Utkal University of Culture came into existence through an ordinance passed in the year 1999 and the university came into existence as a teaching-cum-affiliating university. The university has earned recognition from the University Grants Commission and it is a member of the Association of Indian Universities. The university was established by the Government of Orissa to protect, propagate, promote and preserve the richness of the most precious cultural values by offering education, conducting research and by documentation and continuing education.

Utkal University of Culture is offering education in the faculties of Orissan Studies, culture studies, architecture and archeology, performing arts, visual arts and language and literature. The university has 40 affiliated colleges under its jurisdiction and courses are offered under the aforesaid faculties through these affiliated colleges. The list of courses offered by Utkal University of Culture under different levels of education is given below:

UG Courses:

• Bachelor of Music

• Bachelor in Fine Arts

• Bachelor Degree in Fashion Design

• Bachelor Degree in Textile Design

• Bachelor Degree in Interior Design

• Bachelor Degree in Tourism and Hospitality Services

Integrated course:

• 5-Year Integrated Course : Bachelor in Visual Art (BVA)

PG Courses:

• Master of Music

• Master of Fine Arts

• Master in Visual Art

• Master Degree in Social Work

• Master Degree in Tourism & Hospitality Services

• Master Degree in Rural Management

• Master Degree in Journalism & Mass Communication

• Master Degree in Women Studies

• Master Degree in Buddhist Studies

• Master in Yoga

Diploma courses:

• Post Graduate Diploma in

o Social Work

o NGO Management

o Disaster Management

o Rural Management

Research:

• Research in Odissi Dance

Out of the 40 colleges affiliated to the Utkal University of Culture four colleges are government colleges and remaining 36 colleges are private colleges. The jurisdiction of this university is spread over the whole state of Orissa and the university is offered with the exclusive right to affiliate any institution or college offering education, training and research in the fields of performing arts, visual arts, literacy arts other areas pertaining to culture.

The main aim of Utkal University of Culture is to develop programmes and policies for making the university a distinct university. Thus, the university is focusing on culture related activities and education towards the preservation of culture not only in the state of Orissa, but also in the whole of India.