Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University (MKBU) is a state public university established in 1978 by the Government of Gujarat. Located in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, it is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and accredited by NAAC with Grade C (CGPA 1.65). MKBU functions as the affiliating university for over 150 colleges across Bhavnagar, Botad, and Gir Somnath districts.
MKBU does not appear among the top 100 universities in the NIRF University Rankings 2025. The university serves as the primary higher education institution for the Saurashtra coastal belt of Gujarat.
The main campus spans 269 acres in Bhavnagar city. It is home to the historic Shamaldas Arts College, the institution Mahatma Gandhi attended in 1888, making MKBU’s campus one of the historically significant university spaces in Gujarat.
MKBU offers over 200 programmes across UG, PG, Diploma, Certificate, and Ph.D. levels through 17 academic departments and affiliated colleges:
- Arts (BA) in English, Hindi, Gujarati, History, Economics, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, Philosophy, Sanskrit, and Home Science
- Eligibility: 10+2 with minimum 45% aggregate
- Total fees: INR 8,250 for 3 years
- Science (B.Sc) in Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, Mathematics, Statistics, Microbiology, and IT
- Eligibility: 10+2 Science with minimum 45%
- Total fees: INR 6,750 (pure sciences) to INR 87,600 (Industrial Chemistry)
- Commerce (B.Com) in Accounting and Finance, Banking and Insurance, Marketing, and Statistics: INR 7,350 for 3 years
- Management: BBA (INR 35,100 to 60,000) and MBA (INR 52,800 for 2 years)
- Computer Applications: BCA (INR 84,600) and MCA (INR 16,490)
- Law: LLB 3-year (INR 8,190)
- Medical and Allied: BDS (INR 9,00,000) and BHMS (INR 7,20,000)
- Education: B.Ed (INR 77,350) and M.Ed (INR 30,000)
- Research: Ph.D. across 25 plus disciplines at INR 65,000 to 66,000
As per available placement data for the 2024 cycle, the highest offer stood at INR 9 LPA with a reported average of INR 3.6 LPA, primarily in IT, banking, and FMCG sectors.
MKBU Admission Dates 2026
Admissions for the 2026-27 academic session at MKBU have concluded. Most UG and PG programmes were processed through the Gujarat Common Admission System (GCAS) and CUET. Medical and dental programmes ran through ACPC Gujarat following NEET UG. The table below summarises the concluded 2026-27 cycle.
| Event | 2026-27 Status |
|---|---|
| CUET UG 2026 Registration | February to March 2026 (Concluded) |
| CUET UG 2026 Exam | May 2026 (Concluded) |
| GCAS Application Window (UG/PG) | June to August 2026 (Concluded) |
| Last Date for Applications | 20 August 2026 (Concluded) |
| NEET UG 2026 Exam | May 2026 (Concluded). ACPC Gujarat counselling runs July to October 2026 |
| MBA Applications | February to April 2026 (Concluded) |
| Academic Session Commencement | July 2026 |
The 2027-28 admission cycle is expected to follow the same pattern. CUET UG and CUET PG registrations are typically announced in January-February, with GCAS applications opening in June-July 2027. NEET UG 2027 will govern BDS and BHMS seat allotment through ACPC Gujarat.
| Programme Family | Entrance Exam | Portal |
|---|---|---|
| BA / B.Sc / B.Com | CUET UG or merit-based (Class XII) | GCAS portal |
| BBA / BCA / B.Sc IT | CUET UG or merit-based | GCAS portal |
| BDS | NEET UG (ACPC Gujarat) | ACPC Gujarat counselling portal |
| BHMS | NEET UG (ACPC Gujarat) | ACPC Gujarat counselling portal |
| LLB (3-year) | Merit-based (Class XII marks) | GCAS portal |
| MBA | CAT / XAT / MAT / ATMA / CMAT | MKBU official portal |
| MA / M.Sc / M.Com | CUET PG or merit-based | GCAS portal |
| MCA | CUET PG or MKBU entrance exam | GCAS / MKBU portal |
| Ph.D. | UGC NET / CSIR NET or MKBU entrance | MKBU official portal (twice yearly) |
MKBU Courses and Fees
MKBU offers over 200 programmes through its 17 departments on the main campus and affiliated colleges. Total fees range from INR 2,250 for BRS to INR 14,10,000 for MDS, making MKBU among the most affordable state university options in Saurashtra.
