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Odisha State Open University (OSOU), Sambalpur is a state public open university established in 2015 under the Odisha State Open University Act, 2015 by the Government of Odisha. It is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and approved by the Distance Education Bureau (DEB). OSOU is NAAC accredited and delivers all programmes exclusively through the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and online modes.
OSOU does not currently appear in NIRF or other major Indian ranking bodies, as it is among the younger open universities in the country.
The university is headquartered at the G.M. University Campus, Sambalpur, Odisha. It operates eight academic schools and maintains a network of regional and study centres across Odisha to support distance learners in the state.
OSOU offers programmes across a wide academic range:
- BA (Hons) in Economics, English, Hindi, History, Odia, Political Science, Sanskrit, and Sociology (4 years)
- BBA and B.Com (Hons) (3 years each)
- MA in Economics, English, Hindi, History, Odia, Political Science, Public Administration, Public Policy, Rural Development, Sanskrit, Sociology, and Journalism and Mass Communication (2 years)
- M.Com and M.Sc (Cyber Security) (2 years)
- PG Diplomas in Computer Applications, Management, Cyber Security, Journalism, Media Management, Disaster Management, and Rural Development (1 year each)
- Diploma programmes in Computer Applications, Management, Office Management, Tourism Studies, Journalism, and more
- Certificate courses in English Communication, Journalism, Sanskrit, Soft Skills, Tourism, Geriatric Care, Rural Development, Research Methodology, and E-Commerce Management
The total fees for BA (Hons) is INR 22,500 for 4 years. BBA and B.Com (Hons) fees are INR 11,700 for 3 years. MA fees are INR 15,500 for 2 years. M.Sc (Cyber Security) fees are INR 21,800 for 2 years.
OSOU Admission Dates 2026
OSOU runs two admission cycles each academic year: a July/August session and a January session. Admissions for the 2026-27 academic session (July batch) were anchored by a merit-based process for UG programmes and the OSOU PG Entrance Examination (OPEE) for PG programmes. The July 2026 session application window has now closed.
The table below shows the completed 2026-27 July session timeline.
| Event | 2026-27 July Session (Concluded) |
|---|---|
| Application window opens | 19 June 2026 |
| Last date to apply | 30 September 2026 |
| Session commencement | August 2026 |
The January 2027 session is the next upcoming admission cycle. Tentative dates based on the university’s annual pattern are listed below.
| Event | January 2027 Session (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| Application window expected to open | November 2026 |
| Expected last date to apply | January 2027 |
| Session commencement | January 2027 |
The table below lists the exam or selection process applicable for each major programme group.
| Programme | Admission Mode | Application Portal |
|---|---|---|
| BA (Hons), BBA, B.Com (Hons) | Merit in 10+2 | onlineadmission.osou.ac.in |
| MA, M.Com, M.Sc (Cyber Security) | OSOU PG Entrance Examination (OPEE) | onlineadmission.osou.ac.in |
| PG Diploma, Diploma, Certificate | Direct merit-based | onlineadmission.osou.ac.in |
OSOU Courses and Fees
OSOU offers more than 50 programmes across UG, PG, Diploma, PG Diploma, and Certificate levels through ODL and online modes. All programmes are delivered via printed and digital study materials, supported by contact sessions at regional and study centres. The table below covers major programme families with fees drawn from the latest available fee data.
| Course | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA (Hons) (Economics, English, Hindi, History, Odia, Political Science, Sanskrit, Sociology) | 4 years | 10+2 pass from recognised board | INR 22,500 |
| BBA | 3 years | 10+2 pass from recognised board | INR 11,700 |
| B.Com (Hons) | 3 years | 10+2 with Commerce background preferred | INR 11,700 |
| MA (Economics, English, Hindi, History, Odia, Political Science, Public Administration, Public Policy, Rural Development, Sanskrit, Sociology, Journalism and Mass Communication) | 2 years | Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject with 55% marks | INR 15,500 |
| M.Com | 2 years | B.Com or equivalent with 55% marks | INR 15,500 |
| M.Sc (Cyber Security) | 2 years | B.Sc/BCA/B.Tech in a relevant field | INR 21,800 |
| PGDCA / PGDM / PG Diploma in Cyber Security | 1 year | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline | INR 9,000 |
| PG Diploma in Journalism / Media Management / Disaster Management / Rural Development | 1 year | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline | INR 6,000 to INR 7,500 |
| Diploma in Computer Application (DCA) | 1 year | 10+2 or equivalent | INR 6,500 |
| Diploma in Management / Office Management / Tourism Studies | 1 year | 10+2 or equivalent | INR 5,500 to INR 6,000 |
| Certificate courses (English Communication, Journalism, Sanskrit, Soft Skills, Tourism, Rural Development, Geriatric Care, Research Methodology, E-Commerce Management) | 6 months | 10th pass from a recognised board | INR 2,000 to INR 2,900 |
A notable programme is the MBA in Disaster Management, offered under the School of Business and Management Studies. The M.Sc (Cyber Security), at INR 21,800 for 2 years, is the highest-fee programme on offer. Certificate courses start at INR 2,000, making OSOU accessible to learners from a wide range of economic backgrounds.
