BRAOU Degree Validity: UGC-DEB Recognition and Accreditation

BRAOU degrees are recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and its Distance Education Bureau (DEB). The university also holds NAAC ‘A’ grade accreditation, ensuring quality and compliance with regulations.

• BRAOU degrees are recognized by UGC and DEB.
• The university has NAAC ‘A’ grade accreditation.
• BRAOU offers UGC-approved online and ODL programmes.
• The university adheres to UGC (ODL Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020.
• BRAOU submitted applications for 2026-27 academic year program approvals.

At a glance

Is BRAOU recognized by UGC and DEB?

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU) is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956.

The university strictly abides by the provisions of the University Grants Commission (Fitness of Open Universities for Grants) Rules, 1988.

BRAOU regularly submits applications to the UGC-Distance Education Bureau (DEB) for programme approvals. For the Academic Year 2026-27, BRAOU submitted applications for Online Learning (OL) programmes for the January-February session and for both Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and Online programmes for the August session.

You can find more details on BRAOU’s Clarifications to UGC page.

What is BRAOU’s NAAC Accreditation Status?

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU) is accredited with an ‘A’ Grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).

The university’s Centre for Internal Quality Assurance (CIQA) is involved in the NAAC accreditation process. You can view the NAAC Accredited with ‘A’ Grade status on the university website.

Which BRAOU programmes have UGC approval?

BRAOU has received permission from the University Grants Commission (UGC) to offer programmes through the Online mode.

In the first phase, BRAOU launched five online programmes: Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Commerce (M.Com), Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) in Telugu Medium, Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) in English Medium, and Master of Arts (M.A.) Telugu.

BRAOU has also received UGC approval for several Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programmes. These ODL programmes include Master of Arts (M.A.) Education, Master of Arts (M.A.) Education (School Administration), Master of Social Work (M.S.W.), Master of Science (M.Sc.) Geography, and the continuation of Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) and Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) Special Education.

What is BRAOU’s territorial jurisdiction for ODL and Online programmes?

BRAOU’s territorial jurisdiction for offering programmes is “Within State” as per its Act and UGC Regulations 2020.

Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) are not permitted to offer programmes or related activities through franchising arrangements.

BRAOU ensures that its examination centres meet all guidelines under Annexure II of UGC (Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020.

Are BRAOU ODL and Online degrees equivalent to conventional degrees?

Degrees, diplomas, and certificates awarded by Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) recognized by UGC-Distance Education Bureau (DEB) for Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and Online programmes are treated as equivalent to those offered through the conventional mode.

This equivalence applies provided the HEI adheres to the UGC (ODL Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020.

How does BRAOU ensure quality and compliance with UGC regulations?

BRAOU established the Centre for Internal Quality Assurance (CIQA) on 31 December 2009, based on recommendations from the Distance Education Council (DEC). The CIQA’s vision is to promote and sustain the quality of Open and Distance Learning in the Open University System.

BRAOU adheres to all provisions of the UGC (Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020. This includes compliance with Programme Project Report (PPR) requirements (Regulation 13, Annexure V), Self-Learning Material (SLM) preparedness (Annexure VII), and provisions mentioned in Annexure VI.

The university ensures its academic and instructional facilities, Learner Support Centres, and information resources meet all conditions of the UGC Regulations. BRAOU monitors content delivery, learner progress, assessment completion, and faculty interaction through its Learning Management System (LMS).

Learner authentication for online activities is secured through login credentials and registered learner profiles with DEB and APPAR ID. Identity verification for term-end examinations is conducted physically at approved examination centres. You can learn more about the Center for Internal Quality Assurance (CIQA) on the BRAOU website.

Which programmes are not offered by BRAOU in ODL/Online mode as per UGC?

As per UGC regulations, certain programmes cannot be offered in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) or Online mode.

These include Engineering, Medical, Law, Agriculture, Horticulture, Nursing, Pharmacy, Physical Education, Visual Arts and Sports, and Aviation. BRAOU adheres to these UGC guidelines.

Useful BRAOU pages

Source documents

• DEB Application February – 2027 PDF — BRAOU DEB Application February 2027
• UGC Precautions 2026 PDF — UGC Precautions 2026 for ODL/Online
• UGC-DEB PROGRAM APPROVAL APPLICATION 2026-27, SESSION COMMENCING FROM AUGUST, 2026. PDF — BRAOU DEB Program Approval Application 2026-27

Quick questions, answered