About Kittel Science College Dharwad
About Kittel Science College Dharwad
Kittel Science College, Dharwad was established in 1960 by the Basel Mission Educational Society and named after Reverend Dr Ferdinand Kittel — the German missionary who spent 40 years in Karnataka and compiled the definitive Kannada-English dictionary (1894), a work that remains a reference standard for Kannada scholarship. That naming choice tells you something about the institution's orientation: it has always valued rigour over reputation management.
The college is affiliated to Karnatak University, Dharwad with NAAC A grade. It offers BSc and MSc programmes in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Zoology and Botany. Faculty members hold active DST and UGC-funded research projects — not a common feature in private aided colleges of this size. The campus is within walking distance of Karnatak University's main campus on the University Road, Dharwad.
Courses, Seats and Fees
| Course | Duration | Seats | Annual Fee (Approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSc (PCM) | 3 Years | 80 | ₹8,000–₹12,000 |
| BSc (CBZ) | 3 Years | 80 | ₹8,000–₹12,000 |
| BSc (Electronics) | 3 Years | 40 | ₹10,000–₹14,000 |
| MSc (Physics / Chemistry / Mathematics / Zoology) | 2 Years | 100 | ₹14,000–₹18,000 |
Being a private aided college, fees are regulated under Karnataka government's aided fee structure — significantly lower than unaided private colleges. SC/ST students apply for scholarship under the state post-matric scheme.
Admission Process
BSc admissions open through Karnatak University's online portal in June. Merit in 12th (PCM or CBZ) is the criterion for BSc. No entrance exam. MSc admissions are through Karnatak University MSc entrance tests conducted in June — candidates with BSc in the relevant subject sit the test at the university campus. MSc Physics and Chemistry are competitive due to limited seats and proximity to research facilities at Karnatak University. Boys' hostel seats are available — apply at the time of admission. Girls' hostel is not available on campus; private PGs near the University Road are the usual option.
Research and Faculty
Physics and Chemistry departments have faculty with active research projects funded by DST-SERB and UGC. The college has published research in Scopus-indexed journals on topics including thin film deposition and phytochemical analysis. For MSc students planning to go into research or PhD programmes, the proximity to Karnatak University's science departments means access to advanced instruments (XRD, FTIR) not available in the college's own labs. Several faculty guide MSc dissertations co-supervised with Karnatak University professors.
Career Scope
BSc graduates from Kittel target KPSC science teacher posts, central government scientific assistant roles (DRDO, ISRO ground staff), and MSc at Karnatak University or other Karnataka universities. MSc graduates have gone on to PhD programmes at IISc Bengaluru, IIT Bombay and several central universities. The college's track record for producing university-rank holders in Karnatak University BSc exams is consistent — worth asking the college directly for subject-wise rank data before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Kittel and why is the college named after him?
Reverend Dr Ferdinand Kittel (1832–1903) was a German Basel Mission missionary who spent four decades in Karnataka and compiled the first comprehensive Kannada-English dictionary (1894), containing over 70,000 entries. The dictionary is still referenced by Kannada scholars and the University of Mysore Press. The college was named in his honour at its founding in 1960 by the Basel Mission Educational Society.
What is the BSc fee at Kittel Science College Dharwad?
BSc annual fee at Kittel Science College is approximately ₹8,000–₹12,000 under the Karnataka aided college fee structure. Being an aided private college, fees are government-regulated and significantly lower than unaided private science colleges. SC/ST students apply for the state post-matric scholarship to cover fees. Confirm current fees at the college office in June before applying.
Does Kittel Science College have a hostel?
A boys' hostel is available on campus. There is currently no girls' hostel — women students arrange accommodation in PGs near Karnatak University Road, which is within 1 km of the college. Monthly PG costs in the area range from ₹4,000–₹7,000 depending on amenities.
Is Kittel Science College good for students targeting MSc or research?
Yes, specifically because of the college's proximity to Karnatak University's main campus. MSc students can access the university's advanced instrument labs. Faculty with active DST-SERB grants often co-supervise MSc dissertations with university professors. Students who want research exposure before applying to IISc or IIT for PhD find this arrangement useful.