Kuvempu University (KU) began in 1987 as a state public university in Shankaraghatta, Shivamogga (Shimoga), Karnataka. It is named after Kuvempu, the noted Kannada poet and Jnanpith laureate. The university is recognised by the UGC, AICTE, BCI and AIU, and it holds an NAAC ’A’ grade.

In the NIRF 2025 State Public Universities category, KU was placed in the 51-100 band. It also appeared in the 101-150 band of the NIRF Overall 2024 ranking. The university conducts postgraduate and research programmes in arts, science, commerce, education, law and social work.

The university operates from the 230-acre Jnana Sahyadri campus in Shankaraghatta, close to Shivamogga and the Western Ghats. Its rural campus serves as the main centre for postgraduate study, while undergraduate and other affiliated programmes are available through 99 colleges in Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru and nearby Karnataka districts.

The courses available at the university and its affiliated colleges include:

  • BA, B.Com and BBA: 3-year undergraduate courses offered through affiliated colleges
  • B.Sc: 3-year science degree
  • B.P.Ed: 3-year physical education course
  • MA, M.Com and MSW: 2-year postgraduate courses available on campus and through affiliated institutions
  • M.Sc: 2-year postgraduate science programmes
  • MBA and MCA: 2-year courses in management and computer applications
  • M.Ed and M.P.Ed: 2-year postgraduate courses in education and physical education
  • B.Lib.I.Sc: 1-year library science programme
  • Ph.D: research programmes offered across all faculties
  • PG Diplomas: programmes in Archaeology and Yoga

The full fee is INR 36,680 for the 3-year BA, B.Com or BBA course and INR 30,000 for the complete B.Sc programme. The 2-year M.Sc fee is INR 46,328, while the Ph.D fee is INR 60,200.

Admission Update: The 2026-27 academic session is underway. Applications for the 2027-28 session are expected to begin in June-July 2027 (Tentative).

Kuvempu University Admission Dates 2027

The next admission cycle is expected to begin in 2027. The schedule below is tentative and follows the previous admission pattern.

Event Date
Application window expected to open June 2027 (Tentative)
Expected application deadline August 2027 (Tentative)
Expected start of the academic session September 2027 (Tentative)

Subject to revision. Kindly check with the official sources to confirm

Kuvempu University Courses and Fees

KU runs undergraduate courses through its 99 affiliated colleges. Postgraduate study is available at Jnana Sahyadri as well as through affiliated institutions. The table lists the university-regulated fees for General category students.

Course Duration Total Fees
BA 3 years INR 36,680
B.Com 3 years INR 36,680
BBA 3 years INR 36,680
B.Sc 3 years INR 30,000
B.P.Ed 3 years INR 60,060
B.Lib.I.Sc 1 year INR 36,680
MA 2 years INR 32,794 to INR 36,436
M.Com 2 years INR 46,846
M.Sc 2 years INR 46,328
MSW 2 years INR 36,436
MBA 2 years INR 15,033
MCA 2 years INR 15,033
M.Ed 2 years INR 33,834
M.P.Ed 2 years INR 60,060
PG Diploma (Archaeology) 1 year INR 20,549
PG Diploma (Yoga) 1 year INR 13,096
Ph.D 3 years minimum INR 60,200

Subject to revision. Kindly check with the official sources to confirm

Jnana Sahyadri houses 59 postgraduate departments in Arts, Science, Commerce, Education, Social Work, Law and Journalism. Its distinct postgraduate subjects include English Language Teaching, Journalism and Mass Communication, and Archaeology.

Kuvempu University Admission Process

Students submit their applications through the official online university portal. Most undergraduate courses use Class 12 merit, while postgraduate selection may depend on graduation marks or an entrance test. Science and professional programmes are among the courses for which entrance examinations may be used.

  1. Choose a programme and check its academic eligibility.
  2. Complete the application on the official Kuvempu University portal.
  3. Take the required entrance examination or fitness test when the selected programme uses one.
  4. The university or affiliated college selects students through merit, the relevant entrance score, or both, according to the programme rules.
Programme Selection Mode Eligibility
BA, B.Com, BBA, B.Sc Class 12 merit 10+2 from a recognised board
B.P.Ed Merit and physical fitness test 10+2 pass
MA, M.Com, MSW, M.Sc, MCA Entrance test or merit based on graduation marks Graduation in the relevant subject
MBA KMAT or Karnataka PGCET Graduation with 50%
M.Ed, M.P.Ed KTET or merit-based selection B.Ed or B.P.Ed
Ph.D Kuvempu University Entrance Test Postgraduate degree with 55% and an entrance test

UG Programmes (BA, B.Com, BBA, B.Sc)

Affiliated colleges admit students to BA, B.Com, BBA and B.Sc according to their Class 12 marks. These four programmes do not require a university-level entrance examination. Applicants apply online, after which seats at affiliated colleges are allotted by merit rank.

  • Applicants must have passed 10+2 through a recognised state or central board.
  • For B.Sc admission, students should have taken science subjects in Class 12.
  • Reservation benefits are available to Karnataka domicile students under state rules.

