Arakalagudu Varadarajulu Kanthamma College for Women, Hassan was also known as A.V. Kanthamma College for Women, Hassan was established in 1966.

It is one of the premier institutions established in western Malnad region of Karnataka to impart & provide in the field of higher education for the deserving candidates and prove to be a milestone in the part of progress.

The college is affiliated to University of Mysore, Mysuru and recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under section 2(f) & 12(B) under Act, 1956.

It is re-accredited by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with "B" Grade - (CGPA Score 2.56 on a 4 Point Scale in 2nd Cycle) on 10th March 2012.

Malnad Technical Education Society (MTES) launched the college in a humble way in July 1966, just with 123 students at the PU level.

The institution started functioning partly in the borrowed premises of the Municipal High School and partly in the Malnad College of Engineering, Hassan, a sister institution run by the same Management.

A plot of 4.75 acres of land in a prime part of the town was graciously allotted by the Karnataka Govt. for locating the College.

A generous donation by the late A. N. Varadarajulu, a retired Karnataka Govt. official, helped the MTES to go ahead with the construction of own building for the institution. In fact, it is in recognition of this philanthropic act that the College is named after the donor's wife, Smt. Kanthamma.

The college offers three years undergraduate courses in Arts, Science, & Commerce streams under University of Mysore, Mysuru.