| Course | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA (Arts streams) | 3 years | 10+2 with 45% | INR 8,250 |
| B.Sc (Pure Sciences) | 3 years | 10+2 Science with 45% | INR 6,750 |
| B.Sc (IT) | 3 years | 10+2 with 45% | INR 80,100 |
| B.Com | 3 years | 10+2 with 45% | INR 7,350 |
| BBA | 3 years | 10+2 with 45% | INR 35,100 to 60,000 |
| BCA | 3 years | 10+2 with 45% | INR 84,600 |
| BHMS | 5.5 years | 10+2 PCB with 50% and NEET UG | INR 7,20,000 |
| BDS | 5 years | 10+2 PCB with 50% and NEET UG | INR 9,00,000 |
| B.Ed | 2 years | Graduation with 50% | INR 77,350 |
| LLB (3-year) | 3 years | 10+2 with 45% | INR 8,190 |
| MBA | 2 years | Graduation with 50% and CAT/XAT/CMAT | INR 52,800 |
| MA (Arts) | 2 years | Relevant UG degree | INR 3,910 to 7,820 |
| M.Sc | 2 years | Relevant B.Sc degree | INR 4,360 to 95,000 |
| M.Com | 2 years | B.Com with 50% | INR 7,820 |
| MCA | 2 years | BCA or B.Sc IT with 50% | INR 16,490 |
| MDS | 3 years | BDS and NEET PG (MDS) | INR 14,10,000 |
| Ph.D. | 3 to 5 years | PG degree with 55% and UGC NET or MKBU entrance | INR 65,000 to 66,000 |
Distinctive specialisations include Marine Science at M.Sc level, a reflection of MKBU’s coastal Bhavnagar location. The university also offers M.Sc in Bioinformatics, Electronics, and Industrial Chemistry, catering to the pharmaceutical and chemical industry base of the Saurashtra region.
MKBU Admission Process
MKBU runs four distinct admission tracks. CUET governs most UG and PG arts, science, and commerce programmes. NEET governs medical and dental. CAT and CMAT govern MBA. A university entrance or UGC NET governs Ph.D. All UG and most PG applications are submitted through the GCAS portal or MKBU’s official admissions interface.
UG Arts, Science, and Commerce
Candidates must have passed 10+2 from a recognised board with minimum 45% aggregate (40% for SC/ST/OBC). Admission is merit-based using Class XII scores processed through GCAS, or via CUET UG scores. The selection sequence is:
- CUET UG registration and exam
- GCAS application submission (June to August)
- Merit list publication on MKBU portal
- Document verification and fee payment at allotted college
Management (MBA)
MBA applicants need a graduation degree in any discipline with minimum 50% aggregate. Valid scores from CAT, XAT, ATMA, MAT, or CMAT are accepted. The selection process includes shortlisting based on entrance score, a group discussion, and a personal interview at MKBU campus.
Medical and Dental (BDS and BHMS)
Admission to BDS and BHMS affiliated colleges is entirely NEET UG-driven. Candidates need 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology with 50% aggregate (45% for OBC, 40% for SC/ST) and a valid NEET UG score. Seat allotment proceeds through ACPC Gujarat counselling for state quota seats. BDS closing NEET UG ranks for Gujarat state quota General Category seats typically range from 80,000 to 1,50,000, while BHMS closing ranks are generally in the 2,00,000 to 4,00,000 range, depending on the affiliated college.
PG Programmes (MA, M.Sc, M.Com, MCA)
PG admissions require a relevant UG degree with minimum 50% aggregate. CUET PG scores or the university’s own entrance exam are used for shortlisting. MCA applicants specifically need BCA or B.Sc with Mathematics or Statistics as a core subject.