OSOU Admission Process
UG Programmes (BA Hons, BBA, B.Com)
Admission to UG programmes is purely merit-based. No entrance examination is conducted. Candidates are assessed solely on 10+2 performance from a recognised board of education.
- Eligibility: 10+2 pass from any recognised board
- Minimum marks: 50% for general category candidates
- Relaxation: SC/ST/PwBD candidates are eligible for relaxation as per UGC norms
- Selection: Merit order in qualifying examination
- Application fee: INR 200 (General), INR 100 (Reserved categories)
- Application portal: onlineadmission.osou.ac.in
Documents required at the time of application include 10+2 mark sheet, a passport-size photograph, signature, and valid identity proof. All documents are submitted online.
PG Programmes (MA, M.Com, M.Sc)
Admission to PG programmes requires a valid score in the OSOU PG Entrance Examination (OPEE). The OPEE is a university-conducted test held ahead of each admission cycle.
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject with a minimum of 55% marks
- For MA programmes: the bachelor’s degree must be in the same or a closely related subject
- Entrance: OSOU PG Entrance Examination (OPEE)
- Selection: Combined merit of OPEE score and bachelor’s degree performance
- Documents: Bachelor’s degree certificate/mark sheet, photograph, signature, identity proof
Diploma, PG Diploma, and Certificate Programmes
Diploma programmes require a minimum of 10+2 or equivalent. PG Diploma programmes require a bachelor’s degree in any discipline. Certificate courses are open to candidates who have passed Class 10 from a recognised board. Admission to all these programmes is direct, with no entrance test.
OSOU Campus and Infrastructure
OSOU is headquartered at the G.M. University Campus, Sambalpur, Odisha. As an open distance learning university, it does not operate a traditional residential campus or maintain hostel facilities. All academic activities are delivered through printed study materials, online content, and supported contact sessions.
The university maintains a network of regional centres and study centres spread across Odisha, bringing academic support to learners in remote and rural areas. These centres serve as points for counselling sessions, term-end examination administration, and student grievance redress. OSOU’s digital infrastructure supports online programme delivery and an e-learning platform accessible from anywhere in the state.
The eight academic schools operating under OSOU include the School of Social Sciences and Humanities, School of Business and Management Studies, School of Computer and Information Sciences, School of Agriculture, School of Health Care Studies, and School of Teacher Education, among others. This breadth allows OSOU to serve working professionals, women returning to education, rural learners, and lifelong learners across Odisha.
OSOU vs IGNOU vs Nalanda Open University
Aspirants from Odisha comparing open university options typically evaluate OSOU alongside IGNOU (the national open university) and Nalanda Open University (a state open university from Bihar). The table below highlights key parameters for comparison.
| Parameter | OSOU | IGNOU | Nalanda Open University |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | State Open University | Central Open University | State Open University |
| Established | 2015 | 1985 | 1987 |
| Location | Sambalpur, Odisha | New Delhi (pan-India reach) | Patna, Bihar |
| Regulatory recognition | UGC / DEB recognised | Parliament of India Act | UGC / DEB recognised |
| Accreditation | NAAC accredited | NAAC A++ | NAAC accredited |
| Mode of delivery | ODL and online | ODL and online | ODL |
| Admission to UG | Merit in 10+2 | Merit in 10+2 | Merit in 10+2 |
| Admission to PG | OPEE entrance exam | OPENMAT/entrance for select programmes | Merit-based |
| Regional language programmes | Odia, Sanskrit (BA/MA) | Limited regional language depth | Hindi, Sanskrit focus |
| Programme count | 50+ programmes | 300+ programmes | 100+ programmes |
IGNOU leads in programme breadth, pan-India study centre reach, and international recognition. OSOU is the stronger choice for Odisha-based learners who need local study centre access, Odia language programmes, or state government job recognition. Nalanda Open University serves a comparable profile for learners in Bihar and neighbouring states.
