The Utkal University of Culture, the first of its type in India, was, established with the objective of  promoting education, research and training in various spheres of culture such as language, literature, religions, visual arts, performing arts, sculpture, architecture, folklore, tribal studies etc. through development and extension works for the advancement of knowledge and for the betterment of the society.

The university also explores documents, preserves and propagates the rich cultural heritage through such devices as establishing libraries, archives, galleries, workshop, initiating programmes of publication etc. Besides, comprehensive surveys on matters related to culture are also conducted by the university.