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KSOU Distance MBA Fee Structure, Eligibility and Admission 2026-27

Updated 27 October 2026 Programmes 14 min read

Fast facts

Programme Name Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Mode of Study Distance
Duration 2 Years
Total Credits 94
Medium of Instruction English
Approvals UGC, AICTE
On this page
  1. KSOU MBA course – UGC and AICTE approval
  2. KSOU MBA specialisations – eight options
  3. KSOU MBA eligibility criteria – three year bachelor degree
  4. KSOU MBA programme duration – two years
  5. KSOU MBA fee structure – July 2026-27 cycle
  6. KSOU MBA fee concessions – tuition fee discount
  7. KSOU MBA admission process – online mode
  8. KSOU MBA syllabus – Choice Based Credit System
  9. KSOU MBA semester II course matrix – hard core subjects
  10. KSOU MBA semester III course matrix – core and elective groups
  11. KSOU MBA semester IV course matrix – core and elective groups
  12. KSOU MBA examination details – semester end exams
  13. KSOU MBA admission dates – July 2026-27 cycle
  14. KSOU MBA department contact number – helpline numbers
  15. KSOU pages you will need
  16. Download KSOU Official Documents
  17. Questions Students Ask About KSOU
  18. More on Courses & Fees

KSOU MBA course – UGC and AICTE approval

Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme in distance mode.

The programme is approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).

The medium of instruction for the MBA programme is English. Examinations may be answered in either English or Kannada.

The main gate of KSOU, with its name, buildings, and a road.
The main entrance gate of Karnataka State Open University at Mukta Gangotri, Mysore.
Location of Karnataka State Open University headquarters.

KSOU MBA specialisations – eight options

The Department of Studies and Research in Management at KSOU offers eight specialisations for the Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme.

Students opt for a specialisation in the third and fourth semesters.

KSOU MBA Specialisations

Specialisation
Finance
Marketing
Human Resource
Operations
Tourism
Corporate Law
IT (Information Technology)
HHCM (Hospital and Health Care Management)

KSOU MBA eligibility criteria – three year bachelor degree

To be eligible for admission to the Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme at KSOU, candidates must have obtained any Bachelor’s Degree of three years duration.

Candidates studying any degree programme in KSOU or another university can pursue the MBA under the dual degree facility, provided they meet eligibility conditions.

KSOU MBA programme duration – two years

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme at KSOU has a normal duration of two years.

Students are expected to complete the programme within this minimum period.

A student unable to complete the programme within the normal period may be allowed an additional two years to clear backlogs. The maximum period for completion is N+2 years, where N is the normal duration.

The programme follows a semester scheme based on the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS). The total credits for the MBA programme are 94, with each credit representing 30 hours of study.

KSOU MBA fee structure – July 2026-27 cycle

KSOU has prescribed the following fee structure for the Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme for the July 2026-27 cycle.

Candidates must pay the prescribed fee online after document verification.

KSOU MBA Fee Structure for July 2026-27 Cycle

Fee Type Amount (Rs.)
Tuition Fee 28,270
Registration Fee 1,000
Processing Fee 500
ID Card Fee 150
Study Material Fee 2,000
Skill Development Fee 500
Sports Fee 100
Computer Lab Fee 500
Library Fee 200
E-Content Fee 100
Total First Year Fee 33,320
Second Year Renewal Fee 32,120
Direct Admission to Second Year 36,050
Eligibility Fee for candidates residing outside Karnataka or studied outside Karnataka 2,500
Eligibility Fee for direct admission / lateral entry to 2nd / 3rd Year UG / PG Programmes 2,500
Alumni Fee 550
Additional Processing Fee for Direct Admissions 550
Examination Fee (Per Semester for I, II, III Semesters) 1,650
Examination Fee (Per Semester for IV Semester) 1,900

First page of the official KSOU document: KSOU Online Programmes Admission Renewal Fee Notification 2026
First page of the official document KSOU Online Programmes Admission Renewal Fee Notification 2026 (2026).
First page of the official KSOU document: KSOU Fee Structure July Cycle 2026-27
First page of the official document KSOU Fee Structure July Cycle 2026-27 (2026).
KSOU KSOU distance MBA fee structure – July 2026-27 cycle (₹) chart
KSOU distance MBA fee structure – July 2026-27 cycle (₹).

KSOU MBA fee concessions – tuition fee discount

KSOU offers fee concessions on the tuition fee for specific categories of candidates.

These concessions are applicable as per university guidelines.

