Arts Colleges in Karnataka 2026

CMR University is a distinguished university, established in 2013 in Bengaluru Urban, Karnataka. This private university, CMRU, offers a total of 38 courses across various disciplines. The CMR University is quite renowned, with the institute having been ranked 62nd by NIRF 2023 (Overall) and 35th by Outlook 2024 (State_Private_University). CMRU was also recognized as 5th by IIRF 2024 for Best State Private Universities Karnataka South Zone. Additionally, CMR University was awarded Diamond Band A+ Grade by the Sustainable Institutions of India Green Ranking 2023. The university offers programs in Engineering, Law, Design, Management, Arts, and Science, among other specialized fields across its various departments. This top-ranked premium institute (CMR University), which spans a 60-acre campus, is committed to academic excellence and is recognized by appropriate regulatory bodies (often referred to as a premier college). CMRU also received a Diamond rating from QS I Gauge 2024 for Teaching and Learning.

Acharya Institute of Graduate Studies (AIGS), established in 2005, is a premier institution located in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Affiliated with Bengaluru City University, AIGS offers diverse undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Commerce, Management, Computer Applications, and Sciences. The institution is recognized for its comprehensive academic approach.

BES College, a distinguished institution in Bengaluru Urban established in 1972, is affiliated with Bengaluru City University and accredited B++ by NAAC. Offering key undergraduate programs in Arts, Commerce, Business Administration, and Computer Applications, it focuses on academic excellence and holistic development.

Bengaluru North University stands as a prominent State University established in 2017 in Kolar, Karnataka. Spread across 25 acres, it offers diverse postgraduate and research programs across 17 departments in Arts, Science, Commerce, and Education, fostering holistic academic growth.

B.R. Tambakad Arts, Commerce and Science First Grade College is a distinguished institution established in 1968 in Haveri, Karnataka. The B.R. Tambakad Arts, Commerce and Science First Grade College, a non-private college, offers a total of 6 courses across various disciplines. BRT College Hirekerur is recognized, with the institute operating through more than 14 specialized departments. This premier college (B.R. Tambakad Arts, Commerce and Science First Grade College) is committed to academic excellence, offering programs like BA, B.Com, and B.Sc along with postgraduate MA and M.Com options. Further, the B.R. Tambakad Arts, Commerce and Science First Grade College even provides PhD courses in select Arts, Commerce, and Social Sciences fields (affiliated with Karnatak University, Dharwad).

Vasavi Jnanapeeta First Grade College is a prominent institution in Bengaluru, Karnataka, established in 2000. Affiliated with Bengaluru City University, it excels in commerce, management, computer applications, and arts programs. Known for its strong academic foundation and student-centric environment, the college focuses on holistic development.

Basaveshwara College of Commerce, Arts & Science stands as a public institution established in 1982 in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Affiliated with Bengaluru City University, it offers diverse undergraduate programs including B.A., B.Com, B.Sc., and BBA. The college is recognized for its quality education, sprawling 3-acre campus, and strong placement record with an average package of ₹3.5 LPA.

Hasnath College for Women, located in Bengaluru, Karnataka, is a renowned public institution established in 1971. Affiliated with Bangalore University and accredited with a 'B' grade by NAAC, it offers diverse undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Arts, Commerce, Science, and Management for women, fostering academic excellence.

Indian Institute of Management Bangalore is a distinguished institute established in 1973 in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The Indian Institute of Management Bangalore offers a total of 6 courses across various disciplines. IIMB is renowned; the institute has Approximately 1200 students enrolled in various programs including Engineering and other specialized fields across its departments. This top-ranked premium institute (Indian Institute of Management Bangalore) operates through more than engineering, management specialized departments with over 109 faculty members. IIMB is committed to academic excellence and is recognized by appropriate regulatory bodies (often referred to as a premier college). Further, the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore campus spans 100 acres. The institute has been ranked 2nd by NIRF Management 2024, and 3rd by Business Today B-School 2024. IIM Bangalore also holds a QS Global MBA 2025 ranking of 53rd and a Financial Times Global MBA 2024 ranking of 47th. IIMB offers flagship courses like the Post Graduate Programme in Management and the Doctor of Philosophy in Management.

