Mysuru: Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) has decided to bring back printed textbooks for students from the academic year 2026-27, ending the distribution of e-books introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The move is expected to benefit more than 1.25 lakh students enrolled in various programmes at the university.
Digital books created difficulties for many
KSOU had shifted to digital textbooks as part of its digitalisation initiative after complaints over irregularities in the printing and distribution of study materials. Students were required to download the university’s mobile application and access PDFs and e-textbooks related to their courses.
While the system was convenient for students with smartphones, computers and tablets, many learners in rural areas faced technical difficulties. Several students also found it expensive to print the large volumes of PDF material required for their studies.
The university noted that its student community includes women, homemakers, middle-aged learners and senior citizens. Many students found prolonged reading on smartphones and computers difficult and experienced physical strain from using electronic devices for extended periods.
Every student to receive physical study material
Vice-Chancellor AP Gnanaprakash has now restored the distribution of printed textbooks. Every student enrolled at KSOU will receive physical study materials from the current academic year.
The university has constituted a technical committee to oversee printing and distribution and address concerns regarding transparency.
Eight lakh textbooks to be printed
According to Gnanaprakash, KSOU has floated a tender for printing nearly eight lakh textbooks required by around 1.2 lakh students across different courses and semesters.
The university has also held meetings with the heads of its 170 study centres and issued directions for timely delivery of textbooks, smooth functioning of centres and transparent examinations.
KSOU has said the textbooks are expected to be delivered to students’ doorsteps by September 15, marking a return to physical learning materials for its large and diverse student community.