Kannada received Prominence right from the inception of the University [1918-1919) Prof.D.K.Bheemasen Rao was the first head. Osmnia University is offering post-graduate and research programmes in Kannada. Kannada is offered as second language and as modern language in undergraduate courses in University College for Women, Koti.

During the University's golden jubilee celebrations in 1968, the Government of Karnataka instituted a Professorship Kannada called 'The Karnataka Chair of Kannada'. Prof.K.M.Krishna Rao was the first occupant of the chair. The Department published its annual research journal 'Tavare' during the 1960s. Till date 11, Ph.D. and 29 M.Phil. degrees have been awarded. The Department has taken up major and minor research projects. Department of Kannada collaboration with Karnataka Sahitya Academy and Kannada Book Authority Bangalore organized. National level seminars..In the academic year 2008-09, Kannada Development Authority, Bangalore is started fellowship Rs.2500/ monthly for 5 students form M.A. I year and 5 Students from M.A. Final year, for encouraging out side Kannada.