Ph.D. Programmes
Ph.D. admission requires a PG degree in the relevant discipline with minimum 55% aggregate. Candidates holding a valid UGC NET or CSIR NET score are eligible directly for the research interview. Others must clear the MKBU entrance test. The university admits Ph.D. scholars twice a year across more than 25 research disciplines.
MKBU Placements
MKBU operates a training and placement cell that facilitates campus recruitment primarily for technical and management programmes. Placement activity is concentrated in BCA, MBA, and B.Sc IT departments. A large share of BA, B.Sc pure science, and M.Sc graduates pursue competitive examinations (GPSC, UPSC, banking sector) or higher education rather than campus placement routes.
As per available placement data for the 2024 season, the highest reported offer was INR 9 LPA, with a reported average of INR 3.6 LPA for actively placed candidates. IT services and banking dominate recruiter participation at MKBU placement drives.
| Programme | Reported Average Package | Reported Highest Package | Key Sectors |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA | INR 4 to 5 LPA | INR 8 to 9 LPA | Banking, Finance, FMCG |
| BCA | INR 4 to 5.5 LPA | INR 9 to 10 LPA | IT, Software Services |
| B.Sc IT | INR 3 to 4 LPA | INR 6 to 7 LPA | IT Services, BPO |
| B.Com / M.Com | INR 2 to 3 LPA | INR 5 LPA | Accounting, Audit, Banking |
Confirmed recruiters participating in MKBU placement drives include ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, and regional IT services companies. BHMS and BDS graduates from affiliated colleges follow post-degree clinical practice or government service pathways rather than campus placement routes.
MKBU Campus and Infrastructure
The MKBU main campus spans 269 acres in Bhavnagar, a port city on the Gulf of Khambhat in Gujarat. The campus accommodates 17 academic departments, a central library, an auditorium, a dedicated computer centre, and hostel facilities for resident students. Its central city location makes it accessible for the majority of Bhavnagar’s commuting student population.
The most historically distinctive feature of the MKBU campus is Shamaldas Arts College, founded in 1885. This is the institution Mahatma Gandhi attended in 1888 before moving to London to study law. The college continues to function under the MKBU family of affiliated institutions. MKBU’s coastal location also sustains a dedicated Marine Science department at the postgraduate level, offering M.Sc Marine Science, a rare specialisation among state universities in Gujarat.
The university library maintains a large collection of books, journals, and digital resources. Sports grounds for cricket, football, and athletics are available on campus. Students cite MKBU’s affordable fee structure and the city-centre campus location as practical advantages for local and regional aspirants.
MKBU vs Saurashtra University vs Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University
Aspirants from Saurashtra and Gujarat comparing state public university options often evaluate MKBU alongside Saurashtra University (Rajkot) and Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University (HNGU, Patan). All three are UGC-recognised state affiliating universities serving similar UG and PG programme portfolios at comparable government fee bands.
| Parameter | MKBU, Bhavnagar | Saurashtra University, Rajkot | HNGU, Patan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Established | 1978 | 1967 | 1986 |
| Location | Bhavnagar, coastal Saurashtra | Rajkot, central Saurashtra | Patan, North Gujarat |
| Type | State public affiliating | State public affiliating | State public affiliating |
| Affiliated Colleges | 150 plus | 200 plus | 100 plus |
| Campus Area | 269 acres | 200 acres | Data not publicly confirmed |
| Distinctive Programmes | Marine Science, BDS, BHMS, Rural Studies | Pharmacy, Law, larger urban recruiter base | Coverage of Mehsana and Banaskantha districts |
Saurashtra University in Rajkot was established earlier and serves a larger urban student and recruiter base. MKBU’s distinct advantages are its Marine Science and Rural Studies programmes, its BHMS and BDS affiliated colleges, and Bhavnagar’s coastal and pharmaceutical industrial context. HNGU in Patan is the preferred option for aspirants from Mehsana, Banaskantha, and Patan districts who seek a local public university.
