A Legacy of Educational Transformation
The University, initially known as Andhra Pradesh Open University, was set up on 26th August 1982 through an Act of the A.P. State Legislature (APOU Act 1982). Subsequently, the University was renamed as Dr. B.R.Ambedkar Open University by the Government of Andhra Pradesh. The establishment of this University, the first of its kind in India, heralded an era of affirmative action on the part of the Government of Andhra Pradesh.
The Foundation Stones
Established on August 26, 1982, through an Act of the Andhra Pradesh State Legislature, it was inaugurated by President Gyani Zail Singh. The visionary behind its creation was Professor G. Ram Reddy, who served as the first Vice-Chancellor
A Historic Renaming
On October 26, 1991, the university was renamed Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University in 1991 through the Andhra Pradesh Open University (Amendment) Act, 1991, named after the architect of the Indian Constitution Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar on the occasion of the centenary of his birth. This change renewed the university's core focus on social equality and inclusive higher education.
Adopted Digital Era
BRAOU launched its first-generation ICT models, bringing digital course materials, online fee portals, and satellite learning channels directly into regional coordination circles across Andhra Pradesh.
A.P.Reorganization
On bifurcation of the State into the State of Andhra Pradesh and State of Telangana under the provisions of the Andhra Pradesh Re-organisation Act, 2014, the Government of Telangana, vide G.O.Ms.No.23, dated 10.11.2014, adapted the Dr.BRAOU Act, 1982. The university figured in the tenth schedule of A.P. State Re-organization Act, 2014, and shall continue providing equal facilities to people from both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
Change of headquarter
The Government of Andhra Pradesh, exercising its jurisdiction under Act No.11 of 1982, has changed the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University’s headquarter to Eluru, vide G.O.Ms.No.24, Higher Education Department, Dated 23.05.2025, consequent to the reorganization of the States and establishment of the new capital at Amaravati. Through G.O.Rt.No.210, Higher Education Department, dated 15.10.2025, has appointed Prof. S. Vijaya Bhaskar Rao, Professor of Physics, Sri Venkateswara University, and Vice-Chairman, A.P. State Council of Higher Education, as the In-Charge Vice-Chancellor of Dr.BRAOU, Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, to administer the University under the provisions of the Dr.BRAOU Act, 1982, and to manage 76 study centres located across the State
UGC Recognition
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has recognized the Dr.B.R.Ambedkar Open University, Eluru, Andhra Pradesh under section 2 (f) of the UGC Act, 1956 on 11th May 2026