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National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK Surathkal) is a centrally funded public technical university located in Surathkal, Mangaluru, Karnataka. Established in 1960 as Karnataka Regional Engineering College (KREC) and upgraded to NIT Karnataka status in 2002 under the NIT Act, NITK holds the status of an Institute of National Importance conferred by the Government of India. The institute is accredited by NAAC with A+ grade and approved by AICTE.
As per NIRF 2025, NITK Surathkal is ranked 17th in Engineering (score: 64.59) and 54th in the Overall category (score: 55.21) among higher educational institutions in India.
The 295-acre campus at Srinivasnagar, Surathkal, sits on the coastline of the Arabian Sea, 22 km from Mangaluru city centre. The coastal setting and green campus make it among the most distinctively located NITs in the country.
- B.Tech: 11 branches including Computer Science and Engineering, AI, Computational and Data Science, Information Technology, Electronics and Communication, Electrical and Electronics, Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials, and Mining Engineering (4 years each)
- M.Tech: 20+ specialisations across engineering and technology disciplines (2 years)
- MBA: 2-year management programme
- M.Sc: Physics and Chemistry (2 years each)
- M.C.A: Master of Computer Applications (2 years)
- Ph.D.: Research programmes across all engineering and science departments
The B.Tech fee is INR 8.52 Lakhs for the full four-year programme across all branches. The MBA fee totals INR 23.38 Lakhs for the two-year programme. M.Tech fees are INR 12.77 Lakhs for most specialisations over two years.
Merit scholarships and central government fee waivers are available through the Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme (PMSSS) for J&K students and the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) for EWS and SC/ST categories.
NITK Surathkal placements 2024-25 recorded a highest package of INR 63.3 LPA and an average of INR 17.48 LPA. The CSE branch averaged INR 26.85 LPA. Over 450 companies recruited from campus, including Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Goldman Sachs, and Nvidia.
NITK Surathkal Admission Dates 2026
NITK Surathkal B.Tech admissions for the 2026-27 session were conducted exclusively through JoSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority) counselling, which concluded in July 2026. The 2026-27 batch commenced academic activities in August 2026. The next B.Tech admission cycle (2027-28) will be governed by JEE Main 2027 and JEE Advanced 2027.
| Event | 2026-27 Cycle (Concluded) |
|---|---|
| JEE Main 2026 Sessions | January to April 2026 (concluded) |
| JEE Advanced 2026 | May 2026 (concluded) |
| JoSAA Counselling 2026 | June to July 2026 (concluded) |
| M.Tech Admission (via GATE 2026) | CCMT counselling, June to July 2026 (concluded) |
| MBA Admission (CAT/CMAT 2025-26) | Applications closed May 2026 (concluded) |
| M.Sc Admission (IIT JAM 2026) | JOAPS counselling, May to June 2026 (concluded) |
| B.Tech Classes Commence | August 2026 |
The course-wise entrance examinations accepted at NITK Surathkal are listed below. Admission to all programmes is strictly merit-based with no management quota seats.
| Programme | Entrance Exam | Counselling Body |
|---|---|---|
| B.Tech (all branches) | JEE Main (Indian nationals) | JoSAA |
| B.Tech (foreign nationals / NRI) | DASA scheme (SAT or JEE Advanced) | NITK direct |
| M.Tech (all specialisations) | GATE | CCMT |
| MBA | CAT / CMAT | NITK direct |
| M.Sc (Physics and Chemistry) | IIT JAM | JOAPS |
| M.C.A | NIMCET | NITK direct |
| Ph.D. | GATE / UGC-NET / CSIR-NET or NITK written test | NITK direct |
NITK Surathkal Courses and Fees
NITK Surathkal offers 11 B.Tech branches, 20+ M.Tech specialisations, MBA, M.Sc, M.C.A, and Ph.D. programmes. As a centrally funded Institute of National Importance, fees are regulated by the Ministry of Education and are uniform across branches for the same programme level.
