The results of the study were shocking, said Karnataka Minister for Higher Education D H Shankarmurthy. The study was conducted by a private agency appointed by the state goverment.

The study further reveals that most of these students are from professional colleges.

Shankarmurthy said that the matter would be raised in both houses of the Karnataka assembly. The government will also discuss measures to tackle this problem.

Some college students told rediff.com that peddlers often sell drugs outside their college premises. Sometimes, addicted students themselves sell drugs to their friends.

According to the study, marijuana is a favourite among students, as it is cheaper compared to other drugs.

The Bangalore police are yet to register a case of drug abuse by students, said Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Gopal B Hosur. However, he added that 19 cases have been registered against drug peddlers this year. Most peddlers are in the age group of 18 to 40 years.

However, colleges claim that they are doing their best to tackle the problem. According to them, the number of students addicted to drugs has reduced because of a constant vigil.

"We have been able to identify those students who are hooked on to drugs. These students are irregular and show no interest in academics. After identifying such students, we conduct counseling sessions for them," said the principal of a leading college.  

"Most students, who are hooked to drugs, stay in hostels. Parental negligence and psycho-socio factors also contribute to this problem," said former vice chancellor of Bangalore University M S Thimappa.