Adikavi Nannaya University (AKNU) is a public state university established on 22 April 2006 by the Government of Andhra Pradesh. It is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and approved by AICTE, NCTE, and NBA. AKNU is accredited with a NAAC B+ grade. The university is named after the poet Adikavi Nannaya, the father of Telugu literature, and serves as the affiliating university for all postgraduate institutes and undergraduate colleges across the two Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh.
AKNU does not currently appear in the NIRF ranked list for Universities or Engineering in the most recent cycle.
The main campus spans 50.93 acres in Rajahmundry (Rajamahendravaram), East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh. The university also maintains extension campuses at Kakinada and Tadepalligudem, serving students across the Godavari river basin region.
- AKNU offers programmes across four constituent colleges and numerous affiliated departments:
- B.Tech in CSE, CSE (AI and ML), ECE, EEE, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering through the University College of Engineering
- M.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering
- B.Pharm and M.Pharm programmes
- MA in English, Telugu, Economics, Political Science, Public Administration, and Social Work through the University College of Arts and Commerce
- M.Sc in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Botany, Zoology, Geology, Geophysics, Geoinformatics, Psychology, and Food Science and Technology through the University College of Science and Technology
- MBA in Financial Management, HRM, Marketing Management, and Tourism and Hospitality Management
- MCA, M.Com, M.P.Ed, B.Ed and other professional programmes
- Ph.D across all major disciplines offered by the university
The total B.Tech fee for 4 years is INR 1.40 Lakhs (INR 35,000 per year). MBA fees range from INR 37,800 to INR 85,200 for the 2-year programme. Hostel fees are up to INR 5,600 per year.
AKNU’s Geo-Informatics and Petroleum Exploration programme is the first of its kind in Andhra Pradesh. As per NIRF 2023 data, the university reported a median salary of INR 4.8 LPA for placed graduates.
AKNU Admission Dates 2027
Admissions for the 2026-27 academic session at AKNU have concluded. The next B.Tech and engineering admission cycle for 2027-28 is anchored by AP EAPCET 2027. Postgraduate admissions for the 2027-28 cycle will follow ICET 2027 (for MBA and MCA), PGCET 2027, and AKNU direct entrance processes.
| Event | 2026-27 (Concluded) | 2027-28 (Tentative) |
|---|---|---|
| AP EAPCET (B.Tech) | May 2026 | May 2027 |
| AP EAPCET Counselling | July to September 2026 | July to September 2027 |
| AP ICET (MBA / MCA) | May 2026 | May 2027 |
| AP ICET Counselling | August to September 2026 | August to September 2027 |
| PGCET / Direct PG Admissions | June to August 2026 | June to August 2027 |
| Ph.D Admissions | Twice yearly (January and July cycles) | Twice yearly (January and July cycles) |
The table below lists the entrance examinations accepted across AKNU’s key programme streams.
| Programme | Entrance Exam | Counselling Body |
|---|---|---|
| B.Tech | AP EAPCET | AP State Counselling Authority / AKNU |
| B.Pharm | AP EAPCET | AP State Counselling Authority |
| MBA / MCA | AP ICET | AP State Counselling Authority |
| M.Tech | AP PGECET | AP State Counselling Authority |
| MA / M.Sc / M.Com | AP PGCET or merit-based | AKNU Admissions |
| B.Ed | AP EdCET | AP State Counselling Authority |
| Ph.D | AKNU Research Entrance Test (RET) | AKNU Admissions |
AKNU Courses and Fees
AKNU offers over 159 courses across 8 academic streams through its 4 constituent colleges and affiliated programmes. The table below covers the flagship and major programme families with total fees as per the 2026 schedule.
| Programme | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Tech (all branches) | 4 years | 10+2 PCM + valid AP EAPCET rank | INR 1.40 Lakhs |
| B.Tech Lateral Entry | 3 years | Diploma in Engineering + AP ECET rank | INR 1.05 Lakhs |
| B.Pharm | 4 years | 10+2 PCB/PCM + AP EAPCET rank | INR 1.80 Lakhs |
| B.Ed | 2 years | Graduation 50% + AP EdCET | INR 36,220 |
| MBA | 2 years | Graduation 50% + AP ICET rank | INR 37,800 to INR 85,200 |
| MCA | 2 years | Graduation with Mathematics + AP ICET rank | INR 37,800 |
| M.Tech (CSE) | 2 years | B.Tech CSE/IT + GATE or PGECET rank | INR 53,800 |
| MA (English / Telugu / Economics / others) | 2 years | Graduation in relevant stream | INR 18,200 to INR 22,600 |
| M.Sc (all science disciplines) | 2 years | B.Sc in relevant discipline | INR 29,000 to INR 72,000 |
| Ph.D (all disciplines) | 3 to 5 years | Postgraduate degree + AKNU RET | INR 27,000 to INR 58,000 |
The B.Tech stream offers CSE, CSE (AI and ML), ECE, EEE, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering. AKNU is notable for its M.Sc Geoinformatics and the integrated five-year Mathematics and Computing programme. The M.Sc Food Science and Technology (INR 72,000 total) is the highest-fee science programme, reflecting its specialised laboratory infrastructure.
