering, management, architecture, and more. PES University allocated 40% of its seats for KCET admissions, with additional seats for JEE Main and management quota. Ranked 139th in the NIRF Engineering Rankings 2024, the university achieved a highest placement package of ₹65 LPA in 2024, with a median salary of ₹8 LPA.
Founded in 1962, M.S.Ramaiah Institute of Technology is an autonomous private institution affiliated with VTU. It offers 18 undergraduate and 10 postgraduate programs, along with MBA and PhD opportunities. MSRIT ranked 75th in the NIRF Engineering Rankings 2024. The 2023 placement season reported a 95% placement rate, with the highest package of ₹50 LPA and an average package of ₹7.6 LPA.
Established in 1963, Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering (SJCE) is a constituent college of JSS Science and Technology University. It offers 8 undergraduate, 14 postgraduate, and doctoral programs. SJCE ranked in the 101–150 band in the NIRF Innovation Rankings 2023. The highest package in 2023 was ₹44 LPA, while the average package stood at ₹5 LPA.
Established in 1917 by Sir M. Visvesvaraya, University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering UVCE, an autonomous Government Engineering College, is one of India’s oldest engineering colleges and the first in Karnataka. It offers 8 undergraduate and 24 postgraduate programs. UVCE achieved a placement rate of 84% for the 2024 batch, with the highest package reaching ₹26.5 LPA and for the 2023 batch, with the highest package reaching ₹53 LPA.
Founded in 1997, (JSS STU) Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara Academy of Technical Education, is a private engineering college affiliated with VTU and managed by JSS Mahavidyapeetha. JSS STU offers 12 undergraduate and 18 postgraduate programs, along with MBA and MCA. The university ranked 36th in the overall category by NIRF 2024. The 2023 placements reported a highest package of ₹56 LPA and a median package of ₹9 LPA.
Established in 1979, Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering (DSCE) is an autonomous private college under VTU, offering 160 undergraduate, 16 postgraduate, and 21 research programs. Accredited with an “A” grade by NAAC, it ranked in the 201–300 band in the NIRF Engineering Rankings 2024. The 2023 placements recorded a highest package of ₹51 LPA, with an average package of ₹10 LPA.
Established in 1963, Siddaganga Institute of Technology (SIT)is a private institution affiliated with VTU. It offers 14 undergraduate, 4 postgraduate, and various doctoral programs. Ranked 100th in the NIRF Engineering Rankings 2024, SIT reported a highest placement package of ₹41.54 LPA in 2023, with a median salary of ₹8.5 LPA.
Founded in 1946, The National Institute of Engineering (NIE) is a government-aided autonomous institution affiliated with VTU. It offers 8 undergraduate, 10 postgraduate, and doctoral programs. NIE ranked in the 201–250 band in the NIRF Engineering Rankings 2022. The highest placement package in 2023 was ₹42 LPA, with an average package of ₹10 LPA.