- The university provides programs in both online and open and distance learning (ODL) modes.
- The university has established a NEP Cell, NEP Advisory Committee, and NEP Task Force and has developed a roadmap for the implementation of NEP-2020. The university’s programs now offer flexible entry and exit options.
- Notably, students can enroll not only in full programs but also in individual courses. In accordance with NEP-2020, BAOU has introduced the Academic Bank of Credit and facilitates credit transfers from conventional universities.
- BAOU has initiated various community engagement activities, including the adoption of villages, financial assistance and scholarships, special learner support centres, support cells, outreach and access programs, and an extension activity cell.
- The university is a pioneer in the state, offering short-term certificate programs that cover a wide range of skills, such as soft skills, beauty parlour courses, and so on.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process through which BAOU acknowledges the abilities and knowledge obtained from non-formal and informal educational experiences as valid.
- Additionally, the university actively promotes regional languages as per NEP-2020 by providing self-learning materials for most of its courses in regional languages.
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University (BAOU), established on 13 April 1994 under Act No. 14 of the Gujarat State Legislature, is a public open university located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. The university, named after Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, is the seventh open university in India by year of establishment. [Explore BAOU Introduction]
Leadership and Governance
BAOU operates under esteemed leadership:
- Chancellor: Shri Acharya Devvrat (Governor of Gujarat)
- Vice Chancellor: Prof. Ami U. Upadhyay
- Registrar: Dr. Bhavin Trivedi
Recognition and Accreditations
BAOU is accredited and recognized by multiple authorities and organizations:
- Recognized under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956
- NAAC Accredited: A++ Grade with 3.55 CGPA
- Ranked 3rd among Open Universities in NIRF 2024 Rankings
- Approved by Distance Education Bureau (DEB)
- Member of Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU), International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE), and Association of Indian Universities (AIU)
Academic Programs
BAOU offers over 80 academic programs through the following schools:
- School of Humanities & Social Sciences
- School of Commerce and Management
- School of Education (Distance Education & Technology)
- School of Computer Science
It caters to over 800,000 learners and operates more than 300 study centers across Gujarat, with 7 regional centers.
Popular Programs & Fees
UG Programs: BA, BCom (₹1,200–1,800), BCA (₹14,000–15,000), BBA, BSc, BSW, BEd, BLIS.
PG Programs: MA, MCom, MBA (₹15,000–25,000), MCA, MSc, MSW.
Others: Certificate & Diploma Courses (₹600–₹22,000), PhD Programs (₹20,000–77,000)
Campus and Facilities
BAOU’s headquarters, ‘Jyotirmay’ Parisar, is spread across 20 acres on Sarkhej-Gandhinagar Highway, Ahmedabad. Key facilities include:
- 7 ICT-enabled classrooms, 2 smart classrooms
- 4 Computer Labs and Language Lab
- 73,000+ books in the Central Library
- Wi-Fi, Data Centers, Studio for AV content
- Auditorium, Guest House, Medical & Sports Facilities
[Explore BAOU Campus Facilities]
Digital Learning & Online Education
BAOU provides an advanced digital education ecosystem via the Centre for Online Education. Features include:
- Learning Management System (LMS)
- Eklavya Portal for student support
- Live/Recorded lectures, Mobile Apps
- Interactive tools: Chatbot, Call Center, Web Conferencing
Technology and Innovation
BAOU integrates tech-enabled learning:
- 1300 Mbps Internet bandwidth
- MOOCs & SWAYAM/SWAYAMPRABHA content
- Broadcast via Vande Gujarat TV, Swadhyay Radio
International Collaborations
BAOU partners with several global institutions, including:
- Vardhman Mahaveer Open University (VMOU), Rajasthan
- Astrakhan State University, Russia
- Mozambique Chamber of Commerce
Awards & Achievements
BAOU has been honored with:
- National Education Award 2019 by ABP News
- World Education Congress Award 2015
- Best ICT-enabled University (2015)
Prof. Ami Upadhyay has also received multiple accolades, including “Best Vice Chancellor – ODL 2020”.
Admissions & Scholarships
Admissions are conducted twice a year in January and July via the BAOU Admission Portal. The application process is online and includes entrance exams for certain programs.
Registration Fee: ₹300 (₹1000 for PhD).
Scholarships Available: SC/ST Post Matric, ISHAN UDAY, Indira Gandhi Single Girl Child, Pragati (for girls), and Saksham (for differently-abled).
