Kuvempu University, the youngest of the affiliating Universities in Karnataka State, came into existence on 29-06-1987. The University is named after the great Kannada writer, Kuvempu - Jnanpith laureate, doyen of Kannada literature. It is located at Jnana Sahyadri Campus, a picturesque location enjoying the bounties of nature providing an ideal atmosphere for higher education. The campus, near Bhadra River Project in Shimoga district, is 28 kms from Shimoga and 18 kms from the industrial town of Bhadravathi. Both the towns are well connected by road and rail to Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka State, which is at a distance of 278 kms.

Kuvempu University has territorial jurisdiction over four revenue districts of Shimoga, Chitradurga, Davanagere and Chikmagalur. There are 24 Postgraduate Departments, 18 on the main campus and 6 at the PG Centre, Davanagere involved in teaching and research. There are 124 degree colleges affiliated to Kuvempu University, in addition to four Constituent Colleges, administered by the University. Graduate and Postgraduate teaching programmes exist under the faculties of Arts, Commerce, Education, Engineering, Science and Technology, and Law.

The University has been admitted to the UGC assistance under Section 12(b) of the UGC Act in September 1994.

Kuvempu University is surrounded by the fabulous Western Ghats, which apart from sheltering impressive bio-diversity, are also sources of major rivers Tunga and Bhadra. This distinctive eco-geographical area is the major producer of paddy, sugar cane, areca nut, spices, coffee and tea. There is a vast and growing industrial network with hydro-electric project at the world famous Jog falls near Sagar in Shimoga District, the Paper and Iron and Steel Industries at Bhadravathi, the Harihara Polyfibres and Kirloskar Industries at Harihara to mention a few.

Kuvempu University is poised to develop many interdisciplinary teaching and research programmes. It is also planning to harness the potential of the Malnad area to conserve and develop the distinctive culture of the area.

CULTURAL AND INTELLECTUAL TRADITIONS

The ethos of this area has been shaped by the confluence of Jaina and Shaiva religious and philosophical traditions. The rulers of the Keladi and Ikkeri Nayaka dynasty have placed this area firmly on the cultural map of Karnataka. Many great Veerashaiva saints, like, Akkamahadevi and Allamaprabhu and the great Advaita philosopher Shankaracharya, who established the Sringeri Mutt, have enriched the cultural traditions of this area.

POSTGRADUATE CENTRE

In addition to the main campus at Jnana Sahyadri, the University also has a Postgraduate Centre at Davanagere, which is about 120 kms from the main campus. The Postgraduate Departments of Economics, Commerce, M.B.A., Bio-Chemistry, Statistics and Microbiology are located at this centre. There is separate library and hostel facility for the students of Davanagere centre.