Top BSc Forestry Colleges in Karnataka 2026: Fees, KCET Cutoffs, Placements & Careers

Pursuing a BSc in Forestry in Karnataka offers strong exposure to sustainable forest management, wildlife conservation, silviculture, agroforestry, and climate-resilient ecosystem practices. Karnataka has nearly 22% forest cover, making it one of India’s most ecologically diverse states. Students gain field training across the Western Ghats, reserved forest zones, and biodiversity hubs, preparing them for careers in the Indian Forest Service (IFS), forest departments, NGOs, research institutes, and environmental consulting.

Ideal for Class 12 Science students (PCB/PCM), the course is structured to balance classroom knowledge with immersive fieldwork—soil analysis, nursery practices, forest mensuration, GIS mapping, and biodiversity indexing.

Why Choose BSc Forestry in Karnataka for 2026

Choosing a BSc Forestry in Karnataka gives students a unique advantage thanks to the state’s proximity to biodiversity hotspots such as Kodagu, Shivamogga, and Uttara Kannada. These regions are part of the Western Ghats, one of the world’s richest ecological zones, making Karnataka one of India’s best training grounds for field-based forestry education.

Unlike generic life science degrees, Karnataka’s ICAR-aligned forestry curriculum integrates teak, bamboo, and sandalwood ecosystem studies, hands-on silviculture, wildlife monitoring, and GIS-based forest mapping. As a result, nearly 80% of coursework is practical, involving nursery management, trekking surveys, wildlife census work, and agroforestry field camps.

The forestry sector in India is expected to grow 15% by 2030 (MoEFCC, 2025), creating demand for skilled graduates across conservation, sustainability consulting, plantation management, and Forest Services. Karnataka forestry graduates report starting packages of ₹3.7–₹7.5 LPA, with UAHS/UAS colleges noting ~90% placement in state forest departments (2025).

Eligibility (Quick Check)

• Class 12: PCB/PCM

• Minimum Marks: 50% (45% for reserved categories)

• Age: 17+ at admission

Course Duration & Structure

• 4 years (8 semesters)

• 160 credits

• Includes:

  • 6-month internship

  • Fieldwork modules

  • Research projects

  • Forest/industry exposure visits

Career Advantage

• ~90% placement in state Forest Departments (UAHS 2025)

• Specialized training in Western Ghats ecosystems

• Skill development in:

  • Wildlife habitat mapping

  • Agroforestry management

  • Forest mensuration & GIS

  • Afforestation & sustainability projects

Graduates progress into careers in IFS, State Forest Services, eco-research institutes, plantation industries, conservation NGOs, and climate-consulting firms, making this degree an ideal springboard for ecology-driven professions.

Top Government BSc Forestry Colleges in Karnataka 2026

Government-run forestry colleges in Karnataka are known for low fees, KCET-based entry, and strong field training in Western Ghats ecosystems. Seats typically fill for candidates with KCET ranks under 12,000 (General Merit), making early preparation essential. Most colleges are ICAR-accredited and report 95% success in practical modules, focusing on hands-on silviculture, wildlife mapping, and plantation management.

These institutions are an excellent choice for students from Karnataka’s rural belts due to low tuition, hostel affordability, and reservation benefits.

List of Top Government BSc Forestry Colleges in Karnataka (2026)

Campus & Academic Highlights

College of Forestry, Sirsi – UAS Dharwad

Located on a 52-acre rainforest-adjacent campus, Sirsi excels in Western Ghats biodiversity studies. In 2025, students undertook 200+ sapling trials for climate-resilient species, strengthening reforestation expertise.

College of Forestry, Ponnampet – UAHS Shivamogga

Situated in Kodagu’s coffee–forest landscape, Ponnampet offers specialized training in plantation ecology and wildlife science. Its 2025 placement record included 65 offers from WWF, State Forest Board, and private plantations.

