Mysore/Mysuru: In a big boost to city-based KSOU for furthering its distance education outreach, the UGC (University Grants Commission) has given nod for starting 39 new courses.

Addressing a press meet at KSOU Guest House here yesterday for announcing details of the University’s 18th Annual Convocation to take place on July 2, KSOU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sharanappa V. Halse said, for the first time, KSOU has proposed to introduce online courses beginning this year. He pointed out that with the KSOU getting ‘A+’ accreditation from NAAC, it has become eligible to introduce online courses in addition to regular Open Distance Learning (ODL) programmes.

Continuing, Prof. Halse said that the KSOU has become qualified to launch 10 PG Courses and 3 UG Courses in online mode and a proposal in this regard has been sent to the UGC for approval.

He further said, the UGC has granted permission for introducing 39 new academic programmes out of the 51 courses for which recognition was sought and the 12 remaining programmes are being considered.

The recognition for these courses is for a period of five years since the NAAC accreditation is valid for five years, he said adding that the student enrolment with the University has jumped to 18,500 this year from 6,200 last year (2021-22).