

Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) is a state public university established under the KSOU Act, 1992. Karnataka State Open University began operations on June 1, 1996, and is situated in Mukthagangothri, Mysuru (Mysore), Karnataka. KSOU has been recognised by University Grants Commission under its Distance Education Bureau (UGC-DEB) and is a member of Association of Indian Universities (AIU). It is ranked #2 in NIRF 2025 Open University category. Karnataka State Open University is also referred to as KSOU Mysore, KSOU University, Karnataka Open University, or Mysore Open University. KSOU courses are offered at UG, PG, Diploma, Certificate and PhD level in fields such as Arts, Science, Commerce, Management, Computer Applications, Education and Library Science.
Updated on 20 Jul 2026
By Prasanth, Content Creator
Mysore University Online admission 2026 is open for all its courses. Candidates must apply via the official website. Check below Karnataka State Open University latest news and updates:
KSOU is a state public university located in Mysuru, Karnataka. It offers quality education through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and online programmes. KSOU Mysore ODL has its headquarters in Mysuru and 21 regional centres across Karnataka. The university offers UG, PG, Diploma and PhD courses in various disciplines through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and Online modes. KSOU admissions are conducted twice a year i.e., January and June as per UGC-DEB guidelines. Check the below table for KSOU highlights 2026:
Particulars | Details |
Full Name | Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) |
Also Known As | KSOU Mysore, KSOU University, Karnataka Open University, Mysore Open University |
Establishment | 1st June 1996 (KSOU Act, 1992); 8th Open University in India |
Ownership | State Public University |
Location | Mukthagangothri, Mysuru (Mysore), Karnataka – 570006 |
Recognised By |
UGC, DEC, AICTE (MBA)
|
Member Of | Association of Indian Universities (AIU) |
Accreditation | NAAC 'A+' Grade |
NIRF 2025 Ranking | #2 in India — Open University category |
|
Campus Area
|
36 acres
|
Regional Centres | 21 Regional Centres across Karnataka |
Levels Offered | UG, PG, PG Diploma, Diploma, Certificate, PhD |
Popular Courses | MBA, BA, BSc |
|
No. of Schools and Departments
| Schools: 5 Departments: 25+ |
|
Education Modes |
Full-time, Part-time
|
Admission Cycles | Twice a year — January Cycle and July Cycle |
Official Website |
ksoumysuru.ac.in |
KSOU Mysuru is one of the best options available to students looking for higher education that is flexible and affordable. It provides students with recognised degrees, online educational services and study centers in Karnataka. Check below why Karnataka State Open University:
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KSOU offers various courses at the undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels in various disciplines. KSOU Mysuru popular courses offered are MBA, BA, BSc. The univeristy PG courses are of two years' duration, and KSOU UG courses are generally of three years' duration. Check below the detailed overview about KSOU popular programs:
No courses found matching your criteria.
KSOU fees vary depending on the programme and the mode of study. The fee structure includes tuition fees, examination fees and other academic charges, and differs between the ODL (distance) mode and the Online mode. Check the below table for KSOU courses and fees:
| Degree | Duration | Avg. Fees |
|---|---|---|
| No courses found matching your criteria. | ||
To be eligible for admission, candidates must fulfil the criteria set by KSOU. Candidates must meet the basic eligibility, i.e., pass Class 12 for UG courses and hold a graduation degree for PG courses. Most KSOU courses admit students on a direct-merit basis, while B.Ed, MBA, MCA and PhD require an entrance test. Check the below table for KSOU eligibility and selection criteria:
Course | Eligibility | Selection Process |
UG (BA, B.Com, BBA, BCA, BSc, BSW) | Passed 10+2 or equivalent from a recognised board, min. 45% (40% for reserved categories) | Direct merit-based (marks of last qualifying exam); no entrance exam |
B.Ed. | Bachelor's degree with required aggregate; in-service teachers preferred | KSOU B.Ed Entrance Test + Merit |
PG (MA, M.Com, MSc, MSW, MLIS) | Relevant Bachelor's degree from a recognised university | Direct merit-based; common entrance test only for non-cognate subject candidates |
MBA / MCA | Bachelor's degree with required aggregate | Karnataka PGCET / University Entrance Test + Merit |
Ph.D. | Master's degree with min. 55% marks (50% for reserved categories) | KSOU Ph.D. Common Entrance Test (CET) + Interview (UGC-NET/JRF-qualified candidates exempt from CET but must attend interview) |
KSOU admission process 2026 is now open. session 2026–27. The university offers UG, PG, Diploma and PhD courses. The entire process is done online through the university's admission portal. Candidates must create an ABC ID and a DEB ID before applying. Check below the step-by-step KSOU University admission process 2026:
KSOU admission process for 2026 is ongoing. The university follows two admission cycles each year i.e., the January Cycle and the July Cycle. Candidates should track important dates for their preferred cycle. Check the below table for important KSOU admission dates:
