Top BSc Forestry Colleges in Karnataka: Admissions, Fees & Placements 2026
Karnataka is a premier destination for aspiring Forestry professionals, boasting leading BSc Forestry colleges in Karnataka that offer robust academic programs and practical training. The state is home to renowned institutions like the College of Forestry in Sirsi and Ponnampet, known for their comprehensive curricula. This guide provides a detailed look at admissions, fees, rankings, and a comparison of top colleges to help you choose the best fit for 2026.
Top BSc Forestry Colleges in Karnataka 2026: Fees, Ranking, Entrance Test, Admission Dates, Placements
Karnataka is home to some of India’s finest BSc Forestry institutions, all affiliated with the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS). The BSc (Honours) Forestry programme in Karnataka is a 4-year full-time degree that trains students in silviculture, forest ecology, wildlife management, agroforestry, and forest policy. Admissions are primarily governed by KCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test) conducted by KEA and supplemented by ICAR AIEEA for All India quota seats.
| # | College Name | Location | Type | Course Offered | Total Fees (4 Years) | Entrance Test | Avg. Placement Package | Highest Package | Rating |
| 1 | College of Forestry, Ponnampet (UAHS Shivamogga) | Ponnampet, Kodagu | Government | BSc (Hons.) Forestry – 4 Years ✅ ICAR Accredited | ₹1,60,000 – ₹1,69,000 | KCET / ICAR AIEEA | ₹4.5 LPA | ₹7 LPA | ⭐ 4.4/5 |
| 2 | College of Forestry, Sirsi (Iruvakki) (UAS Dharwad) | Sirsi, Uttara Kannada | Government | BSc (Hons.) Forestry – 4 Years ✅ ICAR Accredited | ₹1,60,000 – ₹1,69,000 | KCET / ICAR AIEEA | ₹3.5 – ₹4 LPA | — | ⭐ 4.1/5 |
| 3 | University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Dharwad | Dharwad | Government | BSc (Hons.) Forestry – 4 Years ✅ ICAR Accredited | ₹1,50,000 – ₹1,65,000 | KCET / ICAR AIEEA | ₹3.5 LPA | ₹6 LPA | ⭐ 4.2/5 |
| 4 | University of Agricultural & Horticultural Sciences (UAHS), Shivamogga | Shivamogga | Government Deemed | BSc (Hons.) Forestry / Agriculture – 4 Years ✅ UAS Affiliated | ₹1,55,000 – ₹1,70,000 | KCET / ICAR AIEEA | ₹3 – ₹4 LPA | ₹5.5 LPA | ⭐ 4.0/5 |
| 5 | Rai Technology University, Bengaluru | Bengaluru | Private Deemed | BSc Environmental Science / Ecology ⚠️ No standalone BSc Forestry | ₹2,50,000 – ₹3,50,000 | Rai University Entrance / Merit | ₹3 LPA | ₹4.5 LPA | ⭐ 3.5/5 |
| 6 | RV University, Bengaluru | Bengaluru | Private Deemed | BSc Environmental Science / Life Sciences ⚠️ No standalone BSc Forestry | ₹3,50,000 – ₹5,00,000 | RVU Entrance / KCET | ₹4 LPA | ₹6 LPA | ⭐ 3.8/5 |
| 7 | Garden City University, Bengaluru | Bengaluru | Private | BSc Environmental Science / Botany ⚠️ No standalone BSc Forestry | ₹2,37,000 – ₹4,00,000/year | University Entrance / Merit | ₹3 LPA | ₹5 LPA | ⭐ 3.6/5 |
| 8 | Jain (Deemed-to-be) University, Bengaluru | Bengaluru | Private Deemed | BSc Environmental Science / Botany / Life Sciences ⚠️ No standalone BSc Forestry | ₹5,40,000 (3 years) | JET / KCET / Merit | ₹3.5 LPA | ₹6 LPA | ⭐ 3.9/5 |
| 9 | Christ (Deemed-to-be) University, Bengaluru | Bengaluru | Private Deemed | BSc Environmental Science / Biological Sciences ⚠️ No standalone BSc Forestry | ₹4,00,000 – ₹6,00,000 (3 years) | CUET / Christ Entrance / Merit | ₹4 LPA | ₹7 LPA | ⭐ 4.1/5 |
