BCU Seeks 50 Acres in Jnanabharathi for New PG Hostels

Of the total 1,201 acres at Jnanabharathi, approximately 293 acres have already been allocated to 26 institutions, while another 300 acres are reportedly under encroachment. With space steadily shrinking, officials have raised concerns over the availability of land for future expansions of Bangalore University.

BCU has been actively pursuing land for hostel development, citing an urgent need to accommodate postgraduate students. Attempts to acquire land through the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) and Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) have been unsuccessful in securing a contiguous 50-acre plot.

According to sources, the Social Welfare Department has approved funding for two hostels—on the condition that the facilities serve students from all colleges affiliated with BCU, not just its main campus. This has added complexity to the process and prompted the university to request dedicated space within the Jnanabharathi campus.

The BCU syndicate has now approved the formal proposal, and a delegation has met with the Chief Minister and other state officials to press the case. University officials argue that the land is critical for addressing student housing needs and supporting BCU’s growth plans.

Previously, BCU had identified land in the Prasanna Kumar Block, but government-imposed restrictions on its usage forced the university to look elsewhere. With land around the Central College campus already committed to projects like road widening and infrastructure development under the Karnataka State Higher Education Council, BCU is now focusing its efforts on securing land at Jnanabharathi.