Understanding the Significance of Pre-University (PU) Education in Karnataka: Pre-University (PU) represents the two-year intermediate stage (Class XI and XII) that follows secondary schooling and precedes entry into degree programs in India. In Karnataka, PU courses are administered by the Department of Pre-University Education, Government of Karnataka, and are offered in three main streams:
1. Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Mathematics/Electronics/Computer Science)
2. Commerce (Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics, Statistics)
3. Arts (History, Economics, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology)
Successful completion of PU (Plus I & II) and passing the Karnataka PU Board exams are prerequisites for admission to professional and academic degree courses—engineering (through CET/JEE), medicine (through NEET), commerce (through CA/CMA pathways), and more.
1. Eligibility:
1. Minimum 35–40% in Class X (SSLC/CBSE/ICSE or equivalent).
2. Specific cutoffs vary by college and stream (e.g., PCMB applicants
typically require a minimum of 85% aggregate).
2. Application Window:
1. Commonly opens in April; closes in June each year.
2. Registration is conducted through the Karnataka PU admission portal, with
online allotment based on merit.
3. Documents Required:
1. Class X marks card (original + photocopy)
2. SSLC/10th pass certificate
3. Transfer Certificate (TC)
4. Caste/Income certificates (if applicable)
5. Passport-size photographs
4. Selection & Counselling:
1. Four rounds of online seat allotment based on merit ranking.
2. Colleges may conduct an internal counselling session for reserved seats
(e.g., ICSE/CBSE quota).
1. St. Joseph's Pre-University College
2. Mount Carmel College (PU Division)
3. Bishop Cotton Women's Christian College
4. Baldwin Women's Methodist College
5. Shri Bhagawan Mahaveer Jain PU College
6. Charan's PU & Degree College
7. Christ Junior College
8. Jyoti Nivas Pre-University College
9. M.E.S. Kishora Kendra PU College
10. NMKRV College for Women (PU Section)
Detailed Profiles
1. St. Joseph's Pre-University College
Location: Field Marshal Cariappa Road, Bangalore 560025
About: Founded in 1882 by the Jesuits, it is renowned for combining rigorous
academics with character formation.
Courses:
Science: PCMB, PCMC, PCME
Commerce: CEBA, SEBA
Arts: HEPS, HEPG
Facilities: Modern laboratories, library, chapel, auditorium, student counselling,
sports grounds.
Annual Fees (Approx.): ₹60,000 – ₹75,000
Admission Cutoff (2024): PCMB ≥ 85%, PCMC ≥ 88%, CEBA ≥ 75%
2. Mount Carmel College (PU Division)
Location: No. 58, Palace Road, Bangalore 560052
About: Women's College was established in 1948 by the Carmelite Sisters and
is acclaimed for its academic excellence and empowerment initiatives.
Courses:
Science: PCMB, PCMC
Commerce: CEBA, SEBA
Arts: HEPS, HEPP
Facilities: Wi-Fi campus, labs, library, auditorium, AV room, counselling, clubs,
cafeteria.
Annual Fees (Approx.): ₹65,000 – ₹80,000
Admission Cutoff (2024): PCMB ≥ 87%, CEBA ≥ 78%
3. Bishop Cotton Women's Christian College
Location: Mission Road, Bangalore 560027
About: Since 1985, it has offered value-based PU education to young women,
emphasising leadership and community engagement.
Courses:
Science: PCMB, PCMC, PCBH
Commerce: CEBA, SEBA
Facilities: Moot court, computer labs, seminar hall, hostels, canteen, sports
facilities.
Annual Fees (Approx.): ₹55,000 – ₹70,000
Admission Cutoff (2024): PCMB ≥ 82%, PCBH ≥ 80%
4. Baldwin Women's Methodist College (PU)
Location: Richmond Road, Bangalore 560025
About: Established in 1995 under the Methodist Church, it focuses on holistic
growth alongside strong academics.
Courses:
1. Science: PCMB, PCMC
2. Commerce: MECA, HESP
Facilities: Computer lab, library, auditorium, sports ground, counselling centre.
Annual Fees (Approx.): ₹60,000 – ₹75,000
Admission Cutoff (2024): PCMB ≥ 84%, MECA ≥ 76%
5. Shri Bhagawan Mahaveer Jain PU College
Location: Dr. A.N. Krishna Rao Road, V.V. Puram
About: Part of the Jain Group, founded in 1990; known for professional ethos
and modern infrastructure.
