Karnatak University

Karnatak University is a public state university in Pavate Nagar, Dharwad, established in 1950 under the Karnatak University Act of 1949. It is the second-oldest university in Karnataka, occupying an 888-acre campus, the largest among universities in the region. The main building, Vidya Soudha, constructed in 1959, blends Indian architectural elements with Neoclassical design.

The university operates 51 postgraduate departments across seven faculties: Arts, Science and Technology, Social Science, Commerce, Law, Education, and Management. Five constituent colleges function within Dharwad, and over 250 colleges across northern Karnataka are affiliated. Three PG centres at Karwar (est. 1975), Gadag (2000), and Haveri (2001) extend the reach. Around 4,500 students study on the main campus, taught by 154 faculty members.

Karnatak University holds NAAC A Grade (CGPA 3.13, 2022 cycle) and UGC recognition as a "University with Potential for Excellence." THE World Rankings placed it at 1001 in 2024. Research infrastructure includes the University Scientific Instrument Centre with confocal microscopy, PCR, HPLC, and spectrometry, funded under UPE-FAR, IPLS, PURSE, FIST, SAP, RUSA, and CPEPA.

Alumni include playwright Girish Karnad (Jnanpith Award 1998), Sudha Murty (Infosys Foundation, Padma Bhushan 2023), Mallikarjun Kharge (INC President), Justice S. Rajendra Babu (34th Chief Justice of India), Dr. T.M.A. Pai (founder of Manipal institutions), and journalist Sucheta Dalal. Manipal Institute of Technology and Kasturba Medical College were affiliated to Karnatak University from 1953 to 1965.