Kuvempu University is one of the youngest Universities in Karnataka State and it came into existence on 29th June 1987 under the Karnataka State Universities Act 1976. It was admitted to UGC stream under section 12(B) in the month of September-1994. The University is named after the great poet laureate Padmabhushan, Rashtrakavi Dr. K.V.Puttappa (KUVEMPU). The territorial jurisdiction includes four revenue Districts of Shivamogga, Chikkamagalore, Davangere and Chitradurga. The Head-Quarters of Kuvempu University is located on the hillock at Jnanasahyadri, Shankaraghata, 28 KMs away from Shivamogga city.
Examination Branch earlier working at Shivamogga has been shifted to the main campus in November-2005, so that all the main wings of the University can easily be accessed by the students The University campus is surrounded by the beautiful scenario of Western Ghat followed by Bhadra reservoir.
The University of Mysore was holding Examinations to the students of above mentioned territorial jurisdiction of Kuvempu University up to 1989-90.
Kuvempu University hold the Examinations for its students of all courses admitted in the academic year 1989-90, from April / May-1990 Examinations and onwards.
The students of Kuvempu University who had failed after having been admitted to the examinations conducted in the University of Mysore till October / November-1995 and thereafter the examinations conducted by the Kuvempu University.
Kuvempu University has started Directorate of Distance Education Courses and holds Examinations in M.A. / M.Sc. / M.Com. / M.B.A. / LLM / M.A(Edn.) / M.Lib., M.A / M.S (Mental Health Science Courses]. M.Sc.(IT) / M.Sc.(FC) and B.A / B.Sc / B.Com / B.B.M. / B.Sc.(IT) / B.Sc.(IMS) / B.Sc.(FD) / B.Sc.(ID) and P.G. / U.G. Diploma courses.
Earlier there were 04-Districts namely Shivamogga, Davanagere, Chitradurga and Chikamagalur come under jurisdiction of Kuvempu University. During 2009-10 our University was bifurcated and the new University named Davangere University came into existance in Davanagere with the jurisdiction of 02- Districts viz. Davanagere and Chitradurga.
Now Kuvempu University have the jurisdiction of 02- Districts viz. Shivamogga and Chikmagalur with one P.G. centre at Kadur and one P.G. centre at Chikmagalur.
Though the university bifurcated, the Examinations will be conducted by Kuvempu University for another two years which belongs to Davanagere University