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Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University (KKHSOU) is a state open university established in 2005 in Guwahati, Assam. It is the first and only open university of the North East India region and operates under the Government of Assam. KKHSOU is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC), approved by the Distance Education Bureau (DEB), and holds NAAC B+ accreditation. It is a member of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
KKHSOU does not currently appear in the NIRF University ranked list.
The university’s permanent campus is located at Patgaon on the outskirts of Guwahati, with regional centres and study centres spread across Assam. KKHSOU operates through 9 Schools of Studies and maintains a network of learner support centres for students across the North East.
- Undergraduate Programmes: BA Hons. (Assamese, Economics, Education, English, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology). Also offered: B.Com, BBA, BCA, and B.Lib.I.Sc
- Postgraduate Programmes: MA in 13 subjects including Assamese, English, Economics, Hindi, History, Journalism and Mass Communication, Yoga, and Sociology. Also offered: MBA, M.Com, MSW, and M.Sc in IT and Mathematics
- Diploma Programmes: Journalism, Mass Communication, Broadcast Design, Business Management, HRM, Sales and Marketing, Library and Information Science, Sanskrit, Yoga, Computer Science
- Certificate Programmes: Tea Cultivation and Plantation Management, Vegetable Nursery Management, Data Analytics, Disaster Management, Electrical Wiring, Welding, Early Childhood Care and Education, Japanese Language
- Research: Ph.D. programmes across available departments
The total fees for BA Hons. and B.Com are INR 3,850 for the entire programme. BCA fees are INR 5,500. MBA fees are INR 16,500 for the full programme. Ph.D. registration fees are INR 72,000.
As per NIRF 2025 data, 1,236 students were placed from the graduating cohort with a median package of INR 3.6 LPA for 2-year PG graduates.
KKHSOU Admission Dates 2026
Admissions to KKHSOU for the 2026-27 academic session are merit-based with no entrance exam required for most UG and PG programmes. The admission process is fully online through the university’s official portal.
| Event | Date / Status (2026-27 Session) |
|---|---|
| Online Registration Opens | July 2026 |
| Application Deadline (most programmes) | Ongoing (check kkhsou.ac.in for current deadline) |
| Application Fee | INR 1,000 |
| Merit List / Admission Confirmation | Rolling admission on merit basis |
| Programme Commencement | October to December 2026 (session-wise) |
The table below shows the admission route for each course family at KKHSOU.
| Course Family | Entrance Exam | Selection Mode |
|---|---|---|
| BA, B.Com, BBA, BCA, B.Lib.I.Sc | None | Online merit-based |
| MA, M.Com, MBA, MSW, M.Sc | None | Online merit-based |
| B.Ed | State B.Ed entrance / KKHSOU Entrance Test | Entrance-based |
| Diploma, PG Diploma, Certificate | None | Online merit-based |
| Ph.D. | KKHSOU Research Entrance Test | Written test plus interview |
KKHSOU Courses and Fees
KKHSOU offers over 50 programmes across UG, PG, diploma, and certificate levels in the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode. Fees are among the lowest of any university in Assam, making KKHSOU accessible to learners who cannot attend regular classroom programmes.
| Course | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA Hons. (all subjects) | 3 years | 10+2 any stream | INR 3,850 |
| B.Com | 3 years | 10+2 any stream | INR 3,850 |
| BBA | 3 years | 10+2 any stream | INR 4,950 |
| BCA | 3 years | 10+2 with Mathematics | INR 5,500 |
| B.Lib.I.Sc | 1 year | Graduation | INR 5,500 |
| MA (Arts subjects) | 2 years | Graduation in relevant subject | INR 6,150 |
| MA (Yoga) | 2 years | Graduation | INR 8,800 |
| M.Com | 2 years | B.Com or equivalent | INR 6,150 |
| MSW | 2 years | Graduation | INR 6,150 |
| MBA | 2 years | Graduation in any discipline | INR 16,500 |
| M.Sc (Information Technology) | 2 years | B.Sc with IT/CS or BCA | INR 11,000 |
| M.Sc (Mathematics) | 2 years | B.Sc with Mathematics | INR 6,150 |
| Diploma in Business Management | 1 year | 10+2 | INR 16,500 |
| Diploma in Journalism / Mass Communication / Broadcast Design | 1 year | 10+2 | INR 4,500 |
| Ph.D. | 3 to 5 years | Masters with 55%, KKHSOU Research Entrance Test | INR 72,000 |
KKHSOU’s unique offerings include a Certificate in Tea Cultivation and Plantation Management (INR 3,500), a Certificate in Scientific Tea Cultivation (INR 3,500), and a Certificate in Japanese Language (INR 3,000), which are vocationally relevant for students in Assam’s tea and trade economy.
