Dayananda Sagar University (DSU) is a State Private University located in Bangalore, Karnataka. Established in 2014 by a State Act, it builds upon the long and respected legacy of the Dayananda Sagar Institutions (DSI), which were founded in the 1960s by Sri R. Dayananda Sagar. DSU consolidates several of the DSI colleges under one university umbrella, aiming to foster innovation, research, and industry-relevant education.
The university operates from two main campuses in Bangalore (Harohalli/Main Campus and the City Innovation Campus) and is known for its strong focus on Engineering, Health Sciences (including a new Medical College), Management, and Law.
Key Recognitions:
Established by a State Act and recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
Accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with an 'A+' Grade.
Holds all necessary approvals from professional bodies: AICTE (Engineering, Management), PCI (Pharmacy), INC (Nursing), BCI (Law), CoA (Architecture - check specific college), and recently, NMC (Medical).
Often features in NIRF rankings, particularly for its constituent colleges (e.g., Engineering, Pharmacy).
Permitted u/s 10(A) for 2020-21, Permitted for Renewal of 150 seats for the academic year 2022-23. Permitted for 3rd renewal 4th batch for the Academic Year 2023 -2024. Annual renewal permission granted for 150 MBBS seats for AY 2024-25.
DSU's infrastructure is spread across multiple locations, with the main campus being a large, self-contained entity.
Main Campus (Harohalli, Kanakapura Road):
Location: Situated on Kanakapura Road, Harohalli, on the outskirts of Bangalore.
Campus Size & Vibe: This is a very large, sprawling campus (130+ acres) featuring modern architecture, extensive green spaces, dedicated academic blocks, and a comprehensive residential setup. It's designed as a self-sufficient educational township.
City Innovation Campus (Kumaraswamy Layout): This campus, located within the city, leverages the original DSI location and often houses specific programs or innovation centers, benefiting from its proximity to the heart of Bangalore.
Infrastructure & Facilities (Primarily Main Campus):
Dedicated Schools: Modern buildings house the School of Engineering, School of Health Sciences, School of Law, School of Commerce & Management, School of Basic & Applied Sciences, etc.
Learning Resources: Well-stocked libraries with extensive collections, e-resources, and digital library facilities.
Advanced Laboratories: A key strength. Features high-tech labs for all engineering branches (CSE, AI/ML, Aerospace, Robotics), medical/nursing/pharmacy labs (including simulation labs), design studios, moot courts (Law), and specialized innovation labs (e.g., Bosch Etas, IBM, Nvidia).
Hospital Integration: Features its own large teaching hospital (CDSIMER).
Technology Enabled: Smart classrooms, campus-wide Wi-Fi, and extensive use of e-learning platforms (DOODLE - their Moodle customization).
Amenities: Large auditoriums, seminar halls, food courts, canteens, extensive hostel facilities, comprehensive sports complex (grounds, courts, gym), medical services via the campus hospital, transportation.
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
Healthcare is a recent and major expansion for DSU.
Flagship Medical College: Yes, the university runs the Dr. Chandramma Dayananda Sagar Institute of Medical Education & Research (CDSIMER) as its constituent medical college.
Teaching Hospital: CDSIMER is attached to a large, modern multi-specialty teaching hospital (reportedly planned for 1350 beds), providing comprehensive healthcare services and serving as the primary clinical training ground for DSU's health science students.
Other Health Programs: The university's School of Health Sciences also includes:
College of Pharmaceutical Sciences (B.Pharm, Pharm.D, M.Pharm)
College of Nursing (B.Sc, M.Sc)
College of Physiotherapy (BPT, MPT)
College of Allied Health Sciences (B.Sc in various specializations like Anaesthesia Tech, Cardiac Care, MLT, Radiology, etc.)
Educational Role: The CDSIMER hospital and associated health facilities are the core clinical training environments for students in MBBS, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, and Allied Health Sciences, offering integrated practical exposure.
State University Affordability
As a premier private university in Bangalore, DSU's fees are substantial and vary significantly based on the admission channel (KCET, COMEDK, PESSAT-equivalent, or Management/NRI Quota).
DSU provides comprehensive residential facilities, especially at its large Harohalli campus.
Accommodation: Separate, modern hostel blocks for boys and girls are available, offering various room types (e.g., 2/3/4 sharing, AC/Non-AC options, dormitory-style).
Amenities: Hostels are generally well-furnished, secure (24/7 security, wardens), and provide amenities like Wi-Fi, power backup, common rooms, study halls, laundry services (paid), housekeeping, and access to medical/sports facilities.
Dining: Multiple mess halls and food courts cater to the diverse student population, serving hygienic multi-cuisine options (North/South Indian, veg/non-veg).
Cost: Hostel and mess fees represent a significant additional annual expense. Depending on campus, room type (AC/Non-AC, sharing), and mess plan, expect costs to range roughly from ₹1,50,000 to ₹2,50,000 or more per year (e.g., ~₹84,000 for mess + ₹60,000 to ₹1,44,000 for hostel, plus deposits).
Getting Through the Door:
DSAT (Dayananda Sagar Admission Test): The university conducts its own entrance test (DSAT) for admission to many UG/PG programs (B.Tech, Law, BBA, B.Pharm, BPT, B.Sc Nursing, B.Des, etc.) under its university quota. DSAT scores often determine scholarship eligibility.
State Counselling (KEA/COMEDK): DSU (like the DSI group) allocates a significant portion of its Engineering (B.Tech) seats through KCET (Karnataka domicile) and COMEDK (All India/Karnataka). MBBS/BDS seats are exclusively filled via KEA NEET Counselling.
National Scores Accepted: JEE (Main) (for B.Tech), CAT/MAT/CMAT/GMAT/KMAT/PGCET (for MBA/MCA/M.Tech), CLAT/LSAT (for Law), NATA (for B.Arch), UCEED (for B.Des) are widely accepted, often exempting from DSAT.
Always check the DSU admissions website for the specific entry pathway (DSAT, KCET, COMEDK, NEET, etc.) for your chosen program and quota.
Career Kickstart (Placements): Building on the strong DSI legacy, DSU has a robust placement record, especially for engineering.
Industry Focus: Excellent industry connections, leveraging its Bangalore location and strong alumni network. A dedicated placement cell (Center for Innovation & Leadership - CIL) manages training and recruitment.
Training: Strong emphasis on pre-placement training, soft skills, aptitude tests, technical workshops, and industry-driven curriculum/certifications (e.g., labs by IBM, Nvidia, Bosch).
Recruiters: Attracts a vast number of recruiters, including top-tier IT/Software companies (mass recruiters like TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Cognizant, Accenture, as well as product companies), Core Engineering firms, Banks, Consulting firms (Deloitte), and startups. Healthcare placements for Nursing/Pharma/Allied Health are also strong, supported by the new hospital.
Salary Potential: DSU (and its predecessor DSCE) consistently reports high placement percentages (90%+ in key branches). Highest packages are often very high (reaching ₹40 LPA+). The average package for core B.Tech (CSE) and MBA graduates typically falls in the strong ₹6 LPA to ₹9 LPA range.
DSU has a dedicated International Admissions office and clear provisions for NRI/Foreign students.
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus