Are you dreaming of studying engineering in one of Karnataka’s top colleges? Then cracking the KCET 2025 is your golden ticket. Every year, lakhs of students appear for the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) to secure a seat in the state’s most prestigious engineering institutes. But with so many options, how do you choose the best college for your rank and budget?
This guide is here to help. It covers everything you need to know about the top KCET colleges, including fees, placements, pros and cons, and last year’s closing ranks. Whether you are aiming for RVCE, BMSCE, MSRIT, or PES University, knowing the closing ranks and return on investment is crucial. This article breaks down complex data into simple language so you can make a smart choice. Read on to discover which college fits your goals and how your KCET rank can open the door to your dream career.
KCET Top Colleges
1) Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) – Belgaum
VTU is a state university based in Belgaum, Karnataka. It ranks 69 in the NIRF 2024 engineering list. The total fee for a four-year B.Tech course is about ₹1.35 lakh. VTU is known for its wide network of affiliated engineering colleges across Karnataka. It provides a strong academic structure and standard syllabus to all its colleges. Students benefit from uniform curriculum and academic support. The fees are very low, which helps students from all backgrounds. However, the placement performance depends on the individual affiliated college. Some colleges have excellent placement records, while others may not. VTU’s main campus also offers engineering courses. Students can apply through KCET and get admission based on rank. It is a good choice if you want a recognized degree with less financial burden. But you must research the affiliated college before joining to ensure good placements and facilities.
2) Ramaiah Institute of Technology (MSRIT) – Bangalore
MSRIT is one of the most famous private engineering colleges in Bangalore. It holds the 75th position in the NIRF 2024 engineering ranking. The total course fee is around ₹10.46 lakh. The college is located in the heart of Bangalore, which helps students connect with top tech companies. The average placement salary is ₹8 lakh, especially for computer science and IT-related branches. The college has a strong reputation and has been ranked 25th by India Today. Many top companies visit the campus during placement season. Students can take part in various clubs and technical events. MSRIT also supports students in startups and innovation. However, the fees are very high, especially when compared to some government colleges. For students who want good placements and can afford the fees, MSRIT is a solid option. It provides good teaching, great exposure, and a strong alumni network.
3) RV College of Engineering (RVCE) – Bangalore
RVCE is one of the most preferred private colleges for KCET aspirants. It is located in Bangalore and ranks 99 in the NIRF 2024 list. The total fees are about ₹1.28 lakh, which makes it affordable. RVCE is known for its excellent placement record. The average salary package is ₹10 lakh per year, especially in branches like computer science and electronics. It is ranked 27 by India Today. Students often choose RVCE for its strong teaching quality and placement support. The cutoffs for popular branches like CSE and ECE are very high. You need a very good KCET rank to get admission. The college also has good labs, infrastructure, and campus life. Students take part in hackathons, projects, and tech festivals. If you want a college with the best return on investment, RVCE is one of the top choices. But you must work hard to secure a top rank.
4) Siddaganga Institute of Technology (SIT) – Tumkur
SIT is a well-known college located in Tumkur, Karnataka. It ranks 100 in the NIRF 2024 list. The total fee for the four-year B.Tech course is around ₹3.86 lakh. SIT is famous for its discipline, quality education, and experienced faculty. The average placement package is around ₹8 lakh, which is quite good for the fee charged. Many students prefer SIT because it offers strong academics and decent placements. However, the rural location may limit internship and networking opportunities. The campus is calm and suitable for focused study. The college also supports various student activities, clubs, and technical fests. If you are looking for an affordable college with solid placements, SIT is a great choice. But you may have to adjust to a slower-paced city life. The faculty members are helpful, and students can prepare well for campus placements from the third year.
5) PES University – Bangalore
PES University is a private university based in Bangalore. It ranks within the 101-150 range in the NIRF 2024 rankings. The total fee for B.Tech is around ₹15.20 lakh, which is one of the highest. The college is known for its focus on computer science and IT-related courses. The average placement package is around ₹8 lakh per year. PES University has strong industry connections and offers startup exposure to students. It has good infrastructure, modern labs, and an active campus life. Many leading companies visit for placements. However, the high fees are a concern, especially when the salary packages are similar to other colleges with lower fees. The admission is highly competitive through KCET and PES entrance exams. It is a good choice if you want to study in Bangalore and focus on coding or tech jobs. Still, you must be sure that the investment is worth the return.
6) BMS College of Engineering (BMSCE) – Bangalore
BMSCE is one of the oldest private engineering colleges in Karnataka. It holds a rank in the 151-200 range in the NIRF 2024 list. The total fee for B.Tech is about ₹10.46 lakh. The college has a strong legacy and is ranked 24 by India Today. It is located in Bangalore, which offers many job and internship opportunities. The average placement package is around ₹9 lakh per year, which is quite good. The college provides quality education and strong faculty support. Students get to take part in tech fests, workshops, and coding competitions. Many top recruiters visit the campus each year. However, the high fee may not be affordable for everyone. Some newer colleges offer similar placements at a lower cost. Still, if you value reputation, location, and industry exposure, BMSCE is a good choice. Make sure to apply early, as the competition is high for popular branches.
