Andhra University School of Distance Education (AUSDE) is the distance learning wing of Andhra University, a public state university established in 1926 in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. AUSDE was set up in 1972 as the School of Correspondence Courses and has since grown into one of the leading open distance learning institutions in South India. All programmes are recognised by the UGC-Distance Education Bureau (DEB) and carry the same academic value as regular Andhra University degrees.
Andhra University holds UGC Category I status and was accredited A++ by NAAC in 2023. As per NIRF 2025, Andhra University ranks 23rd in the University category and 41st in the Overall category. AUSDE functions as an integral part of this nationally ranked institution.
The AUSDE administrative office is based in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Programmes are delivered through a network of 34 study centres across the state, supported by self-learning study materials and face-to-face interaction sessions. A dedicated community FM station, Gyan Vani (106.4 MHz), broadcasts learning content to registered distance learners.
- Bachelor of Arts [BA] - 7 specialisations: Economics, English, History, Political Science, Public Administration, Sociology, Telugu
- Bachelor of Commerce [B.Com]
- Bachelor of Science [B.Sc] - 7 specialisations: Botany, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Zoology
- Master of Arts [MA] - 10 specialisations: Economics, English, Hindi, History, Sociology, Philosophy, Political Science, Public Administration, Telugu, Journalism and Mass Communication
- Master of Commerce [M.Com], Master of Science [M.Sc] (6 specialisations including Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Botany, Zoology, Psychology), MBA (Finance, HR, Marketing, General), MCA, MHRM
- PG Diploma in Computer Programming, PG Diploma in Rural Development, Diploma in Music, Certificate Course in Music Production
Total fees for the BA programme are INR 17,300 for the full 3-year duration. B.Sc fees range from INR 28,100 to INR 30,000. MBA total fees are INR 74,300 across 6 semesters over 3 years. MCA fees are INR 66,500 for the full programme.
AUSDE does not conduct campus placement drives. Graduates typically pursue careers in government services, teaching, banking, IT support, and mid-level management roles in their respective sectors.
AUSDE Admission Dates 2026
Admissions for the 2026 academic session at AUSDE have concluded. The application portal opened on June 4, 2026, and the last date to submit applications was August 20, 2026. All programmes at AUSDE follow a single annual admission window tied to the July academic session. The next cycle for the 2027 session is expected to open around June 2027 on a tentative basis.
| Event | 2026 Session (Concluded) |
|---|---|
| Application Portal Opens | June 4, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | August 20, 2026 |
| Academic Session Begins | July to August 2026 |
The next cycle is tentatively expected in June 2027. The table below lists the admission mode and eligibility for major programme families at AUSDE.
| Programme | Admission Mode | Minimum Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| BA / B.Com / B.Sc | Merit-based, no entrance test | 10+2 from a recognised board |
| MA / M.Com / M.Sc / MHRM | Merit-based, no entrance test | Bachelor’s degree in relevant subject |
| MBA | Merit-based | Bachelor’s degree (3 years) with 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) |
| MCA | Merit-based | BCA or B.Sc (Computer Science) or any Bachelor’s degree with Mathematics |
| PG Diplomas | Direct admission | Relevant Bachelor’s degree |
| Diploma / Certificate | Direct admission | 10+2 or relevant background |
AUSDE Courses and Fees
AUSDE offers over 30 programmes across UG, PG, diploma, and certificate levels through distance mode. Fees are significantly lower than on-campus equivalents, making the programmes accessible to working professionals and first-generation learners across Andhra Pradesh.
