The colleges and institutions that impart education in literary arts, visual and performing arts are affiliated to this university. Its jurisdiction extends to the whole of Orissa. Foreign and Indian scholars are offered facilities to undertake research in the university.

The university has established a number of schools such as School of Architecture and Archaeology, School of Language and Literature, School of Visual Arts, School of Performing Arts, School of Culture Studies, School of Occupational Studies and School of Orissan Studies.