Bapuji Educational Association (BEA) is a conglomerate of over 50 educational institutions across the city of Davangere. The Association was established in the year 1958 with the inception of a first grade college in Davangere. Two medical colleges, two dental colleges, an engineering college - Bapuji Institute of Engineering & Technology (BIET) and numerous other colleges are associated with association. The Bapuji Educational Association is one of the oldest and most prestigious educational associations in Karnataka. Today the association has grown to be a big tree, like the banyan, with all its twigs and branches. It runs schools and colleges right from Nursery to Post Graduate courses, from Diploma to Engineering, Nursing to Medical.

The most significant of all the personalities responsible for all round development of this association is Dr. Shamanur Shivashankarappa, the present Hon. Secretary of the association. There are a number of philanthropists on the board of BEA who have been rendering selfless service to the cause of education. Dr. Shamanur Shivashankarappa is a doyen in the field of education. His contribution to the cause of higher education is immense and invaluable. Under his leadership, BEA has been able to make an indelible impression in the educational map of this country. He is the Member of Legislative Assembly of Karnataka, served as Member of Parliament and was the former minister of Horticulture and APMC, Govt. of Karnataka.

Sri. S.S. Mallikarjun was the Hon'ble Minister for Horticulture and APMC, Govt. of Karnataka. A young and popular politician and industrialist, is the proud son of Smt. Parvathamma and Sri. Shamanur Shivashankarappa. Sri Mallikarjun has been successfully working for the welfare of the general public, particularly the downtrodden and economically weaker sections of the society. He is the icon of the youth of Davangere and is highly innovative and progressive in his thinking. He is a member of the Governing council of BIET and Joint secretary of BEA.

Late Sri A. C. Jayanna and Late Kasal S Vittal came from a philanthropic families rendered selfless service to the cause of education through Bapuji Educational association. Their foresight and proactive approach resulted in BIET establishing itself as one of the top ten institutions in the state of Karnataka.

BIET has been in the forefront imparting high quality technical education and is one among the top ten colleges in the state of Karnataka. State of the art infrastructure in all branches of engineering, dedicated and qualified staff, highly conducive environment for teaching-learning and a lush green campus with an area of 375550 sq. m. is the hallmark of this professionally managed institution. At this juncture institute remembers the contributions of founder principal Late Prof G. S. Shivanna and his successor Prof. Y. Vrushabhendrappa.