Courses:
1. Science: PCMB, PCMC, PCME
2. Commerce: ABMS, ABME, ABES
Facilities: AC classrooms, e-library, sports complex, canteen, placement cell.
Annual Fees (Approx.): ₹80,000 – ₹95,000
Admission Cutoff (2024): PCMB ≥ 90%, ABMS ≥ 85%
6. Charan's PU & Degree College
Location: Cambridge Layout, Ulsoor
About: Over 35 years' legacy; blends tradition with innovative teaching and
strong extracurriculars.
Courses: PCMB, PCMC, CEBA, SEBA, HEBA
Facilities: Indoor turf, science/computer labs, library, prayer hall, placement cell.
Annual Fees (Approx.): ₹50,000 – ₹65,000
Admission Cutoff (2024): PCMB ≥ 83%, CEBA ≥ 77%
7. Christ Junior College
Location: Hosur Road, Bangalore 560029
About: Established in 1969 by Christ University, student-centred pedagogy
emphasises all-round development.
Courses: PCMB, PCME, ABMS, ABME, PPES, HEPP
Facilities: AV halls, ATMs, labs, sports, canteen, seminar rooms.
Annual Fees (Approx.): ₹55,000 – ₹70,000
Admission Cutoff (2024): PCMB ≥ 88%, ABMS ≥ 80%
8. Jyoti Nivas Pre-University College
Location: Hosur Road, Bangalore 560095
About: Women's institution founded in 1966; NAAC five-star accredited; strong
track record in arts, science, and commerce.
Courses: PCMB, PCMC, ABMS, ABEM, HEPY
Facilities: Chapel, hostel, auditorium, gymnasium, bank branch, counselling
centre.
Annual Fees (Approx.): ₹52,000 – ₹68,000
Admission Cutoff (2024): PCMB ≥ 86%, ABMS ≥ 79%
9. M.E.S. Kishora Kendra Pre-University College
Location: 15th Cross, Malleswaram
About: Roots dates back to 1979, and under the MES umbrella, it emphasises
personal development and academic rigour.
Courses: PCMB, PCMC, BSCA
Facilities: Science/computer labs, library, scholarships, sports facilities.
Annual Fees (Approx.): ₹47,000 – ₹55,000
Admission Cutoff (2024): PCMB ≥ 80%, BSCA ≥ 75%
10. NMKRV College for Women (PU Section)
Location: Jayanagar 3rd Block
About: Founded in 1971; NAAC-A autonomous college; strong emphasis on
women's leadership and academic excellence.
Courses: PCMB, PCMC, PCME, ABMS, ABEM, HEPS
Facilities: Internet-enabled classrooms, laboratories, library, gymnasium,
canteen, counselling.
Annual Fees (Approx.): ₹70,000 – ₹1,20,000
Admission Cutoff (2024): PCMB ≥ 89%, ABMS ≥ 84%
Fee Structure (Approximate)
CollegeAnnual Fees (₹)
St. Joseph's PU College 60,000 – 75,000
Mount Carmel College (PU) 65,000 – 80,000
Bishop Cotton Women's Christian College (PU) 55,000 – 70,000
Baldwin Women's Methodist College (PU) 60,000 – 75,000
Shri Bhagawan Mahaveer Jain PU College 80,000 – 95,000
Charan's PU & Degree College 50,000 – 65,000
Christ Junior College 55,000 – 70,000
Jyoti Nivas PU College 52,000 – 68,000
M.E.S. Kishora Kendra PU College 47,000 – 55,000
NMKRV College for Women (PU) 70,000 – 120,000
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which streams are available in Karnataka PU?
Science, Commerce, and Arts—each with multiple subject combinations.
2. When is the PU admission window?
Typically, it is from April to June, with four rounds of online allotment.
3. Do private universities (PU) colleges offer NEET/JEE coaching?
Many top private university colleges integrate crash courses for CET, NEET, and
JEE into their curriculum.
4. Can CBSE/ICSE students apply through a separate quota?
Yes—most colleges reserve 5–50% seats for CBSE/ICSE board students.
