The Gurukul system is an ancient Indian education system that was prevalent in ancient India, while the modern education system is a more recent development that has evolved over the past few centuries.
KSU, as a university, understands the need to imbibe the good qualities of both the pedagogical systems and has adapted a pragmatic instruction method where in the benefit of oriental system is seamlessly embedded into modern structured curriculum that is taught in the class room setting.
KSU imparts knowledge on Sanskrit vocabulary through regular Amara Kosha recitation, memorization of Dhātu Pātha. Aśtādhyāyi Sūtra byhearting helps in quick understanding Vyākaraṉa Prakriyā (Grammar Procedure) for deriving a particular word. The teacher would impart knowledge to the students through experiential learning namely proper pronunciation of Sanskrit words, recitation technique etc.
KSU has recently built a hostel to accommodate students who are not residents of Bengaluru and who are in need of assistance to further their studies. In the hostel a regular daily routine aligning to Gurukul pedagogical system has been put into practice. Students getting up at 5 am, finishing morning chores and practicing of Yoga till 6.30 am, group recitation of Veda mantras, Svādhyāya (Self-study) for 2 hours, taking food after prayers etc is an attempt to revive Āśram based learning environment.
In the modern education system, a structured and standardized curriculum is taught in a classroom setting. The students are evaluated based on their performance through various tests and examinations. KSU has implemented a traditional oriental learning system within the framework of modern pedagogical system. For eg., Students in Language and Literature department study the original Sanskrit texts of Mammata (Kāvya Prakāśa) and Ananda Vardhana (Dhvnyaloka) while students of Nyaya department study the primary texts namely Kusumānjali. Sanskrit plays of Bhāsa and Kālidāsa are enacted by the students within the classroom to enhance the impact of learning.
Students of Vedanta department study Brahma-Sūtra Bhāśya by reading Sanskrit original texts of Shankaracharya and other philosophers. As part of reviving the polemic culture (Vākyārta) in Śāstrā studies, Nyāyamrita- Advaita Siddhi kind of texts are introduced as part of the curriculum. Simulation of Vākyārta is performed in the classroom to make students experience the scholarly and analytical approach practiced in Vedic period to imbibe knowledge. KSU regularly organises Vākyārta sabhās and Śalāka Parīkśa to expose the students to oriental and traditional learning systems.
Thus, KSU firmly believes in creating a holistic learning environment where in the students are taught various subjects through practical and experiential way, which helps them develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of the subjects.
| Name of the Department | Program following the Gurukula method of teaching | Programs code |
| Vedanta | Nyaya Sudha | 703(VD) |
| Nyayaamrita | 603(VD) | |
| Sarva sidhantha Saraasaravivechanam | 608(VD) | |
| Vedanta Sara | 403(VD) | |
| Pramanapaditi | 402(VD) | |
| Nyaya Vaisheshika | Nyaya siddhanta muktavali | 405(NV) |
| Shaktivada | 605(NV) | |
| Vyutpatti Vada | 704(NV) | |
| Vaisheshika Sutra Upaskara | 703(NV) | |
| Hetvvabhasa SAmanya Nirukti | 701(NV) | |
| Department of Vyakarna | Mahabhasya | MAVY1-I-02 |
| Paribhashendushekhara | MAVY2-III-03 | |
| Bhushansara | MAVY1-I-03 | |
| Laghushabdendushekhara | MAVY2-IV-02 | |
| Vakyapadiyam | MAVY2-IV-03 | |
| Alankara Department | Rasagangadhara | 706 (AL) |
| kavya PRakasha | 402 (AL) | |
| Dhvaniyaloka | 702 (AL) | |
| Koovalayanda | 405 (AL) | |
| Language & Literature | Rajshekharan KavyaMimamsa | 506(LL) |
| NatyaShastra | 702(LL) | |
| Yoga Therapy & Counseling | Patanjali yoga Sutra | MYTC1SC2403 |
| Shrimad Bhagwad Geeta | MYTC10E1405 | |
| Samkhya Yoga | MYTC10E2405 |