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.
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 Fees for Distance Courses
KSOU UG Courses Fees 2026
| Course Name | Duration | Tuition Fee (₹) | Total Fee for Other Students (₹) | Total Fee for Eligible Concession Students (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA | 3 Years | 6,160 (1st Year) | 9,540 | 8,924 |
| BCom | 3 Years | 6,710 (1st Year) | 10,090 | 9,419 |
| BSc General / BSc Hons (IT) | 3 Years | 22,660 (1st Year) | 26,590 | 24,324 |
| Bachelor of Library & Information Science (BLIS) | 1 Year | 10,010 | 13,940 | 12,939 |
| BCA | 3 Years | 22,660 (1st Year) | 26,590 | 24,324 |
| BBA | 3 Years | 10,010 (1st Year) | 13,940 | 12,939 |
| BSW | 3 Years | 10,560 (1st Year) | 14,490 | 13,434 |
| B.Ed | 2 Years | 34,650 (1st Year) | 39,570 | As per university norms |
KSOU PG Courses Fees 2026
| Course Name | Duration | Tuition Fee (₹) | Total Fee for Other Students (₹) | Total Fee for Eligible Concession Students (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA | 2 Years | 8,305 (1st Year) | 11,960 | 11,130 |
| MA (Journalism & Mass Communication) | 2 Years | 14,465 (1st Year) | 18,120 | 16,674 |
| MCom | 2 Years | 10,285 (1st Year) | 13,940 | 12,912 |
| Master of Library & Information Science (MLIS) | 1 Year | 16,335 | 20,265 | 18,632 |
| MBA | 2 Years | 28,270 (1st Year) | 33,190 | 30,363 |
| MSc | 2 Years | 29,040 (1st Year) | 32,970 | 30,066 |
| MSW | 2 Years | 19,800 (1st Year) | 23,730 | 21,750 |
| MCA | 2 Years | 29,040 (1st Year) | 32,970 | 30,066 |
KSOU Diploma & Certificate Course Fees 2026
KSOU Diploma Courses Fee Structure
| Course Name | Duration / Eligibility | Tuition Fee (₹) | Total Fee for Other Students (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma in Kannada | 10+2 Based | 4,840 | 7,340 |
| Diploma in Journalism | 10+2 Based | 6,490 | 8,990 |
| Diploma in Information Technology | 10+2 Based | 6,600 | 9,100 |
| Diploma in Computer Application | 10+2 Based | 7,040 | 9,540 |
| Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education | 10+2 Based | 17,160 | 19,660 |
| Diploma in Translation Studies | 10+2 Based | 5,610 | 8,110 |
| Diploma in Predictive Astrology | 10+2 Based | 10,000 | 12,500 |
| Diploma in Mundane Astrology | 10+2 Based | 10,000 | 12,500 |
| Diploma in Vastu Astrology | 10+2 Based | 10,000 | 12,500 |
KSOU Post Graduate Certificate (PGC) Courses Fee Structure
| Course Name | Tuition Fee (₹) | Total Fee for Other Students (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| PGC English | 4,840 | 7,340 |
| Communicative English | 4,840 | 7,340 |
| Marketing Management | 5,610 | 8,110 |
| Human Resource Management | 9,790 | 12,290 |
| Business Administration | 4,840 | 7,340 |
| Financial Management | 9,790 | 12,290 |
| Information Technology | 9,790 | 12,290 |
| Journalism & Mass Communication | 9,460 | 11,960 |
| Kuvempu Sahitya | 4,840 | 7,340 |
| Business Law | 8,690 | 11,190 |
| Computer Application | 10,230 | 12,730 |
| Ambedkar Studies | 4,840 | 7,340 |
| Linguistics | 4,840 | 7,340 |
KSOU Certificate Courses Fee Structure
| Course Name | Tuition Fee (₹) | Total Fee for Other Students (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Panchayat Raj | 3,190 | 5,690 |
| Information Communication Technology | 4,290 | 6,790 |
| Translation Studies | 3,190 | 5,690 |
| Jyothir Vigyan | 8,000 | 10,500 |
KSOU Distance Courses Categories
| Category | Courses |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate (UG) | BA, BCom, BBA, BCA, BSc (Hons), BLIS, BSW |
| Postgraduate (PG) | MBA, MCA, MA, MCom, MSc, MSW, MLIS |
| PG Certificate | English, Management, IT, Journalism, Law, Computer Applications etc. |
| Diploma | Kannada, Journalism, IT, Computer Application, Translation Studies, Astrology etc. |
| Certificate | Panchayat Raj, ICT, Translation Studies, Jyothir Vigyan |
Online Courses Offered at KSOU
Undergraduate Programmes
| Programmes | Duration | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts (History, Economics, Political Science) | 3 Years | 100 |
