KSOU, Mysore has a long and rich tradition of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) with a view to reach out to the educational aspirants of the socially, economically and geographically marginalized sections of the society. The erstwhile institute of Correspondence Courses and Continuing Education (ICC & CE) was started a way back in 1969 by university of Mysore - the sixth oldest University of the country and the first University of the State of Karnataka.
On the recommendations of the Central Educational Advisory Board, MHRD Government of India, set up in pursuance of NPE-1986, the KSOU was established in the cultural capital of the state and the educational hub, Mysore.
Headed by His Excellency, the Governor of Karnataka, who is the Ex-Officio Chancellor, while the Minister for Higher Education is the Ex-Officio Pro-Chancellor, and the Vice-Chancellor is the principal Academic and Executive officer of the university, the KSOU is a body corporate comprising of the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, the members of BoM, Academic Council, Dean (Academic), Registrar (Evaluation), Finance officer among other officers of the university.
The contribution of the KSOU for the ODL system is invaluable. With the entire State has its jurisdiction, KSOU has established 21 Regional Centers, in addition to recognizing a good number of affiliated Colleges as Study Centers across the State. Significant is the role of KSOU in enhancing the GER of the State. In terms of providing quality and relevant education, the role of KSOU is commendable. The Courses, Curriculum, Study Materials, Contact Classes, Method of Testing, Transparency in the conduct of Examination, Evaluation and announcement of results.
The quality of SLMs, Radio talks, audio-video lecturers produced ‘in-house studios’ housed on the main campus have earned the admiration of a large community of distance learners across the Country as well as outside the Country. MBA, M. Com, Media studies, MA and Education Programs are some of the most sought-after courses among others.
Admission to courses is done twice-a-year in the month of January and June as per the UGC-DEB guidelines, and the admission are done online. Access to E-content, E-access to SLM’s, Books and journals in the main library; on-line lectures are additional advantages to KSOU students. Establishment of Science labs, Audio-Video, virtual labs, Re-establishment of Radio station – ‘JNANA VANI’ are among the notable digital initiatives, the KSOU has launched since the re-recognition of KSOU by UGC from 2018-19.
Well-known is KSOU for its students support services - establishment of Skill Development Center; Training Center for competitive Examinations, Campus Recruitment drives, online and off-line counselling; on-line admission; digital payments of all kinds of fee payment are some of the pro-student recent undertakings of the KSOU.
Lodging facilities in Hostels for students coming for coaching classes, Skill development programs and Contact classes in a clean-green environment is yet another student support service. With state of the academic infrastructure; online and off-line student support, KSOU is a dream institution for distance learners.
