KSOU Fees Structure 2026: UG, PG, Diploma & Certificate Courses

Karnataka State Open University (KSOU), located in Muktagangotri, Mysuru, is one of India’s leading Open and Distance Learning (ODL) universities. Accredited with an A+ grade by NAAC and ranked among the top open universities in India, KSOU offers affordable and flexible higher education for students from different backgrounds, including working professionals, rural learners, and first-generation graduates. The university provides a wide range of Undergraduate (UG), Postgraduate (PG), Diploma, and Certificate programmes at much lower fees compared to regular universities. This article gives a complete and easy-to-understand overview of the KSOU Fee Structure 2026, including programme-wise fees, additional charges, concession details, payment methods, and refund policies for both July and January admission cycles.

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KSOU Fee Structure 2026 Overview

The revised KSOU fee structure for the 2026 academic year applies to both July and January admission cycles. The updated fees include an average increase of around 10% compared to the previous academic year. Students applying for admission should check the latest programme-wise fee details before enrollment.

Key Highlights of KSOU Fees

Feature Details
Affordable UG Fees Starting from ₹9,240/year for B.A. (General Students)
PG Programmes M.A. from ₹11,660/year; M.B.A. from ₹32,890/year
10% Concession For BPL women, Defence, Ex-Servicemen, KSRTC/BMTC staff
Full Fee Waiver For Transgender students & COVID-19 orphans
Two Cycles July Admissions & January Admissions per year
Certificate Courses Available from ₹5,390/year (Panchayat Raj)

KSOU Fee Components Explained

Fee Component Description
Admission Processing Fee (APF) One-time fee charged for new admissions. Not applicable for continuing students.
Registration Fee (RF) University registration fee, usually charged in the first year or at the time of direct admission.
Study/Development Fee (SDF) Covers study materials and academic support. Charged every year.
Library Fee (LF) Annual fee for access to library resources.
Activity Fee (AF) Fee for student activities and welfare, mainly charged in the first year or direct admission.
Tuition Fee Main course fee, which varies depending on the programme and year of study.
Total Fee Total amount payable, including all applicable fees.

Note: The APF (₹935 or ₹1,210), RF, and AF are only charged in the first year of regular admission or for direct admissions. Continuing students in the 2nd/3rd year are charged only SDF + LF + Tuition Fee.

KSOU UG Courses Fees 2026

Undergraduate programmes at KSOU include B.A., B.Com., B.Sc., B.C.A., B.B.A., B.S.W., B.Ed., and B.Lib. & I.Sc. Fees differ for the first year (includes APF, RF & AF) versus continuing years, and for direct lateral admissions.

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Fee Structure

ProgrammeAPFRFSDFLFAFTuition FeeTotal Fee (General)Total Fee (Concession)
1st Year B.A.9356057152755506,1609,2408,624
2nd Year B.A.——715275—7,7008,6907,920
3rd Year B.A.——715275—7,7008,6907,920
2nd Year B.A. Direct Admission9356057152755507,70010,78010,010
3rd Year B.A. Direct Admission9356057152755507,70010,78010,010

Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.) Fee Structure

ProgrammeAPFRFSDFLFAFTuition FeeTotal Fee (General)Total Fee (Concession)
1st Year B.Com.9356057152755506,7109,7909,119
2nd Year B.Com.——715275—8,2509,2408,415
3rd Year B.Com.——715275—8,2509,2408,415
2nd Year B.Com. Direct Admission9356057152755508,25011,33010,505
3rd Year B.Com. Direct Admission9356057152755508,25011,33010,505

B.Sc., B.C.A. & B.B.A. Fee Structure

ProgrammeAPFRFSDFLFAFTuition FeeTotal Fee (General)Total Fee (Concession)
1st Year B.Sc. Gen/Hons1,21088071527555022,66026,29024,024
2nd Year B.Sc. Gen/Hons——715275—24,75025,74023,265
3rd Year B.Sc. Gen/Hons——715275—24,75025,74023,265
B.Lib. & I.Sc.1,21088071527555010,01013,64012,639
1st Year B.C.A.1,21088071527555022,66026,29024,024
2nd Year B.C.A.——715275—24,75025,74023,265
3rd Year B.C.A.——715275—24,75025,74023,265
1st Year B.B.A.1,21088071527555010,01013,64012,639
2nd Year B.B.A.——715275—12,10013,09011,880
3rd Year B.B.A.——715275—12,10013,09011,880

B.S.W. & B.Ed. Fee Structure

ProgrammeAPFRFSDFLFAFTuition FeeTotal Fee (General)
1st Year B.S.W.1,21088071527555010,56014,190
2nd Year B.S.W.——715275—12,87013,860
3rd Year B.S.W.——715275—12,87013,860
1st Year B.Ed.2,20088071527555034,65039,270
2nd Year B.Ed.——715275—37,51038,500

Note: No concession fee is available for B.Ed. programmes. The full fee is applicable for all categories.