  • BPL Women candidates receive a 10% concession on tuition fee only.
  • Defence and ex-servicemen students receive a 10% concession on tuition fees.
  • Cab/auto drivers, their spouse, and two children are eligible for a 10% concession on tuition fee upon producing an identity card.
  • Children of parents who died due to the Covid pandemic receive a full fee rebate.
  • Transgender candidates receive full fee concession.
  • Visually impaired candidates (above 50%) receive full fee exemption, as per government orders, but this does not apply to the MBA programme.
  • SC/ST students can claim relaxation in exam fees if they pass the examination in the year of admission itself. No exam fee relaxation is applicable for SC/ST students reappearing for exams.

First page of the official KSOU document: KSOU Online Programmes Admission Fee Order 2026-27
First page of the official document KSOU Online Programmes Admission Fee Order 2026-27 (2026).

KSOU MBA admission process – online mode

Admission to the Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme at KSOU is conducted only through online mode.

Candidates must complete a knowledge assessment test as part of the admission procedure.

  1. The applicant must apply online, fill in the necessary details, and pay a processing fee.
  2. After the first step, a knowledge assessment test link will be sent to the applicant’s mobile number. The applicant must undergo the test, which consists of 50 questions.
  3. The applicant should show proof of completing the Knowledge Assessment Test to the concerned authorities before admission.
  4. After the assessment test, the student must undergo document verification at a regional centre or the university headquarters.
  5. Finally, the applicant must take MBA admission by paying the fee prescribed by the university.

KSOU MBA syllabus – Choice Based Credit System

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme follows a Choice Based Credit System (CBCS).

Each 4-credit course has 20 marks for Internal Assessment (IA) and 80 marks for the Term End Exam, totaling 100 marks.

Each 2-credit course has 10 marks for Internal Assessment (IA) and 40 marks for the Term End Exam, totaling 50 marks.

The total credits for the MBA programme are 94.

KSOU MBA Semester I Courses

Sl. No. Title of the Course Hard Core/ Soft Core Number of Credits
MBHC-1.1 Management and Organizational Behavior HC 4
MBHC-1.2 Managerial Economics HC 4
MBHC-1.3 Accounting for Managers HC 4
MBHC-1.4 Statistics and Optimization Techniques HC 4
MBHC-1.5 Legal Aspects of Business HC 4
ELM 01 Open Elective SC 2

KSOU MBA semester II course matrix – hard core subjects

KSOU MBA Semester II Courses

Sl. No. Title of the Course Hard Core/ Soft Core No of Credits
MBHC-2.1 Information Technology for Managers HC 4
MBHC-2.2 Corporate Finance HC 4
MBHC-2.3 Marketing Management HC 4
MBHC-2.4 Human Resource Management HC 4
MBHC-2.5 Managerial Communication and Research Methods HC 4
ELM 02 Open Elective SC 2

KSOU MBA semester III course matrix – core and elective groups

KSOU MBA Semester III Core and Elective Courses

Sl. No. Title of the Course Hard Core / Soft Core No of Credit
MBHC-3.1 Entrepreneurship and Small Business HC 4
MBHC-3.2 Strategic Management HC 4
SEC-3 Tools of TQM SC 2
MBSC-3.1A Financial Markets and Institutions SC 4
MBSC-3.2A Advanced Corporate Finance SC 4
MBSC-3.3A Security Analysis and Portfolio Management SC 4
MBSC-3.1B Advertising and Sales Promotions SC 4
MBSC-3.2B Rural Marketing SC 4
MBSC-3.3B Consumer Behaviour and Marketing Research SC 4
MBSC-3.1C Strategic Human Resource Development SC 4
MBSC-3.2C Industrial Relations SC 4
MBSC-3.3C Performance Appraisal and Compensation Management SC 4
MBSC-3.1D Operations Research and Analytics SC 4
MBSC-3.2D Supply Chain Management SC 4
MBSC-3.3D Material and Purchase Management SC 4
MBSC-3.1E Tourism Development SC 4
MBSC-3.2E Tourism Sales and Marketing SC 4
MBSC-3.3E Hospitality Management SC 4
MBSC-3.1F Corporate Law SC 4
MBSC-3.2F Insurance Law SC 4
MBSC-3.3F Intellectual Property Rights SC 4
MBSC-3.1G Database Management System SC 4
MBSC-3.2G Business Intelligence and Analytics SC 4
MBSC-3.3G E-commerce SC 4
MBSC-3.1H Hospital and Healthcare Management SC 4
MBSC-3.2H Hospital Planning and Architecture SC 4
MBSC-3.3H Management of Clinical and Non Clinical Services SC 4

