Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University (SDM University) was formed on October 19, 2018 as a State Private University of Karnataka State in Sattur, Dharwad, under the Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University Act.

The University has been sponsored by Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Educational (SDME) Society, Ujire, Dakshina Kannada District, Karnataka, a premier non-profit Educational Society. This Society operates under the auspices of Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala and under the excellent Leadership of Poojya Shri D. Veerendra Heggade, the Chancellor of the University. Dr. Niranjan Kumar, a well-known plastic surgeon, is the first Vice Chancellor of the University.

SDM University is the first private university in the country that has incorporated digital assessments right from the time of its inception, where students write their exams on e-pads, making it easier for them. It is also highly accepted by the evaluator who perform the digital evaluation with "Zero Error Correction". In comparison to traditional procedures, the results are also announced quickly.

The University's Chancellor is a visionary leader whose ambition was to establish an affordable Centre of Excellence in Medical Education and Healthcare for the people of North Karnataka. The University and its constituent institutions provide exceptional education and healthcare under the skilled leadership of the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor. The University provides a very conducive environment throughout the campus, with contemporary infrastructure, hostels and nutritional meals.

Vision

Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University will set the highest standards of teaching and learning, awakening the intelligence of the students and nurturing the creativity hidden, in them by creating an environment where the ancient wisdom blends with modern science, to transform them into whole human beings to face the challenges.

Mission

• To ensure that the journey of education is inspiring, pleasant and enjoyable.
• Attract the best of teachers and students.
• Achieve high principles of trust, love and spirituality in the students.
• Create a collaborative, diverse and exclusive community.
• Transform the student of today to be a leader of tomorrow and a better human being.
• Produce passionate teachers.
• Evolve innovative teaching techniques.
• Create a peaceful environment.
• Prepare the student to face the social challenges.
• Create a University of which the Nation is proud of.
• Be an effective partner in Nation Building.
• Create an Eco-friendly University.
• Create a University based on the principles of beauty, love and justice.