AKNU Admission Process
B.Tech Admission
B.Tech admission at AKNU is based on AP EAPCET rank, processed through AP state counselling. AKNU’s University College of Engineering admits students to all 7 B.Tech branches including the newer CSE (AI and ML) specialisation.
- Eligibility: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Minimum 45% aggregate for General and 40% for SC/ST/BC.
- Reservation: Andhra Pradesh state reservation policy applies, with AP local area reservation for Godavari district candidates.
- Lateral Entry (B.Tech): Diploma holders in relevant engineering disciplines can apply through AP ECET for lateral entry to the 2nd year of B.Tech.
MBA / MCA Admission
MBA and MCA admissions follow AP ICET scores and state counselling. AKNU offers MBA in four specialisations. Minimum 50% in graduation is required for MBA and 50% in graduation with Mathematics for MCA.
M.Sc / MA / M.Com Admission
Science and humanities PG programmes at AKNU admit students through AP PGCET or direct merit based on graduation marks, depending on the programme. AKNU conducts its own entrance process for some M.Sc specialisations. Eligibility is a B.Sc or BA in the relevant discipline with minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST).
Ph.D Admission
AKNU conducts Ph.D admissions twice a year through a Research Entrance Test (RET), available across engineering, science, humanities, management, and interdisciplinary disciplines. A valid GATE or UGC-NET score may exempt candidates from the RET in applicable disciplines. An interview follows the written test for final selection.
AKNU Placements
AKNU is primarily a teaching and research university. Campus placements are most active for engineering (B.Tech) and management (MBA) students from the University College of Engineering and the MBA programme. As per NIRF 2023 data, AKNU reported a median salary of INR 4.8 LPA for placed graduates.
Engineering placements are driven by IT and manufacturing companies, with students securing roles at technology service firms and public sector organisations. MBA graduates find openings in banking, finance, and FMCG sectors. AKNU’s Science and humanities departments primarily cater to students pursuing higher education, civil services, or academic careers rather than immediate campus placements.
Students from AKNU affiliated colleges across the two Godavari districts additionally access careers through campus drives at their respective affiliated colleges, where district-level and regional employers participate.
AKNU Campus and Infrastructure
AKNU’s main campus spans 50.93 acres in Rajahmundry, a major commercial and educational hub on the banks of the Godavari river in East Godavari district. The campus houses the University College of Engineering, University College of Science and Technology, University College of Arts and Commerce, and University College of Education.
The university also maintains extension campuses in Kakinada and Tadepalligudem, extending access to students from the coastal and delta areas of the Godavari region. The main campus includes a central library, department laboratories for sciences and engineering, a computer centre, and sports facilities.
Hostel facilities are available for both male and female students. Boys’ Hostel and Women’s Hostel fees are up to INR 5,600 per year, among the most affordable hostel rates for any university in Andhra Pradesh.
AKNU vs Andhra University vs Krishna University
Students considering AKNU for postgraduate and undergraduate admission typically also evaluate Andhra University (Visakhapatnam) and Krishna University (Machilipatnam), both of which are public state universities in Andhra Pradesh. All three are UGC-recognised state universities with NAAC accreditation.
| Parameter | AKNU Rajahmundry | Andhra University Vizag | Krishna University Machilipatnam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Established | 2006 | 1926 | 2008 |
| Campus | 50.93 acres (main) + extension campuses | 350+ acres | 61 acres (main) |
| NAAC Grade | B+ | A | B |
| Affiliated Colleges | 74 PG institutes + UG colleges | 200+ colleges | 100+ colleges |
| B.Tech Total Fee | INR 1.40 Lakhs | Higher | Government rates |
| MBA Total Fee | INR 37,800 | Higher | Government rates |
Andhra University is the oldest and most research-intensive of the three, with a larger campus, more affiliated colleges, and a higher NAAC grade. AKNU serves as the primary university for the Godavari districts and has a geographical advantage for students from Rajahmundry, Kakinada, and East and West Godavari districts. Krishna University, a similar-vintage state university in Krishna district, is the natural peer for coastal South Andhra Pradesh.
AKNU FAQs
Ques. Is Adikavi Nannaya University a government university?
