![SDM College of Engineering and Technology - [SDMCET]](https://img.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1717663922download1.png?h=71.7&w=71.7&mode=stretch)
Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Engineering and Technology (SDMCET), Dharwad, is a private engineering college established in 1979 under the SDM Educational Society. It is affiliated to Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Belagavi, and approved by AICTE. SDMCET holds a NAAC ’A’ grade accreditation (first cycle, effective from October 2023) and NBA Tier-I accreditation for multiple programmes, extended through June 2026.
As per NIRF Engineering 2022, SDMCET is ranked in the 251-300 band among engineering colleges in India.
The campus is located on Kalaghatagi Road, Dharwad, Karnataka, and features five separate hostel blocks for men and women along with fully equipped department laboratories and a central library.
- BE (4 years) in eight specialisations: Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI-ML), Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE), Information Science and Engineering (ISE), Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE), Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Chemical Engineering
- M.Tech (2 years) in five streams: CSE, Digital Electronics, Power Systems Engineering, Computer-Aided Design of Structures (CADS), and Electric Vehicle Engineering
- MBA (2 years) with specialisations in Finance, Human Resource Management, Information Technology, and Banking
- PhD in eleven disciplines including CSE, ECE, Civil, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Management
The total fees for BE in CSE, AI-ML, ECE, and ISE branches under the management quota are INR 12.88 Lakhs for four years. For BE in Civil, EEE, and Mechanical, total fees are INR 7.57 to 7.58 Lakhs. The two-year MBA has a total fee of INR 3.20 Lakhs. Government (KCET) quota fees are regulated by Karnataka state norms and are substantially lower.
SDMCET reports a placement rate of more than 80% for eligible students each year. The median package for the 2024 batch stood at INR 4.80 LPA for BE graduates, as per NIRF 2025 data.
SDMCET Admission Dates 2026
Admissions to BE programmes for the 2026-27 session are governed by KCET 2026 for Government and Government-Aided quota seats, and COMEDK UGET 2026 for open seats. The KCET 2026 result was declared in August 2026 and counselling rounds are in progress as of September 2026.
| Admission Event | Channel | Status (September 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| KCET 2026 Result | KEA portal | Declared (August 2026) |
| KCET Round 1 Allotment | KEA portal | Completed |
| KCET Round 2 Counselling | KEA portal | In progress |
| COMEDK UGET 2026 Counselling | COMEDK portal | In progress |
| Management Quota Applications | SDMCET Admissions Office | Open |
M.Tech and MBA admissions run on a separate calendar through Karnataka PGCET, typically conducted between August and October. The course-wise exam requirements are listed below.
| Course | Entrance Exam Accepted | Quota |
|---|---|---|
| BE (all branches) | KCET / COMEDK UGET / JEE Main | CET Quota / Management Quota |
| BE Lateral Entry | Karnataka DCET | CET Quota / Management Quota |
| M.Tech | PGCET / GATE | CET Quota / Management Quota |
| MBA | KMAT Karnataka / PGCET / MAT / CMAT | CET Quota / Management Quota |
| PhD | NET / GATE / KSET or equivalent | Institute quota |
SDMCET Courses and Fees
SDMCET offers programmes across engineering, management, and doctoral levels. The fee figures below for BE reflect management quota fees based on 2026 data. Government quota seat fees are regulated by the Karnataka Fee Regulatory Committee and are substantially lower.
| Course | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| BE - CSE / AI-ML / ECE / ISE | 4 years | 10+2 PCM, 45% + valid KCET / COMEDK / JEE rank | INR 12.88 Lakhs (Management Quota) |
| BE - Civil / EEE / Mechanical | 4 years | 10+2 PCM, 45% + valid KCET / COMEDK / JEE rank | INR 7.57 to 7.58 Lakhs (Management Quota) |
| BE - Chemical Engineering | 4 years | 10+2 PCM, 45% + valid KCET / COMEDK / JEE rank | INR 5.57 Lakhs (Management Quota) |
| BE Lateral Entry | 3 years | Diploma in relevant branch, 45% + DCET rank | INR 3.75 to 9.35 Lakhs |
| M.Tech | 2 years | BE/B.Tech in relevant branch + PGCET / GATE | INR 2.04 Lakhs per year |
| MBA | 2 years | Any graduation + KMAT / PGCET / MAT / CMAT | INR 3.20 Lakhs (total) |
| PhD | 3 years minimum | PG degree in relevant discipline + NET / GATE / KSET | INR 1.44 Lakhs per year |
The BE programme spans eight specialisations. CSE, AI-ML, ECE, and ISE are the high-demand branches commanding the upper fee band under management quota. Chemical Engineering is a niche offering that distinguishes SDMCET from most other private engineering colleges in the Hubli-Dharwad belt. Electric Vehicle Engineering was recently added to M.Tech to align with emerging industry requirements.