5. What is the minimum cutoff for the Science stream?
Usually between 80–90% in Class X, depending on the college and subject
combination.
Choosing the right PU college is a crucial first step toward your academic and career aspirations. Consider stream specialisation, campus infrastructure, faculty expertise,and past placement records to make an informed decision. Good luck!
5 Top PU colleges in Bangalore for the Science stream
Each college is known for its strong faculty, infrastructure, and performance in
competitive exams:
1. St. Joseph's Pre-University College
Location: Residency Road, Bangalore 560025
Science Combos: PCMB, PCMC, PCME
2024 Cutoff (PCMB): ≥ 85%
Highlights: Jesuit-run heritage institution with well-equipped labs, strong
NEET/JEE coaching partnerships, and stellar placement record in top
engineering and medical colleges.
2. Christ Junior College
Location: Hosur Road, Bangalore 560029
Science Combos: PCMB, PCME, PCMC
2024 Cutoff (PCMB): ≥ 88%
Highlights: As part of Christ University, it offers integrated academic and
entrance-exam preparation, modern smart classrooms, and vibrant
extracurricular clubs.
3. Mount Carmel College (PU Division)
Location: Palace Road, Bangalore 560052
Science Combos: PCMB, PCMC
2024 Cutoff (PCMB): ≥ 87%
Highlights: Premier women's college with rigorous academics, dedicated
science research cell, well-stocked library, and tie-ups for NEET/JEE
crash courses.
4. Sri Bhagawan Mahaveer Jain PU College
Location: V.V. Puram, Bangalore 560004
Science Combos: PCMB, PCMC, PCME
2024 Cutoff (PCMB): ≥ 90%
Highlights: The Jain Group institution is acclaimed for its high boards and
entrance exam scores, air-conditioned labs, personalised mentoring, and
a strong alumni network in the engineering and medical fields.
5. BASE PU College
Location: Bull Temple Road, Basavanagudi, Bangalore 560004
Science Combos: PCMB, PCMC
2024 Cutoff (PCMB): ≥ 89%
Highlights: Dedicated Science-only PU college with one-on-one faculty
support, integrated JEE/NEET/CET coaching, air-conditioned classrooms,
and a consistent 100% pass rate.
Choosing the right Science PU college comes down to combining your Class X
performance, preferred learning environment, and the level of competitive exam
coaching you need. The above have excellent track records in NEET, JEE and board
exam results.
Bangalore's 5 top PU colleges for the Commerce stream
Each college is known for strong academics, industry-aligned courses, and excellent
placement/coaching support:
1. Christ Junior College
1. Location: Hosur Road, Bangalore 560029
2. Commerce Combos: ABMS (Accountancy, Business Studies,
Mathematics, Statistics), ABME (Accountancy, Business Studies, Basic
Mathematics, Economics)
3. 2024 Cutoff (ABMS): ≥ 80%
4. Highlights: Part of Christ University; integrates board syllabus with
intensive CET/CA foundation coaching; modern smart classrooms; active
Commerce & Finance Club.
2. St. Joseph's Pre-University College
1. Location: Residency Road, Bangalore 560025
2. Commerce Combos: CEBA (Computer Science, Economics, Business
Studies, Accountancy), SEBA (Statistics, Economics, Business Studies,
Accountancy)
3. 2024 Cutoff (CEBA): ≥ 75%
4. Highlights: Jesuit heritage institution; well-stocked library with Commerce
journals; tie-ups for CA/CS foundation coaching; strong alums in finance
and consulting.
3. Mount Carmel College (PU Division)
1. Location: Palace Road, Bangalore 560052
2. Commerce Combos: CEBA, SEBA
3. 2024 Cutoff (CEBA): ≥ 78%
4. Highlights: Premier women's college; dedicated Commerce research cell;
guest lectures by Big Four firms; in-house crash courses for CET and CA
foundation.
4. Bishop Cotton Women's Christian College (PU Section)
1. Location: Mission Road, Bangalore 560027
2. Commerce Combos: CEBA, SEBA
3. 2024 Cutoff (CEBA): ≥ 72%
4. Highlights: Focus on ethical leadership and entrepreneurship; mentorship
programs with industry experts; active Investment & Entrepreneurship
Cell; scholarship for top scorers.
