The University shall have the following objects, namely:-
(1) to function as a high-level research centre in Kannada language and literature;
(2) to impart training to those residing within and beyond India who desire to study Kannada language and literature;
(3) to facilitate and regulate advanced study and research in fields like Art, Culture, Music, Stage-plays, Painting, Sculpture, Folk Arts, Archaeology, Architecture, Literature, Grammar, Linguistics, History, Religion, Philosophy, Geography, Soil Sciences, Astronomy, Navigation and Shipping, Astrology, Siddha Medicine, Engineering Science and Handicrafts that have developed on the basis of the Kannada language and literature;
(4) to translate books in other languages into Kannada according to the needs in consonance with the objectives of the University, and also to translate books in Kannada into other languages;
(5) to preserve and publish palm leaf manuscripts and rare ancient books;
(6) to search for and compile epigraphs relating to Kannada language and literature, Kannada Culture and History of the Kannadigas and publish them with its findings based on research;
(7) to compile and publish Kannada words, expressions, colloquial terms, words peculiar to industries and agriculture, which are used by the Kannadigas in Karnataka and in other countries where the Kannadigas live;
(8) to provide for research in Kannada language and literature in the ancient times with an eye on future scientific developments;
(9) to provide for research and determine the procedure regarding development of Kannada language and literature embodying in itself all the educational fields existing in the developing world and evolving suitable approach therefor;
(10) to institute studies in Kannada language and literature in relation to other Indian culture;
(11) to organise advanced studies and research programme based in a deep understanding of the trends in Kannada language and literature;
(12) to promote archaeology in all its varied aspects with a view to resurrecting and re-discovering the ancient Kannada culture;
(13) to document the monuments in the State so as to facilitate future research;
(14) to project Kannada culture, expressed through art, architecture, sculptures, paintings, iconography, epigraphy, theatre, dance, music, tribal-art, religion, philosophy of life, social movement; etc;
(15) to document, analyse and preserve traditional, tribal folk- art forms and performing arts;
(16) to develop Kannada as a medium of instruction in relation to modern advances in sciences and technology;
(17) to foster comparative studies of Kannada with other dravidian and aryan languages;
(18) to build a museum that would store classic objects and artefacts of Karnataka.