| Programme | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA (Economics / English / History / Political Science / Public Administration / Sociology / Telugu) | 3 years | 10+2 from recognised board | INR 17,300 |
| B.Com | 3 years | 10+2 from recognised board | INR 19,100 |
| B.Sc (Botany / Chemistry / Mathematics / Physics / Statistics / Zoology) | 3 years | 10+2 with Science subjects | INR 28,100 |
| B.Sc (Computer Science) | 3 years | 10+2 from recognised board | INR 30,000 |
| MA (10 specialisations) | 2 years | Relevant Bachelor’s degree | INR 15,700 |
| M.Com | 2 years | B.Com or equivalent | INR 15,700 |
| M.Sc (Mathematics) | 2 years | B.Sc (Mathematics) | INR 16,500 |
| M.Sc (Botany / Chemistry / Physics / Psychology / Zoology) | 2 years | Relevant B.Sc degree | INR 40,100 |
| MBA (Finance / HR / Marketing / General) | 3 years (6 sems) | Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks | INR 74,300 |
| MCA | 3 years | BCA or B.Sc CS or Bachelor’s with Mathematics | INR 66,500 |
| MHRM | 2 years | Bachelor’s degree from recognised university | INR 21,500 |
| PG Diploma (Computer Programming and System Analysis) | 1 year | Graduate in any discipline | INR 13,700 |
| PG Diploma in Rural Development | 1 year | Bachelor’s degree | INR 9,400 |
| Diploma in Music | 1 year | 10+2 or relevant background | INR 8,900 |
| Certificate Course in Music Production | 6 months | 10+2 from recognised board | INR 6,700 |
The MBA at AUSDE runs across 6 semesters over 3 years. Semester 1 fee is INR 12,800 and each of the remaining five semesters is INR 12,300, totalling INR 74,300. Specialisations available are Finance, Human Resource Management, Marketing, and General Management.
AUSDE Admission Process
All admissions at AUSDE are merit-based. No entrance examination is conducted for most programmes. Applicants must first obtain a UGC DEB ID on the UGC Distance Education Bureau portal before applying. Applications can be submitted online through the official AUSDE portal or offline at any of the 34 study centres in Andhra Pradesh.
UG Programmes (BA, B.Com, B.Sc)
- Eligibility: 10+2 or equivalent from any recognised board, any stream
- Selection: Merit list based on 10+2 aggregate marks
- Documents required: 10+2 mark sheet, transfer certificate, identity proof, passport photograph
- Process: Online registration, UGC DEB ID verification, document upload, fee payment, study centre allotment
PG Programmes (MA, M.Com, M.Sc, MHRM)
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline from a recognised university
- Selection: Merit-based on qualifying degree percentage
- MA in Journalism and Mass Communication accepts any Bachelor’s degree
- M.Sc in Psychology and M.Sc in Mathematics require corresponding B.Sc specialisations
MBA and MCA
- MBA: Bachelor’s degree of minimum 3 years with 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/OBC and differently abled candidates)
- MCA: BCA or B.Sc (Computer Science), or any Bachelor’s degree with Mathematics as a subject and 50% aggregate
- Selection: Based on qualifying degree percentage. No group discussion or interview round is conducted
Diploma and Certificate Programmes
PG Diplomas require a relevant UG qualification. The Diploma in Music and Certificate in Music Production are open to candidates with a 10+2 qualification or relevant background. All diploma and certificate admissions are direct, without any competitive selection.
AUSDE Career Outcomes
AUSDE does not conduct campus placement drives. Its programmes are designed for working professionals seeking to upgrade qualifications and for fresh learners who access higher education through the distance mode. The degrees awarded are equivalent to regular Andhra University degrees and are accepted by government employers, central public sector units, and private sector organisations for recruitment purposes.
BA, B.Com, and MA graduates from AUSDE widely appear for state and central government competitive examinations including APPSC, UPSC, SSC CGL, SBI Clerk, and IBPS PO. B.Sc and M.Sc graduates from the science specialisations pursue teaching roles in schools and junior colleges, appear for TET, and take up laboratory technician or data analyst positions.