| 10 | Dayananda Sagar University, Bengaluru | Bengaluru | Private Deemed | BSc Life Sciences / Environmental Sciences ⚠️ No standalone BSc Forestry | ₹3,00,000 – ₹5,00,000 (3 years) | DSU Entrance / KCET / Merit | ₹3 LPA | ₹5 LPA | ⭐ 3.7/5 |
Entrance Tests Accepted for BSc Forestry in Karnataka
| Entrance Test | Conducted By | Seats Covered | Mode |
| KCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test) | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) | 85% State Quota | Offline |
| ICAR AIEEA (All India Entrance Examination for Admission) | ICAR | 15% All India Quota | Offline |
BSc Forestry Fees Breakdown (Karnataka Government Colleges)
| Fee Component | Amount (Per Year) | Total (4 Years) |
| Tuition Fee | ₹35,000 – ₹42,000 | ₹1,40,000 – ₹1,68,000 |
| Hostel Fee | ₹15,000 – ₹20,000 | ₹60,000 – ₹80,000 |
| Mess / Food Charges | ₹18,000 – ₹25,000/year | ₹72,000 – ₹1,00,000 |
| Estimated Total (4 Years) | ~₹2,72,000 – ₹3,48,000 |
Also Read: BSc Life Science Scope 2026: Jobs, Salary, Career Opportunities & Future Prospects
Best BSc Forestry Colleges in Karnataka by Ranking 2026
Karnataka’s BSc Forestry landscape is anchored by its government agricultural universities, which dominate all credible rankings for this specific discipline. Rankings are assessed across multiple dimensions: research output, academic reputation, ICAR accreditation, placement track record, KCET demand (closing rank), and campus/field infrastructure. For forestry as a science discipline, the EduRank Research Performance Rankings 2025 and ICAR/UGC accreditation status are the most authoritative benchmarks used below.
| Overall Rank (Karnataka – Forestry) | College Name | Location | EduRank Research Rank (Karnataka) | ICAR Accredited | KCET 2025 Closing Rank (General) |
| #1 | College of Forestry, Ponnampet | Kodagu | Via UAHS Shivamogga (#3 UAS) | ✅ Yes | ~13,106 |
| #2 | University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Dharwad | Dharwad | 🥈 #2 in Karnataka (Forestry Research) | ✅ Yes | ~16,000+ |
| #3 | College of Forestry, Sirsi (Iruvakki) | Uttara Kannada | Via UAS Dharwad (#2) | ✅ Yes | ~15,240 |
| #4 | University of Agricultural & Horticultural Sciences (UAHS), Shivamogga | Shivamogga | Via UAS Shivamogga | ✅ Yes | ~17,000+ |
| #5 | University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru (GKVK) | Bengaluru | 🥉 #3 in Karnataka (Forestry Research) | ✅ Yes | Via KCET/ICAR |
| #6 | Christ (Deemed-to-be) University, Bengaluru | Bengaluru | #7 in Karnataka (Forestry Research) | ⚠️ No (BSc Env. Sci.) | N/A (Own Entrance) |
| #7 | Jain (Deemed-to-be) University, Bengaluru | Bengaluru | #16 in Karnataka (Forestry Research) | ⚠️ No (BSc Life Sci.) | N/A (Own Entrance) |
| #8 | RV University, Bengaluru | Bengaluru | Not ranked (Forestry-specific) | ⚠️ No (BSc Env. Sci.) | N/A (Own Entrance) |
| #9 | Dayananda Sagar University, Bengaluru | Bengaluru | Not ranked (Forestry-specific) | ⚠️ No (BSc Life Sci.) | N/A (Own Entrance) |
| #10 | Garden City University, Bengaluru | Bengaluru | Not ranked (Forestry-specific) | ⚠️ No (BSc Env. Sci.) | N/A (Own Entrance) |
BSc Forestry Colleges in Bangalore & Shimoga Regions 2026
As of March 2026, Karnataka offers 5 dedicated official BSc Forestry programs. While there are no government BSc Forestry colleges in Karnataka within Bangalore, the region boasts 4 strong private universities offering Forestry or environmental science programs, complemented by government options in the Shimoga region.
- Last Updated: March 2026
- Official Programs: 5 dedicated (as per KEA 2025)
- Bangalore Government Colleges: None
- Bangalore Private Universities: 4 strong institutions
- UAHS Shivamogga: Best for Research & Field work (~₹80K for 4 years)
- UAS Bangalore GKVK: Best for Urban Forestry & research (~₹1.2L for 4 years)
Private BSc Forestry colleges in Karnataka in Bangalore primarily offer merit-based admissions or institutional entrance exams, distinct from KCET. These institutions, often mid-range in fees, provide practical exposure near Bannerghatta and Devarayanadurga forest belts.
| College Name | Fees (Annual/4-Year) | Key Focus/Feature | Placement (2025) |
| Rai Technology University, Bengaluru | ₹1.0–1.2 lakh/year | Strong fieldwork exposure, industry collaborations | ~80% (~₹4 LPA, Godrej Agrovet) |
| RV University, Bengaluru | ~₹1.5 lakh/year | Urban Forestry & sustainability, GIS tools (2026 intake) | ₹3.8 LPA (Avg package) |
| Garden City University | ₹2–2.5L (4-Year) | Sustainable timber processing, corporate Forestry exposure | ~70% (ITC among recruiters) |
| Jain University (BSc Environmental Science) | ₹3.5–4L (4-Year) | Industry + research blend, GIS-integrated Forestry modules | ₹3.5 LPA (Avg Salary) |
College of Forestry, Sirsi: Admission Process & Eligibility 2026
The College of Forestry, Sirsi, offers a B.Sc. (Hons.) Forestry program, with admission primarily through the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET). This section details the eligibility criteria, application process, fees, and important admission information for prospective students interested in BSc Forestry colleges in Karnataka.
- Program Offered: B.Sc. (Hons.) Forestry
- Affiliation: University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad (UAS Dharwad)
- Primary Admission Mode: Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET)
- Eligibility: PCMB or Inter-Agriculture pass in PUC Science.
- Course Duration: 4 years (8 semesters)
- Estimated Annual Fees (2025-26): ₹8,000–10,000
These details provide a foundational understanding of the program and its core requirements, highlighting the primary pathway for admission and the financial commitment involved.
| Aspect | Details |
| Admission Criteria (Non-ICAR) | 50% qualifying exam marks, 50% KCET (PCMB subjects). |
| General Application Process | Apply to CET Cell, KEA via prescribed form as per notifications. |
| Foreign Candidate Application | Applications sent through Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). |
| Kin Farmers Reservation | 50% undergraduate seats reserved; separate practical exam required. |
| NRI Category Reservation | Additional 10% seats earmarked. Contact University Website for details. |
| Registration Procedure | Pay fees by admission letter deadline, report on first semester day. |
| Fee Payment Mechanism | Prescribed fees (non-refundable) paid on the spot on admission day. |
| Fee Concessions | Extended for SC/ST/Cat-I; tuition/exam fees exempted for others with certificates. |
| KCET Cutoff (General Merit, 2025) | 10,589 |
| 2026-27 Admission Contacts | Dr. Vinayak Upadhya: 9449561591; Mr. Somashekharaiah S L: 9480344471 |
Further details on the admission process, including specific criteria for various quotas and contact information for future admissions, are outlined above.
| Category | General Ranking | Practical Ranking (Agri Quota) |
| SC | 22126 | 1838 |
| ST | 24263 | 2872 |
| CAT – 1 | 39360 | 234 |
| 2A | 15611 | 266 |
| 2B | 7238 | 2688 |
| 3A | 10135 | 1150 |
| 3B | 8234 | 721 |
| GM | 9916 | 155 |
Sirsi vs Ponnampet: BSc Forestry Fees & Placements Comparison 2026
Comparing BSc Forestry colleges in Karnataka, specifically College of Forestry, Sirsi (UAS Dharwad) and College of Forestry, Ponnampet (UAHS Shivamogga), reveals insights into their fees, placements, and specializations for the 2026 academic year.