5. NMKRV College for Women (PU Section)
1. Location: Jayanagar 3rd Block, Bangalore 560011
2. Commerce Combos: ABMS, ABME, EBAS (Economics, Business
Studies, Accountancy, Statistics)
3. 2024 Cutoff (ABMS): ≥ 84%
4. Highlights: NAAC-A autonomous women's college; integrated CA/CMA
foundation modules; state-of-the-art computer labs; strong placement ties
with banks and consulting firms.
Choosing Tips:
1. Cutoff vs. Comfort: Balance your Class X marks against the program's
intensity.
2. Coaching Integration: If you aim for CA/CMA/CFA, prioritise colleges with in-
house or partner coaching.
3. Campus Culture: Look for active commerce clubs, internships, and guest-
lecture opportunities.
4. Career Support: Check alumni networks and finance, accounting, and
consulting placement records.
Each college is known for its strong faculty, vibrant campus life, and excellent academic support:
1. Christ Junior College
Location: Hosur Road, Bangalore 560029
Arts Combos:
1. HEPP (History, Economics, Psychology, Political Science)
2. HESP (History, Economics, Sociology, Political Science)
3. PPES (Political Science, Psychology, Economics, Sociology)
2024 Cutoff (HEPP): ≥ 78%
Highlights: Part of Christ University's network, it offers smart classrooms,
active debate and drama clubs, and integrated entry-level counselling for
civil services aspirants.
2. Jyoti Nivas Pre-University College
Location: Hosur Road, Bangalore 560095
Arts Combos:
HEPP, HESP, PPES, PPEC (Political Science, Psychology,
Economics, Kannada)
2024 Cutoff (HEPP): ≥ 76%
Highlights: Women's college with NAAC Five-Star accreditation—strong
emphasis on leadership workshops, community outreach programs, and
in-house mock-interview training.
3. St. Joseph's Pre-University College
Location: Residency Road, Bangalore 560025
Arts Combos:
HEPP, HESP, PPES, HEPG (History, Economics, Psychology,
Geography)
2024 Cutoff (HEPP): ≥ 80%
Highlights: Jesuit heritage institution—well-stocked humanities library,
renowned guest-lecture series with academicians, and active Model UN &
poetry clubs.
4. Bishop Cotton Women's Christian College (PU Section)
Location: Mission Road, Bangalore 560027
Arts Combos:
HEPP, HESP, PPES, HEPG
2024 Cutoff (HEPP): ≥ 74%
Highlights: It focuses on value-based education and offers mentorship by
alumnae in publishing and journalism. It has a strong theatre society and
regular career counselling sessions.
5. NMKRV College for Women (PU Section)
1. Location: Jayanagar 3rd Block, Bangalore 560011
2. Arts Combos:
1. HEPP, HESP, PPES, HEPG, PPEA (Political Science, Psychology,
Economics, Accountancy)
3. 2024 Cutoff (HEPP): ≥ 79%
4. Highlights: Autonomous female-only institution—state-of-the-art seminar
halls, active literary & arts festivals, and soft-skills workshops for media &
communications careers.
Choosing Your Arts PU College:
1. Subject Mix: Pick the combination that aligns with your higher education &
career goals (e.g., Political Science + Economics for civil services vs. Psychology
+ Sociology for social work fields).
2. Campus Culture: Look for strong clubs (debate, drama, literary) and regular
guest lectures in your areas of interest.
3. Career Prep: If you aim for careers in journalism, law, civil services, or social
research, prioritise colleges offering mock interviews, counselling, and
mentorship programs.
After completing your PU (Pre-University) education, you'll choose an undergraduate path—but PU itself (Arts, Commerce, Science) already sets the foundation for specific career trajectories. Here's a breakdown of the major career options available to PU
graduates in each stream:
1. Science Stream (PCMB, PCMC, PCME, etc.)
1. Engineering
1. Undergraduate Degree: B.E./B.Tech (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical,
Electronics & Communication, Computer Science, Chemical, Biomedical,
etc.)