Ans. Yes. Adikavi Nannaya University (AKNU) is a public state university established in 2006 by the Government of Andhra Pradesh. It is recognised by UGC and accredited with a NAAC B+ grade.
Ques. What is the B.Tech fee at AKNU?
Ans. The total B.Tech fee at AKNU is INR 1.40 Lakhs for the 4-year programme (INR 35,000 per year). Hostel fees are up to INR 5,600 per year for both boys and girls hostels.
Ques. What entrance exam is required for B.Tech at AKNU?
Ans. B.Tech admission at AKNU is based on the AP EAPCET (Andhra Pradesh Engineering Agriculture and Pharmacy Common Entrance Test) score, processed through AP state counselling. There is no separate AKNU entrance exam for B.Tech.
Ques. Which is better - AKNU or Andhra University?
Ans. Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, is a much older and larger university with a higher NAAC A grade and a bigger affiliated college network. AKNU is the designated university for the two Godavari districts and is the better choice for students from East and West Godavari looking to study closer to home, with low fees and multi-campus accessibility at Kakinada and Tadepalligudem.
Ques. Does AKNU have hostel facilities?
Ans. Yes. AKNU has separate boys’ and women’s hostels on the main campus in Rajahmundry. Annual hostel fees are up to INR 5,600 per year, among the most affordable in Andhra Pradesh.
Ques. What is the NAAC grade of Adikavi Nannaya University?
Ans. Adikavi Nannaya University is accredited with a NAAC B+ grade.
Ques. What are the unique programmes at AKNU?
Ans. AKNU offers M.Sc Geoinformatics and Petroleum Exploration, a first-of-its-kind programme in Andhra Pradesh. It also offers an integrated five-year Mathematics and Computing programme and M.Sc Geophysics. These programmes are particularly relevant for students interested in careers in the petroleum, GIS, and earth science sectors.
Comments
Found 16 Comments
There is no official information confirming that spot admissions are being offered in 2025 for the MCA course at Adikavi Nannaya University. The MCA admission is through the AP ICET exam and counselling. Adikavi Nannaya University (AKNU) has not announced any spot admissions for the MCA program for the 2025-26 academic year.
For AKNUCET (Adikavi Nannaya University Common Entrance Test) 2026, official 2026 dates have not yet been released on the university’s website. AKNUCET is usually held around May every year for PG admissions (M.Sc, M.A, M.Com, M.Ed, etc.), and the application form & exam dates are published on the official AKNU website (aknu.edu.in) once announced
Admission at Adikavi Nannaya University for 2026 is expected to begin around May–June 2026. The process follows entrance exams or merit-based selection, depending on the course. Candidates should regularly check the official website for exact dates, notifications, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines to avoid missing important updates.
You can apply for admisison from the official website of the college. You must have done graduation int he relevant field to apply for the MSc in Biotechnology.
Admission for the M.Sc. in Computer Science at Adikavi Nannaya University is open for the academic year 2024-25. The university offers this program under its regular postgraduate courses. You can apply online through the university's official portal.
Adikavi Nannaya University does not offer M.F.Sc. course to the students. There are other courses offered in the PG level such as M.Sc., M.Tech., MCA, MA and M.P.Ed.
Adikavi Nannaya University is in Rajamahendravarmam district. The full address of the university is Adikavi Nannaya University Road, Rajamahendravaram, Andhra Pradesh.
Adikavi Nannaya University is a State Government University located in Rajmundhry. It was established by Government of Andhra Pradesh under Act No. 28 of 2006.
Placement providing Company names?
The companies which visit the Adikavi Nannaya University for providing placements are given below:
Besides this, the placement percentage of the university is 70%.
AKNU, APICET Cutoff 2023 for BCD Category is 7282 rank.
AKNU offers the MSc in clinical nutrition and for that Candidates must have a bachelor's degree (B.Sc.) in a relevant stream obtained through their Graduation or an equivalent qualification.
As of now, you cannot pursue B.tech for this session as the entrance exam and the results have been announced by August 2023.
Unfortunately, AKNU Rajahmundhry doesn’t offer B.com course to the students. However, you can check out the fee structure for various courses offered at AKNU Rajahmundhry Courses & fees.
The fee of B.Tech is INR 2,010,00 for one year at Adikavi Nannaya University, Rajahmundhry. Hostel fee is approx 11,000 per year.
Course fee at Adikavi Nannaya University ranges from INR 9,100 to 2,010,00 per year. This amount may go a little up or down due to regular changes in the charges at college and university level.
Yes, you can take admission in M. Sc. in a food technology course. The fee structure of the course is INR 29,000 for two years and INR 14,500 a year. Check Adikavi Nannaya University's admission process.