Mysore/Mysuru: Following reports in a section of the press expressing doubts on recognition of KSOU academic courses/programmes by the UGC, the city-based KSOU (Karnataka State Open University) has issued a clarification in this regard.

In a press release dated Sept. 11, the KSOU said that the UGC has communicated  the decision of Interface Expert Committee meeting in a letter (dated June 16, 2023) stating that the recognition period shall start from the 2023-24 academic session beginning July-August, 2023 and onwards and that the last date for completion of the admission process for offering programmes in ODL (Open Distance Learning) mode is Aug. 31. However, based on the representations received by HEIs (Higher Education Institutions) to extend the last date of admission, the Commission, in a meeting held on July 25, decided that the last date of admission for all the HEIs for offering Online and/or ODL programmes for the academic session beginning July-August 2023 be extended to Sept. 30, 2023.

Also, all HEIs recognised/entitled to offer programmes through ODL and/or Online mode shall comply with the decisions of the UGC, failing which UGC will take punitive action as per Regulation 7(3) of UGC (ODL Programmes & Online Programmes), Regulations, 2020, the release said.

Alumnus alleges non-recognition of KSOU programme

The KSOU’s clarification comes after an Alumnus of the KSOU on Monday accused the University of starting admissions even though it had no official recognition for its programmes in the 2023-24 academic session. Addressing a press meet here on Sunday, A.S. Nandish, an Alumnus of KSOU, alleged that the University had started student admissions even though it does not have UGC recognition for its ODL or Online programmes (2023-24).

Maintaining that about 95,000 students who joined KSOU courses/programmes in 2013-14 and 2014-15 are yet to get UGC recognition, Nandish accused the KSOU of playing with the lives of students. He warned that the students may have to face a similar situation again this year.

He also urged the Govt. to take action against the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar and other officials for admitting students without any official and authentic recommendation by the UGC.