![Pandit Sundarlal Sharma Open University - [PSSOU]](https://img.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/14962103131395482546PanditSundarlalSharmaOpenUniversity.png?h=71.7&w=71.7&mode=stretch)
Pandit Sundarlal Sharma (Open) University (PSSOU) is a state open university established in 2005 by the Government of Chhattisgarh under the PSSOU Chhattisgarh Act, 2004. It is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Distance Education Bureau (DEB) of UGC, and is listed with the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). PSSOU is the principal open and distance learning institution in Chhattisgarh.
PSSOU does not currently appear in the NIRF Open University ranked list. It serves students across Chhattisgarh through its headquarters in Bilaspur and 6 regional centres at Bilaspur, Raipur, Ambikapur, Durg, Jashpur, and Jagdalpur.
The university headquarters is in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. PSSOU offers programmes across 7 faculties: Arts and Humanities, Commerce and Management, Science, Education, Library and Information Science, Social Work, and Computer Science.
- UG programmes: BA, BBA, B.Com, B.Sc (Life Science, Mathematics), B.Ed, B.Lib
- PG programmes: MA (Hindi, English, Sanskrit, Political Science, Sociology, Education, Mathematics, Chhattisgarhi), MBA, M.Com, M.Sc (Computer Science, Mathematics, Botany, Zoology), MSW, M.Lib
- Doctoral programmes: PhD in Hindi, Education, Commerce, Sociology, Management, Psychology, Computer Science, Library and Information Science
- Diploma and Certificate programmes: Diploma in Computer Application (DCA), Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed), PGDCA, PG Diploma in Yoga, PG Diploma in Guidance and Counselling, Certificate in GST
The total fees for BA/B.Com/BBA/B.Sc are INR 6,900 per year (INR 20,700 for three years). MBA fees are INR 20,500 per year (INR 41,000 total). B.Ed fees are INR 30,900 per year (INR 61,800 total for two years).
PSSOU provides access to government scholarship schemes including the post-matric scholarship for SC/ST/OBC students and the Central Sector Scheme for high-achieving students from economically weaker families.
As an open and distance learning institution, PSSOU does not conduct campus placements. Most students are working professionals or first-generation learners in rural Chhattisgarh pursuing formal qualifications through the distance mode.
PSSOU Admission Dates 2026
PSSOU typically opens admissions once a year for a July session. The July 2026 session has closed. The final extended deadline was 15 September 2026 for UG and PG programmes. The next session is expected to open in mid-2027.
| Event | Date / Status (July 2026 Session, Concluded) |
|---|---|
| General admission last date | 27 June 2026 |
| Extended deadline (UG and PG) | 15 September 2026 |
| B.Ed and D.El.Ed deadline | Separate notification (check PSSOU portal) |
| Application mode | Online at pssou.ac.in |
| Admission basis | Merit for all UG and PG programmes; PhD involves written test |
The table below lists the exam requirements for each programme family. No entrance test is required for UG or PG distance programmes.
| Programme Family | Exam Required | Admission Basis |
|---|---|---|
| BA / B.Com / BBA / B.Sc | None | Class 12 merit |
| B.Ed | PSSOU B.Ed entrance test | Entrance test and graduation merit |
| MA / MBA / M.Com / M.Sc / MSW | None | UG merit |
| Diploma (DCA, D.El.Ed) and PG Diploma | None | Qualifying marks |
| PhD | University Research Entrance Test | Written test and interview |
PSSOU Courses and Fees
PSSOU offers over 35 programmes at UG, PG, PhD, Diploma, and Certificate levels in the distance mode. Fees are among the most affordable in Chhattisgarh for higher education, making PSSOU accessible to students from rural and tribal areas across the state.