SDMCET Admission Process
BE Admission
BE admissions at SDMCET follow the Karnataka state quota system for the majority of seats. The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) allots seats based on KCET 2026 scores through its online counselling portal. Management quota seats are filled directly by the college using COMEDK UGET, JEE Main, or the SDMCET admission test.
- Eligibility: Passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics from a recognised board with at least 45% aggregate (40% for SC/ST candidates)
- Entrance: Valid KCET 2026 rank for CET quota or valid COMEDK UGET / JEE Main rank for management quota
- Selection stages: Online rank-based allotment via KEA / COMEDK portal, document verification, fee payment, and admission confirmation at the college
KCET 2025 closing rank at SDMCET (General Category, Round 3) ranged from 13,118 for the most competitive branches to over 2,00,000 for branches with remaining seats. CSE and ISE typically close between 15,000 and 50,000 for General Category candidates. Management quota admission is open to students with any valid rank, subject to seat availability.
M.Tech and MBA Admission
M.Tech admission is through Karnataka PGCET or a valid GATE score. MBA admission is through KMAT Karnataka, Karnataka PGCET for management, MAT, or CMAT. M.Tech eligibility requires a BE/B.Tech in the relevant branch with 50% aggregate. MBA eligibility is any graduation degree with 50% aggregate from a recognised university.
PhD Admission
PhD candidates must hold a postgraduate degree in the relevant discipline with at least 55% marks and qualify through NET, GATE, or KSET. SDMCET issues PhD admission notifications on its official website at the start of each academic year. Research is offered in eleven disciplines across engineering and management departments.
SDMCET Placements
SDMCET’s Training and Placement Cell coordinates campus recruitment each year. As per NIRF 2025 data, the median package for BE graduates of the 2024 batch stood at INR 4.80 LPA and for PG graduates at INR 5.29 LPA. The college reports a placement rate of more than 80% for eligible students, with an average of over 100 companies visiting the campus each year.
CSE, ISE, and ECE branches record the strongest placement outcomes in terms of both rate and package. Mechanical and Civil Engineering graduates find placements in manufacturing, construction, and public sector undertakings. Chemical Engineering placements lean toward process industries, refineries, and FMCG sectors.
| Placement Metric | Data (2024 Batch, Source: NIRF 2025) |
|---|---|
| Median Package (BE) | INR 4.80 LPA |
| Median Package (M.Tech) | INR 5.29 LPA |
| Placement Rate | More than 80% |
| Companies Visiting (Annual Average) | 100+ |
Recruiting sectors include IT services, product and analytics companies, manufacturing, and BFSI. The college’s alumni network in the Hubli-Dharwad industrial corridor supports placements with local and regional employers alongside Bengaluru-based IT and product firms.
SDMCET Rankings
SDMCET participates in NIRF rankings and submitted data for the 2026 cycle. Based on published NIRF data, the college was placed in the 251-300 band under the Engineering category in NIRF 2022. The NAAC ’A’ grade (2023) and NBA Tier-I status across multiple BE programmes reflect compliance with the national quality framework for technical education.
| Ranking Body | Category | Rank | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| NIRF | Engineering | 251-300 band | 2022 |
NAAC ’A’ grade (first cycle, October 2023) and NBA Tier-I accreditation for select programmes qualify SDMCET graduates for government employment and postgraduate admissions at institutions requiring an accredited undergraduate degree.
SDMCET Campus and Infrastructure
SDMCET’s campus is situated on Kalaghatagi Road, Dharwad, Karnataka. The campus is green and self-contained, with all academic departments, dedicated branch laboratories, a central library, computing centres, and workshop spaces within the compound. The total student strength is over 3,000 across all programmes, supported by 160+ faculty members.
Hostel accommodation is available in five separate blocks for male and female students. Hostel fees are up to INR 64,450 per year. On-campus facilities include sports grounds, a canteen, a campus temple, and student activity spaces. Dharwad city is accessible from the campus, giving students access to urban facilities while the campus maintains a focused academic setting.
SDMCET vs KLE Technological University vs Gogte Institute of Technology
Candidates with KCET or COMEDK scores targeting North Karnataka regularly compare SDMCET with KLE Technological University (KLE Tech), Hubli, and Gogte Institute of Technology (GIT), Belagavi. All three are prominent private engineering colleges in the region and serve the same KCET applicant pool.
| Parameter | SDMCET, Dharwad | KLE Technological University, Hubli | Gogte Institute of Technology, Belagavi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Established | 1979 | 1947 | 1979 |
| Status | VTU-affiliated, Private Aided | Deemed University (Autonomous) | VTU-affiliated, Private Aided |
| NAAC Grade | A (2023) | A+ (2022) | A+ (2022) |
| Location | Dharwad | Hubli | Belagavi |
| Chemical Engineering | Available | Not offered | Not offered |
KLE Tech, as a Deemed University, offers more curriculum autonomy and a stronger research focus with an A+ NAAC grade. SDMCET and GIT Belagavi are both VTU-affiliated aided colleges with comparable fee structures and KCET cutoffs. SDMCET is the only one of the three to offer Chemical Engineering, making it the natural choice for that specialisation in North Karnataka. Candidates from Dharwad district tend to prefer SDMCET for proximity and lower commuting costs.
