Karnatak University
Dharwad, India • Founded 1949 • World Rank #3994
Updated May 2026
Overview
Established in 1949, the Karnatak University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Dharwad (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Karnataka.
Officially recognized by the University Grants Commission of India, Karnatak University is a coeducational Indian higher education institution. Karnatak University offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees in several areas of study.
This 75-year-old Indian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
Karnatak University also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Looking to reach Karnatak University? Address, contact details, and online links below. For finance and tuition payment queries, the bursar or finance office is typically a separate contact point.
Academic Details
Academic statistics for Karnatak University — including its student body and academic staff numbers. Read these alongside rankings; institution scale changes how rankings should be interpreted.
Academic Structures
Karnatak University's internal academic units — faculties, schools, and institutes — are grouped below. The breakdown helps when navigating departmental websites and specific contact points.
Unit 3 items
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Social Science
Degrees
Whether you're considering bachelor's, master's, or doctoral study at Karnatak University, qualifications are sorted by level. Stackable credentials (microcredentials adding up to full degrees) appear separately where available.
Bachelor's 3 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Business and Commerce
- Fine Arts
- Natural Sciences
Master's 7 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Business and Commerce
- Education
- Fine Arts
- Law
- Natural Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Technology
Doctoral 8 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Business and Commerce
- Education
- Fine Arts
- Law
- Management
- Natural Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Technology
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under University Grants Commission of India.
Belgaum (Campus) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Bijapur (Campus) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arabic
- Archaeology
- Art History
- Food Science
- History
- Social Work
- Tourism
Gadag (Campus) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Haveri (Campus) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Karwar (Campus) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Marine Biology
- Zoology
Arts (Faculty) 16 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arabic
- Dance
- English
- Folklore
- French
- German
- Hindi
- History
- Linguistics
- Music
- Painting and Drawing
- Persian
- Philosophy
- Russian
- Sanskrit
- Urdu
Commerce (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business and Commerce
- Marketing
- Secretarial Studies
Education (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Education
- Physical Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Management (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Management
Common Career Paths
- Operations Manager
- Project Manager
- HR Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science and Technology (Faculty) 17 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biochemistry
- Biotechnology
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Electronic Engineering
- Genetics
- Geography
- Geology
- Marine Biology
- Mathematics
- Microbiology
- Physics
- Polymer and Plastics Technology
- Sericulture
- Statistics
- Zoology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Social Sciences (Faculty) 12 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anthropology
- Economics
- Information Sciences
- Journalism
- Library Science
- Mass Communication
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Social Studies
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Yoga
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Below are Karnatak University's active programmes grouped by degree level, with search. Use the filter to narrow by keyword and the level groupings to compare options at the same qualification tier.
33 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in India
Bachelor's Degree 11 programmes
Showing 10 of 11.
Master of Business Administration 2 programmes
Master's Degree 15 programmes
Showing 10 of 15.
Postgraduate Diploma 4 programmes
How to apply to Karnatak University
How to apply to Karnatak University — a five-step structure with notes on documents, channels, and timing for each phase.
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1
Browse the programme catalogue
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Karnatak University runs 33 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
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2
Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Before applying to Karnatak University, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for India.
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3
Get your documents ready
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Karnatak University's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
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4
Apply through the official channel
Lodge your application through the official website (www.kud.ac.in). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
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5
Reach out and track your application
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +91 (80) 2225 9183. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Karnatak University
A short Q&A covering Karnatak University's essentials — founding, location, scale, ranking, and academic structure.
When was Karnatak University founded?
Karnatak University was established in 1949 (approximately 77 years ago).
In which city is Karnatak University?
Karnatak University is based in Dharwad, India.
What is Karnatak University's control type?
Karnatak University is a public institution.
Where does Karnatak University stand in university rankings?
Karnatak University is ranked #3994 globally and #221 in India.
What degrees does Karnatak University offer?
Programmes at Karnatak University cover bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
What is Karnatak University's academic structure?
Karnatak University is organised into 3 academic units across its disciplines.
Is Karnatak University accredited?
The institution holds recognition from University Grants Commission (UGC); National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).
How do I find Karnatak University online?
You can find Karnatak University online at www.kud.ac.in.
Top-Ranked Universities in India
Time-trend in rankings matters: rising universities in India may overtake Karnatak University or its peers over your study horizon. Year-on-year movement signals institutional momentum.
Members of Association of Indian Universities (AIU)
Other Association of Indian Universities (AIU) members offer mobility and exchange compatibility with Karnatak University. Exchange compatibility is one of the more practical benefits of shared network membership.
Faculties at nearby universities
Looking at higher education options close to Karnatak University? These nearby campuses share similar academic structures and may suit students prioritising proximity to home or family. Regional ties also affect access to internships and local employer networks.
Where Else to Study Business & Management
Cohort intake size shapes class culture meaningfully in Business & Management. Some India institutions accept a few dozen, others hundreds — the difference affects peer-learning depth and faculty access.
Universities Compared with Karnatak University
Joint research consortia among universities at Karnatak University's level — shared grants, co-supervision arrangements — make peer institutions natural collaborators rather than just competitors.
Studying in India: guides and resources
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