| Course | Duration | Eligibility | Fees (Per Year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA / BBA / B.Com / B.Sc (Maths / Life Sc.) | 3 years | Class 12 pass | INR 6,900 |
| B.Ed | 2 years | Graduation with 50% | INR 30,900 |
| B.Lib | 1 year | Graduation pass | INR 12,100 |
| MBA | 2 years | Graduation in any stream | INR 20,500 |
| MA (Hindi / English / Sanskrit / Political Sc. / Sociology) | 2 years | Graduation in relevant subject | INR 8,100 |
| MA (Education / Mathematics) | 2 years | Graduation with relevant subject | INR 8,600 |
| MA (Chhattisgarhi) | 2 years | Graduation | INR 15,300 (total) |
| M.Com | 2 years | B.Com | INR 8,600 |
| M.Sc (Computer Science) | 2 years | B.Sc CS / BCA | INR 10,900 |
| M.Sc (Mathematics) | 2 years | B.Sc Mathematics | INR 8,600 |
| M.Sc (Botany / Zoology) | 2 years | B.Sc with relevant subject | INR 21,700 (total) |
| MSW | 2 years | Graduation in any stream | INR 12,250 |
| M.Lib | 1 year | B.Lib | INR 11,700 (total) |
| PhD (all disciplines) | Minimum 3 years | PG with 55% | INR 76,500 (total) |
| DCA (Diploma in Computer Application) | 1 year | Class 12 pass | INR 9,600 |
| D.El.Ed (Diploma in Elementary Education) | 2 years | Class 12 with 50% | INR 12,900 |
| PGDCA | 1 year | Graduation in any stream | INR 10,900 |
| PG Diploma in Yoga | 1 year | Graduation | INR 9,100 |
PSSOU uniquely offers MA in Chhattisgarhi language and culture, making it the only open university in India with a dedicated PG programme in the Chhattisgarhi language. This programme serves students interested in regional language studies and government service in the state.
PSSOU Admission Process
PSSOU follows a direct merit-based admission model for all UG and PG distance programmes. No entrance test is required except for B.Ed and PhD. The entire process is online.
UG Admission (BA, BBA, B.Com, B.Sc, B.Lib)
- Eligibility: Class 12 pass from a recognised board (any stream)
- B.Lib eligibility: Any graduation
- Admission basis: First-come-first-served within the admission window
- Reservation: Chhattisgarh government norms apply (SC, ST, OBC categories)
B.Ed Admission
B.Ed is the most competitive programme at PSSOU. It requires a graduation degree with minimum 50% marks (45% for reserved categories). PSSOU conducts a state-level B.Ed entrance test for distance B.Ed seats.
- Eligibility: Graduation with 50% marks (General), 45% (SC/ST/OBC)
- Process: B.Ed entrance test, merit list, document verification, fee payment
PG Admission (MBA, MA, M.Com, M.Sc, MSW)
- Eligibility: Relevant UG degree with 45% marks (General), 40% (Reserved)
- MBA: Any graduation with 45% marks
- Admission basis: UG marks-based merit list
PhD Admission
PhD programmes require a PG degree with a minimum 55% marks. Candidates sit for a university research entrance test followed by an interview. UGC JRF and NET holders are typically exempted from the entrance test.
PSSOU Career Outcomes
PSSOU is an open and distance learning institution. Traditional campus placements are not conducted. The majority of enrolled students are working professionals, school teachers, government employees, and first-generation rural learners seeking a formal degree to qualify for promotions or government examinations.
The key career pathways for PSSOU graduates reflect Chhattisgarh’s employment landscape. B.Ed and D.El.Ed graduates target Chhattisgarh school teaching posts under the State Public Service Commission. MBA and M.Com graduates pursue bank PO, government finance, and management roles. MA graduates appear for CGPSC (Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission) and UPSC examinations.
