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PROSPECTUS
ONLINE MBA PROGRAMME
2014 - 15
DR. B. R. AMBEDKAR OPEN UNIVERSITY
Prof. G. Ram Reddy Marg, Road No: 46, Jubilee Hills,
Hyderabad - 500 033. Telangana State. India.
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CONTENTS
ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY ................................................................................ 3
ABOUT ONLINE PROGRAM............................................................................. 3
BENEFITS OF ONLINE PROGRAM .................................................................... 4
MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (ONLINE MBA PROGRAM) ............. 5
AIMS OF THE PROGRAM ................................................................................................... 5
DURATION OF THE PROGRAM .......................................................................................... 5
MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION ............................................................................................... 5
PROGRAM STRUCTURE ..................................................................................................... 5
ACADEMIC SERVICES PROVIDED TO THE STUDENTS .......................................................... 7
PATTERN OF EXAMINATION ............................................................................................. 8
AWARD OF DEGREE .......................................................................................................... 8
TUITION FEE ..................................................................................................................... 8
ADDITIONAL COSTS - For Printed Books and Micro SD Card. [Optional] ............................. 9
APPLICATION PROCEDURE ................................................................................................ 9
ELIGIBILITY ....................................................................................................................... 9
ENTRANCE TEST.............................................................................................................. 10
PATTERN OF ENTRANCE TEST ...................................................................................... 10
HOW TO APPLY FOR ENTRANCE TEST .......................................................................... 10
ADMISSION PROCESS - After Qualifying in the Entrance Test…..……………..……..………………11
CHECKLIST OF DOCUMENTS ......................................................................................... 12
ADDRESS FOR SENDING HARD COPIES ......................................................................... 12
IMPORTANT DATES ........................................................................................................ 12
HELPDESK - For Advice & Guidance .............................................................. 13
Annexure - A - List of Entrance Test Locations .............................................. 13
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ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Open University (Dr. BRAOU), Hyderabad, is the first Open University
in India, established by an Act of State Legislature in 1982 by the Government of Andhra
Pradesh. The University adopts a unique system of “Open Learning”, and serves the
objective of democratization of higher education and the ideal of continuing education.
Without any restrictions of age, sex, and occupation, the University offers basic degree
programs, vocational programs, professional programs and research programs through the
distance mode. The University intends to cater to the needs of those who:
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have missed their regular education and are working and cannot attend conventional
institutions;
wish to utilize their leisure hours purposefully, e.g., housewives;
want to upgrade their skills and qualifications while working;
desire to enrich their creative and vocational interest;
live in remote areas and are looking for educational opportunities.
The University with a wide network of study centres throughout the state offers Research,
PG (M.A. / M.Com. & M.Sc.) and UG programs. Further, it offers professional programs
(MBA, M.LISc, B.LISc, M.Ed / B.Ed/ B.Ed-SE & BPR), Diploma and Certificate programs.
All the programs offered by the University are recognized by the UGC.
ABOUT ONLINE PROGRAM
Dr. BRAOU‟s Online Program provides the following advantages to the learners while
retaining key features of Open - Distance Learning:
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Course Material: The high quality course material, that has been a hallmark of the
Dr. BRAOU‟s tradition, continues with the Online Program too. Course material, in
the form of Lecture Notes, will be uploaded onto the University‟s Learning
Management System (LMS) and a list of reference books will also be provided
therewith. However, if a student wants course material in printed form, the same can
be purchased from the University on payment of the required amount.
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Video-Based Lectures: The University provides access to large content library in the
form of video lectures to the students of its online program. The video based lectures
cover all the topics of the course and are organized in an easy-to use structure. The
learner, upon admission, is provided a unique user ID and password to access all the
online course content. Moreover, the system allows the learners to access, rewind and
view the lectures at their own time and convenience.
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Mobile-Based Learning: Students of online program have an option of viewing the
lectures in the off-line mode (without internet connection) by getting them loaded
onto the memory cards of their android enabled devices (e.g., mobile phones, tablets,
etc.).
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High Levels of Interactivity and Support: The University‟s Online Program is
supported by a dedicated subject experts identified by the University. The students
can call up the help desk or write to the administrator of the program for any unsolved
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issues that need escalation. The faculty conducts regular webinars, virtual classroom
sessions and student support sessions for the benefit of the students.
BENEFITS OF ONLINE PROGRAM
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Simplicity and Flexibility: The online format of education provides the students,
flexibility of time and space. Students can start learning at their own time and can
also interact with their teachers at their own convenience using the messaging and
forum modules of the Learning Management System.