KKHSOU Admission Process
KKHSOU uses a fully online, self-directed admission process through its official portal at kkhsou.ac.in. No entrance exam is required for the majority of programmes.
UG and PG Admission (BA, B.Com, BBA, BCA, MA, MBA, M.Sc, M.Com, MSW)
- Eligibility (UG): 10+2 from any recognised board in any stream. BCA requires Mathematics at 10+2 level
- Eligibility (PG): Graduation in the relevant subject from any UGC-recognised university
- Process: Register online at the KKHSOU admission portal, fill in personal and academic details, pay the programme fee online, and submit the completed form
- Selection: Merit-based on qualifying examination marks. No entrance test or interview required
KKHSOU does not prescribe a minimum percentage for most UG and PG programmes, making it accessible to learners with varying academic backgrounds. Age is not a bar for admission.
B.Ed Admission
B.Ed admission at KKHSOU follows the state-level process under the NCTE framework. Eligible candidates with a graduation degree and minimum 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) appear in the KKHSOU B.Ed entrance examination. Seat allotment is based on entrance score and merit.
Ph.D. Admission
Ph.D. applicants must hold a master’s degree in the relevant subject with minimum 55% marks. Admission involves a KKHSOU Research Entrance Test followed by a personal interview. Candidates with a valid UGC-NET or JRF may be exempted from the written test. Ph.D. seats are available across humanities, social sciences, education, management, and IT departments.
Study Centres and ODL Structure
KKHSOU delivers its programmes through a network of regional and study centres across Assam and other Northeast states. Students attend periodic contact sessions at their nearest study centre, supplemented by printed self-learning materials and online study content. Examinations are conducted at designated centres across the region.
KKHSOU Placements
KKHSOU is an open university primarily serving working professionals, homemakers, and learners who cannot pursue regular classroom education. The university does not conduct a formal campus placement drive. As per NIRF 2025 data, 1,236 students were placed with a median package of INR 3.6 LPA for 2-year PG graduates.
Graduates from KKHSOU’s MBA and MA programmes are employed in government departments, NGOs, education institutions, media organisations, and small businesses across Assam and the North East. The MBA programme in ODL mode is valued by working professionals seeking a management qualification without a career break.
KKHSOU Campus and Infrastructure
KKHSOU’s permanent campus is located at Patgaon, on the outskirts of Guwahati, in the Kamrup district of Assam. The campus houses administrative offices, faculty rooms, a library, and examination management facilities.
The university maintains multiple regional centres across Assam to support student access. Study centres are housed in affiliated colleges and institutions across the state. KKHSOU provides printed Self-Learning Materials (SLMs) to all enrolled students and has expanded its digital delivery through an e-learning portal and recorded video lectures.
KKHSOU does not provide hostel facilities. Being a distance university, residential accommodation is not part of the institutional offering. Students in Guwahati access the campus or regional centres for contact sessions and examination purposes only.
KKHSOU vs IGNOU vs Gauhati University
Learners in Assam choosing a distance or open-mode programme typically compare KKHSOU with IGNOU and the distance education division of Gauhati University, which are the two most common alternatives available to Northeast India students.
| Parameter | KKHSOU, Guwahati | IGNOU, New Delhi | Gauhati University (Distance) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | State Open University (Assam) | National Open University (Central) | Distance Education Division of state university |
| Established | 2005 | 1985 | 1993 (DODL wing) |
| NAAC Grade | B+ | A++ (University) | A (parent university) |
| UGC-DEB Approved | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| BA Fees (total) | INR 3,850 | INR 7,200 to INR 10,800 | INR 4,000 to INR 7,000 |
| MBA Fees (total) | INR 16,500 | INR 31,500 | Not offered in distance mode |
| Regional Presence | Strong (Assam and NE-focused) | Pan-India (NE regional centre at Guwahati) | Primarily Assam |
| Language Support | Assamese medium available | Hindi and English primarily | Assamese medium available |
IGNOU has higher national recognition and a wider programme portfolio. KKHSOU has an advantage in regional language support (Assamese-medium SLMs), lower fees, and proximity to study centres across Assam. Gauhati University’s distance division shares the GU degree brand. The right choice depends on the programme required and the student’s language preference.
KKHSOU FAQs
Ques. Is KKHSOU degree valid and recognised?
Ans. Yes. KKHSOU is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and its degrees are approved by the Distance Education Bureau (DEB). It holds NAAC B+ accreditation. Degrees from KKHSOU are valid for government employment, competitive examinations, and further studies at any recognised institution.
