Introduction
Securing a seat in one of Karnataka’s premier engineering institutions is a top priority for thousands of KCET aspirants every year. But how do you determine whether your KCET rank is good enough to get into the college and branch of your choice? Understanding the previous years’ KCET closing ranks and cut-off trends is crucial to set realistic goals and streamline your option entry strategy.
Institutions like RV College of Engineering (RVCE), BMS College of Engineering (BMSCE), PES University (PESU), and MS Ramaiah Institute of Technology (MSRIT) attract some of the best ranks in KCET. This guide by Deeksha Vedantu outlines the typical KCET cut-offs for these institutions and other top-tier colleges. With this data, you’ll be better equipped to make smart, informed decisions during the counselling process.
KCET Rank Required for Top Engineering Colleges in Karnataka
1. RV College of Engineering (RVCE), Bengaluru
| Branch | Approx. Closing Rank (GM) |
| Computer Science and Engineering | 180 – 250 |
| Information Science Engineering | 250 – 400 |
| Electronics and Communication | 400 – 700 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 2000 – 2500 |
| Electrical and Electronics | 1000 – 1500 |
| Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning | 350 – 500 |
| Civil Engineering | 4000 – 5000 |
Highlights:
- RVCE consistently closes among the top 300 for CSE.
- Seats under CET are highly limited due to a large portion being reserved for management and COMEDK.
- High demand for AI/ML and Data Science branches.
2. BMS College of Engineering (BMSCE), Bengaluru
| Branch | Approx. Closing Rank (GM) |
| Computer Science and Engineering | 300 – 600 |
| Information Science Engineering | 600 – 900 |
| Electronics and Communication | 800 – 1200 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 3000 – 4000 |
| Biotechnology | 4000 – 6000 |
| Artificial Intelligence & Data Science | 1000 – 1400 |
Highlights:
- Located in the heart of Bengaluru, BMSCE has strong placement support.
- CSE sees top recruiters like Amazon, Cisco, and Goldman Sachs.
- One of the few colleges with NAAC A++ accreditation.
3. PES University (RR Campus), Bengaluru (CET Quota)
| Branch | Approx. Closing Rank (GM) |
| Computer Science and Engineering | 90 – 150 |
| Electronics and Communication | 200 – 350 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 1000 – 1500 |
| Electrical and Electronics | 700 – 1000 |
| AI & ML | 150 – 250 |
Highlights:
- Among the most competitive colleges through KCET.
- CSE generally closes before rank 150 in the GM category.
- Strong research facilities and incubation support for tech-driven careers.
4. MS Ramaiah Institute of Technology (MSRIT), Bengaluru
| Branch | Approx. Closing Rank (GM) |
| Computer Science and Engineering | 400 – 700 |
| Information Science Engineering | 700 – 1000 |
| Electronics and Communication | 1000 – 1300 |
| Civil Engineering | 4000 – 5000 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 2500 – 3500 |
Highlights:
- MSRIT remains one of the oldest and most sought-after institutions.
- Offers multiple specializations including IOT, Robotics, and Automation.
- Excellent industry linkages and placement history.
Other Top Colleges and Their Cut-Offs (GM Category)
| College | CSE Rank | ISE Rank | ECE Rank | Mech Rank |
| BIT, Bengaluru | 1000–1200 | 1500–1800 | 1800–2000 | 3000–4000 |
| SJCE, Mysuru | 1500–2000 | 2000–2500 | 2500–3000 | 4000–6000 |
| NIE, Mysuru | 2000–2500 | 2500–3000 | 3000–3500 | 4500–6000 |
| RNSIT, Bengaluru | 2500–3000 | 3000–4000 | 3500–5000 | 5000–7000 |
| DSCE, Bengaluru | 3000–4000 | 4000–5000 | 4500–6000 | 6000–8000 |
| AIT, Bengaluru | 4000–5000 | 5000–6000 | 6000–7000 | 7000–8500 |
| BNMIT, Bengaluru | 3000–3500 | 3500–4500 | 4500–5500 | 6000–7500 |
Factors That Influence Cut-Offs
- Branch Popularity: Computer Science and related streams (ISE, AI/ML, DS) have the highest demand.
- College Ranking & Reputation: The older and more reputed the college, the lower its closing rank.
- Category Reservation: Cut-offs vary across GM, OBC, SC/ST, and Hyderabad-Karnataka region.
- Changes in Intake: Introduction of new branches or seat expansion shifts cut-offs yearly.
- Year-to-Year Fluctuations: Factors like paper difficulty, number of applicants, and competition levels.
- COMEDK and Management Quota: Availability of other admission channels influences CET seat demand.
FAQs
1. What is a safe rank for CSE in RVCE?
A rank below 200 in the GM category is considered safe. However, competition is intense and cut-offs may vary by a few ranks yearly.
2. Can I get PESU CSE with a 300 rank?
Unlikely through KCET. CSE at PESU usually closes under 150. You may consider ECE or EEE.
3. Are these ranks fixed every year?
No. They fluctuate slightly depending on changes in demand, number of students, seat matrix updates, and paper difficulty.
4. Where can I find the official cut-off PDFs?
Visit the KEA official website (cetonline.karnataka.gov.in) and go to the Admissions > Cut Off section.
5. Is there hope for students above 6000 rank?
Yes. You can target branches other than CSE/ISE or apply through COMEDK/management quota in good colleges.
Conclusion
If you’re aiming for top engineering colleges in Karnataka through KCET 2026, it’s vital to understand how ranks correlate with college and branch allotments. Institutions like RVCE, BMSCE, PESU, and MSRIT have some of the most competitive cut-offs. However, with the right strategy, students with ranks up to 7000–8000 can also secure excellent branches in reputed colleges.
At Deeksha Vedantu, we support KCET aspirants at every step—from exam prep and mock testing to personalized counselling and option entry support. Our mission is to ensure that every student not only clears KCET but secures a seat that aligns with their career goals.
Plan smart. Track your target rank. Choose your college with clarity. Make KCET 2026 your turning point.
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