About NIT Surathkal
National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal, commonly known as NIT Surathkal (or NITK), is a premier public engineering institute with roots dating back to 1960, though it was officially designated as an NIT in 2002. Located along the scenic shores of the Arabian Sea in Mangaluru, Karnataka, NIT Surathkal is recognized as an Institute of National Importance and is approved by the UGC and AICTE. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, the institute maintains a strong global presence, typically featuring in the 1001-1200 band. Additionally, in the NIRF Ranking 2025, NIT Surathkal secured the 54th position in the overall category, 41st in research, and a prestigious 17th in the engineering category.
NIT Surathkal offers admission for B.Tech, M.Tech, MBA, M.Sc, MCA, and PhD programs. The B.Tech program is the most sought-after, with admission based on JEE Main scores followed by JoSAA/CSAB counselling. The NIT Surathkal JEE Main cutoff 2026 for B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) is expected to be highly competitive, likely closing around the 1,400-2,200 rank range for Other State candidates. The total fees for the B.Tech program are approximately INR 5.76 Lakhs to 6.30 Lakhs for four years, which excludes mess charges but covers tuition and hostel seat rent. For admissions to M.Tech, M.Sc, and PhD programs, the institute accepts GATE, IIT JAM, and NET/JRF scores, respectively, while MCA admissions are conducted through NIMCET.
The NIT Surathkal placements 2026 (based on Phase 1 trends ending in late 2025) continue to showcase elite results. Historically, over 300 companies visit the campus annually, with students securing over 900 to 1,000 job offers. Top recruiters during recent drives included Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Adobe, Oracle, and Qualcomm. In the most recent placement cycles, the highest domestic package has reached INR 55 LPA, while exceptional off-campus offers for students have touched INR 2 Crore per annum. The overall average package for the institute stands at approximately INR 18.26 LPA, with the CSE and Information Technology (IT) branches leading the statistics with averages frequently exceeding INR 23-25 LPA.
NIT Surathkal Key Highlights
Below are the key highlights of the institute, including its history, rankings, and infrastructure.
| Particulars | Details |
| Year of Establishment | 1960 (Founded as Karnataka Regional Engineering College; NIT status in 2002) |
| Type of University | Government (Institute of National Importance) |
| Recognition | UGC, AICTE, NBA, NAAC |
| Campus Area | 295 acres (Features a private beach on the Arabian Sea) |
| Courses / Degrees Offered | Undergraduate (B.Tech), Postgraduate (M.Tech, M.Sc, MCA, MBA), Doctoral (PhD) |
| NIRF Rankings (2025) | 17 (Engineering), 54 (Overall) |
| Infrastructure Facilities | Central Research Facility (CRF), Central Computer Centre (CCC), Central Library, Silver Jubilee Auditorium, Open Air Theatre, 12 Boys' Hostels, 5 Girls' Hostels, International Hostel, Shopping Centers, Post Office, Health Care Centre, Swimming Pool |
| Location | Surathkal, Mangaluru, Karnataka |
- About NIT Surathkal
- NIT Surathkal Courses & Fees
- NIT Surathkal Admission 2026
- NIT Surathkal Admission Dates 2026
- NIT Surathkal Cutoff 2026
- NIT Surathkal Placements
- NIT Surathkal Ranking
- NIT Surathkal Campus
- NIT Surathkal Scholarships
- NIT Surathkal Alumni
- NIT Surathkal Collaborations
- Why Choose NIT Surathkal?
- NIT Surathkal Vs NIT Trichy Vs NIT Warangal
NIT Surathkal Courses & Fees
NIT Surathkal (NITK) offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across Engineering, Science, Management, and Information Technology disciplines. The top courses offered at NIT Surathkal include B.Tech, M.Tech, M.Sc, MCA, MBA, and PhD. NIT Surathkal fees for B.Tech is approximately INR 6 Lakhs to 6.6 Lakhs for 4 years (tuition alone is roughly 5 Lakhs). Among PG programs, NIT Surathkal M.Tech fees is approximately INR 1.4 Lakhs to 2 Lakhs for 2 years, M.Sc fees is approximately INR 88,000 to 95,000, and the MBA fees is approximately INR 4.45 Lakhs.
| Course Name | Total Fees | Eligibility Criteria |
| B.Tech | INR 6,02,000 | 75% in 10+2 (PCM) + JEE Main |
| M.Tech | INR 1,99,000 | 60% in B.E./B.Tech + GATE |
| M.Sc | INR 88,540 | Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline + IIT JAM |
| MCA | INR 2,95,000 | Bachelor’s degree with 60% + NIMCET |
| MBA | INR 4,45,000 | Bachelor’s degree with 50% + CAT/GMAT/CMAT |
| PhD | INR 1,45,000 | Master’s degree + Institute Test / GATE / NET |
NIT Surathkal Admission 2026
NIT Surathkal admission 2026 is currently in progress. B.Tech is the flagship program of the institute, for which admission is primarily based on JEE Main scores, followed by JoSAA/CSAB counselling. The NIT Surathkal JEE Main cutoff 2026 for B.Tech in CSE is expected to close between 1,400–2,600 for the general category (Other State quota), reflecting its status as one of the most competitive NITs.
For NIT Surathkal M.Tech admission 2026, candidates must possess a valid GATE score and participate in CCMT counselling. However, graduates from Centrally Funded Technical Institutes (CFTIs) like IITs or NITs with a CGPA of 8.0 and above may be eligible for direct admission or GATE exemptions in specific research-based categories. Similarly, for M.Sc, MCA, MBA, and PhD admissions, the institute accepts scores from IIT JAM, NIMCET, CAT/MAT/GMAT, and GATE/NET-JRF respectively.
| Course | Selection Criteria |
| BTech | JEE Main Rank + JoSAA/CSAB Counselling |
| MTech | GATE Score + CCMT Counselling / Institute Interview |
| MSc | IIT JAM Rank + CCMN Counselling |
| MCA | NIMCET Score + Centralized Counselling |
| MBA | CAT/MAT/GMAT Score + Group Discussion (GD) + Personal Interview (PI) |
| PhD | GATE / UGC-NET / CSIR-NET / Institute Entrance Test + Interview |
NIT Surathkal B.Tech Admission Process 2026
The admission process for B.Tech at NITK Surathkal requires candidates to qualify for JEE Main, participate in the centralized JoSAA/CSAB counselling, and complete the final physical reporting at the Mangalore campus.
-
Register and Appear for JEE Main: Candidates must first register for and appear in the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main. Because NIT Surathkal is a top-tier institute, a high percentile (typically 99+ for CSE) is necessary for general category applicants.
-
Result and Rank Generation: After the declaration of Session 2 results, the NTA releases the All India Rank (AIR). Admission is based on this AIR, considering both the Home State (Karnataka) and Other State quotas.
-
JoSAA Counselling Registration: Qualified candidates must register on the JoSAA portal. It is crucial to list "NIT Surathkal" and the specific desired branches (e.g., IT, AI, CSE) in your order of preference.
-
Seat Allotment Rounds: Seats are allotted over several rounds based on the candidate’s rank, category, and preferred choices.
-
Online Acceptance and Document Upload: Upon allotment, candidates must choose to "Freeze," "Float," or "Slide." They are required to pay the seat acceptance fee and upload mandatory documents (10th/12th marks cards, category certificates, etc.) for online verification.
-
Physical Reporting to NIT Surathkal: The final step involves reporting to the NITK campus in Surathkal. This includes biometric verification, a final cross-check of original documents, and payment of the balance admission fees to confirm enrollment.
