Overview

• Official Name: Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University (BAOU)
• Common Names: BAOU, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University
• Type: State University (Established by Government of Gujarat)
• Year Established: 1994
• Campus Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
• Approvals & Affiliations: Recognized by University Grants Commission (UGC) - UGC Official List; NAAC Accreditation Grade: B with CGPA 2.71 (Cycle 2, 2018)
• Official Website: http://baou.edu.in

Quick Facts

• Founder: Government of Gujarat
• Chancellor: Governor of Gujarat (As per state university norms)
• Vice-Chancellor: Prof. (Dr.) D.N. Dodiya
• Student Population: Approximately 1 lakh+ students (distance learning)
• Departments/Faculties: 6 faculties including Arts, Science, Commerce, Education, Management, Social Sciences
• Contact: Phone - +91-79-27547500, Email - baou@baou.edu.in
• Address: Near University Ground, opp. Himali Tower, Ashram Road, Ahmedabad - 380009, Gujarat, India
• NAAC Grade: B (2.71 CGPA, 2018)
• Ranking: Not listed in NIRF/QS India/India Today rankings as of 2024

Courses & Programs

• Faculties:
  • Arts: BA, MA (various subjects), Duration: UG-3 years, PG-2 years; Mode: Distance
  • Science: BSc, MSc, Duration: UG-3 years, PG-2 years; Mode: Distance
  • Commerce: BCom, MCom; Duration: UG-3 years, PG-2 years; Mode: Distance
  • Education: B.Ed, M.Ed; Duration: UG/PG 2-4 years; Mode: Distance
  • Management: BBA, MBA; Duration: UG-3 years, PG-2 years; Mode: Distance
  • Social Sciences: Diploma and Certificate courses in various social sectors; Duration varies; Mode: Distance/Online
• Popular Programs: MBA, B.Ed, BA, BCom, MSc, Diploma in Computer Applications
• Intake: Open and unlimited due to distance mode; No fixed intake limit

Admissions

• Admission Mode: Merit-based on qualifying examinations; No entrance tests typically
• Entrance Exams Accepted: Generally not required; Admissions based on qualifying degree marks
• Typical Admission Timeline: Academic sessions start in January and July every year
• Admissions Page: http://baou.edu.in/admissions
• Application Process:
  1. Visit the official BAOU website admissions portal
  2. Register with basic personal details online
  3. Fill application form for desired course
  4. Upload required documents and pay application fee online
  5. Submit final application and note the confirmation
  6. Offline applications accepted via regional centers as per notifications
• Application Portal: Online Admission Portal
• Prospectus: Available for download on the admissions page

Eligibility Criteria

• Undergraduate Programs: Completion of 10+2 or equivalent from recognized boards
• Postgraduate Programs: Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline from recognized university
• B.Ed Program: Graduation degree with at least 50% marks; relaxation as per govt norms
• MBA: Bachelor’s degree (any discipline) from recognized university
• Age Limit: No specific age limit for admission
• Documents Required:
  • 10th and 12th mark sheets & certificates
  • Transfer Certificate (TC) / Migration Certificate
  • Passport size photographs
  • Identity Proof (Aadhaar, Voter ID, etc.)
  • Degree certificates for PG courses
  • Reserved category certificates (if applicable)

Fee Structure & Scholarships

• Indicative Fees:
  • UG Programs (e.g. BA, BCom): ₹3,000 to ₹10,000 per year
  • PG Programs (e.g. MA, MBA): ₹8,000 to ₹20,000 per year
  • Additional fees for practical/lab, exam, and study material charges may apply
  • Hostel facilities generally not provided as it is an open university
• Scholarships & Financial Aid:
  • State Government Scholarships (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/Minority scholarships as per Gujarat govt rules)
  • UGC Scholarships for distance learners where applicable
  • Merit-cum-Means scholarships schemes available occasionally
  • Details available at Scholarship Information

Placements & Career Outcomes

• Placement Percentage: Not formally available / Limited due to distance education mode
• Average/Highest CTC: Not officially documented
• Top Recruiters: Not specified officially
• Placement Cell: University offers career counselling and skill development support via Student Support Centres
• Internship Support: Encouraged through study centres and faculties for professional courses

Campus & Facilities

• Main Campus: Ahmedabad - Administrative and academic headquarters
• Study Centres: Over 30 regional/language study centres across Gujarat for student support
• Facilities:
  • Library with e-resources and printed materials
  • Basic computer labs at the headquarters
  • Wi-Fi available at main campus office
  • Sport and recreation facilities limited due to distance mode
  • Health care support via tie-ups and government health schemes
  • Online learning platform and digital repository
  • Student clubs and cultural programmes organized at study centres
  • Transport: Local transport access at Ahmedabad campus

Faculty & Research

• Notable Faculty: Senior professors from Gujarat universities and experienced distance education professionals
• Research Centres: Focus on social sciences, education, and extension education research units
• Research Grants & MoUs: Not explicitly listed on official site as of 2024
• Patents: No patents reported

Rankings & Reputation

• NAAC Accreditation: Grade B, CGPA 2.71 (2018) - NAAC Official Report
• NIRF: Not ranked as of 2024
• Other Rankings: Not listed in QS India, India Today or Outlook rankings

Results, Cut-Offs & Seat Matrix

• Results Publication: Declared on university official website under "Examination Results" section - BAOU Results
• Cut-Offs & Seat Matrix: Not applicable due to open admission and distance mode with no fixed seats

How to Reach

• Nearest Airport: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad (~20 km)
• Nearest Railway Station: Ahmedabad Junction Railway Station (~5 km)
• City Connectivity: Well-connected by buses, auto-rickshaws, taxis around Ahmedabad city
• Local Transit: Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service (AMTS) buses, Metro rail connectivity nearby

FAQs

• Q1: What is the mode of education at BAOU?
  A: BAOU primarily offers distance and online learning programs.
• Q2: Is there any entrance exam for admission?
  A: Most courses admit based on merit of qualifying exams; no entrance test is usually required.
• Q3: Can out-of-state students apply?
  A: Yes, students from all over India can enroll via distance education.
• Q4: Are there any hostel facilities available?
  A: No dedicated hostels since it is an open university.
• Q5: How to apply for scholarships?
  A: Scholarships are available via Gujarat govt portals and through university announcements.
• Q6: When does the academic year start?
  A: Every January and July are typical session start months.
• Q7: How can I check my exam results?
  A: Results are published on the official website under the Results section.
• Q8: Is B.Ed offered in distance mode?
  A: Yes, BAOU offers B.Ed and M.Ed through distance learning.
• Q9: Whom to contact for admission queries?
  A: Contact via phone +91-79-27547500 or email baou@baou.edu.in
• Q10: Does BAOU have study centres?
  A: Yes, regional study centres are located throughout Gujarat to support learners.