Karnataka: A high-level expert committee on technical education in Karnataka has recommended reducing tuition fees for core engineering branches such as mechanical, civil, electrical, and electronics engineering to address declining student enrolment and strengthen industry-relevant skill development. The proposal, submitted in Bengaluru, is aimed at making traditional engineering disciplines more affordable while correcting the growing imbalance in admissions across engineering streams in the state.
The committee observed that enrolment in core engineering branches has been steadily falling over recent years, while computer science and allied technology courses continue to dominate student preference. This trend has resulted in a significant number of vacant seats in core disciplines across engineering colleges, particularly in private institutions. Officials associated with the report noted that the situation has also contributed to a shortage of skilled engineers in sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing, energy, and public utilities.
According to the recommendations, the panel has suggested bringing down annual tuition fees for core engineering courses to a range of ₹40,000 to ₹70,000, compared to the existing fee structure of approximately ₹87,000 to ₹97,000 under government quota seats in private colleges. The proposed reduction is intended to ease the financial burden on students and encourage greater enrolment in branches that are considered essential for industrial and infrastructure development.
In addition to fee restructuring, the committee has recommended a set of incentive-based measures to improve the attractiveness of core engineering education. These include industry-linked scholarships ranging from ₹75,000 to ₹1.25 lakh for students pursuing core disciplines, along with paid internship opportunities offering monthly stipends between ₹25,000 and ₹30,000. The panel stated that such measures would help improve practical exposure and bridge the gap between academic learning and industry requirements.
Proposed structural reforms in engineering education
The committee has also suggested broader institutional reforms, including the introduction of a “hub-and-spoke” model involving 15 lead institutions and 150 affiliated colleges. Under this model, selected institutions would function as centres of excellence, sharing laboratory infrastructure, faculty expertise, and research facilities with affiliated colleges. The aim is to reduce disparities in educational quality and improve standardisation across engineering institutions in the state.
The report highlights concerns regarding employability among engineering graduates, noting that only a limited percentage of students—estimated at around 17% in some assessments—are currently considered industry-ready in technical roles, particularly outside computer science streams. The committee attributed this gap to outdated curricula, limited industry engagement, and reduced demand for certain traditional engineering roles.
At the same time, the report pointed to increasing demand for engineers in emerging sectors such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, semiconductors, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing. Officials said that aligning engineering education with these evolving industry needs is essential to improving employment outcomes and supporting economic growth.
Education department officials said the recommendations will be reviewed by the state government and relevant technical education authorities. Further consultations are expected with universities, private engineering colleges, and industry representatives before any policy decision is taken on fee revision or structural reforms.
If implemented, the proposals could significantly reshape engineering education in Karnataka by influencing admission patterns, fee structures, and the overall balance between traditional and technology-driven engineering disciplines.