| Programme | Primary Career Pathway |
|---|---|
| B.Ed / D.El.Ed | Teaching posts in Chhattisgarh government schools (CG Teacher Recruitment) |
| MBA | Government sector management, banking, cooperative sector in Chhattisgarh |
| MA (Hindi / Education / Political Science) | CGPSC / UPSC civil services, school and college teaching |
| M.Sc (Computer Science) | IT and computer science roles in state government, IT services in Raipur-Bilaspur corridor |
| MSW | NGO sector, government welfare schemes, ICDS and tribal welfare departments |
PSSOU Scholarships
Students at PSSOU can access central and state government scholarship schemes. Applications are processed online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) and the Chhattisgarh scholarship portals.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Matric Scholarship (SC/ST) | SC/ST students, family income below INR 2.5 Lakhs | Full tuition fee and maintenance allowance per NSP norms |
| Post-Matric Scholarship (OBC) | OBC students, family income below INR 1 Lakh | Maintenance allowance and partial tuition reimbursement |
| Central Sector Scheme (CSS) | Class 12 toppers (top 20 percentile), family income below INR 4.5 Lakhs | INR 10,000 per annum for UG, INR 20,000 for PG and professional courses |
| Chhattisgarh Sarvahan Sahayata Yojana | Eligible scheduled caste and tribe students from Chhattisgarh | State government transport and study support assistance |
PSSOU Headquarters and Regional Centres
PSSOU’s main campus and administrative headquarters are located in Bilaspur, the judicial capital of Chhattisgarh. The university operates 6 regional centres spread across the state to serve students in both urban and tribal belt areas.
- Regional centres: Bilaspur, Raipur, Ambikapur, Durg, Jashpur, and Jagdalpur
Each regional centre serves as a hub for counselling sessions, practical examinations, and term-end examination administration. Study centres are further authorised at degree colleges and institutions across Chhattisgarh, extending PSSOU’s reach into remote and tribal districts.
As an open university, PSSOU does not provide hostel or on-campus residential facilities. Students access the university primarily through the online portal and regional centre examination venues.
PSSOU vs IGNOU vs MP Bhoj Open University
These three open universities serve overlapping student profiles in central India. Aspirants from Chhattisgarh frequently compare PSSOU with IGNOU for degree recognition strength and with MP Bhoj Open University as a regional peer from the neighboring state.
| Parameter | PSSOU (Chhattisgarh) | IGNOU (National) | MP Bhoj Open University |
|---|---|---|---|
| Established | 2005 | 1985 | 1991 |
| Type | State Open University, Chhattisgarh | Central Open University, National | State Open University, Madhya Pradesh |
| Programmes Offered | 35-plus | 200-plus | 100-plus |
| Regional Centres | 6 (in Chhattisgarh) | 75-plus (pan-India) | 15-plus (in MP) |
| Admission | Merit (most programmes) | Merit (most programmes) | Merit (most programmes) |
| Key Advantage | State domicile preference for CG government jobs, MA Chhattisgarhi | National recognition, widest range of programmes | MP domicile preference, Hindi-medium focus |
IGNOU degrees carry the strongest national brand recognition and offer the broadest programme range. PSSOU’s advantage is state-level recognition for Chhattisgarh government job applications, domicile preference in CGPSC, and highly affordable fees designed for the state’s economically weaker student population. MP Bhoj Open University is the logical choice for students from Madhya Pradesh with similar needs.
PSSOU FAQs
Ques. Is PSSOU a government university?
Ans. Yes. PSSOU is a state government open university established by the Government of Chhattisgarh in 2005. It is UGC and DEB recognised and is listed with the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
Ques. Is PSSOU degree valid for government jobs?
Ans. Yes. PSSOU degrees are recognised by UGC and DEB and are valid for Chhattisgarh government job applications, CGPSC examinations, and competitive examinations including UPSC. The university is AIU listed.
Ques. When will PSSOU 2027 admissions open?
Ans. The July 2026 session admissions have concluded. Based on past cycles, PSSOU admissions for the 2027 session are expected to open in May to June 2027. Monitor the official PSSOU portal at pssou.ac.in for the exact opening date and schedule.
Ques. Does PSSOU require an entrance exam for MBA?
Ans. No. PSSOU MBA admission is merit-based on UG marks. No CAT, MAT, or state-level MBA entrance test is required for PSSOU MBA admission.
Ques. What is the total MBA fee at PSSOU?
Ans. The MBA fee at PSSOU is INR 20,500 per year, totalling INR 41,000 for the two-year programme. This is one of the most affordable MBA fees among open universities in central India.