NIT Surathkal Admission Dates 2026
Candidates can check the important dates related to NIT Surathkal admission 2026 in the table provided below.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Result Date | February 12, 2026 (Tentative) |
| JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Registration Ends | February 25, 2026 |
| JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Exam Dates | April 2 to 9, 2026 (Tentative) |
| JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Result Date | April 20, 2026 (Tentative) |
| GATE 2026 Exam Dates | February 7, 8, 14, 15, 2026 |
| IIT JAM 2026 Exam Date | February 15, 2026 |
| Last Date to Register for MAT 2026 (PBT) | February 23, 2026 |
| MAT 2026 PBT Admit Card Release Date | February 26, 2026 |
| MAT 2026 (PBT) Exam Date | March 1, 2026 |
| Last Date to Register for MAT 2026 (CBT) | March 2, 2026 |
| MAT 2026 CBT Admit Card Release Date | March 5, 2026 |
| MAT 2026 (CBT) Exam Date | March 8, 2026 |
| GATE 2026 Result Date | March 19, 2026 |
| IIT JAM 2026 Result Date | March 20, 2026 |
NIT Surathkal Cutoff 2026
NIT Surathkal Cutoff 2026 for BTech is expected to range between 1450–26500 ranks (OS) and 2300–32500 ranks (HS) for the General category. For M.Tech CSE, the expected GATE cutoff 2026 would be 745–785 marks, while the IIT JAM cutoff 2026 for M.Sc Physics/Chemistry is expected to range from 450–1150 ranks. Based on previous trends, the NIMCET cutoff for MCA at NIT Surathkal is expected to be around 45–55 ranks for the General category in 2026.
NIT Surathkal JEE Main Cutoff 2026
For the general category, NIT Surathkal JEE Main cutoff 2026 for B.Tech CSE is expected to range between 1450–1900 ranks (OS) and 2300–2900 ranks (HS). For the highly sought-after B.Tech in Artificial Intelligence, it may close between 2400–2700 ranks (OS) and 3800–4400 ranks (HS).
| Course | Expected JEE Main Cutoff 2026 (OS) | Expected JEE Main Cutoff 2026 (HS) |
| B.Tech Computer Science Engineering | 1450 – 1900 | 2300 – 2900 |
| B.Tech Artificial Intelligence | 2400 – 2700 | 3800 – 4400 |
| B.Tech Computational & Data Science | 2800 – 3300 | 4800 – 5500 |
| B.Tech Information Technology | 3100 – 3600 | 5200 – 6100 |
| B.Tech Electronics & Communication Engineering | 4800 – 5400 | 7200 – 8500 |
| B.Tech Electrical & Electronics Engineering | 7500 – 8900 | 12500 – 14800 |
| B.Tech Mechanical Engineering | 11500 – 13200 | 18500 – 22000 |
| B.Tech Chemical Engineering | 14500 – 16800 | 23500 – 27000 |
| B.Tech Civil Engineering | 21000 – 24500 | 28000 – 31500 |
| B.Tech Mining Engineering | 24000 – 26500 | 31000 – 34500 |
| B.Tech Metallurgical & Materials Engineering | 22500 – 25000 | 30000 – 32500 |
NIT Surathkal Placements
NIT Surathkal average package stood at INR 18.26 LPA for B.Tech, with the highest package reaching INR 55 LPA (domestic) and INR 63.3 LPA (overall). The institute placed 1,509 students in total, and approximately 290 recruiters (including top-tier tech giants) hired students from the campus. The overall placement rate during NIT Surathkal placements 2025 stood at 87.22%.
The key highlights for NIT Surathkal placement for 2025 are tabulated below.