| Course | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Tech (all 11 branches) | 4 years | 10+2 PCM with 75% for General category, JEE Main | INR 8.52 Lakhs |
| M.Tech (most specialisations) | 2 years | B.Tech or B.E. in relevant field with valid GATE score | INR 12.77 Lakhs |
| MBA | 2 years | Graduation with 60%, valid CAT or CMAT score | INR 23.38 Lakhs |
| M.Sc (Physics / Chemistry) | 2 years | B.Sc in relevant subject with 55%, IIT JAM | INR 6.55 Lakhs |
| M.C.A | 2 years | Graduation with Mathematics and NIMCET | INR 2.95 Lakhs |
| Ph.D. (Engineering) | Minimum 3 years | M.Tech or M.Sc with 60%, GATE or written test | INR 5.20 Lakhs |
Among the 11 B.Tech branches, Computer Science and Engineering, AI, and Computational and Data Science attract the most competitive admission cutoffs and have the highest placement averages. Metallurgical and Materials Engineering and Mining Engineering offer distinct industrial pathways aligned with the resource and manufacturing sectors.
NITK Surathkal Admission Process
NITK Surathkal follows a fully centralised admission process through national-level counselling bodies. There are no direct applications, management quota seats, or donation-based admissions at any programme level.
B.Tech Admission via JoSAA
Eligibility for B.Tech at NITK requires a minimum of 75% aggregate marks in 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (65% for SC/ST). The selection process follows these stages:
- Qualify JEE Main and receive a valid JEE Main rank
- Register on the JoSAA portal and fill branch preferences
- Seat allotment across six to seven JoSAA rounds based on merit and preferences
- Pay seat acceptance fee and report to NITK for document verification
The JEE Main 2026 closing rank for B.Tech CSE (Home State, General category) at NITK was 2,800, and for Other State candidates, 1,827. Non-CSE branches like Civil, Chemical, and Mining accept ranks up to 25,000 to 35,000 for Other State General category, making them accessible to a wider applicant pool.
M.Tech Admission via CCMT
M.Tech eligibility requires a relevant B.Tech or B.E. degree with at least 60% aggregate and a valid GATE score in the relevant paper. Seat allotment is through CCMT (Centralised Counselling for M.Tech). GATE scholars receive a monthly stipend of INR 12,400 from MoE during the M.Tech programme.
MBA Admission
MBA eligibility requires a bachelor’s degree in any discipline with at least 60% aggregate. Selection is based on a valid CAT or CMAT score, followed by a group discussion and personal interview at NITK. Work experience is considered favourably but is not mandatory.
M.Sc and M.C.A Admission
M.Sc in Physics or Chemistry requires a B.Sc with 55% in the relevant subject and a valid IIT JAM score in the corresponding paper, with allotment through the JOAPS portal. M.C.A eligibility requires graduation with Mathematics as a subject and a valid NIMCET score, with admission directly through NITK.
NITK Surathkal Placements
NITK Surathkal placements 2024-25 reported a highest package of INR 63.3 LPA, an average of INR 17.48 LPA, and a median of INR 14 LPA across all branches. Of 835 eligible B.Tech students, 673 received placement offers, a placement rate of 80.6%. Over 450 companies participated in the 2024-25 campus recruitment drive.
CSE was the strongest-performing branch, averaging INR 26.85 LPA with a peak offer of INR 52.42 LPA. Technology and product companies from Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and the Silicon Valley offices of global firms are the primary CSE recruiters at NITK.
| Metric | 2024-25 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Highest Package | INR 63.3 LPA | B.Tech CSE, product company offer |
| Average Package (all branches) | INR 17.48 LPA | Across 673 placed students |
| Median Package | INR 14 LPA | All B.Tech branches combined |
| CSE Branch Average | INR 26.85 LPA | Highest among all NITK branches |
| Students Placed | 673 out of 835 | 80.6% placement rate |
| Companies Participated | 450+ | IT, core, BFSI, consulting sectors |
Confirmed recruiters at NITK Surathkal include Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Goldman Sachs, Nvidia, Morgan Stanley, and several other top-tier technology and finance firms. Core engineering companies in manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure also recruit regularly from Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, and Electrical branches. NITK alumni have a strong presence in both product companies and quantitative finance, reflecting the strong mathematics and computing training the institute provides.
