![Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University - [BRAOU]](https://img.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1759819814braoulogo1.jpg?h=71.7&w=71.7&mode=stretch)
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU) is a public state university established in 1982 as Andhra Pradesh Open University and renamed in 1991. It is based in Hyderabad, Telangana and operates entirely in the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and online mode. BRAOU is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC), approved for ODL programmes by UGC-DEB, accredited by NCTE (for B.Ed), and approved by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) for special education programmes.
As per NIRF Open University Rankings 2024, BRAOU is ranked 3rd among open universities in India. BRAOU is also accredited by NAAC with Grade A (CGPA 3.12, valid till April 2029).
BRAOU operates through a network of 135 study centres and 10 Regional Coordination Centres spread across Telangana, supporting over 6.54 lakh enrolled students with a cumulative alumni base of 2.4 million+ since its establishment.
- Undergraduate (UG): BA, BSc, BCom, BLiSc, B.Ed, B.Ed (Special Education)
- Postgraduate (PG): MA in 10+ subjects, MSc in 7 subjects, MCom, MBA, MBA (HHCM), MSW, MLiSc
- Research: M.Phil in 11 disciplines, Ph.D in 18 disciplines
- Diplomas and Certificates: PG diplomas in HR, Finance, Marketing, and Operations. Diploma in Journalism, Tourism, and Environmental Studies. Certificate in ECCE and NGO Management
- Online programmes: MBA, MCom, BCom (Telugu and English medium), MA Telugu
The total fees for BA and BCom is INR 9,200 for the full three-year programme. BSc costs INR 18,000 total. MBA (regular) costs INR 30,300 total. B.Ed is INR 41,000 total. MBA in Hospital Administration and Healthcare Management is INR 1.40 Lakhs for the full programme.
BRAOU specialises in serving working professionals, homemakers, rural students, and first-generation learners who cannot attend full-time residential programmes. There is no hostel facility at BRAOU since all instruction is through ODL mode.
BRAOU Admission Dates 2026
BRAOU admissions for the 2026-27 academic session are open across UG, PG, diploma, certificate, and Ph.D programmes. The registration deadline has been extended to 30 September 2026 for most programmes. Separate entrance tests govern admission to B.Ed, MBA, MCA, and Ph.D.
| Programme / Event | 2026-27 Date / Status |
|---|---|
| Admissions Open (BA / BCom / BSc / MA / MCom / MSc / Diplomas) | Extended last date: 30 September 2026 |
| B.Ed ODL Entrance and Counselling | Counselling concluded 17 to 18 September 2026 |
| MBA and MCA Entrance Test | Ongoing (September 2026) |
| Ph.D Entrance Test | Ongoing (September 2026) |
| Application Fee | INR 300 (non-refundable) |
| Academic Session Commencement | October 2026 (after registration closes) |
The table below covers the mode of study and minimum eligibility for the key programme families at BRAOU.
| Programme Family | Mode | Minimum Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| BA / BCom / BSc | ODL | 10+2 or equivalent |
| MA / MCom / MSc / MSW | ODL | Graduation in relevant subject |
| MBA (Regular) | ODL / Online | Graduation with 50%, valid entrance test |
| B.Ed | ODL | Graduation with 50%, valid NCTE norms |
| B.Ed Special Education | ODL | Graduation with 45%, RCI eligibility |
| M.Phil | ODL | PG in relevant subject with 55% |
| Ph.D | ODL | PG with 55%, valid entrance test |
| PG Diploma / Diploma | ODL | Graduation or 10+2 depending on programme |
BRAOU Courses and Fees
BRAOU offers 70+ programmes across UG, PG, M.Phil, Ph.D, PG diploma, diploma, and certificate levels, all in ODL or online mode. Programme fees are set by the university and are among the most affordable in India for recognised degrees.
| Programme | Duration | Total Fees (General) |
|---|---|---|
| BA (Arts) | 3 years | INR 9,200 |
| BCom (Commerce) | 3 years | INR 9,200 |
| BSc (Sciences) | 3 years | INR 18,000 |
| BLiSc (Library Science) | 1 year | INR 5,300 |
| B.Ed (ODL) | 2 years | INR 41,000 |
| B.Ed Special Education | 2 years | INR 40,000 |
| MA (Humanities / Social Sciences) | 2 years | INR 10,300 |
| MA (Journalism and Mass Communication) | 2 years | INR 15,300 |
| MCom | 2 years | INR 15,300 |
| MSc (Physics / Botany / Zoology etc.) | 2 years | INR 30,300 |
| MSc (Chemistry) | 2 years | INR 36,300 |
| MSW (Social Work) | 2 years | INR 10,300 |
| MBA (Regular) | 2 years | INR 30,300 |
| MBA (HHCM) | 2 years | INR 1,40,000 |
| M.Phil (all disciplines) | 1 to 2 years | INR 23,000 |
| Ph.D (all disciplines) | 3 to 5 years | INR 48,000 |
| PG Diploma (HR / Finance / Marketing) | 1 year | INR 8,000 |
| Diploma (Journalism / Tourism etc.) | 1 year | INR 5,200 |
All fees listed are for the full programme duration in the general category. SC/ST students and EWS candidates may be eligible for fee concessions under government notification. Online programmes (MBA, MCom, BCom) may have a separate fee schedule.