PG Programmes (MA, M.Com, M.Sc, MSW, MCA)

Graduation marks determine selection for arts and social work courses, while science and certain other postgraduate programmes use the Kuvempu University entrance test. MBA applicants need a valid KMAT or Karnataka PGCET score.

  • MA and MSW require graduation in the relevant subject, with admission based on merit.
  • M.Sc applicants need a science degree, and most disciplines require the university entrance test.
  • M.Com requires a B.Com degree or an equivalent qualification.
  • MBA applicants must have a graduation degree with 50% and a valid KMAT or PGCET score.
  • MCA requires a science graduation degree and Mathematics at either the 10+2 or graduation level.

Ph.D

Ph.D applicants need a postgraduate degree with 55% and a valid score in the Kuvempu University entrance test. Under UGC rules, NET/JRF holders may receive an exemption from this test. Research scholars register through the 59 postgraduate departments at Jnana Sahyadri.

Kuvempu University Rankings

Kuvempu University is listed in the Overall and State Public Universities categories of NIRF. It also has NAAC ’A’ grade accreditation.

Ranking Body Category Rank / Band Year
NIRF State Public Universities 51-100 band 2025
NIRF Overall 101-150 band 2024
NAAC Accreditation ’A’ Grade Current cycle

The 51-100 band in the State Public Universities category places KU among India’s better-performing regional state universities. Its NAAC grade reflects acceptable standards in academics, infrastructure and research output. The university’s UGC recognition and accreditation status are also relevant when graduates seek government or public-sector roles that require a degree from a recognised institution.

Kuvempu University Campus and Infrastructure

Jnana Sahyadri is a 230-acre campus in Shankaraghatta, near Shivamogga and the foothills of the Western Ghats. Academic buildings and residential blocks are set within its green, rural surroundings. The main library provides digital resources and contains more than 70,000 volumes.

The campus has hostels for male and female students. Its 59 postgraduate departments employ 248 faculty members and support more than 2,900 postgraduate students and 145 doctoral scholars. Students have a quiet residential setting while still being able to reach Shivamogga city.

Kuvempu University vs Mangalore University vs Davangere University

Students from Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru and nearby areas may compare Kuvempu University with Mangalore University and Davangere University. Each is a UGC-recognised, NAAC-accredited state public affiliating university in Karnataka.

Parameter Kuvempu University Mangalore University Davangere University
Established 1987 1980 2009
Location Shivamogga, Karnataka Mangalagangothri, Karnataka Davangere, Karnataka
Type State public, affiliating State public, affiliating State public, affiliating
NAAC ’A’ Grade ’A++’ Grade ’A’ Grade
Campus Area 230 acres (Jnana Sahyadri) Not verified Not verified
NIRF Overall 2024 101-150 band Ranked, specific band not verified Not verified

Mangalore University, founded in 1980, has an NAAC ’A++’ grade and stronger accreditation and research standing. It is a natural option for students from coastal Karnataka. Kuvempu University provides depth in arts, sciences and social sciences for the Malnad and Shimoga region through its 230-acre campus and 59-department system. Davangere University was established in 2009 and is a newer choice for students in central Karnataka, with developing infrastructure and fewer affiliated colleges than KU.

Kuvempu University FAQs

Ques. Does the Government of Karnataka operate Kuvempu University?

Ans. Yes. The Government of Karnataka established Kuvempu University as a state public university in 1987. It works under the Karnataka State Universities Act, is recognised by the UGC and has an NAAC ’A’ grade. Its name honours the Kannada poet and Jnanpith laureate Kuvempu.

Ques. How much does the complete BA course at Kuvempu University cost?

Ans. The total fee for the 3-year BA programme at KU and its affiliated colleges is INR 36,680. The full B.Com and BBA courses also cost INR 36,680 each, while the 3-year B.Sc fee is INR 30,000.

Ques. In which NIRF bands has Kuvempu University been placed?

Ans. KU was placed in the 51-100 band for State Public Universities in NIRF 2025 and the 101-150 band in the NIRF Overall 2024 category. It also holds an NAAC ’A’ grade.

Ques. What is the size of Kuvempu University’s affiliated college network?

Ans. Kuvempu University has 99 affiliated colleges. This total consists of 65 unaided private colleges, 30 government-aided colleges, 3 constituent colleges and 1 college directly controlled by the university. NAAC has assessed and accredited 35 of these colleges.

Ques. Which postgraduate courses can students study at the Jnana Sahyadri campus?

Ans. The main campus has 59 postgraduate departments. Its programmes include MA in English, Hindi, Kannada, Economics, Sociology, Political Science, History and other subjects, along with M.Com, M.Sc, MSW, MBA, MCA, M.Ed and M.P.Ed. Students may also take PG Diplomas in Archaeology and Yoga, and Ph.D study is available in every faculty.

Ques. What is the expected opening period for Kuvempu University admissions in 2027-28?

Ans. Based on the previous admission pattern, applications for the 2027-28 session are expected to open in June-July 2027 (tentative). Students should follow the official university website at kuvempu.ac.in for the admission notice.