Kannada University (KU), located in Hampi, Karnataka, is a public institution established in 1991 under the Kannada University Act. The university is recognized by the UGC and accredited by NAAC (B Grade). With a focus on Kannada language, literature, folklore, and culture, KU has a student strength of approximately 1,000–1,200 and a faculty of over 60 PhD-qualified members. The campus is situated near the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hampi and offers a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, integrated, and doctoral programs, including unique courses in Fine Arts, Music, and Folklore.
Kannada University - [KU] Highlights
Established in 1991, Kannada University in Hampi is a public university dedicated to the advancement of Kannada studies. The institution is UGC-approved and NAAC-accredited (B Grade), with a faculty strength of 61 teaching members and a student intake of around 1,000–1,200 annually. The flagship program is the MA-PhD Integrated Course in Kannada Literature & Folklore, with fees ranging from INR 10,000–30,000 depending on the program. Admissions are merit-based for UG and entrance-based for PG.
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Particulars |
Details |
|
Established |
1991 |
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Type |
Public |
|
Approvals/Accreditations |
UGC, NAAC (B Grade) |
|
Location |
Hampi |
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Student Intake / Strength |
~1,000–1,200 |
|
Faculty |
61 (60+ PhDs) |
|
Flagship Program & Fees |
MA-PhD Integrated (INR 10,000–30,000) |
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Entrance Exams |
PG Entrance (University level) |
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Official Website |
Kannada University - [KU] Courses & Fees
Kannada University offers a diverse set of programs across UG, PG, diploma, integrated, and doctoral levels. Popular courses include MA, PhD, Integrated MA-PhD in Kannada Literature & Folklore, Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Diploma in Sculpture, Diploma in Music (Sangeetha), and BA (Sangeetha). Certificate courses in Kannada language are also available. Fees are generally affordable, ranging from INR 10,000 to INR 30,000 for most programs.
|
Program |
Level |
Duration |
Eligibility |
Total Fees |
|
MA (Kannada Literature, Folklore, History, etc.) |
Postgraduate |
2 Years |
BA in relevant discipline |
INR 10,000–15,000 |
|
PhD (Kannada, History, Social Sciences, etc.) |
Doctoral |
3–5 Years |
MA/MPhil in relevant field |
INR 15,000–30,000 |
|
Integrated MA-PhD (Kannada Folklore & Literature) |
Integrated |
4 Years |
BA/BFA |
INR 20,000–30,000 |
|
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) |
Undergraduate |
3 Years |
10+2 |
INR 10,000–12,000 |
|
Diploma in Sculpture |
Diploma |
1 Year |
10+2 |
INR 10,000 |
|
Diploma in Music (Sangeetha) |
Diploma |
1 Year |
10+2 |
INR 10,000 |
|
BA (Sangeetha) |
Undergraduate |
3 Years |
10+2 |
INR 10,000–12,000 |
|
Certificate Courses (Kannada Language) |
Certificate |
6 Months–1 Year |
Open |
INR 5,000–8,000 |
Kannada University - [KU] Admission Process
Admissions at Kannada University are primarily merit-based for UG and entrance-based for PG and PhD programs. The application process is conducted offline, with forms typically available from May–June each year. Selection for PG and doctoral programs may involve an entrance exam and/or interview. Required documents include academic transcripts, ID proof, and caste/income certificates for reserved categories.
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Application Window: May–June (annual)
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Entrance Exams (if any): University-level for PG/PhD
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Selection Stages (GD/PI/WAT/etc.): Interview for PG/PhD
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Step |
Details |
Indicative Timeline |
Documents |
|
Application Form Submission |
Offline; download from website or collect at campus |
May–June |
Academic transcripts, ID proof |
|
Entrance Exam (PG/PhD) |
Written test at campus |
June–July |
Admit card, photo ID |
|
Interview/PI |
Personal interview for shortlisted candidates |
July |
Certificates, research proposal (PhD) |
|
Admission Confirmation |
Fee payment & verification |
July–August |
Fee receipt, caste/income certificate (if applicable) |
Kannada University - [KU] Scholarships
Kannada University does not offer its own scholarships, but students can apply for government scholarships and fee concessions based on merit, category, or financial need. These include state and central government schemes for SC/ST/OBC and economically weaker sections.
|
Scholarship |
Eligibility |
Benefit |
How to Apply |
|
Government of Karnataka SC/ST Scholarship |
SC/ST students |
Fee waiver, stipend |
Apply via state scholarship portal |
|
Post-Matric Scholarship (Central Govt.) |
OBC/EWS students |
Fee concession, monthly allowance |
Apply online through NSP |
|
Minority Scholarship |
Minority category students |
Fee concession |
Apply via state portal |
Kannada University - [KU] Campus & Facilities
The campus at Hampi features a modern structure near the historic Vijayanagara ruins. Facilities include a library with digital resources, specialized labs for research, seminar halls, hostels, gym, canteen, and a National Museum. The university is divided into three wings: Administrative, Publication, and Academic. Over 100 research projects have been completed, and the campus is accessible via road from Hospet and Bellary.
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Library / Digital Resources: Extensive collection, digital access
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Labs / Research Centres / Special Equipment: Dedicated research labs
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Classrooms / Seminar Halls / Auditoriums: Modern halls, auditoriums
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Hostel / Dining: On-campus hostels, canteen
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Sports / Gym / Grounds: Gym, sports facilities
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Connectivity / Transport: Road access from Hospet, Bellary
Kannada University - [KU] Placements
Kannada University maintains a placement cell that facilitates campus recruitment and training. The university claims 100% placement assistance for eligible students, with top recruiters from education, research, and cultural organizations. Average salary packages range from INR 2–4 LPA, with higher packages for specialized research roles.
|
Year |
Highest Package |
Average Package |
Median Package |
Top Recruiters |
|
2024 |
INR 6 LPA |
INR 2–4 LPA |
INR 2.5 LPA |
Educational Institutions, Research Centres, Cultural NGOs |
Kannada University - [KU] Notable Alumni
Kannada University has contributed significantly to Kannada literature, folklore, and research, with alumni excelling in academia, literature, and cultural preservation. Many have published research, contributed to journals, and won state and national awards.
|
Name |
Role / Achievement |
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Dr. S. R. Ramaswamy |
Author & Folklore Scholar |
|
Dr. K. Chinnappa Gowda |
Professor, Folklore Researcher |
|
Dr. H. S. Venkatesha Murthy |
Poet, Literary Critic |


