Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), popularly called KISS University, is a UGC-recognized “deemed-to-be-university” based in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Established in 1993 and granted university status in 2017, it’s the largest residential tribal university in the world, educating over 80,000 children free of cost-all as part of its mission to combat hunger through education (kiss.ac.in).
📚 Courses Offered
Undergraduate (UG):
- Arts, Science, Commerce – B.A., B.Sc., B.Com (including Honours in fields like Political Science, Economics, Computer Science, Home Science, etc.)
- Professional UGs – BBA, BCA, BSW, and B.Sc (Renal Dialysis Technology), among others (application.educationiconnect.com, educationiconnect.com).
Postgraduate (PG):
- MA, M.Sc, M.Com – available in numerous specializations including Tribal Legal Studies, Education, Anthropology, Bioinformatics, Environmental Science, etc. (kiss.ac.in).
Doctoral Programs:
- Ph.D. and M.Phil in tribal-focused fields such as Tribal Culture, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Tribal Resource Management, and more (en.wikipedia.org).
💰 Fee Structure & Scholarships
One of KISS University’s most striking features is its free-of-cost model for indigenous tribal students: tuition, accommodation, meals, healthcare, and education are provided at no charge (indcareer.com).
Even for non-tribal students, the fee structure remains highly affordable. According to one source (EducationaIConnect, Mar 2025):
- UG programs: ₹20,000–₹40,000/year
- PG programs: ₹30,000–₹50,000/year
- Application fee: Na
- Additionally, KISS University offers multiple scholarships:
- Merit-Based Awards
- Government Tribal Scholarships (Post-Matric, Pre-Matric)
- Institutional Scholarships (e.g., KIIT Poverty-Cum-Merit, International Scholarships, etc.) (institute.careerguide.com, vidyavision.com).
🏫 Mission & Social Impact
As a fully residential university, KISS nurtures tribal youth by offering them all necessities entirely free of cost-including lodging and meals-aligning with its philosophy of empowering indigenous communities through education (kiss.ac.in).
The institution emphasizes cultural preservation, social empowerment, and academic excellence. With specialized curriculum areas dedicated to Tribal Heritage, Tribal Rights, Eco-Spiritualism, and Indigenous Knowledge Studies, KISS blends traditional knowledge with contemporary academics (kiss.ac.in).
✅ Why Highlight KISS University?
- Accessibility: Nearly 80,000 tribal students receive free residential education.
- Diverse Programs: From Science & Commerce to unique tribal-centric disciplines.
- Financial Support: Multiple scholarships ensure that even non-tribal students enjoy affordable costs.
- Cultural Focus: Strong academic focus on preserving indigenous cultures and empowering marginalized communities.
💡 Suggested Structure for Your Website Post
- Introduction – Brief overview of KISS University and its history.
- Courses Offered – UG, PG, and Ph.D. programs.
- Fee Structure & Scholarships – Free education for tribal students; fee ranges and scholarships for others.
- Social Mission – The KISS model and tribal empowerment philosophy.
- Why Choose KISS – Key strengths and impact highlights.
