Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University (SDM)

Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University (SDMU), located in Sattur, Dharwad, Karnataka, is a leading private university established in 2018 under the Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Educational (SDME) Society. Managed under the leadership of the SDM Educational Society (headed by Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade), the university integrates modern health sciences, engineering, biomedical research, and value-based education.

Spread over a expansive, eco-friendly campus along the Hubballi-Dharwad highway, SDMU offers modern academic and clinical infrastructure. Facilities include a multi-specialty tertiary care teaching hospital (SDM College of Medical Sciences & Hospital), modern dental clinics, advanced biomedical research laboratories, central digital libraries, air-conditioned auditoriums, sports facilities, and residential hostels serving students across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral domains.

Academically, SDMU operates under a comprehensive curriculum aligned with national regulatory bodies such as the National Medical Commission (NMC), Dental Council of India (DCI), Indian Nursing Council (INC), and AICTE.

• Fees range: Approximately INR 1,66,000 – INR 19,56,000 total for allied health, dental (BDS), nursing, and physiotherapy courses; INR 20,15,000 per year (General Merit quota) up to multi-year total course fees of INR 1.13 Crore for MBBS; INR 2,85,000 – INR 1.03 Crore total for PG Medical (MD/MS) depending on the specialization.
• Flagship programs: MBBS, BDS, MD/MS, Master of Dental Surgery (MDS), B.Sc. Nursing, Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT), and M.Sc. Biomedical Sciences.
• Recognition: Established under the Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University Act, 2018 (Karnataka Act No. 19 of 2018); recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC); accredited/approved by NMC, DCI, INC, and KNC.
• Academic focus: Medical & Clinical Sciences, Craniofacial & Dental Surgery, Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation, Nursing Care, Biomedical Research, Hospital Administration, and Allied Health Technology.

Important Admission Dates (Tentative)

The tentative schedule for admissions to undergraduate and postgraduate medical, dental, and health science programs at SDM University for the academic session 2026–27 is outlined below:

Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University Admissions 2026–27

Admissions to various institutions under SDM University are strictly merit-based, governed by national entrance frameworks (NEET) and centralized counseling conducted by KEA and MCC.

Medical & Dental Programs (MBBS / BDS) Admission Process:

• Selection Criteria: Admissions are determined strictly by rank obtained in NEET UG, followed by centralized state/national counseling through KEA (Karnataka Examinations Authority) or MCC.
• Eligibility: Completion of 10+2 / PUC with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English, securing a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in PCB (40% for SC/ST/OBC candidates) and a qualifying percentile in NEET UG.

Postgraduate Medical & Dental (MD / MS / MDS) Admission Process:

• Selection Criteria: Selection relies on performance in NEET PG (for MD/MS) or NEET MDS followed by merit-based counseling allocation.
• Eligibility: MBBS / BDS degree from a recognized institution with completed compulsory rotatory internship and valid registration with NMC/State Medical/Dental Councils.

Allied Health Sciences, Nursing & Physiotherapy (B.Sc / BPT / B.Sc Nursing) Admission Process:

• Selection Criteria: Admissions are based on qualifying exam performance (10+2 merit) or state entrance tests like KCET (for Nursing/BPT seats under government quota).
• Eligibility: 10+2 / Intermediate with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, securing at least 45%–50% aggregate marks.

Courses Offered at Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University

SDM University houses several constituent colleges offering medical, dental, nursing, allied health, and research programs:

Medical & Biomedical Sciences (SDM College of Medical Sciences & Hospital / SDMRIBS):

• MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery)
• MD / MS (General Medicine, Radiodiagnosis, Pediatrics, Dermatology, General Surgery, Orthopedics, Anesthesiology)
• Sc. in Allied Health Sciences (Medical Laboratory Technology, Optometry, Imaging Technology, Renal Dialysis, Emergency Care)
• Sc. in Biomedical Sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pharmacology)

Dental & Rehabilitation Sciences (SDM College of Dental Sciences / SDM College of Physiotherapy):

• BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery)
• MDS (Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics, Endodontics, Periodontics)
• BPT (Bachelor of Physiotherapy) & MPT (Master of Physiotherapy)

Nursing & Allied Disciplines (SDM Institute of Nursing Sciences):

• Sc. Nursing & Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing
• Sc. Nursing (Medical-Surgical, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Psychiatric Nursing)

Fee Structure at Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University

Fees across different medical, healthcare, and research courses under SDM University are structured according to regulatory quotas and guidelines:

• Hostel & Living Expenses: On-campus hostel charges (including room rent, amenities, and vegetarian mess dining) range between INR 60,000 and INR 71,500 per year.
• Scholarships: Merit concessions and government post-matric scholarships administered by the Karnataka State Scholarship Portal (SSP) are available for eligible SC/ST/OBC and economically weaker candidates.

Faculty and Clinical Environment at Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University

SDM University emphasizes hands-on clinical exposure, research output, and patient-centric training:

• Teaching Hospital Exposure: The attached SDM Hospital serves as a major multi-specialty healthcare referral center for North Karnataka, offering high patient inflow and specialized clinical experience for interns and postgraduates.
• Research & Development: The SDM Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences (SDMRIBS) drives interdisciplinary healthcare research, clinical trials, and publications in international journals.
• Community Outreach: Students actively participate in rural health drives, dental camps, and preventive healthcare programs across Dharwad and surrounding districts.

Career Opportunities and Placement Presence at Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University

Graduates from SDM University transition into clinical practice, higher medical education, and hospital administration:

• Career Outcomes: Medical, dental, and nursing graduates secure roles in multi-specialty hospital chains, government health services, private clinics, and global healthcare organizations. Average packages for medical and clinical graduates range between INR 8.0 LPA and INR 12.0 LPA, while specialization roles in clinical disciplines command higher packages.
• Key Sectors & Organizations:
  • Healthcare & Hospitals: Apollo Hospitals, Manipal Hospitals, Fortis Healthcare, Narayana Health, SDM Hospital Network.
  • Public Sector Services: Karnataka State Health Services, Armed Forces Medical Services, AIIMS, and Central Health Cadres.
  • Higher Research & Academia: Top national and international medical research centers, academic faculties, and diagnostic chains.

Why Choose Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University?

SDM University combines value-based education, modern clinical infrastructure, and high academic standards under the aegis of the SDM Educational Society. With NMC and DCI approvals, high-volume clinical exposure, established post-graduate medical programs, and strong community health integration, SDM University is a preferred choice for healthcare and health science education in Karnataka.

Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University FAQs

Q1. Is SDM University Dharwad recognized by NMC and UGC?

Yes, SDM University is established under the Karnataka State Private University Act and recognized by the UGC, while its medical and dental programs are approved by the NMC and DCI respectively.

Q2. What entrance exam is required for MBBS admission at SDM University?

Admissions to MBBS are based on scores and ranks in NEET UG, conducted through KEA and MCC counseling.

Q3. Does SDM University offer hostel facilities?

Yes, separate residential hostels with vegetarian dining facilities, round-the-clock security, and Wi-Fi are provided on campus.

Q4. What are the courses offered in Allied Health Sciences at SDM University?

The university offers B.Sc. programs in Medical Laboratory Technology, Optometry, Imaging Technology, Renal Dialysis, and Emergency Care.

Q5. What is the tuition fee structure for MBBS at SDM University?

The annual tuition fee for the MBBS program under general merit quota is approximately INR 20,15,000 per year.