BRAOU Admission Process
BRAOU admission is entirely online. Candidates register on the BRAOU portal, choose their programme, upload supporting documents, and pay the application fee of INR 300. Most UG, PG, diploma, and certificate programmes follow merit-based admission with no entrance test.
UG Programmes (BA, BCom, BSc, BLiSc)
Eligibility for BA, BCom, and BSc is passing 10+2 or equivalent from any recognised board. No entrance test is required. Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis with documents verified post-registration. Candidates are assigned to the nearest study centre based on their submitted address.
PG Programmes (MA, MCom, MSc, MSW, MLiSc)
PG eligibility requires a graduation degree in a relevant subject with a minimum 40 to 50% marks depending on the programme. MA and MCom do not require an entrance test. MSc programmes may require qualifying marks in science subjects at graduation. Admission is processed after document verification at the assigned study centre.
MBA
MBA eligibility is graduation in any discipline with a minimum 50% aggregate. An entrance test is conducted by BRAOU for MBA admission. Candidates shortlisted in the entrance test are called for document verification before final admission. The MBA (HHCM) programme additionally requires a healthcare-related graduation background or work experience.
B.Ed and B.Ed Special Education
B.Ed eligibility is graduation in a teaching subject with a minimum 50% marks as per NCTE norms. B.Ed is offered through the ODL mode, and BRAOU conducts a state-level entrance test for B.Ed seats. Counselling is centralised with seat allotment based on entrance test rank and reservation policy. B.Ed Special Education (Learning Disability) requires graduation with 45% and follows a separate RCI-mandated counselling process.
Ph.D and M.Phil
Ph.D eligibility is PG with a minimum 55% in the relevant subject. BRAOU conducts a Research Entrance Test (RET) twice a year. Shortlisted candidates appear for an interview before supervisor assignment. M.Phil eligibility is PG with 55%, with admission through merit in the qualifying examination.
BRAOU Career Outcomes
BRAOU does not conduct campus placements, as its student base consists primarily of working professionals, government employees upgrading qualifications, homemakers, and rural learners completing degrees through the distance mode. Degrees from BRAOU are fully valid for employment and higher studies in India, equivalent to degrees from conventional universities per UGC norms.
The typical career impact of BRAOU programmes is in promotion eligibility, qualification upgrading, and professional certification rather than first-time placement. B.Ed graduates are eligible for TET and teacher recruitment. MBA graduates are eligible for management-level promotions and government job applications requiring postgraduate qualifications. Ph.D graduates are eligible for assistant professor posts as per UGC eligibility norms.
| Programme | Common Career Outcome | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| B.Ed / B.Ed SE | TET eligibility, school teacher appointments | State and central TET accepted |
| MBA | Management promotions, SSC/banking exams | Widely used by government employees |
| MA / MCom / MSc | Lecturer eligibility (with NET/SET), government promotions | UGC NET eligibility confirmed |
| Ph.D | Assistant Professor eligibility, senior research roles | As per UGC 2018 norms |
| BA / BCom / BSc | Government job eligibility, further PG studies | Accepted at par with regular degrees |
BRAOU Rankings
BRAOU consistently ranks among the top three open universities in India in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). In the NIRF 2024 Open University category, BRAOU was ranked 3rd in India.
| Ranking Body | Category | 2024 Rank |
|---|---|---|
| NIRF | Open University | 3 |
BRAOU also holds NAAC Grade A with a CGPA of 3.12, valid till April 2029. It is among the few state-level ODL universities in India to maintain both NIRF ranking and NAAC accreditation simultaneously.