| B.Com | 3 Years | 100 |
Postgraduate Programmes
| Programmes | Duration | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts – Kannada | 4 Semesters | 80 |
| Master of Arts – English | 4 Semesters | 80 |
| Master of Arts – Hindi | 4 Semesters | 80 |
| Master of Arts – Sanskrit | 2 Years | 70 |
| Master of Arts – Economics | 4 Semesters | 80 |
| Master of Commerce | 4 Semesters | 80 |
| Master of Business Administration | 4 Semesters | 94 |
| Master of Science – Mathematics | 4 Semesters | 82 |
KSOU Fees for Online UG & PG Courses
| Sl No | Programme | Year | Processing Fee (₹) | Registration Fee (₹) | Library Fee (₹) | Alumni Fee (₹) | Tuition Fee (₹) | Total Fee (₹) | Foreign Students |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | B.A | I | 1000 | 1000 | 500 | 500 | 7000 | 10000 | Indian Fee + 250 USD |
| II | 1000 | — | 500 | — | 8500 | 10000 | — | ||
| III | 1000 | — | 500 | — | 8500 | 10000 | — | ||
| 2 | B.COM | I | 1000 | 1000 | 500 | 500 | 9000 | 12000 | Indian Fee + 250 USD |
| II | 1000 | — | 500 | — | 10500 | 12000 | — | ||
| III | 1000 | — | 500 | — | 10500 | 12000 | — | ||
| 3 | M.A (Kannada, English, Hindi, Sanskrit, Economics) | I | 1000 | 1000 | 500 | 500 | 12000 | 15000 | Indian Fee + 250 USD |
| II | 1000 | — | 500 | — | 13500 | 15000 | — | ||
| 4 | M.COM | I | 1000 | 1000 | 500 | 500 | 17000 | 20000 | Indian Fee + 300 USD |
| II | 1000 | — | 500 | — | 18500 | 20000 | — | ||
| 5 | M.B.A | I | 2000 | 1000 | 500 | 500 | 36000 | 40000 | Indian Fee + 300 USD |
| II | 2000 | — | 500 | — | 37500 | 40000 | — | ||
| 6 | M.Sc Mathematics | I | 1000 | 1000 | 500 | 500 | 37000 | 40000 | Indian Fee + 300 USD |
| II | 1000 | — | 500 | — | 38500 | 40000 | — |
Notes:
- The exchange rate considered for fee remittance (USD to INR) will be based on the rate applicable on the first working day of the month as per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
- The applicable fee for Change of Name / Re-enrolment / Study Centre Change (wherever applicable) is ₹1,000.
- The applicable fee for the following services is ₹2,000:
- Study Certificate for NRI students or Tibetan candidates who have studied in Karnataka for a minimum period of 5 years.
- Eligibility fee for students residing or having studied outside Karnataka.
- Re-enrolment fee after a break of two years.
- Bonafide Certificate (wherever applicable).
- The fee for MPP (Level-I) is ₹1,000.
KSOU Examination Fee for Online Courses
| Programmes | One Paper (₹) | Two Paper (₹) | Three Paper (₹) | Four & Above (₹) | Full Fee (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B.A | 1500 | 2000 | 2500 | 3000 | 3000 |
| B.COM | 1500 | 2000 | 2500 | 3000 | 3000 |
| M.A | 1500 | 2000 | 2500 | 3000 | 3000 |
| M.COM | 1500 | 2000 | 2500 | 3000 | 3000 |
| MBA | 1500 | 2000 | 2500 | 3000 | 3000 |
| M.Sc. | 1500 | 2000 | 2500 | 3000 | 3000 |
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
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.
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
- Visit the official KSOU website at ksoumysuru.ac.in or open the KSOU Digital Academic Platform App.
- Click on Admissions / Student Login and log in with your application number or enrolled student credentials.
- Select the programme and year for which you are paying fees. Verify the fee breakup displayed on screen.
- Choose your preferred payment method: UPI / Debit Card / Credit Card / Net Banking.
- Complete the transaction and download the payment receipt. Keep it safely — it is required for examination form submission.
- 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 Timing | Refund Percentage |
|---|---|
| Before the formal commencement of the programme | 100% (full refund, minus processing charges) |
| Up to 15 days after commencement | 80% |
| 16 to 30 days after commencement | 50% |
| 31 to 90 days after commencement | 25% |
| After 90 days from commencement | No refund |
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.