SDMCET FAQs
Ques. What is SDMCET full form and where is it located?
Ans. SDMCET stands for Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Engineering and Technology. It is located at Kalaghatagi Road, Dharwad 580002, Karnataka. The college is affiliated to VTU, Belagavi, and was established in 1979 under the SDM Educational Society.
Ques. Which entrance exams are accepted for BE admission at SDMCET?
Ans. SDMCET accepts KCET for Government and Government-Aided quota seats. For management quota seats, the college accepts COMEDK UGET and JEE Main. Lateral entry admissions use Karnataka DCET. Eligibility for all BE routes is 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, with at least 45% aggregate.
Ques. What is the KCET cutoff for CSE at SDMCET?
Ans. The KCET 2025 closing rank for CSE at SDMCET for General Category candidates was in the range of 15,000 to 50,000 depending on the counselling round. Cutoffs vary each year based on the applicant pool and available seats. Candidates in this rank band are advised to include SDMCET CSE in their option list during KEA counselling.
Ques. What are the total BE fees at SDMCET under management quota?
Ans. Under the management quota, BE in CSE, AI-ML, ECE, and ISE has a total four-year fee of INR 12.88 Lakhs (INR 3.22 Lakhs per year). BE in Civil, EEE, and Mechanical costs INR 7.57 to 7.58 Lakhs over four years. Chemical Engineering total fees are INR 5.57 Lakhs. KCET quota fees are regulated by Karnataka state norms and are substantially lower.
Ques. What is the placement rate and average package at SDMCET?
Ans. SDMCET reports a placement rate of more than 80% for eligible students. The median package for the 2024 BE batch was INR 4.80 LPA as per NIRF 2025 data. More than 100 companies visit the campus annually. CSE, ISE, and ECE branches record the highest placement rates and packages among all departments.
Ques. Is hostel available at SDMCET Dharwad?
Ans. Yes. SDMCET has five separate hostel blocks on campus for male and female students. Hostel fees are up to INR 64,450 per year. All hostels are within the campus boundary on Kalaghatagi Road, Dharwad.
Ques. Is SDMCET a good college for engineering in Karnataka?
Ans. SDMCET is one of the established private engineering colleges in North Karnataka, with NAAC ’A’ grade accreditation (2023) and NBA Tier-I status for select programmes. It offers eight BE specialisations including AI-ML and ISE, reports 80%+ placement rate, and has a median package of INR 4.80 LPA for the 2024 batch. For KCET candidates ranking in the 15,000 to 50,000 range targeting North Karnataka, SDMCET is a strong option alongside KLE Tech and GIT Belagavi.
Comments
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SDMCET BE Computer Science and Engineering is offered as 4 Years full-time program, with a total intake of 120 seats. The minimum eligibility criteria for BE are 10+2 with 45% + COMEDK UGET. SDMCET offers admission in BE courses through KCET. The total fees for SDMCET BE Computer Science and Engineering are INR 10.77 Lakhs for the complete course duration. The fee per year is INR 2.61 Lakhs.
?Yes, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Engineering and Technology (SDMCET), Dharwad, offers fee concessions for undergraduate (UG) students based on their KCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test) ranks.
The fee for the BE in EE is mentioned below:
Unfortunately, there is no quota for admission for NCC students as of now.
What is the cutoff Ranking in previous year fir MBA in your college?
The SDMCET Previous Year Cutoff rank for MBA (in Karnataka PGCET) is 4672.
Yes, CSE course has very high placement with average package of INR 14 LPA and you can check out more on the same at SDMCET Dharwad Placement.
The fee for the undergraduate and postgraduate courses is INR 1,65,000 – INR 4,00,000 for the entire duration of the courses which includes various charges such as registration fees, tuition fees, examination fees, lab charges and other miscellaneous charges.
If the candidates income is less that Rs. 6.0 lakhs per year, you become automatically eligible for SNQ quota. Of course, the number of eligible candidate per candidate is limited to 5 percent of the total available seats. SDM do offer SNQ quota to its students.The seats are alloted under the SNQ purely based on the merit lists and ranks. You have to check the official site of the college to know about cutoff for SNQ quota.
No, SDM College Of Engineering And Technology does not provide lateral entry to any of its courses.
Admissions to B.Tech for 2023 has already been over by 22nd November 2022.
The total fee of SDMCET MBA Finance is INR 2.30 lacs. The year-wise fees is mentioned below: