Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University

The university was established in August 1982 by Act of the State Legislature. It was inaugurated by the President of India. The founder and first vice chancellor was Prof. G. Ram Reddy. The university was renamed "Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University" on 24 October 1991 after the architect of the Indian Constitution Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar on the occasion of the centenary of his birth. The principal aim of the university is to provide an opportunity to those who are not in a position to avail themselves of the facilities for higher education through regular on-campus study at conventional colleges/universities. It adopts a flexible approach to eligibility, age of entry, choice of courses, method of learning, conduct of exams and operation of educational programmes. The university makes use of a variety of learning media including radio, television, film, audio cassette and the printed study material, besides arranging contact and counselling programmes and Sc 'Practicals' which makes for the traditional teacher-student interaction. The university functions through a network of 117 study centres located in the twin-cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad and all the districts of the State. The Study Centres are located in selected colleges throughout the State from which they drawtheir counselling staff who are experienced members of their teaching staff. The students receive guidance and counselling from the Counsellors at the Study Centres. The BSc students are expected to complete 30 practicals in each subject at the study centre. Students enrollment (1999–2000) was 63,046 (men 43,276, women 19,770).

Open University system is flexible in terms of admission, choice of courses, duration and age requirements, teaching methods and evaluation procedures. Thus it 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.

Located on an elevated site of 53.63 acres (217,000 m²) in Jubilee Hills, the campus has the Administrative and Support Services Block, the Grade building, Academic Branch and Library building, Study Material House, an extensive Open Plaza, a Conference Hall, and an Auditorium named after Late Sri Bhavanam Venkatram, former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh who was instrumental in establishing this University. There are laboratories in the Science Faculty for providing hands on training to Science Students of Physics, Chemistry, Geology, Botany, and Zoology. The Science Practicals hereafter will be conducted at the Newly constructed Science and Technology Multi Functional Lab (STML) building at the Campus all under one roof. The Narla Memorial Library is also housed in the Academic Building. A Multimedia Lab, Two Synergy Halls, a well-furnished Faculty Room and a Language Lab have also been set up in the Academic Building. All the buildings on the campus are linked by the LAN facility.

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