KSOU PG Courses Fees 2026

Post-Graduate programmes cover M.A., M.Com., M.Sc., M.B.A., M.S.W., M.C.A., M.A. (MCJ), and M.Lib. & I.Sc. These are 2-year programmes with a direct admission option for lateral entry.

M.A. & M.Com. Fee Structure

ProgrammeAPFRFSDFLFAFTuition FeeTotal Fee (General)Total Fee (Concession)
1st Year M.A.9358807152755508,30511,66010,830
2nd Year M.A.——715275—10,12011,11010,098
2nd Year M.A. Direct Admission93588071527555010,12013,47512,463
1st Year M.A. (MCJ)93588071527555014,46517,82016,374
2nd Year M.A. (MCJ)——715275—16,17017,16015,543
1st Year M.Com.93588071527555010,28513,64012,612
2nd Year M.Com.——715275—12,10013,09011,880

M.Sc., M.B.A. & M.C.A. Fee Structure

ProgrammeAPFRFSDFLFAFTuition FeeTotal Fee (General)Total Fee (Concession)
M.Lib. & I.Sc.1,21088071527555016,33519,96518,332
1st Year M.B.A.2,20088071527555028,27032,89030,063
2nd Year M.B.A.——715275—31,13032,12029,007
1st Year M.Sc.1,21088071527555029,04032,67029,766
2nd Year M.Sc.——715275—31,13032,12029,007
1st Year M.S.W.1,21088071527555019,80023,43021,450
2nd Year M.S.W.——715275—22,11023,10020,889
1st Year M.C.A.1,21088071527555029,04032,67029,766
2nd Year M.C.A.——715275—31,13032,12029,007

 

Master’s Preparatory Program (MPP): Students who completed UG without cognate subjects and wish to pursue a PG degree must pay an additional fee of ₹1,100 for the MPP (Level 1). This applies only to M.A. and M.Com. programmes and does not apply to distance/correspondence or group study PG admissions.

KSOU Diploma & Certificate Course Fees 2026

Post Graduate Certificate Programmes (PGC)

Programme APF RF LF AF Tuition Fee Total Fee
PGC English9354402755504,8407,040
Communicative English9354402755504,8407,040
Marketing Management9354402755505,6107,810
Human Resource Management9354402755509,79011,990
Business Administration9354402755504,8407,040
Financial Management9354402755509,79011,990
Information Technology9354402755509,79011,990
Journalism & Mass Communication9354402755509,46011,660
Kuvempu Sahitya9354402755504,8407,040
Business Law9354402755508,69010,890
Comp. Application93544027555010,23012,430
Ambedkar Studies9354402755504,8407,040
Linguistics9354402755504,8407,040
Predictive Astrology93544027555010,00012,200
Mundane Astrology93544027555010,00012,200
Vastu Astrology93544027555010,00012,200

Diploma Programmes (10+2 Based)

Programme APF RF LF AF Tuition Fee Total Fee
Dip – Kannada9354402755504,8407,040
Dip – Journalism9354402755506,4908,690
Information Technology9354402755506,6008,800
Comp. Application9354402755507,0409,240
Early Childhood Care & Education93544027555017,16019,360
Translation Studies9354402755505,6107,810

Certificate Programmes (10+2 Based)

Programme APF RF LF AF Tuition Fee Total Fee
Panchayat Raj9354402755503,1905,390
Information Communication Technology9354402755504,2906,490
Translation Studies9354402755503,1905,390
Jyothir Vigyan9354402755508,00010,200

Other Related Fees 2026

Description Amount (₹)
Duplicate Identity Card (ID Card)330
NDC / TC / NOC / Study Certificate550
Change of Name / Re-enrolment / Study Centre change1,100
Change of Medium / Subject / Course1,100
Study Certificate for NRI Students / Tibetan Candidates / Eligibility Fee (outside Karnataka) / Re-enrolment after 2-year break / Bonafide Certificate2,200
Direct Admission Fee3,300
Additional Processing Fee for Direct Admissions550
Eligibility Fee for Candidates residing/studied outside Karnataka2,200

Note: All fees are in Indian Rupees (₹). Direct Admission = ₹3,300 + ₹550 additional processing fee.