Ques. Is there any entrance exam for MBA admission at KKHSOU?
Ans. No. KKHSOU MBA admission is merit-based with no entrance exam required. Candidates with a graduation degree in any discipline are eligible. The total programme fee is INR 16,500 for the full 2-year MBA. Apply online at kkhsou.ac.in.
Ques. What is the NAAC grade of KKHSOU?
Ans. KKHSOU holds a NAAC B+ accreditation. It is recognised by UGC, DEB, and NCTE, and is a member of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
Ques. Does KKHSOU appear in NIRF rankings?
Ans. KKHSOU does not currently appear in the NIRF University ranked list. It participates in NIRF by submitting annual performance data. KKHSOU is accredited by NAAC at B+ grade and is the only open university of North East India.
Ques. Can working professionals enrol in KKHSOU programmes?
Ans. Yes. KKHSOU is designed primarily for learners who cannot attend regular full-time programmes, including working professionals, homemakers, and those in remote areas. Most programmes have no age bar and no entrance exam requirement. Contact sessions at local study centres allow students to manage studies alongside employment.
Ques. What are the fees for BA at KKHSOU?
Ans. The total fee for a 3-year BA Hons. programme at KKHSOU is INR 3,850 for the entire duration. This is the programme fee for the general category. The application fee of INR 1,000 is payable separately at the time of registration.
Ques. Is KKHSOU better than IGNOU for Assam students?
Ans. Both KKHSOU and IGNOU are UGC-recognised open universities with equivalent degree validity. KKHSOU has a regional advantage with Assamese-medium study materials and closer study centres for Assam students. IGNOU has a wider programme range and higher national recognition. IGNOU fees are higher for comparable programmes. For Assam-based students who prefer Assamese-medium study materials, KKHSOU is the preferred option.
Comments
Found 110 Comments
The admission dates at Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University (KKHSOU) began around June or July for most programs. However, exact dates can vary depending on the course.
Yes, Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University (KKHSOU) offers a Master of Commerce (M.Com) program. The admission for the January 2025 session commenced in late January 2025, with the last date to apply being 15 March 2025.
Admission fees at Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University (KKHSOU) vary by program. For example, the Bachelor of Arts (BA) program has a first-semester fee of 3,850, with an additional INR 1,200 project fee in the final semester. Master of Arts (MA) programs have a per-semester fee of INR 6,150, plus an INR 1,200 project fee where applicable. Application fees are INR 300.
Yes, Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University (KKHSOU) offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program through the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode. Applicants must clear the entrance exam organized by the university. However, exemptions are provided for:
The fee for the MA in English is mentioned below:
University provides no scholarships to students. However it does provides relaxation to the reserved category as per UGC norms. Students can also apply for the scholarship online provide by State Government and Central Government to support students.
Yes, Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University - [KKHSOU], Guwahati offers the DElEd. The candidate seeking admission to the Correspondence Program should have qualified 10+2 or equivalent examination from any recognized Board.
There are no Dual Degree Courses offered in KKHSOU Guwahati. UG and PG courses offered at KKHSOU Guwahati are in one specialisation only.
Yes, KKHSOU provides the facilties of providing old question papers to the students for reference. You will find ‘Old Question Papers’ link on the KKHSOU official website. Click on the link and the papers will be downloaded.
Admisisons are ongoing at the Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University. The last date for the admissions is February 29, 2024 for the January Session.
contact number
The contact number of KKHSOU is 0361-2235398.
How to admission in ba course?
You can apply for admission to KKHSOU BA based on marks secured in the previous qualifying examination.
Admission to the Pragjyotish College Guwahati is based on merit in previous qualifying examinations. You can check here for the Pragjyotish College Guwahati Admission details.
Yes, MA in Education is available in KKHSOU.
You can either pay the fees in online mode through NEFT/netbanking via college’s netbanking portal when the link will be provided to your college mail. Or, you can also pay the fees in offline mode at the college’s finance department.
Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University does not offer a Diploma in Agriculture. You can check here for the Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University Courses.
Admission to KKHSOU Guwahati will begin by April and the last date for the same will be June 5th 2024.
Kindly contact on KKHSOU Office Contact number- +91-0361-2235971 or 2234964 to know the admission updates about PhD.
Aspirants seeking admission to a Diploma program in library science should have passed 10+2 or equivalent examination (in any stream) from a Council/University recognized by UGC.
The registration fee is INR 300 for the MCA course at the KKHSOU. Check here for the MCA from KKHSOU