After a gap of four years, the 16th convocation of the Karnataka State Open University will be held on March 5.
Degree certificates and awards will be presented to the students, who graduated in the academic year 2012-13 at the convocation. The convocation had been delayed as the University Grants Commission (UGC) had derecognised several programmes offered by the varsity, following a few lapses.
The previous convocation was held in March 2015, when M G Krishnan was the vice chancellor.
Addressing a press meet here on Saturday, KSOU Vice Chancellor D Shivalingaiah said that as many as 17,512 students, who pursued degree and post graduation in the academic year 2012-13 and before that, will receive the certificates. Governor, also Chancellor of the varsities, Vajubhai R Vala has approved to hold the convocation. But, the Governor will not be present during the ceremony, he informed.
Minister for Higher Education G T Devegowda will hand over the degree certificates to the students in the presence of National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) Director S C Sharma.
As many as 10 persons will receive their PhD certificates, seven gold medals and eight cash prizes will be given away to toppers in different disciplines, he said.
The VC said that KSOU has decided to offer free education to Kalavathi, wife of Pulwama martyr H Guru. Kalavathi has enrolled herself with KSOU for MA in Political Science at Ramanagar Regional Centre and has paid the fee. The VC said, KSOU has decided to return her fee amount and offer her free education till she completes education, including PhD.