NIRF rankings 2025: Top 7 medical colleges in Karnataka that are shaping the future of healthcare

Karnataka has reaffirmed its standing as a powerhouse of medical education with the release of the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025. Long admired for its mix of heritage institutions and specialised centres, the state’s medical colleges are recognised for their academic rigour, patient diversity, and research-driven outlook.

For students aspiring to blend medical learning with real-world clinical exposure, Karnataka continues to emerge as one of India’s most compelling destinations.This year’s NIRF rankings, which evaluate institutions across teaching, research, graduation outcomes, inclusivity, and perception, spotlight Karnataka’s broad-based medical education ecosystem. From the mental health expertise of NIMHANS to the legacy of Kasturba Medical Colleges, the state’s institutions remain pivotal in shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals.

NIRF 2025: Top 7 Medical colleges in Karnataka

Here is the list of the top seven medical colleges from Karnataka that made it to the NIRF 2025 rankings:

NIMHANS at the forefront

Leading the state’s representation is the National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, which secured the 7th position nationwide with a score of 69.77. Renowned globally, NIMHANS blends clinical excellence with pioneering research. Its presence in the top 10 reaffirms Karnataka’s contribution to specialised medical education.

A spectrum of strengths

Close on its heels, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, ranked 10th with a score of 68.05, continues to stand out for its world-class infrastructure and international collaborations. Adding to the state’s strong showing, St. John’s Medical College, Bengaluru, secured the 30th spot, celebrated for its holistic medical training and community healthcare initiatives.The coastal city of Mangaluru is represented by Kasturba Medical College, Mangaluru, ranked 35th, carrying forward the Manipal legacy with strong clinical programmes.

Meanwhile, JSS Medical College, Mysuru, ranked 37th, underscores the blend of tradition and modernity in medical education that Karnataka is known for.Further strengthening the state’s academic spread, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belagavi (46th) and M. S. Ramaiah Medical College, Bengaluru (50th) round out the top seven, both recognised for their role in expanding access to quality healthcare education in tier-II and metropolitan settings alike.

Why these rankings matter

The strong showing of Karnataka’s medical colleges is not just about institutional reputation, it is about their deep impact on research, patient care, and medical innovation. Students here gain access to diverse clinical environments, ranging from metropolitan super-specialty hospitals to community health centres, equipping them with skills relevant to both national and global healthcare needs.As India’s healthcare landscape adapts to rapid technological advances and rising public health demands, Karnataka’s medical colleges are well-positioned to lead. With NIMHANS setting benchmarks and institutions like Kasturba, St. John’s, and JSS producing well-rounded graduates, the state continues to reinforce its reputation as one of India’s most influential hubs of medical education and research.