University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Dharwad

A strong pick for students fluent in agri-technology. UAS Dharwad integrates forestry with remote sensing, GIS, and drone-based monitoring, preparing graduates for data-driven conservation roles.

Top 10 BSc Forestry Colleges in Karnataka 2026

Although Karnataka officially offers only five dedicated BSc Forestry programs (as per KEA 2025), students often explore strong environmental-science and agro-forestry options at prominent private universities.
This expanded Top 10 list ranks colleges by 2025 placement trends, research output (EduRank parameters), field exposure, and KCET/merit accessibility.

Ranked List – Best BSc Forestry Colleges in Karnataka (2026)

1. College of Forestry, Sirsi – UAS Dharwad

   • Premier in wildlife & silviculture studies

   • 2025 placements: ~50 students placed; median ₹3.7 LPA

2. College of Forestry, Ponnampet – UAHS Shivamogga

   • Top for agroforestry + plantation ecology

   • 2025 highest package: ₹7.5 LPA

3. University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Dharwad

   • Strong in forestry policy + rural development studies

   • Internship conversion: 85% in 2025

4. University of Agricultural & Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga

   • Horti-forestry specialization

   • Established new soil-analysis labs in 2025

5. Rai Technology University, Bengaluru

   • Flexible curriculum + industry collaborations

   • Popular among students targeting private-sector forestry roles

6. RV University, Bengaluru

   • Focus on urban forestry & sustainability

   • 2025 fees: ~₹1.2 lakh; startups visited for placements

7. Garden City University, Bengaluru

   • Known for sustainable timber processing & corporate forestry exposure

   • 2025: ~70% placed (ITC among recruiters)

8. Jain University, Bengaluru

   • Strong GIS-integrated forestry modules

   • Avg salary: ₹3.5 LPA

9. Christ University, Bengaluru

   • Eco-restoration and conservation electives

   • Good NGO & research-focused alumni base

10. Dayananda Sagar University, Bengaluru

• Affordable private option; merit-based admissions

• 2025 average placement: ₹3.0 LPA

BSc Forestry Colleges in Bangalore 2026

Students seeking BSc Forestry programs in Bangalore should note that the city does not have government forestry colleges. However, four strong private universities offer forestry and environmental science programs with practical exposure near the Bannerghatta and Devarayanadurga forest belts. Admissions are primarily merit-based or via institutional entrance exams rather than KCET.
Fees remain mid-range, making these colleges suitable for students targeting agro-consulting, environmental startups, and corporate sustainability roles.

Top Private BSc Forestry Colleges in Bangalore (2026)

1) Rai Technology University, Bengaluru

• Fees: ₹1.0–1.2 lakh/year

• Placement 2025: ~80% (notable recruiter: Godrej Agrovet, ~₹4 LPA)

• Strong fieldwork exposure in nearby protected reserves

2) RV University, Bengaluru

• Fees: ~₹1.5 lakh/year

• 2026 intake adds biodiversity app modules & GIS tools

• Avg package 2025: ₹3.8 LPA

3) Jain University, Bengaluru

• Fees: ~₹1.1 lakh/year

• KCET optional; admissions often merit-based

• Strong coursework in forest economics; 75% placements via campus drives

4) Garden City University, Bengaluru

• Fees: ~₹90,000/year

• Focus areas include urban greening & sustainable landscapes

• 2025 median package: ₹3.2 LPA from eco-focused firms

Additional Insights

• Bangalore colleges offer better hostel availability (~₹50,000/year) and city internships, but seats fill quickly.

• Apply by March 2026 to secure early-bird scholarships and preferred specialization tracks.

List of BSc Forestry Colleges in Karnataka 2026

Karnataka offers a focused selection of BSc Forestry programs, primarily in government agricultural universities, supported by ICAR accreditation and KCET-based admissions. As per KEA 2025 data, reservation policies allocate around 40% seats for rural and SC/ST applicants, ensuring inclusive access across the state.