Direct Admissions: Students seeking lateral entry into 2nd or 3rd year B.A./B.Com./B.Sc./B.C.A./B.B.A./B.S.W./M.A./M.Com./M.Sc./M.S.W./M.C.A. must pay the Direct Admission Fee (₹3,300) and Additional Processing Fee (₹550) in addition to the programme’s Total Fee (which already includes APF + RF + AF).

KSOU Scholarships, Concessions & Fee Exemptions

KSOU provides a structured set of fee concessions to support underprivileged and special category students.

10% Tuition Fee Concession (UG & PG Degree Programmes Only)

The following categories receive a 10% reduction on Tuition Fee for UG and PG degree programmes:

  • BPL (Below Poverty Line) card-holding women students
  • Defence personnel and Ex-Servicemen
  • Auto and Cab Drivers, and their spouses/children (up to two children)
  • KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC staff
Note: This 10% concession applies to tuition fee only, not to APF, RF, SDF, LF, or AF components. The concession total fee is the sum of all fees with the discounted tuition amount.

 

KSOU Employee Concession

Employees of Karnataka State Open University, along with their spouse and up to two children, are eligible for a 10% concession on the Total Fee for any eligible programme at any KSOU centre.

Full Fee Waiver (100% Tuition Fee Exemption)

  • Transgender Students: Full fee waiver on total fees for all eligible programmes.
  • COVID-19 Orphans: Children who lost their parent(s) to COVID-19 during the 2019 pandemic are eligible for a full fee exemption for the programme they qualify for.
  • Visually Impaired Students: Government-certified students with 50%+ visual impairment are eligible for a full fee waiver, except for B.Ed. and M.B.A. programmes.

Government Scholarships

Students eligible for government scholarships under SC/ST/OBC/EWS categories may apply through state or national scholarship portals. KSOU study centres and the university’s student welfare cell assist in processing scholarship applications.

Students are required to first pay the fee and subsequently receive reimbursement through their scholarship accounts.

Important: Students must first pay the fees and then receive any government scholarship reimbursement. KSOU does not hold admissions pending scholarship sanctions. No study centre may collect fees from students beyond the amounts specified in this notification.

KSOU Fee Payment Process 2026

KSOU accepts both online and offline payment modes. The university publishes fee details on its official website and the KSOU Digital Academic Platform App.

Online Fee Payment Steps

  1. Visit the official KSOU website at ksoumysuru.ac.in or open the KSOU Digital Academic Platform App.
  2. Click on Admissions / Student Login and log in with your application number or enrolled student credentials.
  3. Select the programme and year for which you are paying fees. Verify the fee breakup displayed on screen.
  4. Choose your preferred payment method: UPI / Debit Card / Credit Card / Net Banking.
  5. Complete the transaction and download the payment receipt. Keep it safely — it is required for examination form submission.
  6. For direct admissions, pay the additional Direct Admission Fee (₹3,300) + Processing Fee (₹550) separately if prompted.

Offline Payment Option

Students may also pay fees in person at any authorised KSOU Study Centre or Regional Centre. Upon payment, insist on an official receipt bearing the Study Centre seal and authorised signature. Do not pay any amount over the prescribed fee schedule; study centres are strictly prohibited from charging additional amounts.

Important Payment Guidelines

  • Always verify the total fee before payment using the programme fee tables in this notification.
  • Keep the fee payment receipt safely until the end of your programme.
  • UG 2nd and final year / PG final year students in direct admission must pay ₹3,300 direct admission fee + ₹550 processing fee along with the regular programme fee.
  • The fee notification is published on the official KSOU website, the Academic Platform App, and notice boards at all study centres.
  • For Jyothisha Shastra, PGC, Diploma, and Certificate programmes commencing from the 2026 July cycle, fees are fixed.

KSOU Refund Policy & Cancellation

KSOU Refund Policy

KSOU’s refund policy follows UGC guidelines. The applicable refund schedule for the 2026 academic year is as follows:

Withdrawal TimingRefund Percentage
Before the formal commencement of the programme100% (full refund, minus processing charges)
Up to 15 days after commencement80%
16 to 30 days after commencement50%
31 to 90 days after commencement25%
After 90 days from commencementNo refund
Note: Refund timelines and exact percentages are subject to the UGC regulations in force at the time of cancellation. Students should check the latest refund policy on the official KSOU website or contact the Admissions Department at the time of withdrawal.