Dates | Events |
01 Jun 2026 (Confirmed) | KSOU admission 2026–27 pre-registration opened for the July Cycle |
20 May 2026 (Confirmed) | Last date for re-registration of continuing KSOU students for the July 2026 semester |
20 Jun 2026 (Confirmed) | Official KSOU Fees Structure for 2026–27 (July Cycle) released |
Jul–Sep 2026 (Tentative) | New-student KSOU application closing date for the July 2026 Cycle — third-party sources estimate anywhere between 30 July and 15 September 2026 |
January 2027 (Expected) | KSOU January 2027 admission cycle opens for new applicants |
KSOU offers various types of scholarships to students. The types of scholarships are based on merit, income, category and special achievements. Check the below table for KSOU scholarship:
Category | Details |
Merit Scholarship | For students who perform well in curricular, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities |
Means-Based (Income) Scholarship | For economically disadvantaged students, subject to income criteria |
SC/ST Fee Relaxation | Reduced fee structure for SC/ST category students as per university and state norms |
BPL Fee Concession | Fee relaxation for students holding a valid Below Poverty Line (BPL) card |
Sports Quota Scholarship | For students with notable sports achievements at state/national level |
Government Post-Matric Scholarships | KSOU issues bonafide/enrolment certificates so students can apply for state and central government scholarship schemes |
Note: Scholarship details and eligibility should be confirmed directly with KSOU Regional Centre or the university's Scholarship section, as amounts and criteria are revised periodically.
Being an open university, KSOU Mysuru does not have centralized campus placements that take place at a regular university. The students of KSOU Mysuru benefit from virtual placement drives, apprenticeship fairs, skills development programs, career counseling, and exam preparation. Check the below details for KSOU placement:
| Placement Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| 2023 Virtual Placement Drive | Over 10 companies participated, offering nearly 2,000 job vacancies with salary packages ranging from ₹3 LPA to ₹6 LPA. |
| 2022 Apprenticeship Fair | 421 out of 431 participating ITI students were selected by recruiting companies. |
| Skill Development Centre | Conducts training programmes to enhance students' employability and workplace skills. |
| Competitive Exam Training | Provides coaching for banking, SSC, state PSC, and other government examinations. |
| Career Counselling | Online and offline career guidance sessions are organised through KSOU Regional Centres. |
KSOU has received recognition from various statutory bodies and has also been ranked through several national ranking systems. History of KSOU's recognition includes both the present accreditation of the institution as well as a previous regulation, which is important as background information for aspiring students. Check the table below for KSOU ranking and recognition:
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| NAAC Accreditation | A+ Grade |
| NIRF 2025 Ranking | Ranked #2 in the Open University category |
| UGC-DEB Recognition | Recognised by UGC-DEB for ODL programmes (recognition renewed as per UGC guidelines) |
| AIU Membership | Member of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) |
| Important Update | Some KSOU courses were de-recognised between 2012–2015. Following a Karnataka High Court direction, 17 courses were restored from 2018 onwards. |
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KSOU provides infrastructure facilities to students for academic learning, research and development at its Mysuru campus, supported by 21 Regional Centres across Karnataka. Check below the table for KSOU campus facilities:
| Facility | Details |
| Main Campus | Mukthagangothri, Mysuru — KSOU's headquarters and academic administration hub |
| Regional Centres | 21 Regional Centres across Karnataka offering counselling, tutorials, practicals and library/resource access |
| Library | Access to e-content, e-books, journals, and the main library at the Mysuru campus |
| Laboratories | Science labs, Audio-Video labs and virtual labs for practical-based programmes |
| Hostel Services | On-campus hostel facility for learners attending contact classes or coaching sessions |
| Health Centre | On-campus health centre for enrolled learners |
| Bank & ATM | On-campus banking and ATM facility |
| Guest House | Located north-west of the main campus for visiting scholars and guests |
| Radio Station | 'Jnana Vani' — KSOU's own educational radio station, run via its Prasaranga Cell |
| Campus Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi connectivity across the main campus |





KSOU offers semester mode (CBCS) and annual mode (Non-CBCS, older programs) examinations, based on the year of admission and program offered. KSOU university examination process generally involves the following steps:
KSOU degree is recognised for educational and professional purposes, since the UGC treats recognized ODL degrees equivalent to regular degrees. The only condition is that the degree will be recognised if the concerned course was approved at the time of admission of the students

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