KSOU to expand skills courses in AI, cyber security, green energy

AP Vice-Chancellor Gnana Prakash, KR Nagar MLA and KSOU Board Member D. Ravishankar and other dignitaries at a capacity building workshop at KSOU in Mysuru on Friday. | Photo credit: MA Sriram

Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) is set to significantly expand its skill development initiatives and introduce qualification programs targeting employment and relevant industries in emerging and future-oriented sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, data and digital technology, cyber security, cloud technology and renewable energy.

AP Vice Chancellor Gnana Prakash made the announcement on Friday while delivering the presidential address at a capacity building workshop on ‘NCVET Dual Recognition: Operationalising Skill Development, Assessment and Award Functions’ at KSOU here.

“With the recognition of NCVET, KSOU now has a valuable opportunity. We must convert this opportunity into quality programmes, credible skills, better employability and better livelihood,” he said.

At the same time, the Vice-Chancellor said that our vision should not be limited to high-end technologies. “Karnataka has diverse skill requirements. There are opportunities in agriculture and allied sectors, small and medium enterprises, healthcare, tourism and hospitality, logistics, retail, traditional occupations and other service sectors. Skill programs must ultimately respond to the needs of students and the economy,” he argued.

Prof. Gnana Prakash said the university also intends to explore setting up and strengthening training centers for multi-skill development. “We also intend to explore opportunities available under various Central and State Government skill development initiatives and sponsored programmes. Wherever appropriate, KSOU would like to collaborate with Government Ministries, Skill Development Agencies, Sector Skill Councils, Industries and other stakeholders to make skill training available to more beneficiaries,” he explained.

Over the past few years, KSOU has been consciously strengthening its skill development ecosystem. “We have sought to integrate field-specific skills and general employability skills into our academic programs. Our intention is that a student who graduates from KSOU should not only have subject knowledge, but should also acquire competencies that improve employability, entrepreneurship and professional growth.”

The university has entered into an MoU with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and initiated a Center for Future Skills to provide current and emerging skills to our students, he said.

He said that KSOU is continuously striving for recognition from the National Council for Vocational Education and Training – NCVET. “I am happy to state that these efforts have resulted in KSOU receiving dual recognition for assessment and awarding functions within NCVET. For us, this recognition is an important institutional milestone. However, we also clearly understand that gaining recognition is only the first step. The bigger challenge is to make it operational effectively,” said Prof. Gnana Prakash.

KR Nagar MLA and KSOU Board Member D. Ravishankar, NCVET Executive Member Ashok Kumar Gaba, NCVET Senior Consultant Amit Sharma, KSOU Registrar SK Naveen Kumar and other functionaries and faculty members were present.

Published – 04 Sep 2026 20:21 IST