Is Karnataka State Open University Good or Bad? – Full Review and Facts

Karnataka State Open University is an institute of higher education, established in 1996 under the State Legislature Act of 1992. The university aims to build a recognized platform for open and distance learning for the unreached section of society and increase access to higher education for students nationwide. 

The university offers a large number of distance courses with UGC-approved study materials. KSOU has established 21 regional centers and numerous affiliated colleges as study centers across the state. The university contributes immensely to disseminating education even to the areas where it is difficult to reach by other educational means. The new advancements in technology and virtual educational means further facilitate this. 

About Karnataka State Open University

Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) was formed in 1992 and started functioning in 1996. It is a state public university and offers distance learning courses at higher education levels. The university has the approval of UGC-DEB and AICTE for its professional courses. There are undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral level education offered at the university. With over 35 courses and robust student support facilities, KSOU stands out as one of Karnataka’s and  India’s best distance-learning universities. 

Apart from varied courses, the university excels in providing a quality of SSLM's and audio-video lectures. The university has been approved by the University Grants Commission Distance Education Bureau (UGC-DEB) and provides courses and study materials as per the guidelines of UGC. Admissions are open for students twice a year and students can take admission by applying online. The professional courses at KSOU have also received the necessary AICTE approvals. 

Factors one should consider while choosing a Distance University

Students must check the university for numerous elements to suit their requirements when choosing the best university for them. Judging a university in numerous aspects can assist you in locating a legitimate government-approved university that can provide you with a return on your investment. It also makes it easier for people to become victims of fraud or scams. The following are the factors:

• Accreditation of College
• Fee Structure
• Curriculum and Faculty
• Accessibility of SLM's
• Evaluation Method
• Student Support 
• Placement Assistance

Let's go over the above-mentioned issue in depth to get a better understanding of the college.

Accreditation of Karnataka State Open University

The recognition or accreditation of any university is a critical part of determining the university's authenticity. The validity of a degree is affected by the authenticity of any university. To receive the best Return on Investment (ROI), examine the accreditation of any university before enrolling in any of its programs. The Karnataka State Open University has the following recognition and accreditation:

Government authorities provide university accreditation by making their program degree valid across the country and acknowledged in numerous places such as government tests, interviews, higher studies, jobs, and many more.

Fee Structure of Karnataka State Open University

To pursue higher education, students must pay huge amounts of fees for the regular courses, that’s why many students do not enroll themselves in higher education. However, the fee structure for online courses from the same university is very low as compared to regular courses and holds equal validity in the corporate world. Here are some of the degree courses offered by the Karnataka State Open University

Karnataka State Open University offers various courses for individuals or professionals working. They have the degree courses at undergraduate, postgraduate, PhD, and many more. Given below is the course fee range for some of the popular courses offered at KSOU

Course Fee Range at KSOU
Course	Total Course Fee
B.A	INR 20450
B.Com	INR 21950
B.Sc	INR 60950
BBA	INR 30950
BCA	INR 60950
B.Lib.I.Sc	INR 10450
M.A	INR 17600
M.Com	INR 20700
M.Sc	INR 50700
MBA	INR 50700
M.Lib.I.Sc	INR 15450
Diploma in Kannada (DIK)	INR 5250
Diploma in Nutrition and Health Education (DNHE)	INR 5850
Diploma in Journalism (DIJ) & Diploma in Information Technology (DIT)	INR 6550
Diploma in Computer Application (DCA)	INR 6950
Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (DCCE)	INR 15,000
PG Diploma Courses	INR 5250- INR 9150
Certificate Courses	INR 4000- INR 6000

*Examination Fee Amounts are not Included in the Above Fee Structure 

Curriculum and Faculty of Karnataka State Open University

KSOU courses have been designed so that they are at par with similar regular courses. The university offers multimodal learning support along with self-help tools to ensure that students get a comprehensive learning experience like an offline conventional course. The faculty at KSOU consists of 29 departments of well-qualified and experienced professors who help provide an excellent educational experience to students. 

Accessibility of SLMs of Karnataka State Open University

For online programs, the Karnataka State Open University uses a learning management system. By logging in to the website, students can study at their own pace. The SLMs contain a variety of study materials like as case studies, books, recorded lectures, and many more. They provide an e-tutorial curriculum for each program. The Karnataka State Open University simplifies access logging for all students who enroll in the program.

Evaluation Method of Karnataka State Open University

The evaluation procedure of KSOU consists of Internal Assessment (IA) and Term-End Examinations in a ratio of 20:80. 

• Students need to submit one assignment to the university center for each subject in each semester. These assignments comprise the Internal Assessment (IA) component of the subject. 
• The assignment questions are uploaded on the official website of the university and the students need to submit their assignments at the university centre.  
• The term-end examinations are held two times a year at KSOU, and students need to appear for the exam at designated centers. These exams comprise 80% of the candidate’s academic weightage for a subject.     
• Students need to complete the registrations and payment of examination fees after the dates of the examinations are announced by the university. 

Students Support System of Karnataka State Open University

Student support is one of the most important aspects of any educational institution. At KSOU, multiple authorities and support features enable students to experience a truly hassle-free educational journey with KSOU. The university follows a 3 tier system for addressing student concerns:

1. Learner Support Centres 
2. Regional Centres 
3. Headquarters 

Placement Assistance of Karnataka State Open University:

Every university provides placement support to students even to those who are studying from distant places. The university has its Placement Cell which partners with various companies and organizations to help students find the best jobs for themselves.

The Karnataka State Open University also helps students get internships/jobs to provide them an opportunity to explore varied job profiles. The university becomes the mediator between students and firms. It regularly holds placement fairs and job melas for students from all over Karnataka. 

Why Choose Karnataka State Open University

While looking for an open-distance learning university, students need to take various factors into account, to land the right choice for higher education. Getting admission to a premier higher-learning institute is a dream for many students. Karnataka State Open University is one of India’s top government universities providing distance education to students.

In case you are wondering if KSOU can be the right choice for your higher education, then here are a few of the university’s distinguishing factors that make it a top choice for your educational journey.

Some Other Online/Distance Universities

Several other online and ODL universities in India are well-accredited. Here we have listed down some of the top options for you. 

Other Distance Education Universities
Kakatiya University Distance Education	University of Calicut Distance Education	Kakatiya University Distance Education
LPU Distance Education	Kerala University Distance Education	LPU Distance Education
CCE UPES Distance Learning	Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam - DDE	CCE UPES Distance Learning
Chandigarh University Distance	Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana	Chandigarh University Distance
Amity University Distance Education	Andhra University Distance Education	Amity University Distance Education
Kalyani University Distance Education	Madras University Distance Education	Kalyani University Distance Education
Punjabi University Distance Education	Annamalai University Distance Education	Punjabi University Distance Education

Conclusion

The Karnataka State Open University provides a platform to everyone who wants to continue higher studies along with earning. The university promotes learning with learning. Hence, KSOU provides a myriad of courses to distance learners and facilities like self-study material, audio-video lectures, etc.