BRAOU Scholarships
BRAOU students are eligible for government scholarship schemes applicable to distance learners. The university also provides limited internal fee concessions for economically weaker students.
| Scholarship Scheme | Eligibility | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| SC/ST/OBC Post-Matric Scholarship (Telangana) | SC/ST/OBC category students, Telangana domicile | Full or partial fee reimbursement per state norms |
| EBC / EWS Concession | Annual parental income below INR 1 Lakh | Partial fee waiver as per BRAOU notification |
| Central Sector Scheme (NSP) | Top 20% in 10+2, parental income below INR 8 Lakhs | INR 10,000 to 12,000 per year |
| National Scholarship Portal (PG) | Minority / SC / ST community, income limits as per notification | As per government notification |
All scholarship applications are processed through the National Scholarship Portal after confirmation of admission. Candidates should apply within the NSP deadline, which usually falls between October and December.
BRAOU vs IGNOU vs Tamil Nadu Open University
All three are public open universities offering distance and online degrees recognised by UGC. Aspirants weighing distance education options across India often compare these three on programme range, fees, study centre accessibility, and NIRF standing.
| Parameter | BRAOU (Telangana) | IGNOU (National) | TNOU (Tamil Nadu) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Established | 1982 | 1985 | 2002 |
| NAAC Grade | A (CGPA 3.12) | A++ (CGPA 3.59) | B++ |
| NIRF Open University Rank | 3rd (2024) | 1st (2024) | Not in top 10 |
| Study Centres | 135 (Telangana) | 3,000+ (Pan-India) | 70+ (Tamil Nadu) |
| Current Enrolled Students | 6.54 Lakhs | 30+ Lakhs | 2 Lakhs |
| BA Total Fees | INR 9,200 | INR 7,200 | INR 6,000 |
| MBA Total Fees | INR 30,300 | INR 37,800 | INR 24,000 |
| Medium of Instruction | English and Telugu | English and Hindi | English and Tamil |
IGNOU leads on national reach with over 3,000 study centres and pan-India validity, making it the default choice for learners outside Telangana. BRAOU offers a stronger regional presence with Telugu-medium instruction and a close network of study centres in Telangana. TNOU in Tamil Nadu is the comparable regional option for Tamil-medium learners in south India.
BRAOU FAQs
Ques. Is BRAOU degree valid for government jobs?
Ans. Yes. BRAOU is a UGC-recognised university with NAAC Grade A accreditation. Degrees awarded by BRAOU are recognised by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) and are equivalent to degrees from conventional universities as per UGC norms. BRAOU graduates are eligible for all government jobs and competitive examinations that require a UGC-recognised degree.
Ques. What is the last date for BRAOU admission 2026-27?
Ans. The last date for BRAOU admission 2026-27 has been extended to 30 September 2026 for most UG, PG, diploma, and certificate programmes. B.Ed counselling was held on 17 to 18 September 2026. Entrance tests for MBA and Ph.D are ongoing in September 2026. Candidates should apply through the official BRAOU portal before the deadline.
Ques. What is the fee for MBA at BRAOU?
Ans. The total fee for MBA (Regular) at BRAOU is INR 30,300 for the full two-year programme in the ODL mode. The MBA in Hospital Administration and Healthcare Management (HHCM) has a total fee of INR 1,40,000. An application fee of INR 300 is charged separately.
Ques. Is BRAOU good for B.Ed?
Ans. BRAOU offers B.Ed through the distance mode, recognised by NCTE and UGC. The total B.Ed fee is INR 41,000 for two years. BRAOU’s B.Ed graduates are eligible to appear in TET (Teacher Eligibility Test) and apply for school teaching posts in Telangana and other states. BRAOU is ranked 3rd by NIRF among open universities in India, which adds credibility to its programme recognition.
Ques. Does BRAOU offer online programmes?
Ans. Yes. BRAOU has launched online programmes including MBA, M.Com, B.Com (in Telugu and English medium), and MA Telugu under the UGC Online Education guidelines. These are distinct from the ODL programmes and are delivered through BRAOU’s online learning portal. Regular ODL programmes continue in the study-centre-based mode.
Ques. What is BRAOU’s NIRF rank?
Ans. BRAOU is ranked 3rd among Open Universities in India as per NIRF 2024 rankings. It also holds NAAC Grade A accreditation with a CGPA of 3.12, valid till April 2029.
Ques. How many study centres does BRAOU have?
Ans. BRAOU has 135 study centres and 10 Regional Coordination Centres across Telangana. Study centres provide learner support, counselling sessions, practical lab access (for science programmes), and examination facilitation. Candidates are assigned to the nearest study centre based on their registered address.
Comments
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University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines disallow BSc Nursing (and other full-time nursing courses) through “distance or online mode” because nursing requires practical, clinical, hands-on training. The only distance-mode nursing program allowed in certain cases is a “Post-Basic BSc Nursing” course offered by Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), but that is not a regular BSc entry. It is meant for those who already have a nursing diploma (e.g., GNM) and are registered nurses.