The National Law School of India University in Bengaluru offers a comprehensive course portfolio with 7 programs across UG, PG, and PhD levels. Specifically, NLSIU provides 2 UG, 3 PG, and 2 PhD programs. The National Law School of India University courses span multiple disciplines, including Law, Public Policy, and Social Sciences. Further, students can pursue the highly sought after LL.M. degree (a 1-year program) or various PhD specializations. NLSIU also ensures robust learning experiences, with National Law School of India University programs primarily in regular mode. The National Law School of India University (NLSIU) provides varied degrees and streams, including the flagship BA LLB (Hons) for undergraduates.

Kasturba Medical College, a distinguished medical college, was established in 1953 in Udupi, Karnataka. The Kasturba Medical College (KMC Manipal) offers a total of 55 courses across various medical disciplines, including MBBS, MD, MS, and MSc. KMC, which is committed to academic excellence, has 1838 students enrolled across its departments. This top-ranked premium institute (Kasturba Medical College), part of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), operates through more than 45 specialized departments with over 497 faculty members and is recognized by appropriate regulatory bodies (often referred to as a premier college). KMC Manipal has been ranked 9th by NIRF 2024 for Medical, notably 1st in Medical (Private) by Outlook 2024, and 7th by The Week 2024.

Acharya Institute of Management and Science (AIMS), a premier institution in Bengaluru, was established in 1994. Affiliated with Bengaluru City University and AICTE-approved for its MBA, AIMS excels in management, computer applications, and commerce. Offering 11 diverse UG and PG programs, it is recognized for strong academic foundations and excellent career outcomes.

Acharya Bangalore B-School is a distinguished B-School, affiliated with Bangalore City University, established in 2008 in Bengaluru Urban, Karnataka. The Acharya Bangalore B-School offers a total of 11 courses across various disciplines, a non-private college member. ABBS is renowned; the institute has 2000+ students enrolled in various programs including management and other specialized fields across its departments. This top-ranked premium institute (Acharya Bangalore B-School), which operates through more than 7 specialized departments with over 100+ faculty members, has also been notably ranked 31st by the Times B-School Survey 2022 (Overall category), and secured 188th by Business Today 2022, further positioning Acharya Bangalore B-School among the 201-250 bracket by India Today in 2022. ABBS is committed to academic excellence and is recognized by appropriate regulatory bodies (often referred to as a premier college).

Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration (WGSHA) in Manipal is a premier private institution established in 1986. A constituent of MAHE, it excels in hospitality and culinary arts. Known for its strong academics, industry ties, and a 1:10 faculty-student ratio, WGSHA prepares students for global careers, making it a top choice for hospitality education.

Mount Carmel College is a distinguished educational institution, established in 1948 right here in Bengaluru Urban, Karnataka. This institute, often referred to as MCC, has consistently been a non-private college member, offering a substantial 29 courses across its various disciplines. Mount Carmel College was notably ranked 1st by Times in 2025 for the BBA_BMS category, a significant achievement. Further, the college also secured the 21st position by India Today in 2023 for BSc programs and 20th by Outlook for Commerce in the same year. Operating through more than Various departments with a dedicated team of 279 faculty members, Mount Carmel College provides diverse programs. These include popular options like B.A., BBA, B.Com, M.Sc., and even several PhD specializations such as Biochemistry and Economics. The MCC campus spans 10 acres, underscoring its commitment to academic excellence, and is recognized by appropriate regulatory bodies.

CHRIST is a distinguished Deemed to be University established in 1969 in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The CHRIST offers a total of 148 courses across various disciplines. CHRIST is renowned; the institute has 30777 students enrolled in various programs including Engineering, BBA, and Law, among other specialized fields across its departments. This top-ranked premium institute (CHRIST) operates through more than Over 40 specialized departments with over 1148 faculty members, ensuring a 1:18.8 faculty-student ratio. CHRIST is committed to academic excellence (often referred to as a premier college). The university has been ranked 15th by NIRF 2024 under the Law category and secured 3rd for BBA by India Today 2024.

National Institute of Technology Karnataka, a distinguished institute, was established in 1960 in Mangaluru, Karnataka. NITK offers a substantial 85 courses across various disciplines, operating as a non-private college member. This institute, often called NITK Surathkal, enrolls 5500+ students in programs like B.Tech and M.Tech, which are quite popular. The National Institute of Technology Karnataka functions with over 14 specialized departments and 300+ faculty members. Notably, NITK achieved the 40th rank by NIRF 2023 in the Engineering category, and was also ranked 10th by Outlook for Engineering in 2023. National Institute of Technology Karnataka is committed to academic excellence and is recognized by appropriate regulatory bodies (a truly premier college).