KSOU MBA semester IV course matrix – core and elective groups

KSOU MBA Semester IV Core and Elective Courses

Sl. No. Title of the Course Hard Core/ Soft Core No of Credits
MBHC-4.1 Quality and Operations Management HC 4
MBHC-4.2 International Business HC 4
SEC-4 Statistical Tools for Management SC 2
MBSC-4.1A Strategic Financial Management SC 4
MBSC-4.2A International Financial Management SC 4
MBSC-4.3A Derivatives SC 4
MBSC-4.1B Retailing and Supply Chain Management SC 4
MBSC-4.2B Business Marketing SC 4
MBSC-4.3B International Marketing SC 4
MBSC-4.1C Knowledge Management SC 4
MBSC-4.2C International Human Resource Management SC 4
MBSC-4.3C Labour Legislation SC 4
MBSC-4.1D Strategic Operations Management SC 4
MBSC-4.2D World Class Manufacturing SC 4
MBSC-4.3D Global Operations Management SC 4
MBSC-4.1E Travel Agency Management SC 4
MBSC-4.2E Eco-tourism and Sustainable Development SC 4
MBSC-4.3E Global Tourism SC 4
MBSC-4.1F Law of Banking SC 4
MBSC-4.2F International Trade Law SC 4
MBSC-4.3F Corporate Taxation Law SC 4
MBSC-4.1G Software Project Management SC 4
MBSC-4.2G Information Security SC 4
MBSC-4.3G Big Data Analytics using R SC 4
MBSC-4.1H Hospital Information System and Analytics SC 4
MBSC-4.2H Hospital Information System and Analytics SC 4
MBSC-4.3H Medical Laws and Ethics SC 4
Project Report HC 4
Viva-Voce 2

KSOU MBA examination details – semester end exams

Examinations for the Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme are conducted by the university at the end of each semester.

There are no supplementary examinations for the MBA programme.

Students can apply for re-evaluation and photocopies of answer scripts within 14 days from the result announcement date.

Applications for re-evaluation or photocopies must be submitted to the Registrar (Evaluation), Karnataka State Open University, Mukthagangothri, Mysuru-6, via registered post.

A large brown gate of KSOU, with trees and buildings under a cloudy sky.
The main entrance gate of Karnataka State Open University at Mukthagangothri, Mysore.

KSOU MBA admission dates – July 2026-27 cycle

KSOU commenced admissions for the July 2026-27 cycle.

The university announced an extension of the last date for admission to the 2026-27 July Cycle.

KSOU has not published the extended last date for admission to the Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme for the July 2026-27 cycle as of 15 October 2026.

KSOU MBA department contact number – helpline numbers

For assistance regarding the Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme, students can use the university’s helpline numbers.

  • Digital Academic Platform Number: 9686990030
  • Helpline: 8690544544
  • Helpline: 9902240608

KSOU Admission 2026 PDF

Questions Students Ask About KSOU

How is the MBA programme at KSOU?

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme at KSOU is a two-year distance learning programme approved by UGC and AICTE. It follows a Choice Based Credit System with 94 credits and offers eight specialisations. The curriculum is designed to develop managerial skills through a blend of personal contact programmes and counselling.

Can I pursue the KSOU MBA programme while studying another degree?

Yes, candidates studying any degree programme in KSOU or another university can pursue the Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme simultaneously under the dual degree facility. Applicants must fulfill the basic eligibility condition of holding a recognized three-year bachelor degree. During online application for the July 2026-27 session, candidates must submit their details through the official portal and complete document verification at a regional centre. If portal verification encounters errors, applicants should contact helpline numbers 8690544544 or 9902240608.

Is the KSOU MBA valid?

Yes, the Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme offered by Karnataka State Open University is valid. It is approved by both the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), ensuring its recognition for academic and professional purposes.

What are the KSOU MBA specialisations?

KSOU offers eight specialisations in its Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme, which students select during the third and fourth semesters. The available streams are Finance, Marketing, Human Resource, Operations, Tourism, Corporate Law, IT (Information Technology), and Hospital and Health Care Management (HHCM). Candidates opt for these elective groups while completing second-year admission renewal for the July 2026-27 cycle. If portal issues occur during elective selection, candidates should reach out to their designated regional centre for support.

What are the KSOU MBA subjects?

The KSOU Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme includes a range of subjects across four semesters, following a Choice Based Credit System. Core subjects cover areas like Management and Organizational Behavior, Managerial Economics, Corporate Finance, and Strategic Management. Additionally, students select elective subjects based on their chosen specialisation in the later semesters.

Does the KSOU MBA programme include a project report?

Yes, the KSOU MBA curriculum includes a mandatory 4-credit Hard Core Project Report carrying 100 marks in Semester IV. One typed copy must be submitted to the Department Chairperson at the KSOU Academic Block in Mysuru within the deadline set by the Registrar (Evaluation). Students must retain a second copy to present during the compulsory 2-credit Viva-Voce exam worth 50 marks. If submission fails before the cutoff date, candidates should immediately notify the Department Chairperson for official guidance.

What is the KSOU MBA department contact number?

