Every year, a large number of students from Kerala move to Bangalore to study allied health sciences. The reasons are practical: the city has many health science colleges, a large hospital ecosystem for clinical training and an established Malayali community that makes settling in easier. If you are a Kerala student considering allied health courses in Bangalore, this guide covers the courses, the Karnataka-specific rules and the everyday details that make the move smoother.
Why Kerala students choose Bangalore for allied health
- Clinical exposure: Bangalore's multi-speciality hospitals, diagnostic chains and specialist centres give students varied, hands-on postings.
- Choice of courses: most allied health specialisations are offered here, often at several colleges.
- Distance and travel: overnight trains and buses connect Bangalore to most of Kerala, so going home for festivals is manageable.
- Community: Malayali associations, churches, temples, mosques and Kerala restaurants are spread across many neighbourhoods, especially in north and east Bangalore.
Popular allied health courses in Bangalore
Imaging and diagnostics
Theatre and critical care
- B.Sc Operation Theatre and Anaesthesia Technology
- B.Sc Cardiac Care Technology and B.Sc Perfusion Technology
- B.Sc Respiratory Care Technology and B.Sc Emergency and Trauma Care
Long-term care and outpatient work
Compare them all on our allied health courses page.
Eligibility and the RGUHS eligibility certificate
Most allied health degrees in Bangalore are affiliated to the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS). Eligibility is usually Class 12 or Plus Two with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English, with minimum marks set by the university for your category.
Because you studied under the Kerala board (or CBSE or ICSE outside Karnataka), you will usually need an RGUHS eligibility certificate after admission. The college typically applies on your behalf, but it will need your documents on time. Delays in this certificate are one of the most common problems for students from other states, so treat it as a priority.
Documents Kerala students should prepare
- Plus Two marks card and passing certificate, and Class 10 certificate
- Transfer certificate from your school
- Migration certificate from your board, which can take several weeks to obtain
- Conduct certificate, Aadhaar card and passport-size photographs
- Community and income certificates if you plan to apply for scholarships
- Medical fitness certificate
Carry originals and several attested copies, and keep scans in your email. Make sure your name is spelt identically on every document.
Choosing a college in Bangalore
- Check RGUHS affiliation and the college's approval for the current year.
- Ask about clinical training: which hospitals, which departments and how many hours a week.
- Compare total costs for the whole course, including hostel, food, uniforms and university fees.
- Look at the location: check travel time from the hostel to the college and hospitals by Namma Metro, BMTC or college bus.
- Speak to current students from Kerala if possible. Many colleges can connect you with seniors.
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Institutions, one of the colleges we work with, offers several allied health programmes. Browse more on our colleges page.
Settling in: hostels, food and language
Most Kerala students choose a college hostel in the first year, then move to a PG near the college or hospital later. Kerala food is easy to find in areas such as Koramangala, BTM Layout, Hennur, Kammanahalli and around many college clusters.
English is widely used in colleges and hospitals, but learning everyday Kannada helps a lot during patient interaction in clinical postings. Many students pick up basic phrases within the first few months.
Scholarships and financial planning
Check whether Kerala government or community scholarships apply to students studying outside the state, and apply early through the official portals. Central schemes on the National Scholarship Portal may also apply. Our guide to finding scholarships lists where to look. Many banks offer education loans for recognised allied health courses.
Working in Kerala after studying in Bangalore
Many students plan to return to Kerala after graduating, while others stay in Bangalore or move abroad. An RGUHS-affiliated allied health degree is widely recognised, but registration requirements can differ between states and countries. Check the current rules for the state or country where you plan to work before your final year, so you have time to prepare any extra documents.
A simple timeline for Kerala families
Start shortlisting courses and colleges while Plus Two exams are still on. Apply for your migration and transfer certificates as soon as your board and school allow. Once results are out, apply to your shortlisted colleges, visit the campus if you can, and confirm hostel availability before you pay fees. Plan to arrive a few days before classes begin to settle into the hostel and complete registration.
Frequently asked questions
Do Kerala students need NEET for allied health courses in Bangalore?
At most private colleges in Karnataka, admission is based on Plus Two marks and RGUHS eligibility rules rather than NEET. Check the current Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) and RGUHS notifications.
How long does the RGUHS eligibility certificate take?
It varies. Submit your documents to the college as early as possible and follow up regularly.
Is Bangalore safe for Kerala students?
Bangalore has a large, long-established Kerala student community. Choose a hostel or verified PG, keep your college and family informed, and follow sensible safety habits.
Can I do my internship in Kerala?
Internship rules depend on RGUHS and your college. Most programmes expect the internship at approved hospitals, so ask before you plan.
Official sources
Apex Guidance Team
Education counselling team
Articles by the Apex Education Solutions counselling team. Replace with individual counsellor profiles once available.