OSOU FAQs
Ques. Is OSOU a recognised university?
Ans. Yes. OSOU is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and approved by the Distance Education Bureau (DEB). It is also NAAC accredited. Degrees awarded by OSOU are valid for government jobs and competitive examinations.
Ques. What is the last date to apply for OSOU 2026-27?
Ans. The last date for the 2026-27 July session was 30 September 2026. The application window is now closed. The January 2027 session is expected to open in November 2026.
Ques. Is there an entrance exam for OSOU UG programmes?
Ans. No. UG programmes such as BA (Hons), BBA, and B.Com (Hons) do not require an entrance exam. Admission is merit-based on 10+2 marks. PG programmes require the OSOU PG Entrance Examination (OPEE).
Ques. What is the total fee for OSOU BA?
Ans. The total fee for the BA (Hons) programme is INR 22,500 over 4 years. The fee is INR 6,000 in the first year and INR 5,500 per year for the remaining three years.
Ques. Does OSOU have hostel facilities?
Ans. No. OSOU is an open distance learning university and does not maintain a residential campus or hostel. Learners study from their own location using study materials, online resources, and regional study centre support.
Ques. Is OSOU or IGNOU better for a BA or MA degree?
Ans. IGNOU is the larger national university with broader recognition and a wider programme portfolio. OSOU is a better fit for Odisha-based aspirants who need Odia and Sanskrit language programmes, local study centres in Odisha, and state government recognition.
Ques. What programmes does OSOU offer in computer science?
Ans. OSOU offers Diploma in Computer Application (DCA), Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications (PGDCA), Post Graduate Diploma in Cyber Security, and M.Sc (Cyber Security). These are delivered through the School of Computer and Information Sciences.
Comments
Found 13 Comments
At Odisha State Open University (OSOU), you can download the detailed syllabus for their vocational / diploma programmes from their official site: go to the “Programmes, then Syllabus” section. The syllabus page lists courses like the Diploma in Computer Applications (DCA) with eligibility “10+2 Pass or Equivalent”, and the medium of study is indicated. You will need to find your specific vocational programme on that list and click “Download Syllabus” to get the PDF of subjects, duration, credits and structure
Yes, you can provisionally join Odisha State Open University (OSOU) with your graduation provisional certificate. OSOU allows admission if the final degree is awaited, provided you submit the provisional certificate during admission. You must later submit the original degree within the university-specified timeline to continue your course and receive the final mark sheet.
Yes, you can provisionally join Odisha State Open University (OSOU) with your graduation provisional certificate. OSOU allows admission if the final degree is awaited, provided you submit the provisional certificate during admission. You must later submit the original degree within the university-specified timeline to continue your course and receive the final mark sheet.
The Odisha State Open University (OSOU) in Sambalpur has not officially announced the admission dates for the 2025-26 academic year. For the previous academic session (2024-25), admissions commenced on October 10, 2024, and concluded on November 15, 2024.
Aspirants seeking admission to 2 year Full-time Program should have a graduate degree under under any discipline, from a recognized university. The admissions for the Master of Arts (MA) in Oriya at Odisha State Open University (OSOU), Sambalpur are open.
Admission to OSOU Sambalpur is done based on merit in the last qualifying exam and since you have passed B.sc Chem already, then you are good to go.
You can apply for admission to OSOU Sambalpur MA course on merit basis.
To know more on scholarship provided by the college, you can check out the page OSOU Sambalpur Scholarships.
There are no admission fee charges at the Odisha State Open University. There ae only tuition fees charges as per the courses.
Admission process has concluded at OSOU for session 2023.
OSOU application has not started yet but is expected to start soon. You can check the official website for more updates.
No, you can’t pursue PhD social work as OSOU Sambalpur doesn’t offer PhD courses to the students.
When will the admission start?
It is not confirmed when the admission process for 2023 will start. But it is expected that the process will start soon and the same will be updated on its official website.
Dear candidate, the scholarship amount depends on various criteria. you can check out the same at OSOU Sambalpur Scholarship.