2. Entrance Exams: KCET, COMED-K, JEE Main/Advanced, BITSAT,
VITEEE
3. Careers: Design & development engineer, project manager, R&D
specialist, quality control, field service engineer
2. Medicine & Allied Health
1. Undergraduate Degree: MBBS, BDS, BPT (Physiotherapy), B.Sc.
Nursing, B.Pharm
2. Entrance Exams: NEET (UG)
3. Careers: Doctor (general physician, surgeon, dentist), clinical
physiotherapist, pharmacist, nurse, medical researcher
3. Pure & Applied Sciences
1. Undergraduate Degree: B.Sc. in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics,
Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Environmental Science
2. Careers: Laboratory scientist, research analyst, academician, data
analyst, quality analyst, environmental consultant
4. Architecture & Design
1. Undergraduate Degree: B.Arch, Bachelor of Design (B.Des –
Industrial/Product/Interior)
2. Entrance Exams: NATA, UCEED, KCET (Architecture)
3. Careers: Architect, interior designer, urban planner, product designer, 3D
visualiser
5. Computer Applications & IT
1. Undergraduate Degree: B.Sc. Computer Science, BCA, B.Tech.
(IT)/CSE
2. Careers: Software developer, web/app developer, system administrator,
cybersecurity analyst, AI/ML engineer
6. Pharmacy & Allied
1. Undergraduate Degree: B.Pharm, Pharm.D, B.Sc. in Clinical Research
2. Careers: Pharmacist, clinical research associate, regulatory affairs
specialist, drug safety officer
2. Commerce Stream (CEBA, SEBA, ABMS, etc.)
1. Accounting & Finance
1. Undergraduate Degree: B.Com, B.Com (Honours), BBA (Finance), BAF
(Accounting & Finance), BBS
2. Professional Qualifications: CA (Chartered Accountant), CMA (Cost &
Management Accountant), CS (Company Secretary), CFA
3. Careers: Auditor, tax consultant, financial analyst, corporate accountant,
management accountant, investment banker
2. Business Management & Entrepreneurship
1. Undergraduate Degree: BBA, BBM, BMS (Management Studies)
2. Careers: Business development manager, HR executive, operations
manager, marketing executive, entrepreneur
3. Banking & Insurance
1. Undergraduate Degree: B.Com (Banking & Insurance), BBI
2. Careers: Bank probationary officer, credit analyst, insurance underwriter,
risk analyst, branch manager
4. Economics & Analytics
1. Undergraduate Degree: B.A. (Economics), B.Sc. (Economics), B.Stat,
B.Econ (Honours)
2. Careers: Economic researcher, data analyst, policy analyst, market
researcher, statistical consultant
5. Hospitality & Retail Management
1. Undergraduate Degree: BHM (Hospitality Management), BBA (Retail
Management)
2. Careers: Hotel manager, event manager, retail store manager, customer
relations manager, supply-chain analyst
1. Humanities & Social Sciences
1. Undergraduate Degree: B.A. in History, Political Science, Sociology,
Psychology, Geography, Philosophy
2. Careers: Teacher (with B.Ed.), social worker, content writer, heritage
manager, policy analyst, counsellor
2. Mass Communication & Media
1. Undergraduate Degree: B.A. (Journalism & Mass Communication), BMM
(Bachelor of Mass Media)
2. Careers: Journalist, news anchor, public relations officer, content
strategist, social media manager
3. Law (5-Year Integrated Program)
1. Undergraduate Degree: B.A. LL.B, BBA LL.B, B.Com LL.B
2. Entrance Exams: CLAT, AILET, LSAT India
3. Careers: Advocate, legal advisor, corporate counsel, judicial services,
legal journalist
4. Fine Arts & Design
1. Undergraduate Degree: BFA (Fine Arts), B.Des (Fashion, Textile,
Graphic)
2. Careers: Painter, sculptor, fashion designer, graphic designer, art curator
5. Hotel Management & Tourism
1. Undergraduate Degree: BHM, BTTM (Tourism & Travel Management)
2. Careers: Hotel operations manager, tour manager, travel consultant,
event planner
Choosing the Right Path
1. Self-Assessment: Identify your strengths—analytical (Science/Commerce) vs.
creative/communicative (Arts).
2. Entrance Requirements: Review eligibility and cutoffs for professional courses
(NEET, JEE, CLAT, CA foundation, etc.).
3. Long-Term Goals: Align your PU subjects with your career aspirations—e.g.,
choose PCMB if you want to study engineering or medicine; select HEPP for
social sciences or civil services.
By mapping your PU stream to these undergraduate and professional options, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your interests, academic strengths, and career ambitions.