7) CMR Institute of Technology – Bangalore
CMR Institute of Technology is located in Bangalore. It is ranked in the 151-200 range in NIRF 2024. The total course fee is around ₹3.86 lakh. CMR is considered budget-friendly compared to other private colleges in the same rank bracket. It offers engineering programs in core and tech-related branches. The college has decent infrastructure and an active learning environment. It is located in the city, which gives students access to internships and tech events. However, there is limited official data available on placement performance. Some students report average placements, while others have good experiences in CS and IT branches. The faculty is helpful and encourages project-based learning. The urban setting helps students build networks. If you are looking for an affordable college in Bangalore with a city campus, CMR can be a good option. But do check recent placement reports before applying.
8) KLE Technological University – Hubli
KLE Technological University is based in Hubli, North Karnataka. It ranks within the 151-200 range in the NIRF 2024 list. The total fee for B.Tech is around ₹8.20 lakh. KLE is known for its mechanical, civil, and core engineering branches. It offers good labs, modern facilities, and experienced faculty. The average placement performance is decent, but mostly in core sectors. Due to its location, IT placements are limited compared to Bangalore-based colleges. However, students get hands-on learning and project experience. The college supports innovation and entrepreneurship through incubation centers. For students interested in mechanical or civil engineering, KLE is a strong choice. The fee is moderate, and the teaching quality is good. But you must be prepared for fewer opportunities in software jobs unless you make extra efforts like online courses or internships. The calm environment is also helpful for focused learning.
9) New Horizon College of Engineering (NHCE) – Bangalore
NHCE is a private college in Bangalore with a NIRF 2024 rank in the 151-200 group. The total fee is about ₹15 lakh for B.Tech, which is on the higher side. It is recognized by Times and ranked 28th in their engineering list. NHCE offers a wide range of engineering branches, especially in CS, IT, and ECE. The college provides good infrastructure, labs, and active student clubs. The location in Bangalore is a big plus point for internships and placements. However, the college does not share complete placement salary details publicly. While many students do get placed in good companies, the return on investment is unclear. Students should check the latest placement reports or talk to seniors before applying. If you want to study in Bangalore and are okay with the high fee, NHCE may be a good option. It offers exposure and campus facilities.
10) NMAM Institute of Technology – NITTE
NMAM Institute of Technology is located in Nitte, Karnataka. It is ranked in the 151-200 range in NIRF 2024. The total course fee is around ₹3.34 lakh for all 4 years, which is very affordable. The average placement package is about ₹4.5 lakh per year. The college has a strong focus on discipline and academic performance. It offers B.Tech in multiple streams and has modern labs and good faculty support. However, placements are not as strong as top Bangalore colleges. Most jobs are in local or mid-level companies. Students may need to do extra certifications for better placement opportunities. The campus is in a rural area, which limits networking with tech companies. Still, for students looking for a peaceful study environment with low fees, NMAM is a good choice. It is one of the most affordable colleges in this tier and has a strong academic record.
11) The National Institute of Engineering (NIE) – Mysore
NIE is one of the top colleges in Mysore. It is ranked within the 151-200 band in NIRF 2024. The total course fee is around ₹2.83 lakh, which is among the lowest. The average placement package is ₹7.5 lakh per year, which makes it a top choice for value for money. NIE has strong faculty, good infrastructure, and a well-managed campus. Students benefit from practical learning and project-based teaching. The college regularly organizes workshops and internships for skill building. Despite its lower ranking, it offers great returns in terms of placements and fees. The only drawback is that its infrastructure could be upgraded in some areas. However, most students are satisfied with the academic quality. If you want a good college with low fees and good placement, NIE Mysore is a smart choice. The cutoff ranks are moderate, so many students can get in with a decent KCET score.
12) Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering – Bangalore
This college is located in the heart of Bangalore, giving students good access to the city’s tech companies and events. It is ranked in the 201–250 range in NIRF 2024. The total course fee is high at ₹10.46 lakh. The average placement package is ₹4.5 lakh per year. While the location is a big advantage, the return on investment (ROI) is low because of the high fees and average salary. The college has good infrastructure and active student clubs, but placements are mostly in service-based companies. Students who can afford the fees and want to study in Bangalore may still find it a convenient option.
13) JSS Science and Technology University (SJCE) – Mysore
SJCE is a respected college in Mysore and is ranked in the 201–250 band in NIRF 2024. The total course fee is around ₹3.86 lakh, and the average salary package is ₹7.2 lakh, which makes it a strong contender for students looking for core engineering jobs. The college has a strong base in core branches like Mechanical, Civil, and Electrical Engineering. Faculty support is good and the academic environment is serious. However, its rankings have seen a slight decline in recent years. Still, it remains a good choice for students focused on academic quality and value for money.