Why KSOU Fees Are Affordable

KSOU’s ODL model eliminates the overhead costs of physical infrastructure, enabling the university to offer quality education at a fraction of the cost of regular residential or affiliated colleges.

Fee Comparison: KSOU vs. Other Universities (Approximate)

Institution Type Approximate Fee Programme
KSOU (ODL) ₹9,240 1st Year B.A. (General)
Typical Affiliated Degree College ₹15,000–₹35,000 1st Year B.A. (per year)
Private University (ODL) ₹20,000–₹60,000 1st Year B.A./B.Com.
KSOU (ODL) ₹32,890 1st Year M.B.A. (General)
Typical B-School ₹1,00,000+ 1st Year M.B.A. (per year)

Value for Money

  • NAAC A+ Accreditation: Courses are nationally recognised and UGC-approved.
  • Flexible Schedule: Study at your own pace without leaving your job or hometown.
  • Concession Categories: BPL women, Defence personnel, transport staff, and others receive up to 10% off.
  • Full Waivers: Transgender students, visually impaired students, and COVID-19 orphans receive full fee exemption.
  • No Hostel/Travel Costs: Distance learning removes accommodation and commute expenses entirely.

Conclusion

KSOU’s fee structure for 2026 is designed to make higher education affordable for everyone, including working professionals, rural students, and students from low-income families. Undergraduate courses start from ₹9,240 per year, while postgraduate courses start from ₹11,660 per year, making KSOU a budget-friendly option for higher studies. The university also offers fee concessions for BPL women, defence personnel, and transport staff, along with full fee waivers for transgender students, COVID-19 orphans, and visually impaired students. Since fees may change every year, it is important to check the latest fee details before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

UG course fees vary by programme. B.A. starts at ₹9,240/year (1st year, general students), B.Com. at ₹9,790/year, B.Sc. Gen/Hons at ₹26,290/year, B.C.A. at ₹26,290/year, and B.B.A. at ₹13,640/year. From the 2nd year onwards, fees are lower as APF, RF, and AF are not charged.

PG fees range from ₹11,660/year (1st Year M.A.) to ₹32,890/year (1st Year M.B.A.) for general students. M.Com. starts at ₹13,640, M.Sc. at ₹32,670, M.S.W. at ₹23,430, and M.C.A. at ₹32,670 for the first year.

The fee structure published here covers admission/programme fees. Examination fees, if applicable, may be charged separately at the time of examination form submission. Students should check the examination notification issued by the examination wing of KSOU.

Yes. KSOU provides an online payment facility through its official website and the KSOU Digital Academic Platform App. Payments can be made via UPI, debit/credit card, or net banking.

Yes. The Registration Fee (RF) is charged in the 1st year and for direct admissions. It is ₹605 for most UG programmes (B.A., B.Com.) and ₹880 for B.Sc., B.C.A., B.B.A., and all PG programmes. It is not charged for continuing 2nd/3rd year students.

Fees may be partially refundable based on UGC refund policy guidelines. The refund percentage depends on when withdrawal is initiated — from 100% before commencement to 0% after 90 days. Check the official KSOU website for the current applicable refund schedule.

Yes. KSOU provides a 10% concession on tuition fee for BPL women, Defence/Ex-Servicemen, Auto/Cab drivers and their families, and KSRTC/BMTC/NWKRTC/KKRTC staff. Full fee waivers are available for Transgender students, COVID-19 orphans, and the visually impaired (govt-certified, 50%+). Government SC/ST/OBC scholarships are also applicable.

Diploma (10+2 based) fees range from ₹7,040/year (Diploma in Kannada) to ₹19,360/year (Early Childhood Care & Education). Certificate courses start as low as ₹5,390 (Panchayat Raj, Translation Studies) and go up to ₹10,200 (Jyothir Vigyan).

Yes, significantly. KSOU’s ODL model means no campus infrastructure costs, hostels, or labs for most courses, allowing it to charge a fraction of what residential universities or private institutions charge. A B.A. at KSOU costs as little as ₹9,240/year versus ₹15,000–₹35,000 at many affiliated colleges.

You can check the latest KSOU fee details on the university’s official website, the KSOU Digital Academic Platform App, or at any authorised KSOU Study Centre or Regional Centre.

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