The university is an offshoot of the erstwhile Postgraduate Centre of Sri Venkateswara University started in 1968. Subsequently, in 1976, the SVU Postgraduate Centre attained autonomous status. Its Vice-Chancellor for the first two terms was M. Abel (1981–87).

In 1987, with a capital outlay of Rs. 1.2 crores, Sri Krishnadevaraya Institute of Management was started with funding from the UGC. In 1988, the university which was originally a unitary, residential institution, became a full-fledged affiliating university. The Postgraduate Centre at Kurnool under the jurisdiction of Sri Venkateswara University was made over to Sri Krishnadevaraya University in 1993. Sri Krishnadevaraya University College of Engineering & Technology was started in 2006 with self-finance.

Situated in rural environs in a campus of over 482 acres (1.95 km²) of land, the university includes a University Science Instrumentation Centre, a University Central Library, a Computer Centre, a Health Centre, a gymnasium, an outdoor stadium, an Auditorium and space to accommodate departments of studies, laboratories, Bank facility, 24*7 ATM, hostels, and housing for the staff.

The library has back volumes on the stacks numbering 13,600. There is one SC/ST Book Bank, INFLIBNET facility, and software for University Libraries (SOUL).

Sri Krishnadevaraya University has been offering Ph.D, M.Phil, Post Graduating and Under Graduating courses through affiliated colleges besides of university.

• Official website