Dr. B R. Ambedkar Open University

Contributors
Prof. V. Venkaiah Dr. Indira Koneru

About the University
Dr.B.R. Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU), formerly known as Andhra Pradesh Open University, is located in the city of Hyderabad. With a wide network of 200 study centers spread throughout the state of Andhra Pradesh, the University has for its motto "Education at Your Doorstep". The University, the first of its kind in the Country was brought into being through an act of Andhra Pradesh State Legislature in August,1982.

Dr. BRAOU follows a multi-media teaching-learning approach which broadly comprises self-learning print material, supported by audio, video lessons and regular broadcast of lessons through All India Radio. From November, 1999 the University started Telecast of Video lessons through Doordarshan Regional Channel. On Sundays the University has Interactive Teleconferencing on the Regional Channel of Doordarshan.

BRAOU offers an alternative channel to those who missed the opportunities for higher education. The University caters specially to women, working people and those who want to improve their academic qualifications and professional skills. The University lays special focus on socially disadvantaged and geographically isolated people who never had access to higher education earlier.

Objectives
The objectives of the University stated in the Act (1982) and as amended in 1991 are:
 * 1) To provide educational opportunities to those who could not take advantage of institutions of higher learning;
 * 2) To realise equality of educational opportunities for higher education for a large segment of the population including those in employment, women including housewives and adults, who wish to upgrade their education or acquire knowledge and studies in various fields through distance education;
 * 3) To provide flexibility with regard to eligibility for enrolment, age of entry, choice of courses, methods of learning, conduct of examinations and operation of programmes;
 * 4) To be complementary to the programmes of the existing Universities in the State in the field of higher learning so as to maintain the highest standards on par with the best Universities in the country;
 * 5) To promote integration within the State through its policies and programmes;
 * 6) To offer degree courses and non-degree certificate courses for the benefit of the working population in various fields and for the benefit of those who wish to enrich their lives by studying subjects of cultural and aesthetic value;
 * 7) To make provision for research and for the advancement and dissemination of knowledge.

Historical Development
The University, initially known as Andhra Pradesh Open University, came into being on 26th August 1982 through an Act of Andhra Pradesh State Legislature (APOU Act, 1982), Subsequently, the University was renamed as Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University on 7th December 1991 by the Government of Andhra Pradesh (APOU Act, 1992).

The establishment of this University, the first of its kind in India, heralded an era of affirmative action on the part of the Government for providing opportunities of higher education to all sections of society and catering to the changing individual and social needs. Hence the motto of the University is Education for all.

Organizational Structure
The Governor of Andhra Pradesh is the chancellor of the university. The Executive Council,Academic Senate,Planning and Monitoring Board,Finance Committee are the important authorities of the university.

The Vice-Chancellor, Rector, Executive Director(GRADE), Directors, Deans of the Faculties, Heads of Departments,Registrar, Finance Officer, Controller of Examinations, Development Officer,University Engineer, Public relations officer are some of the functionaries of the university.

The university is mainly structured around its Faculties(Academic Units) and functional units supported by administrative units. Academic,Student Services,Material Production,Staff Training and Development, Evaluation, Audio-Visual Production and Research are the main functional units of the university.The women's Development and extension center and the S.C /S.T cell are created to give prioritized attention to socially disadvantaged groups.

GRADE (G.Ram Reddy Research Academy of Distance Education) is established on 19.01.2001 to promote research and extension activities.

Additionally, 90 academic staff and around 400 administrative, Technical and support staff work in different branches at headquarters and study centers.

Instructional System
BRAOU adopts a multimedia approach for  instruction, i.e., printed Programs   material,  radio lessons,   audio and  video  lessons, contact - cum - counseling classes,   winter and summer schools  for  intensive  coaching by experts. The Programs materials, including radio and video lessons  in  each  subject, are  selected  and   prepared  by a team       of Programs writers, editors and  translators in collaboration with specialists  in various  disciplines  from   different  Universities,    Research    Institutions   and  other  relevant organizations. The printed materials are sent to the student through postal or courier services. The cassettes are made available through the study centers.

The University keeps in touch with its students spread over the entire State through  regular mail. Between fifteen to twenty letters  are  dispatched to each student in a year. The university has so far published more than 250 volumes of Programs materials,covering as many as 30 different disciplines.

School of Studies/Faculties


Department of Library & Information Science
Dept. of Library & Information Science offers UG, PG and research programmes.

Programmes Offered
 * 1) Bachelor Degree in Library & Information Science(BLISc)
 * 2) Master's Degree in Library & Information Science (MLISc)
 * 3) M.Phil in Library & Information Science
 * 4) Ph.D. in Library & Information Science

Head of the Department

Prof. V. Chandra Sekhar Rao

Learning Support Network
BRAOU has established a wide network of Regional Centers and Study Centers, spread over the length and breadth of the State, to provide support services to the learners. The support services provided at Regional Centers and Study Centers include

1. Administrative services,

2. Information services,

3. Tutorial and counseling services,

4. Library services etc.

Study Centers 

At present, BRAOU has a network of 200+ Study Centers which includes 20 Postgraduate Study Centers throughout the State of Andhra Pradesh. Two Study Centers are located in Central Prisons to cater to the educational needs of the prisoners.

The Study Centers are located in conventional colleges and working on weekends and holidays. The Study Center offers Academic Guidance, Counseling and also admissions to various Programs by following admission procedures.

The Study Centers are located in Urban, Rural and Tribal areas. They serve as a 'link' between the Student and the University.

All the Regional Centers/Study Centers located in District Headquarters are provided with facilities for receiving satellite communications. In due Programs of time, this facility will be extended to more centers making them multi-media learning centers.

Academic Programmes
Click the following link Academic Programmes to browse the various academic programmes offered.

Enrolment and Success


Administration and Governance
The Governor of Andhra Pradesh is the chancellor of the university. The Executive Council,Academic Senate,Planning and Monitoring Board,Finance Committee are the important authorities of the university. The Vice-Chancellor, Rector, Executive Director(GRADE), Directors, Deans of the Faculties, Heads of Departments,Registrar, Finance Officer, Controller of Examinations, Development Officer,University Engineer, Public relations officer are some of the functionaries of the university.

Functional heads of Dr.Ambedkar Open University

Finance and Budget


Research


Extension Activities


International Reach


Acheivements and Highlights


Reflections
