BRAOU-AP Guide BRAOU-AP Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University, Andhra Pradesh · Andhra Pradesh

BRAOU-AP Recognition and Approvals: UGC 2(f) Status and Governing Act

Updated 19 October 2026 Recognition 6 min read

BRAOU-AP is governed by the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University Act, 1982. UGC Section 2(f) recognition for BRAOU-AP was granted on 11 May 2026. Students must generate a DEB-ID for ODL/online programmes at BRAOU-AP. Programme-wise ODL entitlement must be verified on the UGC-DEB portal for BRAOU-AP. BRAOU-AP does not offer programmes through franchised study centres.

BRAOU-AP Governing Act: A.P. Open University Act 1982

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University, Andhra Pradesh, was established under the A.P. Open University Act, 1982 (Act No. 11 of 1982). This Act was passed by the Andhra Pradesh State Legislature, making it the first open university in India.

On 26 October 1991, the university was renamed Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University. This change occurred through the A.P. Open University (Amendment) Act, 1991.

BRAOU-AP UGC Recognition: 11 May 2026 Effective Date

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University, Andhra Pradesh, received fresh recognition from the UGC under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956. This recognition was granted with effect from 11 May 2026.

UGC 2(f) status alone does not automatically entitle a university to offer Open & Distance Learning (ODL) or Online programmes.

BRAOU-AP ODL Programme Entitlement: deb.ugc.ac.in Portal

Students must verify the specific programme entitlement for Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University, Andhra Pradesh. This check should be done on the official UGC Distance Education Bureau (DEB) portal: deb.ugc.ac.in.

Verification is required before paying any fees for the programme you wish to join. This ensures compliance with the UGC (Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020.

BRAOU-AP Admission Compliance: DEB-ID and ABC-ID Linking

BRAOU-AP requires students enrolling in any ODL or online programme to generate a DEB-ID. This ID must be linked to their ABC-ID (Academic Bank of Credits ID) on the DEB portal.

Students must also check the restricted subjects list. Certain disciplines, like those requiring laboratory or clinical training, are not permitted in ODL/online mode.

Confirm that your chosen Learning Support Centre is an approved, listed centre of BRAOU-AP. UGC regulations prohibit ODL/online programmes through franchised arrangements.

BRAOU-AP University Headquarters: Eluru Location

The Government of Andhra Pradesh, by G.O.Ms.No.24, Higher Education Department, dated 23 May 2025, shifted the university’s headquarters to Eluru, Eluru District, Andhra Pradesh. This is consistent with the establishment of the new state capital at Amaravati.

The current temporary headquarters function is carried out from the Dr.BRAOUAP Regional Centre. This centre is located at SRR & CVR Govt. Degree College (A), Machavaram, Vijayawada – 520008.

BRAOU-AP Contact Information: registrar@drbraouap.org

Students can contact Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University, Andhra Pradesh, using the following details.

Toll Free: 1800-425-4868

Phone: 0866-2434847

Email: registrar@drbraouap.org

Quick reference

University Act
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University Act, 1982 (Act No. 11 of 1982)
UGC 2(f) Recognition Date
11 May 2026
Original Establishment Date
26 August 1982
University Renaming Date
26 October 1991
Headquarters Shift Date
23 May 2025
In-Charge VC Appointment Date
15 October 2025
Number of Study Centres
73

BRAOU-AP FAQs

Is a degree from BRAOU recognized by job portals?

A degree from Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University, Andhra Pradesh, is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956, effective 11 May 2026. This recognition signifies the university’s legal establishment and authority to award degrees. For specific job portal requirements, students should check the individual portal’s criteria.

Is a degree from BRAOU valid for education abroad?

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University, Andhra Pradesh, is recognized by the UGC under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956, as of 11 May 2026. However, the validity of a degree for education abroad depends on the specific requirements of the foreign institution or country. Students should consult the target institution or country’s education authorities for their recognition criteria.

How is BRAOU-AP legally established?

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University, Andhra Pradesh, was legally established on 26 August 1982 under the A.P. Open University Act, 1982 (Act No. 11 of 1982) passed by the Andhra Pradesh State Legislature. It was later renamed through the A.P. Open University (Amendment) Act, 1991, on 26 October 1991 in honour of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Furthermore, the Government of Andhra Pradesh issued G.O.Ms.No.24 on 23 May 2025 to shift its official headquarters to Eluru.

What is the latest UGC recognition status for BRAOU-AP?

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University, Andhra Pradesh, received fresh recognition from the UGC under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956, on 11 May 2026. While 2(f) status legally establishes the university, students must separately verify programme-specific ODL entitlement on the official UGC-DEB portal at deb.ugc.ac.in. This verification must be completed before paying tuition fees for any 2026–27 academic programme. If entitlement is missing for a programme, students should refrain from submitting fees.

Is generating a DEB-ID mandatory for admission to BRAOU-AP?

Yes, generating a DEB-ID on the official UGC-DEB portal at deb.ugc.ac.in is mandatory for every student enrolling in BRAOU-AP distance programmes. The DEB-ID must be linked to your Academic Bank of Credits ID (ABC-ID) before completing your application. This registration remains valid for lifelong ODL and online learning across recognised institutions. If you experience issues during DEB-ID creation, verify that your ABC-ID details match your official documents.

How can students verify programme-wise ODL entitlement for BRAOU-AP?

Students must verify programme-wise ODL entitlement directly on the UGC-DEB portal at deb.ugc.ac.in prior to paying admission fees. Under UGC ODL Regulations 2020, UGC 2(f) status granted on 11 May 2026 does not automatically grant distance learning permission for all courses. Applicants should search for Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University, Andhra Pradesh, on the portal to confirm approved courses. If a course is unlisted, students should refrain from enrolling.

Does BRAOU-AP offer distance learning courses through franchised coaching institutes?

No, BRAOU-AP is strictly prohibited by UGC regulations from offering ODL or online programmes through franchised arrangements or private coaching institutes. All academic activities are conducted exclusively through its network of 73 officially recognised study centres, including 12 Regional Centres across Andhra Pradesh. Students should only register through the official university portal and approved centres. If approached by private agents claiming affiliation, students must report them immediately.

Where is the official headquarters of BRAOU-AP currently operating from?

The temporary headquarters of BRAOU-AP operates from the Regional Centre at SRR & CVR Govt. Degree College (A), Machavaram, Vijayawada – 520008. The Government of Andhra Pradesh ordered the headquarters shift to Eluru, Eluru District, under G.O.Ms.No.24 dated 23 May 2025. This relocation aligns with the development of the state capital region at Amaravati while permanent construction proceeds. For administrative queries, students can call toll-free 1800-425-4868 or email registrar@drbraouap.org.

What should students do if their BRAOU-AP admission document verification fails?

If document verification fails during BRAOU-AP UG admissions 2026–27, students must log in to the admission portal to check specific verification remarks. Applicants are required to immediately re-upload or edit the requested documents according to the instructions provided in their dashboard. Regular login checks are recommended to track status updates promptly before registration deadlines pass. For persistent technical upload errors, students can contact support via email at registrar@drbraouap.org.

How can admitted students download their official BRAOU-AP student ID card?

Students who have successfully paid their first-year tuition fees can download their official BRAOU-AP student ID card by logging into their student account portal. The ID card becomes accessible immediately after payment confirmation and verification approval for the 2026–27 academic year. Students should verify all printed details on the downloaded ID card for accuracy. If the download link fails to appear, confirm that fee payment status reflects as successful.