University School of Open Learning, Panjab University formerly known as Department of Correspondence studies, was established in 1971.

University School of Open Learning (USOL) is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. It commenced its journey in year 1971 as Directorate of Correspondence Courses to embrace the lofty mission to take the reach of quality education beyond the four walls of University. From being an undergraduate institute in its initial phase, it grew to become a leading and popular Open and Distance Learning Institute. Today it is fully equipped to cater to the ever evolving needs and expectations of 21st Century learners.

USOL offers a wide range of courses: Traditional Undergraduate courses and Post graduate courses, Professional courses, Job-oriented courses, Skill-based courses, Market-driven courses and some Value oriented courses. The method of instruction includes printed study material in Self Learning Mode, Personal Contact Programme, Response Sheets, Assignments, Video and Audio content on selected topics, Dissertations/Projects in selected courses and Counseling of students on a one to one basis, organizing Regional and National Seminars/ Webinar and Special Lecture Series etc.

USOL students are taught by highly qualified and experience faculty which is actively engaged in academic research and advancement of knowledge. Through its imposing building located at the beautiful campus of Panjab University it extends its excellent facilities and renders effective support services. These include a well equipped Library, postal library facilities, an Educational Media Centre, Laboratories, a Computer Lab and subsidized hostel facility for outstation students. The USOL also involves the students in co-curricular activities and brings them together on a common platform despite their diverse locations.

Having effectively integrated ICT in its curriculum, USOL is fully equipped to disseminate quality education through online mode beside the traditional face to face mode of teaching. Students of USOL undertake the same syllabi, in the same duration and appear in the same mode of examination like the regular students of Departments and Colleges affiliated to Panjab University.

It continues to do so and fulfils a prime social responsibility of providing education at the door step for those who are unable to access formal education. Started as a Directorate, it is now a full-fledged USOL with due representation on all University bodies.

The main objective of School of Open learning, Punjab University was to take campus based education beyond the four walls of the university.

The School of Open Learning, Punjab University offers 28 courses which include undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma and professional Courses. Some innovative and socially relevant courses such as certificate course in Vivekanand studies, diploma in human rights and a diploma in naturopathy & yoga have been recently introduced.