About National College Bengaluru
About National College Bengaluru
National College, Bengaluru was founded in 1917 in Basavanagudi — at a time when establishing an Indian-managed college was itself a political act during the independence movement. The college's founding drew inspiration from the national education movement of that era, and its location in Basavanagudi — one of Bengaluru's oldest Kannada-speaking localities — shaped its strong identity in Kannada literature, arts and social sciences. It is affiliated to Bengaluru City University and holds NAAC A grade.
The campus is on Hosur Road, Basavanagudi, about 3 km from Lalbagh metro station and 4 km from Bengaluru City railway station by BMTC. Unlike south Bengaluru's newer private colleges, National College is a private aided institution — fees are regulated and significantly lower than unaided private colleges in the same geography.
Courses and Fees
| Course | Specialisations | Duration | Seats | Annual Fee (Approx) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA | Kannada, Hindi, History, Economics, Political Science, Sociology | 3 Years | 200 | ₹8,000–₹12,000 |
| BCom | General Commerce | 3 Years | 200 | ₹12,000–₹18,000 |
Being an aided college, fees are regulated by the Karnataka government. No capitation fee or management quota donation is applicable. SC/ST students apply for state post-matric scholarship to cover fees.
Admission Process
Applications open through the Bengaluru City University affiliated colleges portal in June. Merit in 12th standard is the criterion. Kannada medium BA is available — one of the few degree colleges in south Bengaluru where students can complete a full BA in Kannada medium, which matters for candidates targeting KPSC and Karnataka government jobs that require Kannada language proficiency. BCom seats fill faster than BA. Direct walk-in for remaining seats is typically held in the third week of July if vacancies exist after the merit rounds.
Campus and Kannada Literary Tradition
The campus has a central library, a dedicated Kannada Sahitya Parishath reading room, an auditorium, NCC and NSS units, and a students' canteen. The college has hosted Akhila Karnataka Kannada Sahitya Sammelana events and has an active Kannada literary club that brings writers and critics from across Karnataka to campus. For students who plan careers in Kannada journalism, KPSC, Doordarshan Chandana, or Kannada film and theatre, this environment is practically useful in ways that larger commercial colleges don't offer. There is no hostel — students in south Bengaluru's Basavanagudi, JP Nagar and Jayanagar areas commute daily. Outstation students arrange PGs in BTM Layout (2 km) or Jayanagar (1.5 km).
Career Scope
BA graduates predominantly target KPSC group C and D, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) administrative posts, and Karnataka government school teaching through DSERT and TET. BCom graduates target IBPS clerk, SBI PO, Karnataka bank exams and CA articleship. The college's Kannada medium BA track specifically prepares students for KPSC paper II (Kannada language and literature) — a section where candidates from English-medium colleges consistently underperform.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BA fee at National College Bengaluru?
Annual BA fee at National College Bengaluru is approximately ₹8,000–₹12,000 under the Karnataka aided college fee structure. BCom is ₹12,000–₹18,000 per year. No management quota donations apply. SC/ST students apply for state post-matric scholarship. Fees are significantly lower than unaided private colleges in south Bengaluru, which charge ₹30,000–₹80,000 for the same programmes.
Is National College Bengaluru good for KPSC preparation?
Yes — specifically for students who want Kannada medium BA, which is available here and rare in south Bengaluru's degree colleges. KPSC competitive exams include a Kannada language paper where medium of instruction matters for preparation. The college's Kannada department, literary culture and proximity to Bengaluru's Kannada media and cultural institutions makes it useful for KPSC-oriented students in a way most English-medium colleges in the city don't replicate.
Does National College Bengaluru have a hostel?
No. National College does not have an on-campus hostel. Students from outside Bengaluru arrange PG accommodation in BTM Layout (2 km from campus) or Jayanagar (1.5 km). PG costs in these areas range from ₹5,000–₹10,000 per month depending on room-sharing and amenities. The campus is accessible by BMTC from most parts of south and central Bengaluru.
When was National College Bengaluru founded and what is its significance?
National College was founded in 1917 in Basavanagudi, Bengaluru — during the Indian independence movement era. The college was established as an Indian-managed institution at a time when colonial-era universities controlled most higher education in the region. Its 107-year presence in Basavanagudi has made it deeply embedded in south Bengaluru's Kannada cultural identity. It is one of the few degree colleges in the city with over a century of continuous operation.