BSc Forestry Colleges in Karnataka (2026)

Total estimated seats (2026): 180

Admissions for government institutions typically occur via KCET counseling, while private colleges may follow merit-based or institutional entrance routes. For updated guidelines, visit kea.kar.nic.in.

Top BSc Forestry Colleges in Karnataka – Fees 2026

Fees for BSc Forestry in Karnataka remain largely stable post-2025 budget: government colleges continue to be highly subsidized at ₹8,000–12,000 per year (hostel ₹20,000 extra), while private institutions range from ₹90,000 to ₹1.5 lakh per year, often offering scholarships to high scorers.

Fee Overview:

• Government Colleges: Average ₹10,000/year + ₹5,000 refundable caution deposit.

• Private Colleges: Around ₹1 lakh/year; e.g., Rai Tech provides a 20% fee waiver for KCET toppers.

• Additional Costs: Field gear (~₹10,000) and books (~₹5,000). UAHS provides stipends covering 50% of these expenses.

Budget Estimate: ₹50,000–1.5 lakh for the entire 4-year course, significantly lower than the national average of ₹2 lakh.

Top BSc Forestry Colleges in Karnataka – Expected Cut Offs 2026

Based on 2025 KCET trends, 2026 admissions are likely to be slightly more competitive for General Merit (GM) due to a 10% seat increase. Anticipate GM ranks in the 9,000–11,000 range for government colleges, with candidates needing a 140+ PCB aggregate. Historical trends show a 5% annual increase in cutoffs driven by rising applicants.

Key Factors for 2026:

• Higher weightage for practical exams (50%) may lower ranks by up to 2,000 places.

• Use KEA mock ranks for a more precise prediction.

BSc Forestry Admission Process 2026 – Karnataka

Overview:
Start early! KCET registration begins January 2026. 70% of seats are filled via KCET, while 30% are management quota.

Step-by-Step Admission:

1. Qualify KCET – Exam in April 2026, includes a practical component (50 marks).

2. Counseling – Held June–July 2026; select forestry as your preferred course.

3. Document Verification – Submit PUC marksheet, caste certificate, and other required documents.

Alternative Routes:

• ICAR AIEEA – For all-India quota seats.

• Private Colleges – Merit-based admission; scholarships may apply.

Timeline:

• Results: May 2026

• Seat Allotment/Completion: By August 2026

Competition Insight:
In 2025, 5,000 applicants competed for 120 seats. Target the top 10 percentile to maximize chances of admission.

BSc Forestry Entrance Exams & Eligibility – Karnataka 2026

Main Exams:

• KCET: Primary route, 90% weightage. Covers Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. Cutoff generally at 50th percentile.

• ICAR AIEEA: All-India quota for 15% seats. In 2025, toppers secured direct admission to Sirsi.

• University-Specific Tests: E.g., Rai Tech conducts its own entrance in June 2026.

Eligibility:

• Minimum 50% aggregate in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology).

• No upper age limit.

Prep Tip:

• Focus on Biology (≈40% of syllabus).

• Mock practicals in 2025 resulted in 20-mark gains, highlighting the importance of hands-on practice.

BSc Forestry Placements & Careers – Karnataka 2026

Placement Stats (2025):

• 90% of graduates placed within 6 months (UAHS report).

• Opportunities include Karnataka Forest Department (₹35K starting) and NGOs like ATREE.

Top Recruiters:

• State Forest Service

• ITC Plantations

• WWF-India

Salary Overview:

• Freshers: ₹3–4 LPA

• With MSc: ₹6–8 LPA

• Example: Ponnampet – 50 out of 60 students placed; highest package ₹7.5 LPA (eco-consulting).

Long-Term Outlook:

• 70% alumni join IFS within 2 years.

• Karnataka’s growing green job sector favors local candidates.

2026 Prep Note:

• Stay updated with KEA notifications; a single good rank can kickstart your forestry career.