With a KCET rank of 17,000, getting AI or AI&ML in the very top-tier Karnataka colleges like RVCE, BMSCE, MSRIT will be difficult under the general category, as their AI branches usually close within the top 6–8K ranks. However, you have a realistic shot at mid-to-upper tier colleges that still have good placements in AI-related streams.

Top colleges in Karnataka offering AI/AI&ML where 17K rank might work (general category chances vary):

• SJCE Mysuru

• BMS Institute of Technology & Management (BMSIT) – maybe in later rounds

• JSS Academy of Technical Education, Bengaluru

  Recommended

• Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering (DSCE) – possible in later rounds

• Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (NMIT)

• Reva University

• CMR Institute of Technology

• New Horizon College of Engineering

• Acharya Institute of Technology

If you belong to a reserved category, your chances for higher-ranked colleges improve significantly. For general category, aim for these good mid-tier ones, and keep backups ready for round 2 and casual vacancy rounds.