The Karnataka State Open University established on 1st June 1996 vide Karnataka Govt. Notification No. EDI UOV95 dated 12th February 1996-KSOU Act 1992 is considered to be a reputed Open University amongst the open learning institutions in the country. Keeping in view the educational needs of our country in general and state in particular the policies and programmes have been geared to cater to the need.

All Academic Programmes such as degree, diploma, certificate etc of Karnataka State Open University are recognized by the Distance Education Council (DEC), Ministry of Human Resource & Development (MHRD), New Delhi, vide decision of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), Delhi, permanent member of Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), London, UK, Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU), Beijing, China, and also has association with Commonwealth of Learning (COL). As of now KSOU assumes third position in the ODL system of the country.

The Open-Distance-Learning (ODL) system is a unique and challenging mode of education offered at the University level. This system provides sample opportunities for those who desire to have University education at their place of work or residence. This method is popularly known as Distance Education. It is perhaps the only way to meet the ever-increasing demand for Higher Education especially in a developing country like India. Distance Education programmes are specially designed for:

a) Candidates who discontinue their formal education owing to pecuniary or other circumstances.
b) Candidates residing in geographically remote areas.
c) Candidates who cannot get admission to a regular college/ Post-graduate department.
d) Employment persons who cannot pursue their study as full-time candidates.
e) Individuals who wish to pursue learning for knowledge sake.
f) Candidates who wish to update knowledge and skills.

Objectives of KARNATAKA STATE OPEN UNIVERSITY

The Karnataka State Open University came into being to achieve the following objectives:

1) Democratizing Higher Education by taking it to the doorsteps of the learners.
2) Providing access to high quality education to all those who seek it, irrespective of age, region or formal qualifications.
3) Offering need based academic, Programmes by giving professional and vocational orientation to the programme.
4) Promoting and developing distance education in India.
5) Relaxed entry regulation.
6) Providing opportunities to study
7) Flexibility in choosing the combination of courses from a wide range of discipline.
8) Providing opportunities to study form one’s own place and convenience.

Collaborative Arrangement:

The KSOU has launched certificate Programs in collaboration with F-TEC Skill Development, F-TEC through its Face to Face and distance more concept will impart training programs through its network of authorized training centres.

Distance Mode/Self Learning Materials:

Distance Education simply means imparting education from distance. In this system of education the teacher and the candidates are physically separated. The salient feature of instruction in distance education includes the following:

Candidates are supplied with printed materials written in a self-learning mode. Course material is specially designed by a team of experts from industries, faculty from leading institution and in-house faculty of the University. The curriculum designed is subject to scrutiny by the content experts, experienced Professors and Board of Studies before adoption by the University. Whenever necessary video/audio cassettes supplement printed material. They can be in the form of lectures, debates, discussions, colloquiums etc.