| Particulars | Placement Highlights 2025 |
| Highest Package (Overall) | INR 63.3 LPA |
| Highest Package (B.Tech) | INR 54.75 LPA |
| Highest Package (M.Tech) | INR 38.14 LPA |
| Highest Package (MBA) | INR 10 LPA |
| Highest Package (M.Sc) | INR 18 LPA |
| Highest Package (MCA) | INR 38.14 LPA |
| Average Package (B.Tech) | INR 18.26 LPA |
| Average Package (M.Tech) | INR 12.64 LPA |
| Average Package (MBA) | INR 7.93 LPA |
| Average Package (M.Sc) | INR 7.10 LPA |
| Average Package (MCA) | INR 16.76 LPA |
| Total Students Placed | 1,509 |
| Number of Recruiters | ~290 |
| Overall Placement Rate | 87.22% |
NIT Surathkal Top Recruiters
Some of the top recruiters that visit the National Institute of Technology Surathkal campus are:
| Axis Bank | Byjus | Tredence Analytics |
| MasterCard | L&T | Deloitte |
| Morgan Stanley | ZS Associates | Wipro |
| Tata Steel | Capgemini | Blackbuck |
NIT Surathkal Ranking
NIT Surathkal ranks 17th in the engineering category on the list of Top Engineering Colleges in India in 2025. The institute remains Karnataka's flagship technical institution, maintaining its strong presence among the nation's elite. In the NIRF Rankings 2025, the institute secured the 54th position in the Overall category and featured at 41st in the Research category. The following are the latest NIT Surathkal (NITK) rankings:
| Ranking Organisation | Category | Rank Awarded |
| NIRF Ranking 2025 | Engineering | 17 |
| NIRF Ranking 2025 | Overall | 54 |
| NIRF Ranking 2025 | Research | 41 |
| QS World University Rankings 2025 | Southern Asia | 120 |
| QS World University Rankings 2025 | Asia | 441-450 |
| Times Engineering | Engineering | 5 (2019 data)* |
NIT Surathkal Campus
NIT Surathkal is spread across a scenic 295-acre campus. NIT Surathkal Campus is uniquely located right on the shores of the Arabian Sea in Surathkal, Mangaluru, about 2 km from Surathkal Railway Station and 20 km from Mangalore City. It is approximately 350 km from Bengaluru. Hostel accommodation is generally required as it is a residential campus designed to foster a close-knit academic community.
Various facilities offered at the NIT Surathkal campus are:
Hostels: NIT Surathkal provides extensive on-campus housing with separate blocks for boys and girls, including specific mega-towers for various year groups. The hostel and mess fees typically range from INR 80,000–95,000 per year, depending on the specific block and chosen dining facilities.
Library: The Central Library is a massive, automated facility holding over 1.5 lakh volumes, including rare books, reports, and a vast array of electronic journals and databases. it serves as the primary knowledge hub for both undergraduate research and doctoral studies.
Labs & Research: The campus features advanced laboratories and specialized centers like the Central Research Facility (CRF). It supports cutting-edge research in fields such as Marine Engineering, Sustainable Energy, Artificial Intelligence, and Heavy Construction Materials, often in collaboration with global industry leaders.
Sports & Fitness: Known for its active lifestyle, the campus offers a floodlit cricket stadium, football grounds, a swimming pool, and dedicated courts for tennis, volleyball, and basketball. The institute also features a well-equipped gym and an indoor sports complex.
Medical Facility: The Health Care Centre on campus is staffed by full-time medical officers and nursing staff. It provides outpatient treatment, emergency care, and pharmacy services, with tie-ups to major specialty hospitals in Mangaluru for advanced care.
Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Through its STEP (Science & Technology Entrepreneurs' Park) and various R&D cells, the institute provides a robust ecosystem for startups. It encourages students to bridge the gap between classroom theory and commercial application through specialized incubation support.
Cultural & Technical Events: NIT Surathkal is famous for hosting Incident (one of South India's largest annual cultural fests) and Engineer (the annual technical fest). These events, along with beach-side activities and international conferences, form the core of the vibrant student life.
