About PES University
PES University is a deemed university — not an autonomous VTU college. That distinction changes everything: KCET doesn't apply here, your degree says "PES University" not "VTU," fees are higher, and admission is managed entirely by the institution. If you're a Karnataka KCET student evaluating options, read that paragraph twice before deciding.
Founded in 1972 as PES Institute of Technology and granted university status in 2013, PES operates two main campuses — the main campus on 100 Feet Ring Road, Banashankari 3rd Stage, and the EC (Electronic City) campus about 15 km south. NAAC A+ accredited and well-regarded in Bangalore's tech community, it's a legitimate option — but reputed and affordable are two very different things here.
Deemed University — What This Means For You
PES University is a deemed university. Key implications:
- KCET / KEA allotment does NOT apply — you can't get a government-quota seat here
- Fees are significantly higher than KCET-quota seats at VTU colleges
- Your degree is awarded by PES University, not VTU
- For government job applications (PSUs, Karnataka state services) that specify a VTU-affiliated degree, verify your eligibility before admitting
- Total 4-year cost can be Rs. 14 lakh – 20 lakh vs Rs. 4 lakh – 6 lakh at a KCET-quota VTU college
Quick Facts
| Founded | 1972 (as PESIT); Deemed University status 2013 |
|---|---|
| Location | 100 Feet Ring Road, Banashankari 3rd Stage, Bangalore (Main Campus); Electronic City (EC Campus) |
| Affiliation | Deemed University (UGC recognised) |
| Approval | AICTE |
| Accreditation | NAAC A+, NBA (multiple departments) |
| Total Seats | 300+ (B.Tech) across both campuses |
| Website | pes.edu |
Branches Offered (B.Tech)
| Branch | Admission Route | Annual Fees (Approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science & Engineering | PES entrance / JEE Main / management | Rs. 3.5 lakh – 5 lakh |
| AIML / Data Science | PES entrance / JEE Main / management | Rs. 4 lakh – 5.5 lakh |
| Electronics & Communication | PES entrance / JEE Main / management | Rs. 3 lakh – 4.5 lakh |
| Mechanical Engineering | PES entrance / JEE Main / management | Rs. 2.5 lakh – 4 lakh |
| Civil Engineering | PES entrance / JEE Main / management | Rs. 2.5 lakh – 4 lakh |
Fees vary by campus and are revised annually. Confirm current figures directly with PES admissions office at pes.edu.
Admission Process
PES University doesn't use KCET. Admission is through the university's own entrance process — considering JEE Main scores, their internal PESSAT exam, or direct management quota. Karnataka domicile students don't get any government-quota pricing here; everyone pays the full deemed university fee structure.
Placements
PES has strong placement numbers, particularly for CSE. Companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Flipkart, Salesforce, and several product startups recruit here. The Bangalore location and NAAC A+ status attract a solid company pool. EC campus placements have historically been considered slightly weaker than the main campus — factor this in if you're being allocated there rather than the main campus.
Who Should Apply to PES University
PES makes sense if you didn't qualify KCET, missed cutoffs for top VTU colleges, or are specifically targeting branches like AIML and Data Science where PES has strong industry connections. Students whose families can manage Rs. 3.5 – 5 lakh per year and who prioritise Bangalore location and placement brand will find PES a reasonable choice.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
If you have a KCET rank that gets you CSE or ECE at RVCE, BMSCE, or RIT on government quota — don't pay deemed university fees at PES. The VTU affiliation is more valuable for PSU recruitment, GATE applications, and government job eligibility. Run the full 4-year cost comparison before deciding: a government-quota seat at a solid VTU college costs roughly Rs. 1.1 lakh per year vs Rs. 3.5 – 5 lakh per year at PES. That's a Rs. 10 – 16 lakh difference over four years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PES University's degree valid for government jobs?
A PES University degree is UGC-recognised and valid for most purposes. However, some Karnataka state government and PSU job postings specify VTU-affiliated degrees or list specific recognised universities. Check the exact job requirement carefully before admitting — especially for state engineering services and KPSC applications.
Can I get into PES University through KCET?
No. PES University is a deemed university — KEA's KCET allotment process doesn't cover it. You apply directly through PES's own admission process using JEE Main scores, PESSAT, or management quota.
What's the difference between PES main campus and EC campus?
The main campus is on 100 Feet Ring Road, Banashankari — central, well-connected, and the original PES campus. The EC campus is newer, about 15 km south in Electronic City. Placement quality, faculty depth, and overall campus experience have historically been stronger at the main campus. If you're being admitted, confirm which campus you're allocated to before accepting.
Does NAAC A+ justify PES University's fees?
NAAC A+ tells you the institution passed an academic quality audit at a high level. It doesn't guarantee specific placement packages or return on investment. Compare actual placement data, alumni reviews, and total 4-year cost against VTU alternatives before paying. Accreditation and fee value are separate questions.
Does PES offer M.Tech and Ph.D programmes?
Yes. As a deemed university, PES offers M.Tech across multiple specialisations (admissions via PGCET or GATE) and full-time Ph.D research programmes. The research infrastructure is stronger at the main campus.
Is PES University the same as PESIT?
PESIT (PES Institute of Technology) was the pre-2013 name before deemed university status was granted. The institution is now PES University. Some alumni and references still use the PESIT name — both refer to the same institution.