Contact Information
Address:
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University, ‘Jyotirmay’ Parisar,
Sarkhej-Gandhinagar Highway, Chharodi,
Ahmedabad – 382 481, Gujarat, India
Phone: +91 2717 297170, +91 79 29796223/24/25
Email: info@baou.edu.in
Toll-Free: 1800 233 1020
Website: baou.edu.in
For specific queries:
- Admissions: admission.info@baou.edu.in
- Exams: exam.query@baou.edu.in
- Scholarships: scholarship@baou.edu.in
- Study Materials: baou.material@baou.edu.in
For support, visit the BAOU Help Desk.
Courses List for BAOU
| Sr No. | Course Name | College Type | Medium | Shift | Boys Fees | Girls Fees |
| 1 | MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION | Government | English | Noon | 7500 | 7500 |
| 2 | MASTER OF COMPUTER APPLICATION | Government | English | Noon | 12500 | 12500 |
| 3 | Bachelor in Education (ODL) | Government | Gujarati | Noon | 20000 | 20000 |
| 4 | Bachelor of Education in Special Education | Government | Gujarati | Noon | 30000 | 30000 |
| 5 | BACHELOR OF COMMERCE | Grant in Aid – Regular | Gujarati | Noon | 1800 | 1200 |
| 6 | BACHELOR OF ARTS | Grant in Aid – Regular | Gujarati | Noon | 1800 | 1200 |
| 7 | BACHELOR OF LIBRARY & INFORMATION SCIENCE | Grant in Aid – Regular | Gujarati | Noon | 6100 | 4300 |
| 8 | BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY) | Grant in Aid – Regular | English | Noon | 7500 | 7500 |
| 9 | BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK | Grant in Aid – Regular | Gujarati | Noon | 4000 | 4000 |
| 10 | MASTER OF ARTS (ENGLISH) | Grant in Aid – Regular | English | Noon | 3800 | 2700 |
| 11 | MASTER OF ARTS (GUJARATI) | Grant in Aid – Regular | Gujarati | Noon | 3800 | 2700 |
| 12 | MASTER OF ARTS (HINDI) | Grant in Aid – Regular | Hindi | Noon | 3800 | 2700 |
| 13 | MASTER OF ARTS (SOCIOLOGY) | Grant in Aid – Regular | Gujarati | Noon | 3800 | 2700 |
| 14 | MASTER OF LIBRARY & INFORMATION SCIENCE | Grant in Aid – Regular | Gujarati | Noon | 9030 | 6321 |
| 15 | Master of Commerce | Grant in Aid – Regular | Gujarati | Noon | 5500 | 4000 |
| 16 | Master of Arts (Journalism & Mass Communication) | Grant in Aid – Regular | English | Noon | 10000 | 10000 |
| 17 | Master of Science-Cyber Security | Grant in Aid – Regular | English | Noon | 7500 | 7500 |
| 18 | Master of Science (Information Technology) | Grant in Aid – Regular | English | Noon | 7500 | 7500 |
| 19 | DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (ENGLISH) | Grant in Aid – Regular | English | Noon | 10000 | 10000 |
| 20 | DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (EDUCATION) | Grant in Aid – Regular | English | Noon | 10000 | 10000 |
| 21 | DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (COMMERCE) | Grant in Aid – Regular | Gujarati | Noon | 10000 | 10000 |
| 22 | DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (COMPUTER SCIENCE) | Grant in Aid – Regular | English | Noon | 10000 | 10000 |
| 23 | DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (GUJARATI) | Grant in Aid – Regular | Gujarati | Noon | 10000 | 10000 |
| 24 | DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (HISTORY) | Grant in Aid – Regular | Gujarati | Noon | 10000 | 10000 |
| 25 | Doctor of Philosophy (Library & Information Science) | Grant in Aid – Regular | Gujarati | Noon | 10000 | 10000 |
| 26 | DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (MANAGEMENT) | Grant in Aid – Regular | Gujarati | Noon | 10000 | 10000 |
| 27 | DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (POLITICAL SCIENCE) | Grant in Aid – Regular | Gujarati | Noon | 10000 | 10000 |
| 28 | DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (SOCIOLOGY) | Grant in Aid – Regular | Gujarati | Noon | 10000 | 10000 |
| 29 | DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (ECONOMICS) (ARTS) | Grant in Aid – Regular | Gujarati | Noon | 10000 | 10000 |
| 30 | Doctor of Philosophy (Special Education) | Grant in Aid – Regular | Gujarati | Noon | 10000 | 10000 |
| 31 | Doctor of Philosophy ( Journalism & Mass Communication ) | Grant in Aid – Regular | Gujarati | Noon | 10000 | 10000 |