In 1916, Karnataka Lingayat Education(K. L. E.) Society was founded by the Seven Founder Life Members, who are also addressed as "Saptarishis"[Seven Saints].

On 13th November 1916, K.L.E. Society started an Anglo Vernacular School in Belgaum. Lingaraj College came into existence in June 1933. In 1947, B.V.B. College of Engineering and Technology was started in Hubli. J.N. Medical College at Belgaum and G.H. College at Haveri was started in the year 1963.

From 1984 onwards, K.L.E. Society started Dental, Education, Nursing, Information Technology, Computer Applications, Hotel Management, Business Management, Tourism, Fashion Designing, Agriculture Colleges and Polytechnics across India. Today under the leadership of Mr. Prabhakar Kore an able and dynamic team leader KLE Society runs 210 institutions.