MKBU FAQs
Ques. What is MKBU’s NAAC accreditation grade?
Ans. Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University (MKBU) is accredited by NAAC with Grade C and a CGPA of 1.65. The university is UGC recognised and serves as the affiliating body for over 150 colleges in South Saurashtra.
Ques. What entrance exams does MKBU accept for UG admissions?
Ans. For most UG programmes (BA, B.Sc, B.Com, BBA, BCA), MKBU accepts CUET UG scores or grants admission on merit based on Class XII marks processed through the GCAS portal. BDS and BHMS require a valid NEET UG score and are allotted through ACPC Gujarat counselling.
Ques. What are the total fees for MBA at MKBU?
Ans. The total fees for the MBA programme at MKBU are INR 52,800 for the 2-year duration. MBA admission requires a valid score from CAT, XAT, MAT, ATMA, or CMAT along with a graduation degree with minimum 50% aggregate.
Ques. Is hostel available at MKBU campus?
Ans. Yes, MKBU provides hostel facilities for students on its 269-acre main campus in Bhavnagar. The campus also has a central library, an auditorium, and a computer centre. Students are advised to confirm current hostel availability and fees directly with the university before admission.
Ques. What is the fee for BDS at MKBU affiliated dental colleges?
Ans. The total fee for the BDS programme at MKBU affiliated dental colleges is INR 9,00,000 for the 5-year course. Admission is purely NEET UG-driven through ACPC Gujarat counselling. The MDS (postgraduate dental) programme fee is INR 14,10,000 for 3 years.
Ques. Does MKBU appear in the NIRF rankings?
Ans. MKBU does not appear among the top 100 universities in the NIRF University Rankings 2025. As a state affiliating university primarily serving South Saurashtra, MKBU’s strength lies in regional access and affordability rather than national research rankings.
Ques. What is the last date to apply for MKBU admissions?
Ans. The last date for MKBU 2026-27 UG and PG admissions through the GCAS portal was 20 August 2026. Admissions for the 2026-27 session have now concluded. The next admission cycle (2027-28) is expected to open with CUET UG registrations in January-February 2027.
Ques. Is MKBU a good option for MBA?
Ans. MKBU MBA is a viable option for aspirants from Bhavnagar and surrounding Saurashtra districts who seek an affordable state university MBA at INR 52,800 total fees. The programme accepts CAT, XAT, MAT, ATMA, and CMAT scores. Reported average placements from the MBA department are in the INR 4 to 5 LPA range, primarily in banking, finance, and FMCG roles in Gujarat. For aspirants targeting top-tier placements, colleges with higher NIRF rankings and dedicated placement cells may offer better corporate exposure.
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Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University, Bhavnagar offers the full-time MSW course. The fee for the MSW course is mentioned below:
Yes, exam form is refunded at MK Bhavnagar University. The application form of refund is available on the official website of MK Bhavnagar University. You can download and fill it to get the exam fee refunded.
Being a State Government University, the fees is already subsidized. The per year fee of MBA in MKBU is INR 4,100. The total fee is INR 8,200. However, it also offers scholarships to the meritorious students (on the basis of marks achieved in the previous qualifying examination).
2 semester -B.Sc.B.Ed ?
The 2-semester/1 year fee is for the above-mentioned course is INR 30,000.
Admission to MA History course is done based on CUET-PG and to know more on the same at MKBU Bhavnagar MA History.
The minimum eligibility requirement for B. Com is passed in 10+2 in commerce subject, the selection criteria is merit in the qualifying examination.
The admissions are not available at present. The admissions are over on 31st August 2023.
No, Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University does not offer integrated courses. Check here for the MKBU Courses and Fees.
The entrance exam date for MKSU Bhavnagar has not been announced yet, however, it is expected to be held in June 24th 2023.
MKSU Bhavnagar offers LLB course, however, it is not external but rather full-time on-campus course. You can check it out at MKSU Bhavnagar LLB course.