14) PES College of Engineering – Mandya
PESCE Mandya is affiliated with the popular PES group. It is ranked in the 251–300 range in NIRF 2024. The total course fee is ₹7.44 lakh and the average salary package is ₹4.5 lakh. The college has decent infrastructure and good faculty, but the rural location limits industry interaction and placement quality. Most job offers come from mid-level companies. While the PES tag adds some value, students may need to put in extra effort through internships or certifications to boost their placement chances. It’s suitable for students who prefer a quieter environment and are okay with moderate placements.
KCET Top Colleges Previous Year Rank Wise
Knowing the previous year’s KCET closing ranks helps students estimate their chances of getting into top colleges. The ranks vary by course and college. Computer Science and Electronics courses usually have higher cut offs due to demand. Below is a list of colleges with their B.Tech branches and the KCET 2024 closing ranks. This data is useful for planning your preference list during counselling.
KCET 2024 Closing Ranks (Branch-wise)
| College Name | B.Tech Course | Closing Rank |
| UVCE Bangalore | Civil | 45002 |
| Computers | 3211 | |
| Electrical | 6157 | |
| Mechanical | 41170 | |
| BMSCE Bangalore | Electrical | 2025 |
| Civil | 32553 | |
| Mechanical | 15458 | |
| RVCE Bangalore | Civil | 8147 |
| Electrical | 1240 | |
| Mechanical | 4617 | |
| MSRIT Bangalore | Civil | 20375 |
| Electrical | 3182 | |
| Mechanical | 17980 | |
| DSCE Bangalore | Civil | 70186 |
| Electrical | 19185 | |
| Mechanical | 39240 | |
| BIT Bangalore | Civil | 76521 |
| Electrical | 9785 | |
| Mechanical | 55398 | |
| PES University | B.Tech EC | 3045 |
| B.Tech CS | 1205 | |
| MVJ College of Engineering | Civil | 96194 |
| Electrical | 41034 | |
| Mechanical | 91784 | |
| SIT Tumkur | Civil | 85307 |
| Electrical | 17985 | |
| Mechanical | 76048 | |
| JSS Science and Tech Univ. | Electrical | 5994 |
| Civil | 62874 | |
| Mechanical | 44447 | |
| NIE Mysore | Civil | 76693 |
| Electrical | 8412 | |
| Mechanical | 39292 | |
| SDMCET Dharwad | Civil | 101144 |
| Electrical | 18483 | |
| Mechanical | 90291 | |
| PESCE Mandya | Civil | 111738 |
| Computer | 20944 | |
| Electrical | 44150 | |
| JSSATE Bengaluru | Civil | 108148 |
| Mechanical | 99452 | |
| NHCE Bangalore | Electrical | 37027 |
| Mechanical | 74467 | |
| NMIT Bangalore | Civil | 78526 |
| Electrical | 25053 | |
| Mechanical | 58498 | |
| BNMIT Bangalore | Electrical | 16402 |
| Mechanical | 79032 | |
| BMSIT Bangalore | Civil | 75173 |
| Electrical | 21452 | |
| Mechanical | 49089 | |
| DSATM Bangalore | Civil | 95324 |
| Electrical | 34834 | |
| Mechanical | 71202 | |
| REVA University | Electronics and Communication | 26950 |
| Computer Science | 87715 | |
| MSRUAS Bangalore | Electronics and Communication | 15001 |
| Computer Science | 12913 | |
| Presidency University | Electronics and Communication | 52476 |
| Computer Science | 99959 | |
| DSU Bangalore | Electronics and Communication | 30009 |
| Computer Science | 25303 | |
| KLE Technological University | Civil | 51643 |
| Electrical | 24031 | |
| Mechanical | 57253 | |
| RV University | Computer Science | 7162 |
This table shows how top colleges in Karnataka accept students based on KCET ranks. You can use this list to plan your course choices realistically. CS and EC courses fill quickly in top colleges, while branches like Civil and Mechanical have higher closing ranks. Always keep backup options ready during counselling.
Conclusion
Choosing the right engineering college after KCET is an important step in shaping your future. This article gave you a clear picture of top colleges, their fees, placement records, and previous year closing ranks. Colleges like RVCE, MSRIT, BMSCE, and SIT Tumkur stand out for their strong academics and good return on investment. Some colleges offer excellent placements but come with high fees, while others are budget-friendly with decent placement records.
Always compare colleges based on what matters most to you—be it branch, location, fees, or placement. Use last year’s cutoff ranks as a guide to set realistic expectations. Remember, your hard work in KCET can lead you to a great college and a bright career. So choose wisely, stay focused, and aim high. The right college can give you the skills and opportunities you need to succeed in the engineering field. All the best for your KCET journey.
