Karnataka State Open University started functioning in the year 1996.It is located inside the Manasagangotri campus of the University of Mysore.The campus contains administrative offices, the academic block, lecture halls, a well-equipped library etc. It was estblished by the Government of Karnataka with a view to cater education to all the the people irrespective of age, economic class etc.

The University mainly aims those students who are unable to attend full time courses in various Universities. The University originated from the Institute of correspondence course and continuing education of University of Mysore was converted to the University.The Uiversity offers undergraduate ,postgraduate and diploma courses in various disciplines through distance mode.The University also offers research programmes in various fields.