NITK Surathkal Rankings
NITK Surathkal holds the 17th rank in NIRF Engineering 2025, placing it consistently among the top 20 engineering institutes in India. In the NIRF Overall category, NITK ranks 54th nationally. The institute has shown consistent improvement in its NIRF engineering rank over recent years, reflecting progress in research output, PhD enrolments, and industry connect.
| Ranking Body | Category | 2025 Rank | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| NIRF | Engineering | 17 | 64.59 |
| NIRF | Overall | 54 | 55.21 |
NITK Surathkal is accredited by NAAC with an A+ grade and holds the status of an Institute of National Importance, placing it in the same category as the IITs and other NITs designated under the NIT Act, 2007. The institute participates in NIRF under both the Engineering and Overall categories.
NITK Surathkal Scholarships
As a centrally funded Institute of National Importance, NITK Surathkal facilitates a wide range of central and state government scholarship schemes for eligible students. GATE scholars enrolled in M.Tech receive an MoE stipend throughout their programme.
| Scholarship / Scheme | Eligibility | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Central Sector Scholarship (CSS) | Top 20th percentile in Class 12 board with family income below INR 8 Lakhs per annum | INR 10,000 to INR 20,000 per annum |
| PM Special Scholarship Scheme (PMSSS) | Domicile of J&K or Ladakh with merit in 10+2 | INR 1 Lakh per annum (academic) plus INR 30,000 maintenance |
| SC/ST Full Fee Remission | SC/ST students admitted through JoSAA with family income below INR 4.5 Lakhs | Full tuition fee waiver |
| EWS Fee Concession | EWS category with parental income below INR 8 Lakhs per annum | 50% tuition fee waiver |
| GATE Stipend (M.Tech) | Valid GATE score and enrolled in M.Tech at NIT | INR 12,400 per month for 2 years |
| UGC-JRF / SRF (Ph.D.) | Qualified UGC-NET or CSIR-NET with JRF designation | INR 37,000 to INR 42,000 per month |
Karnataka state scholarship schemes are also available for students domiciled in Karnataka. NITK’s internal Student Welfare Fund provides emergency financial assistance to students facing genuine hardship during their programme.
NITK Surathkal Campus and Infrastructure
NITK Surathkal is spread across 295 acres on the western coastline of Karnataka, directly bordering the Arabian Sea at Srinivasnagar, Surathkal. The campus is located 22 km north of Mangaluru and is one of the most distinctively situated NIT campuses in the country, combining a residential academic township with a coastal natural environment.
The campus has 16 academic departments, a central library with over 1.5 lakh books, journals, and e-resources, multiple computing labs with high-speed internet, dedicated research laboratories per department, and a Centre for Sponsored Research and Industrial Consultancy (COSRIC). Sports infrastructure includes a large outdoor sports complex, a gymnasium, an aquatic facility, and courts for cricket, football, volleyball, basketball, and badminton.
Hostel facilities are available for both male and female students, with separate hostels on campus. All students admitted through JoSAA are guaranteed hostel accommodation in their first year. The campus also has a health centre, multiple canteens, a shopping complex, a bank, and a post office, making it a fully self-contained residential academic community. The proximity to the Arabian Sea makes NITK’s campus setting unique among the NITs.
NITK Surathkal vs NIT Warangal vs NIT Trichy
NITK Surathkal, NIT Warangal (NITW), and NIT Trichy (NITT) are frequently compared by JEE aspirants as three of the highest-ranked NITs, each with distinct geographic and programmatic strengths. All three are Institutes of National Importance under the NIT Act, 2007.
