The University College of Education, Dharwad, is one of the premier teacher education institutions in the region. It was established in 1962 through the visionary leadership of Dr. D. C. Pavate, the then Vice-Chancellor of Karnatak University, Dharwad. The college is a constituent institution of Karnatak University and is duly recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under Sections 2(f) and 12(B) of the UGC Act.
Smt. Sulabha Panandikar served as the first Principal of the college from 1962 to 1964. A distinguished educationist, she was also a member of the Kothari Education Commission (1964–66), which played a pivotal role in shaping the modern educational policy framework in India.
The University College of Education, Dharwad, is a co-educational institution that offers pre-service training for secondary school teachers. It plays a significant role in meeting the educational and professional needs of secondary school teachers, teacher educators, and educational administrators across Karnataka State.
Graduates of the college are employed in educational institutions throughout India and abroad, reflecting the institution’s far-reaching impact and reputation. All Teacher Educators at the college hold Ph.D. degrees and are recognized Ph.D. research guides. Collectively, they have successfully guided the completion of 21 doctoral dissertations.
Faculty members have actively contributed to academic advancement by undertaking both Major Research Projects (UGC) and Minor Research Projects funded by agencies such as Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and the University Grants Commission (UGC).
They have also participated in numerous national and international seminars, conferences, and workshops, where they have presented scholarly papers on diverse aspects of teacher education.
The college publishes its own peer-reviewed research journal, titled Journal of the College of Education (ISSN No. 0022-4979), contributing to academic discourse in the field of education. In addition, the institution encourages student expression and creativity through its annual student's magazine, Inchar.
The college also boasts an independent library, well-stocked with over 32,000 books and academic journals, serving as a vital resource center for both in-house scholars and research students from other universities, who frequently visit for reference and research work.
Under the capable leadership of the present Principal, Dr. (Smt.) L. B. Patted, the college has been functioning successfully and has witnessed significant growth in its academic, administrative, and infrastructural capabilities. The institution continues to thrive under the visionary guidance of the dynamic management, led by the Honourable Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Promod Gai of Karnatak University, Dharwad. The support and encouragement extended by eminent Vice-Chancellors, both past and present, have played a pivotal role in strengthening the institution's infrastructure and human resources. These collective efforts aim to promote academic excellence, spiritual and moral development, social relevance, and holistic personality development among students from all segments of society.
Our vision is to transform the college into a center of excellence in teacher education by delivering quality education that empowers young men and women to become globally competent, skilled, responsible, and self-reliant teachers.