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KSOU PhD Admission 2026 – Eligibility, Fees, and Entrance Exam

Updated 27 October 2026 Programmes 9 min read

KSOU PhD admission for the 2025-26 regular mode cycle requires candidates to hold a Master’s degree with at least 55% marks and submit an online application with a Rs. 2,000 fee.

Fast facts

Programme Mode Regular Mode
Minimum Duration 3 years
Maximum Duration 6 years
Application Fee Rs. 2,000/-
Entrance Test Fee Rs. 2,000/-
Course Work Fee Rs. 10,000/-
Annual Fee Rs. 10,000/-
On this page
  1. KSOU PhD Programmes Offered – 2025-26 Regular Mode
  2. KSOU PhD Eligibility Criteria – 2025-26 Regular Mode
  3. KSOU PhD Application and Entrance Test Fees – 2025-26 Regular Mode
  4. KSOU PhD Programme Fees – 2025-26 Regular Mode
  5. KSOU PhD notification – 2025-26 admission schedule
  6. KSOU PhD Admission Procedure – 2025-26 Regular Mode
  7. KSOU PhD Course Work Examination – October 2026
  8. KSOU pages you will need
  9. Download KSOU Official Documents
  10. Questions Students Ask About KSOU
  11. More on Courses & Fees

KSOU Programme Mode (₹) chart
Programme Mode (₹).

KSOU PhD Programmes Offered – 2025-26 Regular Mode

Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) offers a Ph.D. Programme in Regular Mode. The programme has a minimum duration of 3 years and a maximum duration of 6 years.

KSOU Ph.D. Programme Specialisations for 2025-26

Programme Specialisations
Ph.D. (Regular Mode) Kannada, English, Hindi, History, Economics, Political Science, Public Administration, Sociology, Social Work, Commerce, Management, Education, Library and Information Science, Mass Communication and Journalism, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Food Science and Nutrition, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Botany, Zoology, Geography, Geology, Psychology, Law

First page of the official KSOU document: KSOU B.Ed Programme English Prospectus July Cycle 2026-27
First page of the official document KSOU B.Ed Programme English Prospectus July Cycle 2026-27 (2026).
First page of the official KSOU document: KSOU B.Ed Programme Kannada Prospectus July Cycle 2026-27
First page of the official document KSOU B.Ed Programme Kannada Prospectus July Cycle 2026-27 (2026).

KSOU PhD Eligibility Criteria – 2025-26 Regular Mode

KSOU requires candidates for the Ph.D. Programme to hold a Master’s Degree. The minimum marks required vary based on the candidate’s category.

Candidates who have qualified UGC-NET/JRF, UGC-CSIR NET/JRF, SLET, GATE, GPAT, Teacher Fellowship, or M.Phil. are exempted from the entrance test.

KSOU Ph.D. Eligibility Criteria for 2025-26

Minimum Qualification Minimum Marks Required Relaxation
Master’s Degree 55% marks 50% marks for SC/ST/Cat-I/PWD candidates

Location of Karnataka State Open University headquarters.

KSOU PhD Application and Entrance Test Fees – 2025-26 Regular Mode

KSOU charges separate fees for the application and the entrance test for the Ph.D. Programme. A late fee applies for applications submitted after the initial deadline.

KSOU Ph.D. Application and Entrance Test Fees for 2025-26

Fee Type Amount
Application Fee Rs. 2,000/-
Entrance Test Fee Rs. 2,000/-
Late Fee for Application Rs. 500/-

KSOU KSOU PhD Application and Entrance Test Fees – 2025-26 Regular Mode (₹) chart
KSOU PhD Application and Entrance Test Fees – 2025-26 Regular Mode (₹).

KSOU PhD Programme Fees – 2025-26 Regular Mode

In addition to admission fees, KSOU levies a course work fee and an annual fee for the Ph.D. Programme. These fees are applicable for the 2025-26 academic year.

KSOU Ph.D. Course Work and Annual Fees for 2025-26

Fee Type Amount
Course Work Fee Rs. 10,000/-
Annual Fee Rs. 10,000/-

KSOU PhD notification – 2025-26 admission schedule

The admission process for the KSOU Ph.D. Programme for the 2025-26 academic year follows a specific timeline. Key dates include the notification release, application deadlines, and examination schedule.