MBA graduates from the distance mode typically enter mid-level management roles in small and medium enterprises, banking institutions, and government agencies in finance, marketing, HR, and operations. MCA graduates join IT support, software testing, and data operations teams, with several transitioning to on-campus postgraduate programmes at regular universities.
| Programme Stream | Common Career Pathways | Typical Roles |
|---|---|---|
| BA / B.Com (UG) | Government services, Banking, Teaching | Junior Assistant, Bank Clerk, SSC CGL, APPSC aspirant |
| B.Sc (Science streams) | Teaching, Lab roles, Competitive exams | Lab Assistant, Secondary School Teacher |
| MA / M.Com (PG) | Lectureship after NET/SET, Administration, NGOs | College Lecturer, Office Executive, Research Assistant |
| MBA (Distance) | Mid-level management, SME operations | Management Trainee, Operations Executive, Branch Manager |
| MCA (Distance) | IT support, Software testing, Data operations | IT Analyst, Technical Support Executive |
AUSDE Rankings
AUSDE does not receive an independent NIRF ranking, as it operates as a school within Andhra University. The institutional rankings of Andhra University, its parent, reflect the overall academic quality that covers the AUSDE wing. As per NIRF 2025, Andhra University has secured strong positions in the University and Overall categories.
| Ranking Body | Category | 2025 Rank |
|---|---|---|
| NIRF | University | 23 |
| NIRF | Overall | 41 |
| NIRF | State Public Universities | 4 |
Andhra University’s NAAC A++ accreditation in 2023 is the highest grade awarded by NAAC, indicating excellence in academic quality across all its schools, including AUSDE. The UGC Category I status further confirms the institution’s standing in the national education landscape.
AUSDE Campus and Study Centres
The Andhra University School of Distance Education is headquartered in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The AUSDE administrative and examination functions are managed from the Andhra University main campus in the city. Programme delivery operates through a network of 34 study centres distributed across districts in Andhra Pradesh, bringing higher education access to learners in rural and semi-urban areas of the state.
Each study centre hosts face-to-face contact sessions at scheduled intervals during the academic year. Study materials are dispatched to enrolled students each semester. AUSDE also operates Gyan Vani (FM 106.4 MHz), a community radio station that broadcasts lectures, discussions, and academic content to distance learners. The Andhra University main campus in Visakhapatnam provides central examination facilities for end-semester assessments of all AUSDE enrolled students.
AUSDE vs Acharya Nagarjuna University DDE vs IGNOU
Students considering AUSDE often compare it with Acharya Nagarjuna University’s Department of Distance Education (ANU DDE), another AP-based distance learning option, and with IGNOU, the national open university. The three cater to overlapping student profiles but differ in geographic reach, programme range, and institutional backing.
| Parameter | AUSDE | ANU DDE | IGNOU |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent Institution | Andhra University (est. 1926) | Acharya Nagarjuna University (est. 1976) | IGNOU (est. 1985) |
| Type | State University DDE | State University DDE | Central Open University |
| UGC-DEB Recognition | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| NAAC Grade (Parent) | A++ (2023) | A (2015) | A++ (2022) |
| NIRF (Parent) | Overall 41, University 23 (2025) | Not in top NIRF ranks | Open University Rank 1 (2025) |
| Study Centres | 34 (Andhra Pradesh) | Across AP districts | 3,700+ (Pan-India) |
| Geographic Focus | Andhra Pradesh | Andhra Pradesh | Pan-India |
AUSDE leads on institutional pedigree, with Andhra University’s NAAC A++ grade and NIRF University rank of 23 placing it well ahead of ANU in institutional standing. IGNOU, as a Central University with national reach and lower fees for management programmes, serves a broader pan-India audience but lacks the regional study centre density that AUSDE and ANU offer specifically to Andhra Pradesh students. Candidates seeking an Andhra Pradesh-specific degree with strong state government recognition and local study centre access typically prefer AUSDE or ANU DDE over IGNOU.
AUSDE FAQs
Ques. Is AUSDE a UGC-approved distance education institution?
Ans. Yes. AUSDE is recognised by the UGC-Distance Education Bureau (DEB). All its programmes are offered under valid DEB approval, and the degrees are equivalent to regular Andhra University degrees for purposes of employment and further education.
Ques. What is the total fee for MBA at AUSDE?
Ans. The total MBA fee at AUSDE is INR 74,300 for the 3-year (6-semester) programme. Semester 1 fee is INR 12,800 and each of the remaining five semesters is INR 12,300. Specialisations offered are Finance, Human Resource Management, Marketing, and General Management.
