National Institute of Technology Karnataka: Admission 2026, Courses, Fees, Ranking & Surathkal Campus Life

About National Institute of Technology - [NITK] Surathkal

National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK) Surathkal, established in 1960 as Karnataka Regional Engineering College (KREC), is located in Surathkal, Mangaluru, Karnataka. It is a centrally funded public technical university recognized as an Institute of National Importance under the National Institutes of Technology Act, 2007, governed by the Ministry of Education, Government of India.

NITK Surathkal holds a NAAC grade of A++ and is ranked 17th among engineering colleges in India by NIRF 2025. The institute offers 11 undergraduate, 31 postgraduate, and doctoral programs across 14 departments, with over 5,500 students and 300+ faculty members. Known for strong industry collaborations and research, NITK maintains a placement rate above 92% for B.Tech graduates and attracts top recruiters with median packages exceeding ₹12 LPA.

Key Highlights

Admission Dates 2026

Admissions at National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK) Surathkal for 2026 include undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. B.Tech admissions are based on JEE Main scores through JoSAA/CSAB counseling. M.Tech admissions require GATE scores and CCMT counseling. MBA admissions consider CAT/MAT/CMAT scores followed by GD and PI rounds. PhD admissions involve written tests and interviews conducted by departments.

Admission Process

Admissions at NITK Surathkal are primarily based on national-level entrance exams such as JEE Main for B.Tech, GATE for M.Tech, JAM for M.Sc, and CAT/MAT/GATE for MBA. Candidates must qualify these exams and participate in centralized counselling processes like JoSAA, CCMT, or institute-specific rounds for final seat allotment.

B.Tech Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Appear for the JEE Main examination and secure a valid score.
2. Register and participate in JoSAA counselling for seat allocation.
3. Upon seat allotment, complete physical reporting and document verification at NITK Surathkal schedule.
4. Fill admission details and pay the prescribed fees through the NITK IRIS admission portal before reporting physically.
5. Submit original documents and pay the balance fees at the institute during physical reporting.

M.Tech Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Appear for the GATE examination and obtain a valid score.
2. Register and participate in CCMT counselling for seat allotment.
3. After seat allotment, fill admission details and pay fees via the NITK IRIS portal.
4. Physically report to NITK Surathkal for document verification and admission formalities within the scheduled dates.

MBA Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Appear for CAT or MAT examination and obtain a valid score.
2. Apply online through the NITK IRIS admission portal and upload required documents.
3. Shortlisted candidates will be called for a personal interview (PI) round.
4. Complete fee payment online and attend physical reporting at NITK for final admission.

Eligibility Criteria & Fees

Documents Required

• Admission application form downloaded from the NITK IRIS portal
• Entrance exam scorecard and admit card (JEE Main/GATE/CAT/MAT/JAM as applicable)
• Class 10th certificate as proof of date of birth
• Qualifying examination mark sheets and certificates
• Category certificate (if applicable)
• Provisional admission letter from JoSAA/CCMT/Institute portal
• Photo ID proof (Aadhar card mandatory)
• Medical fitness certificate (for M.Tech and other PG courses)
• Passport size photographs

Cutoff 2025

The JEE Main 2025 cutoff ranks for NIT Karnataka (NIT Surathkal) show that Computer Science and Engineering remains the most competitive branch, with closing ranks around 2700 for the general category under the All India quota. Other core branches like Electronics and Communication Engineering and Mechanical Engineering have higher closing ranks, indicating slightly lower competition. The cutoffs vary significantly between All India and Home State quotas, with Home State ranks generally higher (less competitive). GATE cutoffs for M.Tech admissions range between 350 and 720, with Computer Science being the most sought-after specialization.

Placements 2025

National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK) Surathkal achieved a strong placement season in 2025 with an overall B.Tech placement rate of approximately 93%, and M.Tech placements around 83%. The highest domestic package reached ₹63.3 LPA, with average packages ranging from ₹15 LPA to ₹24 LPA across branches. Top recruiters included major IT, consulting, and core engineering firms, reflecting diverse industry engagement.

Placement Statistics

Top Recruiters

IT: Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Oracle, Adobe, SAP, Nvidia

Consulting: Deloitte, EY, ZS Associates, McKinsey, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan

Core: Tata Steel, Maruti Suzuki, Mercedes-Benz, Bosch, Bajaj Auto, GAIL, BEML

Branch-wise Placement

Rankings & Accreditations

National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK) Surathkal is ranked 17th among engineering colleges in India the NIRF 2025 rankings, with an overall rank of 54. This reflects a slight decline from previous years but maintains its position as a leading technical institute nationally.

NIRF 2025

Other Rankings

Accreditations

• NAAC: A+ Grade (Valid till 2027)
• NBA: Accredited for multiple engineering programs including Computer Science, Mechanical, and Electronics & Communication Engineering

Scholarships & Financial Aid

NITK Surathkal offers a range of scholarships based on academic merit, family income, and category, including merit-cum-means scholarships, departmental scholarships, and government-sponsored schemes. Financial aid also includes full or partial tuition fee waivers for economically weaker students and monthly fellowships for postgraduate and doctoral scholars.

Institute Scholarships

Government Scholarships

External Scholarships

• TCS Scholarship: ₹91,000/month for first-year Ph.D. students
• Reliance Foundation Scholarship: ₹2,00,000 for undergraduate students
• Infosys Foundation STEM Stars Scholarship: ₹1,00,000 for female students
• Adani Gyan Jyoti Scholarship: ₹3,50,000 for undergraduate students
• Kotak Kanya Scholarship: ₹1,50,000 for female students
• Harshitha Chaturvedi Merit Cum Means Scholarship: Financial aid for deserving students (amount varies)
• Viklang Sahayata Sanstha Mathura Scholarship: Financial support for physically challenge

Comparison

National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK) Surathkal is compared with National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli (NIT Trichy) and National Institute of Technology Rourkela (NIT Rourkela) as they are among the top-ranked NITs in India, known for their strong engineering programs, government funding, and competitive admissions through JEE Main.

Key Strengths

• National Institute of Technology - [NITK] Surathkal: Strong industry collaborations and research facilities, scenic campus location, and consistent top 20 NIRF engineering ranking.
• National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli: Highest-ranked NIT with excellent academic infrastructure, strong placement records, and reputed faculty.
• National Institute of Technology Rourkela: Known for robust research output, diverse academic programs, and strong alumni network in engineering and technology sectors.

Campus & Infrastructure

The National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK) Surathkal campus spans approximately 295 acres along the Arabian Sea coast in Mangalore, Karnataka. It is a residential, self-sufficient campus featuring lush greenery, modern academic buildings, hostels, and extensive sports and recreational facilities.

Campus Details

Academic Facilities

• Library: Approximately 159,752 books, 12,045 e-journals, 23 online databases, and three reading halls with 600 seating capacity
• Labs: Multiple well-equipped labs including department-specific and central computer centre labs
• Classrooms: Numerous smart classrooms equipped with audio-visual aids, LCD projectors, and Wi-Fi connectivity

Hostel

Other Facilities

• 1200-seat auditorium
• 1000-seat open-air theatre
• International standard swimming pool
• Sports complex with badminton, basketball, cricket, tennis, and volleyball courts
• Health Care Centre with ambulance and specialist support
• Two banks with ATM facilities (Canara Bank and State Bank of India)
• Post office, shopping complexes, cafeterias, guest houses
• Wi-Fi enabled campus with 24/7 internet connectivity and a Central Computer Centre

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the JEE Main cutoff for CSE at NITK Surathkal for general category students?

For BTech Computer Science and Engineering, the JoSAA 2025 closing rank for general category (gender-neutral, home state) was around 2815, and for other state it was about 2060. These ranks vary slightly each year based on seat matrix and competition.

What is the BTech fee structure per year at NITK Surathkal?

The annual tuition fee for BTech programs at NITK Surathkal is ₹1,25,000 for general category students. Including hostel, mess, and other charges, the total annual cost is approximately ₹2,10,000–₹2,30,000.

Is hostel accommodation compulsory for first-year BTech students at NITK?

