The University started as Kalahandi Science College from 18th July 1960 continued as a Pvt. College till 30.11.1961 was taken over by the Government of Orissa on 01.12.1961. It was then renamed as Govt. Science College, Bhawanipatna. The +2 Wing of the institution started in the year 1982. With its vertical academic growth the College was conferred with Autonomous Status in 2002. On 01.09.2020 it upgraded to an affiliating university, named as Kalahandi University, Bhawanipatna.