KSOU Ph.D. Admission Dates for 2025-26 (Regular Mode)

Event Date
Date of Notification 28.04.2026
Last date for submission of online application 25.05.2026
Last date for submission of online application with late fee of Rs. 500/- 05.06.2026
Date of Entrance Test 15.06.2026
Date of Interview 25.06.2026
Date of Course Work Commencement 01.07.2026

First page of the official KSOU document: KSOU Ph.D. Coursework Examination Notification October 2026
First page of the official document KSOU Ph.D. Coursework Examination Notification October 2026 (2026).

KSOU PhD Admission Procedure – 2025-26 Regular Mode

To apply for the KSOU Ph.D. Programme, candidates must complete an online application and then submit a hard copy of the application along with supporting documents.

  1. Apply online through the KSOU website for Ph.D. application.
  2. Upload scanned copies of all required documents.
  3. Pay the applicable application fee online.
  4. Take a printout of the completed online application form.
  5. Submit the hard copy of the application form along with all necessary documents to The Registrar, Karnataka State Open University, Mukthagangothri, Mysuru – 570006.

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.
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 PhD Course Work Examination – October 2026

KSOU conducts course work examinations for its Ph.D. students. A course work examination for Ph.D. students is scheduled for October 2026.

KSOU Prospectus 2026 PDF

Questions Students Ask About KSOU

What is the eligibility for KSOU PhD admission 2026?

Candidates must possess a Master’s Degree with at least 55% marks to qualify for KSOU Ph.D. admission. A relaxed threshold of 50% applies to SC, ST, Category-I, and PWD candidates for the 2025-26 Regular Mode cycle notified on 28 April 2026. Applicants must complete the form on www.ksoumysuru.ac.in and submit the physical copy to The Registrar, KSOU, Mysuru – 570006. If any online transmission fails, candidates can contact the helpline at 8690544544.

What are the fees for KSOU PhD admission 2026?

The KSOU Ph.D. admission fees for 2026 include an application fee of Rs. 2,000/- and an entrance test fee of Rs. 2,000/-. Additionally, a course work fee of Rs. 10,000/- and an annual fee of Rs. 10,000/- are applicable for the 2025-26 Regular Mode programme. A late fee of Rs. 500/- applies for delayed applications.

When is the KSOU PhD entrance exam for 2026?

The KSOU Ph.D. entrance test for the 2025-26 Regular Mode session is scheduled for 15 June 2026. Candidates with UGC-NET/JRF, SLET, GATE, GPAT, or M.Phil. qualifications are completely exempted from writing this entrance exam. Candidates must pay the Rs. 2,000 entrance test fee on www.ksoumysuru.ac.in and send printed forms to The Registrar, KSOU, Mysuru – 570006. If any schedule query arises, candidates should call the helpline at 9902240608.

What is the last date to apply for KSOU PhD admission 2026?

The last date for submission of the online application for KSOU Ph.D. admission for the 2025-26 Regular Mode programme is 25 May 2026. Applications can be submitted with a late fee of Rs. 500/- until 05 June 2026. The official notification for this cycle was released on 28 April 2026.

What is the duration of the KSOU PhD programme?

The KSOU Ph.D. programme has a minimum duration of 3 years and a maximum duration of 6 years. This timeline applies to all candidates admitted under the 2025-26 Regular Mode session notified on 28 April 2026. Applicants must submit their initial online registration on www.ksoumysuru.ac.in and mail the hard copy to The Registrar, KSOU, Mukthagangothri, Mysuru – 570006. If candidates face issues regarding course completion schedules, they can call the university helpline at 8690544544.

Which departments offer PhD programmes at KSOU?

KSOU offers Ph.D. programmes in various departments, including Kannada, English, Hindi, History, Economics, Political Science, Public Administration, Sociology, Social Work, Commerce, Management, Education, Library and Information Science, Mass Communication and Journalism, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Food Science and Nutrition, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Botany, Zoology, Geography, Geology, Psychology, and Law. These are for the 2025-26 Regular Mode programme.

Who is exempted from taking the KSOU PhD entrance test?

