Mangalore University (abbreviated as MU) is a public university located in Konaje, Mangaluru, in the Indian state of Karnataka, India. In 2021, the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) awarded the university a ‘B’ grade.
As on 2024, Prof. P L Dharma took over the charge of the university as Vice Chancellor.
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History
Mangalore University was established in 1980 with jurisdiction over the districts of Udupi, Dakshina Kannada and Kodagu.
Academics
Established with only three post-graduate departments, Mangalore University as of June 2026 has 26 post-graduate departments. Mangalore university has two constituent colleges, five autonomous colleges and more than 200 affiliated colleges. The university also has a post-graduate centre at Chikka Aluvara, Kushalanagar.
In the eighties, prestigious colleges such as the Regional Engineering College-Surathkal and the Manipal Institute of Technology were affiliated to and constituent colleges of Mangalore University. Mangalore University had a stellar reputation in the eighties and nineties. It continues to be a leading university in the Dakshin Kannada region even today. In 2023 Mangalore University went from A to B grade in NAAC University rankings.
List of Vice Chancellors
B. Sheik Ali, 1980–1985
K. M. Safeeulla, 1985–1989
M. I. Savadatti, 1989–1995
S. Gopal, 1995–2001
B. Hanumaiah, 2001–2005
Thimme Gowda, 2005–2006 (acting)
K. M. Kaveriappa, 2006–2010
K. K. Achary, 2010 (acting)
T. C. Shivashankara Murthy, 2010–2014
K. Byrappa, 2014–2018
Kishore Kumar, 2018 (acting)
Ishwara P., 2018–2019 (acting)
Kishore Nayak, 2019 (acting)
P. Subrahmanya Yadapadithaya (2019–2023)
P L Dharma (2024 -)
Rankings
The university was ranked 151-200 overall in India by the NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework) in 2024.
Research Centres
Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Radioactivity (CARER), an advanced centre for radioecological and radiation protection research with collaborations with many laboratories of the world.
Centre for Application of Radioisotopes and Radiation Technology (CARRT), been established in collaboration with Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences (BRNS) and Board of Radiation and Isotope Technology (BRIT).
Microtron Centre
NMR Instrument Centre
DST-PURSE Research Facility
Kanakadasa Research Centre
Controversy
The University faces a severe financial crunch and is on the verge of closing down various courses. Religious festival celebrations under Acting vice-chancellor Jairaj Amin sparked widespread protests as students demanded that university remain a place for learning, not religion.
In January 2024 the Enforcement Directorate raided the office of the Vice Chancellor and registrar in connection with a Rs 150 cr recruitment scam in Kolar-Chikkaballapura District Co-operative Milk Producers Union Limited (KOMUL).
At the start of 2024 about 129 teaching posts remained vacant at the university. In a move to further hide transparency, the university syndicate decided to stop live streaming of meetings.
Due to poor resource management, the University is closing down multiple post graduate courses. Evening college courses have been discontinued. Facing multiple issues, the ABVP union created a protest forcing the university to address them.
Notable alumni
Satya Nadella, CEO & Chairman of Microsoft
V. G. Siddhartha, Indian businessman and founder of Cafe Coffee Day
D. V. Sadananda Gowda, Indian politician
Veerappa Moily, Indian politician and writer
KL Rahul, Indian international cricketer.
Rajendra Baikady, Social Work Professional
Pruthvi Ambaar