Over 16,800 engineering seats, including more than 4,400 in Computer Science & Engineering (CSE), remain vacant in Karnataka after the COMEDK UGET 2026 Round 4 counselling. The data highlights a surprising trend where even premium tech branches are struggling to find takers across major hubs like Bengaluru, Mangaluru, and Belagavi.
- A staggering 16,855 engineering seats remain vacant in Karnataka after COMEDK Round 4 seat allotment.
- Computer Science & Engineering (CSE) leads the vacancies with 4,411 unfilled seats (26.2% of the total).
- Bapuji Institute of Engineering and Technology in Davangere recorded the highest individual CSE vacancy with 121 seats.
As the engineering admissions process in Karnataka enters its final phases, the latest seat matrix data has revealed a startling trend. Following the Round 4 seat allotment results of the Consortium of Medical, Engineering and Dental Colleges of Karnataka (COMEDK) UGET 2026, a massive 16,855 engineering seats remain vacant across various participating private institutions in the state.
The vacancy data indicates that the largest share of unfilled seats is concentrated in conventional engineering branches as well as newer computing branches. Surprisingly, Computer Science & Engineering (CSE), which has historically been the most sought-after branch, accounts for 4,411 vacant seats—making up approximately 26.2% of the total unfilled seats. Electronics & Communication Engineering (ECE) follows closely with 2,566 vacant seats, while Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning (AI/ML) has 1,527 vacancies.
Branch-Wise Vacancy Breakdown
The following table illustrates the distribution of vacant engineering seats across the top five affected branches after Round 4:
| Rank | Course Branch | Vacant Seats | Share of Total Unfilled Seats (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Computer Science & Engineering (CSE) | 4,411 | 26.2% |
| 2 | Electronics & Communication Engineering (ECE) | 2,566 | 15.2% |
| 3 | Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning (AI/ML) | 1,527 | 9.1% |
| 4 | Mechanical Engineering | 1,245 | 7.4% |
| 5 | Civil Engineering | 969 | 5.7% |
The high number of CSE vacancies is particularly notable because they are not confined to newer or highly specialized programmes. The standard CSE course alone has more than 4,400 vacant seats across 147 separate college-course entries. Bapuji Institute of Engineering and Technology in Davangere tops the list with 121 vacant CSE seats, followed by Atria Institute of Technology in Bengaluru with 82, and AMC Engineering College with 76 vacancies.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the rising vacancy rates in premium branches like CSE and AI/ML indicate a potential correction in the tech job market. With global tech layoffs, the rise of automation, and shifting industry demands, students are becoming highly selective. They are no longer willing to pay premium fees for IT courses at tier-2 and tier-3 colleges unless high-quality placements are virtually guaranteed.
"The massive vacancy in core and specialized computing branches suggests a shift in student sentiment, driven by global tech layoffs and a demand for more versatile, interdisciplinary skills."
Geographically, Bengaluru remains the region with the highest concentration of vacant seats, reflecting the sheer volume of engineering institutions located in the IT hub. However, other educational hubs are also experiencing significant vacancies, with Mangaluru recording 1,311 vacant seats and Belagavi listing 1,111 vacant seats across all engineering disciplines.
Historical Background
Over the last decade, Karnataka has seen an unprecedented boom in the establishment of private engineering colleges, heavily driven by the global demand for software engineers. Institutions aggressively expanded their seat intake for CSE and IT-allied branches. However, this rapid expansion has led to an oversupply of seats, creating a massive gap between academic capacity and actual student enrollment, especially when economic uncertainties affect the tech sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are these vacancy numbers final for the academic year?
No, these figures represent the vacancy position after the COMEDK Round 4 decision-making process. The final count of vacant seats will only be determined after students physically report to their respective colleges and final surrenders are processed.
2. Which college has the highest number of vacant CSE seats?
Bapuji Institute of Engineering and Technology, located in Davangere, has the highest number of vacant Computer Science & Engineering (CSE) seats, with 121 seats remaining unfilled.