| Parameter | NITK Surathkal | NIT Warangal | NIT Trichy |
|---|---|---|---|
| State | Karnataka | Telangana | Tamil Nadu |
| NIRF Engineering 2025 | 17 | 13 | 9 |
| NAAC Grade | A+ | A+ | A+ |
| B.Tech Total Fee | INR 8.52 Lakhs | INR 8.20 Lakhs | INR 7.87 Lakhs |
| B.Tech Average Package | INR 17.48 LPA | INR 16 to 18 LPA | INR 15 to 17 LPA |
| CSE Closing Rank (JEE Main, OS General) | 1,827 | 1,200 to 1,500 | 1,000 to 1,300 |
| Campus Setting | Coastal, 295 acres, Mangaluru | Urban fringe, Warangal | Urban, Tiruchirappalli |
| Distinct Strength | Coastal location, strong placement in tech and finance | Strong core engineering, older alumni network | Highest NIRF rank among three, strong industry connect in South India |
NIT Trichy leads in NIRF ranking among the three, with NIT Warangal second and NITK Surathkal third. However, all three offer broadly comparable placement outcomes and admission cutoffs. NITK’s coastal campus and strong Bengaluru/Mumbai recruiter presence make it a preferred choice for students targeting technology and financial services careers. NIT Warangal has a larger core engineering alumni base. NIT Trichy benefits from strong industry presence in the Tamil Nadu manufacturing corridor.
NITK Surathkal FAQs
Ques. What is the NIRF rank of NITK Surathkal?
Ans. As per NIRF 2025, NITK Surathkal is ranked 17th in Engineering with a score of 64.59, and 54th in the Overall category with a score of 55.21. NITK has consistently held the top-20 position in NIRF Engineering.
Ques. What is the JEE Main cutoff for B.Tech CSE at NITK Surathkal?
Ans. The JEE Main 2026 closing rank for B.Tech CSE at NITK Surathkal was 2,800 for Home State (Karnataka) General category and 1,827 for Other State General category in JoSAA Round 6. Non-CSE branches like Civil, Chemical, and Mining have substantially higher closing ranks and are accessible to candidates with ranks up to 25,000 to 35,000 in the Other State General category.
Ques. What is the average placement package at NITK Surathkal?
Ans. NITK Surathkal placements 2024-25 reported an average package of INR 17.48 LPA and a median of INR 14 LPA across all branches. The highest offer was INR 63.3 LPA. CSE averaged INR 26.85 LPA, the strongest among all branches. Over 450 companies participated, including Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Goldman Sachs.
Ques. What is the B.Tech fee at NITK Surathkal?
Ans. The total B.Tech fee at NITK Surathkal is INR 8.52 Lakhs for the full four-year programme, uniform across all 11 branches. Fee waivers are available for SC/ST students with family income below INR 4.5 Lakhs (full waiver) and EWS students with income below INR 8 Lakhs (50% waiver).
Ques. Is hostel available at NITK Surathkal for all students?
Ans. Yes. NITK Surathkal guarantees hostel accommodation to all first-year B.Tech students admitted through JoSAA. The campus has separate hostels for male and female students. The residential campus also has canteens, a health centre, a shopping complex, and a bank on campus.
Ques. How is M.Tech admission done at NITK Surathkal?
Ans. M.Tech admission at NITK Surathkal is through CCMT (Centralised Counselling for M.Tech), based on a valid GATE score in the relevant paper. Eligibility requires a B.Tech or B.E. with at least 60% aggregate. GATE scholars admitted to M.Tech receive a monthly stipend of INR 12,400 from the Ministry of Education throughout the two-year programme.
Ques. Is NITK Surathkal better than NIT Warangal and NIT Trichy?
Ans. All three are top-tier Institutes of National Importance with comparable NAAC A+ accreditation and strong placements. NIT Trichy holds a slightly higher NIRF rank (9th vs NITK’s 17th) while NIT Warangal ranks 13th. NITK’s key differentiators are its coastal campus location near Mangaluru, strong recruiter base from Bengaluru and tech sectors, and competitive CSE average of INR 26.85 LPA. The choice typically comes down to branch preference, home state category, and campus setting.
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Yes, National Institute of Technology Karnataka offers a B.Tech in Biotechnology. The course duration is 4 years (full-time undergraduate program). The total course fee is approximately INR 5–6 lakh for 4 years, with about INR 1.25 lakh per year, though it may vary slightly based on categories and additional charges.
The National Institute of Technology, Surathkal NH 66, Srinivasnagar, Surathkal - 575025, Karnataka, India. NIT Surathkal offers UG, PG, and PhD programs. Admissions are based on entrance exams like JEE-Main, GATE, CSAB-Counselling, IIT-JAM, CCMN, NIMCET, and CAT. NIT Surathkal (NITK) does not offer management quota seats. Admission to B.Tech and other programs is strictly through JEE Main ranks via JoSAA/CSAB counselling, following merit and reservation rules. There is no provision for direct or paid management admissions at NIT Surathkal.
At NIT Surathkal (NITK, National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal), there is no management quota or direct admission seat option available for B.Tech or other undergraduate programmes; admissions are strictly merit-based through JEE Main followed by JoSAA/CSAB counselling. The only special category possible is DASA for foreign/NRI/PIO students, but this is not a typical management quota.
The fees for the Btech course are mentioned below:
The caution fee is refundable.
For the National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal (NIT K or NITK), the closing ranks for Other State (non-local/Home State quota) seats in B.Tech via JEE Main vary by branch and year. For example, in 2024, the CSE closing rank under “Other State” was around 1,590-3,406 for the Open category.
At NIT Surathkal (NITK), notifications for admissions, entrance results, and important academic updates are released on the official website and communicated via registered emails. Applicants are advised to regularly check www.nitk.ac.in for updates, as the exact notification dates depend on the program and admission cycle.
12 me 80%hai kya mera addmission ho jayega
Admission to National Institute of Technology Karnataka is not based only on 12th marks. You must qualify Joint Entrance Examination Main with a high percentile and meet cutoff ranks. Even with 80% in Class 12, admission depends on your JEE Main rank and JoSAA counseling performance.
Getting a seat at the National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal, depends on your entrance exam rank, category, and chosen branch. For top branches like CSE, ranks must be very high. With a moderate rank, chances are low, but you may get lower-demand branches or seats in later counseling rounds.
At NIT Surathkal (NITK), students belonging to the SC/ST/PwD categories are exempted from paying the tuition fee. This exemption applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including B.Tech, M.Tech, M.Sc, MBA, and MCA.
NIT Surathkal PhD Admission 2025-2026 is open. The last date for online submission of applications is April 28, 2025 and the Selection Test/Offline Interview will be held from May 28, 2025 to May 30, 2025.
Yes, NIT Surathkal (National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal) offers a Lateral Entry option for the B.Tech in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE) program. You must have done a 3-year diploma in Engineering or Technology in a relevant discipline from a recognized institution
No, work experience of a minimum of 2 years is not a prerequisite for M.Tech admissions at NITK Surathkal.
The fee for the MCA course is mentioned below:
NIT Surathkal offers two courses B.Tech. in Computer Science and M.Tech. Computer Science Engineering. The admission to the B.Tech. Computer Science Engineering is offered on basis of JEE Mains scores. Admission to the M.Tech. Computer Science Engineering is based on GATE Scores.
All express buses from Mangalore Bus Stand drop you at the NIT Surathkal Express Bus Stop. This is closer to the NIT Surathkal Administrative Block, Department Girls Hostel Block and the Guest House. There are also private taxies available at Mangalore.
NIT Surathkal has Biotechnology specialisation for the students. NIT Surathkal offers M.Tech. in Industrial Biotechnology which is a 2 year duration course. The total tuition fee of the course is INR 2.79 lacs.
NIT Surathkal application dates for B.Tech. are not yet released in online mode. They are expected to be released soon. Once the applications begin, the same will be updated on the official website of NIT Surathkal.
To get admission into NIT Surathkal, the candidate must have a minimum GATE score for MTech EE of 464, and the maximum is 557.
The VLSI branch of NIT Surathkal's GATE cutoff is between 614 and 665. Usually, for any NITs, the lowest GATE cutoff typically falls between 400 and 500, while the maximum cutoff typically falls between 700 and 800. A GATE score of over 650 is required for admission to prestigious NITs like Surathkal.
Yes, the NIT Surathkal has established the Health Care Centre to oversee and coordinate the medical care provided on the campus. Located within easy reach of the NITK community at the centre of the campus, opposite the main playground, the centre plays a key role in catering to the increasing medical needs of the campus. Through the promotion of healthy lifestyles the Health Care Centre provides critical support to the academic mission. Therefore, to provide students and faculty members with good healthcare support, the institute supports a full-fledged healthcare centre that has specialists visiting regularly and also has a 24/7 emergency ambulance facility.