Karnataka Proposes 15% Rural Reservation in Government Seats for Professional Courses

The Karnataka Higher Education Department has issued a draft notification proposing a 15 per cent horizontal reservation for rural candidates seeking admission to government seats in professional education courses across the state. Notified under the Karnataka Selection of Candidates for Admission to Government Seats in Professional Educational Institutions (Amendment) Rules, 2026, the policy seeks to bridge the persistent gap in access to professional higher education between urban and rural students.

Under the proposed framework, the 15 per cent reservation will be split into two equal categories of 7.5 per cent each. The first 7.5 per cent quota is earmarked specifically for eligible rural candidates who have completed their schooling from Class 1 to Class 10 in government schools or government pre-university colleges managed by the Department of School Education and Literacy in rural Karnataka. The remaining 7.5 per cent will cover candidates who completed Class 1 to Class 10 in any recognized educational institution located in rural areas of the state, regardless of whether it is government-run or private.

Framed under Section 14 of the Karnataka Educational Institutions (Prohibition of Capitation Fee) Act, 1984, the proposed rules have been published to invite public objections and suggestions within 15 days of their publication in the Official Gazette. Once finalized and gazetted, the rules will govern admissions to professional degree programs, giving rural students a structured pathway into technical and higher education.