Candidates who have qualified UGC-NET/JRF, UGC-CSIR NET/JRF, SLET, GATE, GPAT, Teacher Fellowship, or M.Phil. are fully exempted from the entrance test. This exemption applies to the 2025-26 Regular Mode admission cycle notified on 28 April 2026. Candidates must register online at www.ksoumysuru.ac.in and submit valid score certificates to The Registrar, KSOU, Mysuru – 570006. If document verification fails, applicants can reach the helpline at 8690544544.

How do candidates submit the hard copy of the KSOU PhD application?

Candidates must post or deliver the printed online application form along with all required supporting documents to The Registrar, Karnataka State Open University, Mukthagangothri, Mysuru – 570006. This requirement applies to the 2025-26 Regular Mode cycle following online submission on www.ksoumysuru.ac.in by 25 May 2026 or with a Rs. 500 late fee by 05 June 2026. If postal delivery fails, candidates can contact the helpline at 9902240608.

When is the interview scheduled for KSOU PhD admission 2026?

The KSOU Ph.D. admission interview is scheduled to take place on 25 June 2026. This date applies to candidates applying for the 2025-26 Regular Mode cycle who successfully clear or are exempted from the 15 June 2026 entrance test. Shortlisted applicants must verify interview details on www.ksoumysuru.ac.in and bring all original certificates. If interview notification updates fail to appear, candidates should contact the KSOU helpline at 8690544544.

What helpline numbers can applicants contact for KSOU PhD admission issues?

Applicants can reach KSOU for Ph.D. admission assistance by calling the helpline numbers 8690544544 or 9902240608. Additionally, the Digital Academic Platform Number is 9686990030 for general academic queries regarding the 2025-26 Regular Mode programme. Candidates should visit www.ksoumysuru.ac.in to access student services or submit grievances. If phone calls fail to connect, written queries can be submitted at the university campus in Mukthagangothri, Mysuru – 570006.

Is the KSOU PhD programme offered in distance mode or regular mode?

The KSOU Ph.D. programme is strictly offered in Regular Mode for the 2025-26 academic session. This rule applies to all 28 departments notified under the official admission release on 28 April 2026. Candidates must complete the application process on www.ksoumysuru.ac.in and pay the Rs. 2,000 application fee online. If candidates experience technical glitches during the online payment process, they can call the Digital Academic Platform number at 9686990030.

When is the KSOU PhD course work examination held in 2026?

The KSOU Ph.D. course work examination is scheduled to be conducted in October 2026. This examination applies to registered research scholars enrolled in the Ph.D. programme for the 2025-26 cycle. Candidates must access exam schedules and updates on www.ksoumysuru.ac.in and clear their annual fee of Rs. 10,000/- prior to appearing. If examination portal updates fail to load, candidates should call the helpline at 9902240608.

Which batches can appear for the KSOU PhD course work examination in May 2026?

The KSOU Ph.D. course work examination in May 2026 is conducted for registered research scholars from the 2023-24 and 2024-25 academic batches. Enrolled candidates under these cycles must satisfy all departmental attendance and coursework requirements prior to taking the test. Candidates must check timetable notifications on www.ksoumysuru.ac.in and pay their prescribed examination fees through the student portal. If any candidate faces hall ticket generation errors or portal issues, they should contact the examination section helpline at 9902240608.

When was the official notification for KSOU PhD admission 2025-26 released?

The official notification for KSOU Ph.D. admission for the 2025-26 Regular Mode session was released on 28 April 2026. Applicants must submit online forms by 25 May 2026 or with a Rs. 500/- late fee by 05 June 2026. Candidates should register on www.ksoumysuru.ac.in, pay the Rs. 2,000/- application fee, and post printed copies to Mukthagangothri, Mysuru – 570006. If online document downloads fail, candidates can contact the helpline at 9902240608.

What is the step-by-step procedure to apply online for KSOU PhD admission 2026?

Candidates must apply online for KSOU Ph.D. admission by completing the application form on www.ksoumysuru.ac.in. Applicants need to upload scanned copies of required documents and pay the Rs. 2,000/- application fee online for the 2025-26 Regular Mode cycle. After online submission before 25 May 2026, a printed copy must be posted to The Registrar, KSOU, Mysuru – 570006. If candidates encounter technical errors during registration, they can contact the helpline at 9686990030.

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