NIT Surathkal Scholarships
NIT Surathkal similarly provides a robust range of financial aid to ensure that academic excellence is rewarded and financial constraints do not hinder a student's education. The NITK scholarships offered are as follows:
| Scholarship | Description |
| Institute Merit Scholarships | NIT Surathkal offers merit-based scholarships to its top-performing students. Typically, students who maintain a high CGPA (often 9.0 or above) and are within the top 5-10% of their class are eligible for these financial rewards. |
| MHRD Scholarships | Following Central Government norms, MHRD scholarships are awarded based on JEE Main ranks and academic performance. These are often aimed at students who demonstrate exceptional merit and fall within specific rank brackets determined annually. |
| NSP & State Scholarships | NITK facilitates various scholarships via the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) and state-specific portals like the Karnataka E-Pass. These are targeted at SC, ST, and OBC students, as well as those from minority communities, provided they meet the domicile and income criteria. |
| Fee Remission | In accordance with NIT Council guidelines, NIT Surathkal provides significant fee waivers for undergraduate students based on family income. Students with an annual income below INR 1 lakh receive a full tuition fee waiver, while those between INR 1-5 lakhs receive a 2/3rd tuition fee waiver. |
NIT Surathkal Alumni
The alumni association of NIT Surathkal has been energetic in imparting a platform for all of the alumni to engage and network and organizes a large number of occasions each year. A few notable alumni of NIT Surathkal are.
| Notable Alumni | Profession |
| Rajeev Madhavan | Entrepreneur |
| Ashok Kheny | Former Member of Karnataka Legislative Assembly |
| Thomas Zacharia | Indian American Scientist |
| K.V. Kamath | President of the New Development Bank |
| Prabhudev Konana | Researcher |
NIT Surathkal Collaborations
NIT Surathkal has signed MOUs with various international universities/institutes for various programs such as student exchange, faculty exchange, research collaboration, etc. The various international and national collaborations are:
International Collaborations
| Country | Partnering University |
| USA | University of California Berkeley, Northeastern University Boston, Michigan State University |
| Ukraine | Kyiv Polytechnic Institute |
| Switzerland | University of Applied Sciences, The School of Business and Engineering |
National Collaborations
- Srinivas University , Mukka, Mangaluru
- NITTE(Deemed to be University), Deralakatte, Mangalore
- CSIR-Institute of Minerals &Materials Technology Bhubaneswar
- Department of Psychiatry Yenepoya Medical College, Deralakatte Mangalore
- Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Science University, Bidar
- Garrison Engineer (P) Ezhimala, Naval Academy, Ezhimala
- M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bangalore (MSRIT)
Why Choose NIT Surathkal?
NIT Surathkal (National Institute of Technology Karnataka) is widely recognised for its committed faculty, staff, and state-of-the-art infrastructure conducive to a healthy educational environment. National Institute of Technology Karnataka is continuously striving to acquire higher levels of technical excellence and evolving a socially relevant yet internationally appropriate curriculum, imposing innovative and effective teaching methodologies and focusing on the healthy development of the scholars.
NIT Surathkal Academic Advantages
-
The institute has 11 academic departments and several advanced research centres in numerous disciplines with a vast network of laboratories.
-
The institute gives B.Tech, M.Tech, M.Sc, MCA, MBA, and PhD programs across various specializations in engineering, sciences, and management.
-
The institute is famous for its Research and Development, Industrial consultancy, and its unique location which fosters a strong industry-academia bond, especially in the core engineering sectors.
NIT Surathkal Vs NIT Trichy Vs NIT Warangal
A comparison of NIT Surathkal with NIT Trichy and NIT Warangal is shown in the table below:
| Details | NIT Surathkal | NIT Trichy | NIT Warangal |
| Institute Name | National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal | National Institute of Technology, Trichy | National Institute of Technology, Warangal |
| Established Year | 1960 | 1964 | 1959 |
| Entrance Exams | JEE Main, GATE | JEE Main, GATE | JEE Main, GATE |
| Ranking (NIRF Engineering 2025) | 17 | 9 | 28 |
| B.Tech Total Fees | INR 6.02 lakhs | INR 6.52 lakhs | INR 6.72 lakhs |
| Highest Package (LPA) | 54.75 | - | 64.3 |
| Average Package (LPA) | 18.26 | - | 14.35 |
| Median Package (LPA) | 15 | 14.35 | - |