Students can contact the KSOU MBA department and admission helpline through the Digital Academic Platform Number at 9686990030. Additional university support numbers include 8690544544 and 9902240608 for student queries. These helpdesks address issues regarding the July 2026-27 admission cycle, fee payment errors, and document verification steps. If telephone assistance fails to resolve an issue, candidates should visit the Department of Studies and Research in Management at the Mysuru campus.

What is the duration of the KSOU MBA programme?

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme at KSOU has a normal duration of two years structured across four semesters. Candidates who cannot complete all 94 credits within two years are granted a maximum period of four years (N+2 years) to clear backlogs. Students must complete annual renewal payments on the admission portal, including the second-year fee of Rs. 32,120 for the July 2026-27 session. If time limits expire, students must contact the Registrar (Evaluation) for re-registration procedures.

What is the total fee for the first year KSOU distance MBA?

The total first-year fee for the KSOU distance MBA programme in the July 2026-27 cycle is Rs. 33,320. This includes a Tuition Fee of Rs. 28,270, Registration Fee of Rs. 1,000, Study Material Fee of Rs. 2,000, and minor administrative charges. Candidates who completed their qualifying degree outside Karnataka must pay an additional eligibility fee of Rs. 2,500 online. If an online payment transaction fails during admission, candidates should contact university helpdesk numbers 8690544544 or 9902240608 before re-attempting.

What is the admission procedure for the KSOU MBA programme?

Admission to the KSOU MBA programme is conducted entirely online and requires passing a 50-question Knowledge Assessment Test. Applicants first submit an online application form and pay the processing fee through the admission portal. A test link is then sent to the registered mobile number, which must be completed prior to document verification at headquarters or regional centres. Once verification is cleared, candidates finalize admission by paying the July 2026-27 first-year fee of Rs. 33,320.

What is the eligibility criteria for KSOU distance MBA admission?

To be eligible for the KSOU distance MBA programme, applicants must hold a recognized Bachelor’s Degree of at least three years duration in any discipline. Candidates applying for the July 2026-27 admission cycle can register directly through the university online portal. Applicants who studied outside Karnataka are eligible upon paying an additional Rs. 2,500 eligibility fee during document verification. If verification issues arise at regional centres, candidates should contact the Digital Academic Platform number 9686990030 for support.

What is the examination fee for the KSOU MBA programme?

The examination fee for the KSOU MBA programme is Rs. 1,650 per semester for Semesters I to III, and Rs. 1,900 for Semester IV. Enrolled students in the July 2026-27 cycle must pay their exam fee online via the official portal. Candidates seeking re-evaluation must apply within 14 days of results by registered post to the Registrar (Evaluation) in Mysuru. If transaction failures occur, students should call helpline numbers 8690544544 or 9902240608.

What fee concessions are available for the KSOU MBA programme?

KSOU offers a 10% tuition fee concession for BPL women candidates, defence personnel, ex-servicemen, and auto or cab drivers and their families. Transgender students and children of Covid victims receive full fee waivers for the July 2026-27 session. Eligible minority category students must register through dom.karnataka.gov.in and upload certificates on the minority.ksouportal.com portal prior to regional centre verification. If portal verification fails, applicants should contact helpline numbers 8690544544 or 9902240608.

What is the medium of instruction for the KSOU MBA programme?

The medium of instruction for the KSOU MBA programme is English only. However, enrolled candidates in the July 2026-27 cycle are permitted to write their semester term-end examination papers in either English or Kannada. Students must select their language preference while filling out the examination application on the online portal. If technical errors arise during form submission, students should contact helpline numbers 8690544544 or 9902240608.

What is the KSOU MBA second year fee structure?

The total second-year renewal fee for the KSOU distance MBA programme in the July 2026-27 cycle is Rs. 32,120. Enrolled students continuing into their second year must complete their renewal admission and remit this amount online through the admission portal. Candidates also select their elective specialisation group during this second-year renewal registration process. If fee transaction errors occur on the portal, students should contact helpdesk numbers 8690544544 or 9902240608.

What is the fee structure for direct admission to the second year of the KSOU MBA programme?

Direct admission to the second year of the KSOU MBA programme costs Rs. 36,050 for the July 2026-27 session. Candidates taking lateral entry must additionally pay an eligibility fee of Rs. 2,500 and a processing fee of Rs. 550. Applicants must register on the official admission portal and verify their prior degree certificates at a regional centre. If technical errors occur during online fee payment, candidates should contact helpline numbers 8690544544 or 9902240608.

Where can I find the KSOU MBA prospectus?

Karnataka State Open University provides comprehensive MBA programme details, which serve as a prospectus, for the July 2026-27 cycle. This document outlines the curriculum, eligibility, fee structure, and admission process. You can download the “KSOU MBA 2026-27 July Programme Details” PDF from the official university website. This PDF contains all necessary information for prospective students.

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