| Feature | College of Forestry, Sirsi (UAS Dharwad) | College of Forestry, Ponnampet (UAHS Shivamogga) |
| Location | Uttara Kannada | Kodagu |
| Annual Fees (2025–26) | ₹8,000–10,000 | ₹8,000–12,000 |
| Total Fees (4 Years) | ~₹1L | ~₹1L |
| KCET Cutoff (GM, 2025) | 10,589 | 8,854 (2AG; GM ~9,500) |
| Average Placement (2025) | ₹4.0 LPA | ₹4.2 LPA |
| Median Placement (2025) | ₹3.7 LPA | N/A |
| Highest Package (2025) | N/A | ₹7.5 LPA |
| Placement Details (2025) | ~50 students placed | 65 offers from WWF, State Forest Board, and private plantations |
| Specialization/Focus | Western Ghats biodiversity studies, wildlife & silviculture studies, reforestation expertise (200+ sapling trials) | Plantation ecology, wildlife science, agroForestry |
| Campus Highlights | 52-acre rainforest-adjacent campus | Situated in Kodagu’s coffee–forest landscape, surrounded by reserve forests |
| Affiliation | UAS Dharwad | UAHS Shivamogga |
| ICAR Approved | Yes | Yes |
| Best For (as per ranking) | Overall excellence, Premier in wildlife & silviculture studies | Forest ecosystem access, agroForestry + plantation ecology |
How to Apply for BSc Forestry Admissions in Karnataka 2026
Applying for BSc Forestry admissions in Karnataka for 2026 primarily involves the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) for government colleges. This section details the essential eligibility, application process, and specific quotas for prospective students aiming for BSc Forestry colleges in Karnataka.
- Primary Admission Channel: Admissions are only through KCET for government BSc Forestry colleges in Karnataka.
- Eligibility Criteria: Pass two-year PUC Science (PCMB or one science subject) or PUC Science with Inter-Agriculture.
- Minimum Aggregate Marks: At least 50% in Class 12th is required for UAS Karnataka colleges.
- Entrance Exams Accepted: KCET scores are mandatory for state quota; ICAR AIEEA scores are also considered.
- Application Form Source: Obtain KCET application forms from the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) website.
- Mode of Admission: Marks from 10+2 and KCET (PCMB) are weighted equally for admission.
Beyond the general admission criteria, specific quotas and procedures apply for certain candidate categories, ensuring diverse representation. These include provisions for kin farmers, NRI candidates, and foreign applicants, each with distinct application guidelines.
| Category/Detail | Information |
| Registration Procedure | Candidates pay fees by the admission letter deadline and report on the first day of the Semester. |
| Fee Payment Mechanism | Prescribed (non-refundable) fees must be paid on the spot on the day of admission. |
| Foreign Candidates Application | Applications must be sent through the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi. |
| Kin Farmers Quota | Fifty percent of seats are reserved; candidates must pass a separate practical knowledge examination. |
| Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Quota | An additional 10% of seats are earmarked. Contact the University Website for details. |
| Contact for 2026-27 Admissions | Dr Vinayak Upadhya (9449561591) or Mr Somashekharaiah S L (9480344471) for the College of Forestry, Sirsi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fees for BSc Forestry in Karnataka?
BSc Forestry fees in Karnataka generally range from INR 5,000 to INR 20,000 per year, varying by university and facilities. Karnataka has 2 such colleges.
Which BSc Forestry colleges in Karnataka are ICAR-approved?
The College of Forestry, Sirsi (UAS Dharwad) is an ICAR-approved institution offering BSc (Hons.) Forestry. It is consistently ranked among the best in Karnataka.
How many BSc Forestry colleges are there in Karnataka?
Karnataka has 5 BSc Forestry colleges, including top institutions like the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, and the College of Forestry, Sirsi. Admission typically requires a Pre-university Science pass and exams like KCET.
What are the eligibility requirements for a BSc Forestry?
Candidates must have completed 10+2 Science with a minimum 50% aggregate from a recognised board and appear for relevant entrance examinations.
How do I apply for BSc Forestry colleges in Karnataka?
Apply for BSc Forestry through the CET Cell of Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) website, following their notifications for the prescribed form.