A full-time B.Sc. Nursing is 4 years (8 semesters), including theory, practicals and internship. General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) take about 3–3.5 years (sometimes 3 years + internship).
BRAOU’s popular courses are general arts, science, commerce, B.Ed, B.Sc (regular), BA, B.Com, PG courses, etc. It does not offer the distance nursing courses.
At Dr B.R. Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU), admission to the B.Ed program is based on eligibility and merit; there is no separate entrance exam. Candidates who meet the minimum educational qualifications can apply through the university’s admission portal. Selection is done on a first-come, first-served basis or as per merit in the qualifying degree. So, for B.Ed at BRAOU, you can get admission without giving a separate entrance test.
Yes, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU), Hyderabad, offers several journalism and mass communication programs. These include M.A. in Journalism & Mass Communication, Diploma in Journalism & Mass Communication (DJMC), Certificate in Journalism & Mass Communication (CJMC), and B.A. in Journalism & Mass Communication. BRAOU application forms are released online on the university’s official website - braou.ac.in.
BRAOU M.Sc Physics is offered as 2 Years Part Time program. Candidates must have a passed Bachelor’s Degree in Science with Physics & Mathematics. The total fees for BRAOU M.Sc Physics is INR 30,300 for the complete course duration.
At Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU), the admission process for a Psychology course (UG/PG) is done online through the official university website. You must meet eligibility (10+2 for UG, bachelor’s degree for PG), fill the online application form, upload documents, pay the registration fee, and submit before the admission deadline.
Selection is based on merit (qualifying marks); no entrance exam is required for UG/PG psychology admissions, and you will receive confirmation after successful submission and fee payment.
BRAOU B.Com is offered as 3 Years Part Time program. The minimum eligibility criteria for B.Com are 10+2. The total fees for BRAOU B.Com are INR 7,700 for the complete course duration. The fees for the BCom course are mentioned below:
The details of the MA in Telugu are mentioned below:
At Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University, online studies (counselling sessions/classes) start after admission confirmation. For the January 2026 session, classes begin from March onwards through online/offline modes. So, once your admission is confirmed, you can expect studies to start around March 2026
Admissions at BRAOU for all UG and PG programs (except MBA and B.Ed) are based on merit (marks secured in the qualifying examination). MBA admissions are based on scores obtained in the TS/AP ICET or BRAOUMBA Entrance Test (BRAOUMBAET). The university also conducts an entrance test for admission to the B.Ed program. BRAOU admissions are conducted twice a year, i.e. January and July sessions. Registrations for the January session are usually conducted in the month of January-February and those for the July Session start in June every year. BRAOU application forms are released online on the university’s official website - braou.ac.in. Interested students must submit the application form
Candidates with at least 50% marks either in the Bachelor's Degree(B.A./B.Sc/B.Com/B.C.A/B.Sc(HomeScience)/BBM) and/or in the Masters degree in Sciences/Social Sciences/Humanities/(relevant subjects of pedagogy) are eligible. B.E/B.Tech with specialization in Science and Mathematics with 55% marks or any other qualification equivalent thereto, are eligible for admission to the programme. However the candidates belonging to SC/ST/BC/PH should have secured a minimum of 40% marks in the qualifying examination.
Yes, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU), formerly known as Andhra Pradesh Open University is a government-open university for distance education in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. ll the programs are recognized by UGC and the Distance Education Bureau (DEB).
The first-year fee is INR 6,200, and the second-year fee is INR 6,000 at the BRAOU, Hyderabad. Aspirants seeking admission into a year Post Graduate Programme in M.A Journalism and Mass Communication and English are open to all the citizens of India who hold a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from an Indian University which is recognized by the UGC and is a member of the Association of Indian Universities.
Graduates Working in a recognized library with a minimum of one year experience in a regular or substantial post of the rank of a Record Assistant or above (Experience certificate proforma enclosed on page no. 40);Graduates with Diploma or Certificate in Library Science from Government recognised institutions; or Professional graduates (Law, Pharmacy, Engineering)
Aspirants who attained 18 years of age with or without any formal academic qualification can be admission into the Certificate Programme in Food & Nutrition (CPFN). The total fee is INR 1,000.
BA psychology course is not available in Dr BR Ambedkar open University Hyderabad.
Candidates must have passed 10+2 examinations from a recognized board. Students will be selected based on marks obtained in the entrance exam
BRAOU Admission 2024 is open for the January session. Interested candidates can apply online on the official website
The PG entrance exam viz. AP ICET is scheduled to be held in the 2nd week of May 2024.