Universities in Karnataka

University admissions in Karnataka 2026

Karnataka is one of India's major higher-education hubs, anchored by Bengaluru — home to the Indian Institute of Science (1909), India's oldest and most prestigious research institute. The state hosts a dense network of central, state, deemed, and private universities including NLSIU Bangalore (the country's top-ranked national law university), Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Christ University, Bangalore University and Mangalore University.

Admission to most engineering colleges is via the state-conducted Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET); private deemed universities such as MAHE, Christ and KLE conduct their own admission tests. CUET UG is accepted by the Central University of Karnataka and several other institutions. NLSIU admits via CLAT (with a separate NLSAT counselling). Medical seats are filled through NEET UG counselling by KEA.