The School of Open Learning (SOL), University of Kashmir is an alternative system of teaching-learning for those desirous students who are not in a position to join formal/regular system of higher learning due to socio-economic, domestic, official, geographical or other constraints. The Open School has adopted a flexible system and multi-disciplinary approach as per NEP 2020 goals through its various Centers/Directorates  to provide  higher educational opportunities through Distance Education, online MOOCS , skill development,  adult and continuing education to all desirious youth, adults, male, female etc, segments of society. This open system is very flexible, and main parameters are accessibility, equal opportunity, equity, relevance and quality.

The Centres and Directorates working under the aegis of SOL are: 1) Centre of Distance & Online Education(CDOE);             2) Electronic Multi-media and Research Centre(EMMRC); 3) Directorate of Lfelong Learning; & 4) Centre for Capacity Building & Skill Development(CCBSD).

These  Centres /Directorates of multi-disciplinary nature working under the umbrella of the School of Open Learning are providing higher educational, job oriented and skill based programmes/courses    through Distance Learning, Online Learning, EMMRC MOOCs, Life-long Learning, Skill Development,  Capacity Building  in a dual mode framework of the University of Kashmir. The Centres/Directorates of the School in furtherance of the objective(s) of enhancing Gross Enrolment Ratio(GER), are  presently shaping the future of thousands of students, enrolled for the PG, P.G. Diploma/Diploma programmes , Certificate courses, MOOC courses(through SWAYAM/SWAYAM Prabha etc), Skill Development courses, irrespective of any age constraints. The Centres / Directorates has a huge network of Centers at  Regional and District  level to cater the needs of the students /trainees.

 The governance structures and processes that ensure delivery of quality learning to such a large number of students has remained a challenge. This challenge, however, has been gradually converted into a unique opportunity towards imparting quality higher and multi-disciplinary education, to the aspirants by blending the face-to-face and virtual mediums. Almost all the online processes concerning ‘Students Information and Management System’ have been designed at University /Central level and departmental levels and thereby ensuring quality student support services(online/  & physical mode) to the students in each Centre/Directorate. At present, the student related processes are already online, along with various administrative procedures, and we are now heading towards establishing a robust Learning Management System for the students under the broad framework of e-educational governance. We have been putting our concerted team efforts to transform Centres and Directorates working under the School of Open Learning(SOL) into a Virtual Learning centres with a vision to ensure quality higher education within the University of Kashmir. Our mission is to reach the un-reached and shoulder social responsibilities by providing educational opportunities to all.