Yes, hostel stay is compulsory for all first-year BTech students at NITK Surathkal. The campus is fully residential, and students are allotted rooms in designated first-year blocks during the admission process.

What is the average and highest package in NITK Surathkal BTech placements?

The average BTech package at NITK Surathkal in 2025 was ₹12.8 LPA, with the highest package reaching ₹42 LPA. Around 87% of the BTech batch was placed through campus recruitment.

Which companies visit NITK Surathkal for campus placements?

Top recruiters include Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Intel, Qualcomm, Texas Instruments, Samsung, TCS, Infosys, Wipro, and several core engineering firms. Startups and product-based companies also participate in significant numbers.

How many seats are available in BTech CSE at NITK Surathkal?

NITK Surathkal offers 109 seats in BTech Computer Science and Engineering, including home state and other state quotas, across general, OBC-NCL, SC, ST, EWS, and PwD categories JoSAA seat matrix.

What is the hostel fee per semester at NITK Surathkal?

Hostel charges at NITK Surathkal range from ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 per semester, depending on the year of study and room type. Mess charges are additional and vary based on meal plan and consumption.

Is there a scholarship system for economically weak students at NITK?

NITK Surathkal provides scholarships like the Central Sector Scholarship, tuition fee waivers for SC/ST/PwD students, and institute-level merit-cum-means scholarships. Students must apply through the official portal with required documents.

How is the food quality in NITK hostels and messes?

NITK messes serve both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food with North Indian, South Indian, and local cuisine options. Feedback on taste and hygiene varies, but multiple messes allow students to choose preferred options.

What are the major student fests and clubs at NITK Surathkal?

Major fests include Techvaganza (technical), Spandan (cultural), and Pravega (sports). Active clubs include robotics, coding, photography, music, dance, and entrepreneurship, supported by the institute.

Is NITK Surathkal safe for girls on campus?

NITK Surathkal has a separate girls’ hostel with restricted access, 24/7 security, and CCTV coverage. The campus is generally considered safe, with a strict anti-ragging policy and gender sensitization programs.

What is the typical room occupancy in NITK hostels across years?

First-year students usually get triple-sharing rooms, second year is mostly double-sharing, and third and fourth years are mostly single-occupancy rooms in newer blocks and mega towers.

How far is NITK Surathkal from Mangalore city and railway station?

NITK Surathkal is located about 20 km from Mangalore city and Mangalore Central Railway Station. Buses, autos, and cabs are available; travel time is around 40–60 minutes depending on traffic.

Is ragging a problem at NITK Surathkal?

Ragging is strictly prohibited at NITK Surathkal, with an active anti-ragging cell and zero tolerance policy. Freshers’ induction is organized officially, and any ragging complaints are dealt with severely.

What is the laptop requirement for BTech students at NITK?

BTech students are expected to have a laptop with at least 8 GB RAM, i3/i5 or equivalent processor, and 256 GB SSD. Specific requirements may vary by department, especially for CSE and ECE.

Is there a dress code for classes and labs at NITK Surathkal?

There is no strict dress code, but formal or semi-formal attire is expected in labs, official events, and presentations. Casual wear is allowed in classrooms, but shorts and slippers are discouraged.

How are internships supported at NITK Surathkal?

NITK Surathkal has a dedicated Training and Placement Office that facilitates summer internships with IT, core engineering, and research organizations. Many students secure internships at top companies and IITs/IISc.

How does NITK Surathkal compare with NIT Trichy and NIT Warangal?

NITK Surathkal ranks slightly below NIT Trichy and NIT Warangal in NIRF but offers strong placements, a scenic campus, and good faculty, especially in CSE, ECE, and mechanical engineering.

What is the return on investment (ROI) for BTech at NITK Surathkal?

With a total BTech cost of about ₹9–10 lakh and average package of ₹12.8 LPA, the ROI is strong. Most students recover costs within 1–2 years of joining their first job.

Does NITK Surathkal have a strong alumni network in the US and India?

NITK has a well-connected alumni network, with graduates in top US tech firms (Google, Microsoft, Amazon) and Indian companies. The alumni association actively mentors current students and supports placements.