Beyond Tuition: The Real Cost of Engineering in Karnataka (2026)

When colleges say “₹1.5 lakh per year,” they mean tuition only. The actual amount you’ll spend is often 2x to 3x higher once you add hostel, mess, transportation, lab fees, and a dozen other charges that only appear after admission.

This guide breaks down every cost category so you can plan accurately.

The Full Cost Breakdown

Tuition Fees (What the Brochure Shows)

Hostel & Mess Fees (What You Actually Pay)

Note: Mess charges are often mandatory for hostel students. Opting out is usually not permitted.

The Hidden Fees Nobody Mentions

These are the charges that appear in the admission form but not in any brochure:

Annual Pocket Money & Extras

Don’t forget personal expenses:

Real Total: What Engineering Actually Costs Per Year

4-year totals:

• KCET Merit + Hostel: ₹10–12L
• COMEDK + Hostel: ₹19–22L
• Management Quota + Hostel: ₹45–70L (including donation)

How to Verify Fees Before Admission

1. Ask for the complete fee schedule - not just tuition. Request the “total payable” breakdown
2. Check StepVista college pages - we list fee structures with as much detail as available: Browse colleges →
3. Talk to current students - they know the real costs better than any brochure
4. Check the KEA fee notification - government-regulated fees for KCET seats are published annually

What’s Next?

• Predict your KCET rank - see which fee bracket you’re likely in
• Compare colleges - side-by-side fee comparison
• Management Quota ROI Analysis - is the premium worth it?
• Browse 300+ colleges - verified fee data for every institution

Fee data is based on 2025–26 academic year figures from official college websites, KEA notifications, and publicly available information. Actual costs may vary. Always confirm directly with the institution before admission.