Ques. What is the last date to apply to AUSDE for the 2026 session?
Ans. Admissions for the 2026 academic session closed on August 20, 2026. The next admission cycle for the 2027 session is expected to open around June 2027, following the university’s annual admission schedule.
Ques. Is the AUSDE degree valid for government jobs?
Ans. Yes. AUSDE degrees carry the same value as regular Andhra University degrees and are recognised by the Government of Andhra Pradesh, Central Government departments, and public sector organisations for recruitment purposes. Graduates can apply for APPSC, UPSC, SSC, banking, and teaching posts with an AUSDE degree.
Ques. Does AUSDE provide placements?
Ans. AUSDE does not conduct campus placement drives. It is a distance education school designed for working professionals and learners who cannot attend regular classes. Graduates seek employment independently in government services, teaching, banking, IT, and corporate roles based on their qualifications.
Ques. How many study centres does AUSDE have in Andhra Pradesh?
Ans. AUSDE has 34 study centres spread across Andhra Pradesh. These centres host face-to-face contact sessions at scheduled intervals and serve as examination centres for semester-end assessments.
Ques. What is the NAAC grade and NIRF rank of Andhra University?
Ans. Andhra University was accredited A++ by NAAC in 2023, which is the highest grade. As per NIRF 2025, Andhra University ranks 23rd in the University category and 41st in the Overall category. AUSDE operates as part of Andhra University and benefits from the institutional standing of the university.
Comments
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Andhra University does not offer a BPT (Bachelor of Physiotherapy) course. Because the course is not listed under its regular programmes, there is no published fee for BPT at Andhra University.
The fee for the courses is mentioned below:
M.Sc
MA
B.Sc
MBA
BA
Bachelor of Commerce [B.Com]
Master of Computer Applications [MCA]
Master of Commerce [M.Com]
Diploma in Music
PG Diploma
AU-SDE offers an online mode of application. Candidate can apply online for any of the course offered by the University:
Andhra University School of Distance Education (AU SDE) is a government institution. It is part of Andhra University, a public university located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Andhra University was established in 1926 and is a well-known state university, offering various undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs through its distance education wing, AU SDE.
You can apply for admission to either BA or B.Sc. on merit basis.
The fee ranges between INR 4,200 to 34,600 depending on the course. You can check here for the Andhra University, School of Distance Education, Visakhapatnam - Course & Fees Details
Andhra University School of Distance Education does not offer M.Sc. Nursing to the students.
For the regular fee structure, you can check out the page 089128 44000.
Andhra University SDE is offering MA History in distance education mode.
BA Psychology is not available in Andhra University School of Distance Education.
Plzz send the information sir
Click on the below link to get the information regarding Andhra University School of Distance Education courses, fees, admission, scholarships etc.
Link: Andhra University School of Distance Education Overview
How to admission in Distance education ?
The admission process varies from course to course. Click on the below link to get the admission process course wise
Link: AU SDE Admission 2023
Andhra University distance education Admission 2023-24 Last Date was 20 October 2023.
Andhra University Distance Education exams are conducted offline only for the various courses.
Yes, an Aspirant seeking admission in a 2-year full-time MA must have graduated in a relevant stream from a recognized university. Admission to the course will be based on the merit of the qualifying entrance examination as per university norms.
If interested you can contact the college yourself at: 089128 44000. However, you may receive the detailed email by the college itself if you have been registered.
If interested you can contact the college yourself at: 089128 44000. However, you may receive the detailed email by the college itself if you have been registered.
The total three-year fee for a B.Sc Chemistry at Andhra University (Distance) is around 13000 INR. Check out more info at B.Sc at AU Distance
AU SDE admission 2023 is open for all UG and PG programs. The last date to apply is August 31, 2023. Candidates can apply online on the official website.
You need to communicate with the SDE of Andhra University through its contact number or by visiting the university for cancellation of admission.
You can check here to see the courses offered along with their fees at AU SDE. AU SDE Courses and Fees
Andhra University School of Distance Education admission is ongoing and the last date to apply is August 20, 2023.