Ques. How many regional centres does PSSOU have?
Ans. PSSOU operates 6 regional centres: Bilaspur, Raipur, Ambikapur, Durg, Jashpur, and Jagdalpur. Additional study centres are authorised at degree colleges across Chhattisgarh.
Ques. Does PSSOU offer the B.Ed programme?
Ans. Yes. PSSOU offers a 2-year B.Ed programme in the distance mode, with fees of INR 30,900 per year. Admission requires graduation with a minimum 50% marks. A university-level B.Ed entrance test is conducted for seat allotment.
Comments
Found 51 Comments
For B.Ed admission at Pandit Sundarlal Sharma Open University (PSSOU), Bilaspur, for the 2025-26 session, the online application period opened on 1 July 2025, and the last date to apply was extended to 31 August 2025 for most courses, including B.Ed. Students could submit applications online through the official admission portal before this deadline.
For MSc Chemistry at Pandit Sundarlal Sharma Open University (PSSOU), Gandhinagar/Bilaspur, the admission for the academic session 2025-26 was open but the deadline has already passed. PSSOU started admissions for various UG and PG courses including MSc programs earlier in 2025, and the last date was extended up to 15?October?2025 for the July-June session, with applications submitted online or offline.
The candidate seeking admission to this course should have passed graduation under the 10+2+3 or 10+2+4 system in a relevant stream from the recognized university or equivalent thereto.
The admission procedure is carried out online through the official website of PSSOU. Admissions begin with the registration process, and candidates are asked to enter details such as name, gender, mobile number, etc. Along with this, a scanned copy of a passport size photograph and signatures must also be uploaded. Further, to get the registration id and password, candidates must make payment of the mentioned amount. Once the registration id and password have been given, candidates can log in and enter academic details and other details. Once completed, you need to upload a scanned copy of higher secondary level certificates and other necessary documents and take a print out of the duly filled application form. The form and the documents should be taken to the allotted admission center for verification and further processing.
The PGDCA course is 1 year in duration. The candidate seeking admission to this course should have passed graduation under the 10+2+3 or 10+2+4 system in a relevant stream from ra ecognized university or equivalent thereto.
Pt. Sundarlal Sharma (Open) University (PSSOU) has not publicly disclosed the exact number of seats available for the Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) program. Admission to the B.Ed. program is competitive and based on the Pre B.Ed. entrance examination conducted by the university.
Applicants seeking admission to this course must be Teacher in relevant discipline. The fee for the DElEd course is INR 10,000.
The fee for the BEd course is mentioned below:
Candidates seeking admission to B.Ed course should have passed graduation in a relevant stream from recognized university.
Pandit Sundarlal Sharma Open University (PSSOU), Bilaspur, offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Yoga Science. Admisison is based on the merit in the previous qualifying examinations. Registration for all the courses can be done at the University's official website.
The admission process for PSSOU Bilaspur will begin by July 1st 2024 and the classes will be held 8 weeks post that.
The last date to apply for the college PSSOU Bilaspur is February 28th 2024.
As per UGC rules, you can apply for 2 different distance degrees at the same time however, from different colleges.
The admission date for PSSOU Bilaspur will begin by July 1st 2024 and classes may begin 8 weeks post that.
Pandit Sundarlal Sharma Open University does not offer the Diploma in Yoga science.
Pandit Sundarlal Sharma Open University does not offer a diploma in yoga science. The Pandit Sundarlal Sharma Open University offers the Post Graduate Diploma in Yoga
MA course is available as PG degree and not diploma to the students by PSSOU Bilaspur.
The fee per year for the Diploma in Elementary Education is INR ?10,000 at the Pandit Sundarlal Sharma Open University. Admissions have been started you can apply online or offline for the course.
If interested, you can contact the college PSSOU Bilaspur at: 077522 10315.
Yes, you have to clear entrance examination conducted by university for taking admission to B.Ed.
Admission to PSSOU Bilaspur has already been over by September 2023.