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Self-Paced Learning: Online learning provides the flexibility to the students to pace
their learning. Students can make their own learning schedules and incorporate them
into the Learning Management System. Students can also revisit a video lecture any
time during the currency of their course.
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Open Scheduling: Online courses of the University are available in two admission
sessions of January and July. Students may opt for either of the session as they wish,
or those, who miss opting January admission session, may opt for the next July
session.
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Better Access to Expertise: Online program uses the expertise of several educators
from across the globe. These educators are seasoned academicians and veteran
industry professionals. Using the online teaching formats, the University has been
able to bring in their expertise for the benefit of its students.
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Up-to-Date Content: Most of the content available to the students in the Online
MBA Program is contemporary and relevant. Using cutting-edge technology, the
University has been able to keep the online content up-to-date.
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Continuous Feedback and Analytics: The University uses several mediums to
interact with and provide feedback to its students. The University‟s LMS has
tremendous amount of analytics running on it and provides a window to the learners
to analyze their learning, progress, and to motivate themselves for their better
performance.
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Networking Opportunities: The Online learning platform provides a window to the
learners to connect with other fellow learners / peers, to share and have access to their
expertise and knowledge among themselves. Such networking opens up more
opportunities of learning to its participants.
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Effectiveness: The research done by various experts in the field, points out the fact
that Online Education, due to its extensive use of Audio and Video tools, has been
quite effective with the students. This is, further, reinforced by timely feedback with
integrated online quizzes and tools to rapidly evaluate learning. The video lectures
strive to simulate real life classroom experiences and provide mastery over the
subjects as compared to any other form of correspondence program.
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A Better Fit for 21st Century Students: The 21st Century has seen a digital
revolution in the professional world. Most of the operations in a corporate (and
increasingly in Government), are performed using technology. Online learning
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inculcates technology skills and hence is considered to be better than traditional
distance programs.
MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
(ONLINE MBA PROGRAM)
The Department of Business Management of Dr. BRAOU, Hyderabad, has been offering
MBA Program (off-line) from 1993 onwards. For the first time, the Department is launching
„Online MBA Program‟ from 2014-15 academic year. The program is designed to provide
management education with special emphasis on strategic knowledge, decision-making skills
and expertise necessary to handle day-to-day managerial tasks.
AIMS OF THE PROGRAM
The aims of the MBA program are:
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to prepare graduates to assume managerial positions in corporate sector, and also
groom in-service candidates, to discharge their duties more effectively.
to prepare and equip graduates with latest, relevant and specialized knowledge in
management and business issues;
to help working managers to become more effective decision makers in their fields by
updating their knowledge and managerial skills;
to enable the managers to develop their skills of critical analysis, logical thinking,
creative imagination and independent judgment in the analysis and resolution of
complex managerial issues;
to enhance entrepreneurial traits and leadership qualities in the learners;
to inculcate a professional approach in the learners to address challenges of a fiercely
competitive market; and
to meet the demand of professional people at different managerial levels in industry.
DURATION OF THE PROGRAM
The Minimum duration of Online MBA Program is two years, which is divided into Four (4)
Semesters, i.e., Two (2) Semesters in each year.
Maximum period for completion of the program is 6 academic years from the year in which
the candidate takes admission.
If the candidate fails to complete the program within the maximum duration permitted, then
he / she has to seek re-admission as per the norms of the University in vogue at that time, for
further completion of the program.
MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION
The medium of instruction is „English‟ and the examinations are also in „English only‟.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
The Program consists of the following 24 courses (including Project Report) that are spread
over two academic years. A student has to study 6 courses in each of 1st, 2nd and 3rd
Semesters. All these courses are compulsory and common to all students. In the 4th and final
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Semester, of six courses, one course is common to all students, four courses belong to
specialization area, and the last one is a Project Report. Student has to choose any one
specialization area in 4th Semester as per his / her choice and has to study all the four courses
of the selected specialization area. At present, the University is offering specialization
courses in the following four areas:
(1) Finance;
(2) Marketing;
(3) Human Resource;
and
(4) Operations.
In summary, the student has to complete 19 common courses, 4 specialization courses and
submit a Project Report (Total 24 Courses) to get MBA Degree awarded by the University.
Student has to submit a Project Report preferably in Specialization Area opted by him/her or
on any general topic, and shall not select a topic in other specialization areas. Each course
carries a maximum of 100 marks.
DETAILED PROGRAM STRUCTURE
FIRST YEAR
SEMESTER – II
SEMESTER – I
MBA – 01: Management Process
MBA – 07: Organizational Behavior
MBA – 02: Managerial Economics
MBA – 08: Financial Management
MBA – 03: Business Environment
MBA – 09: Marketing Management
MBA – 04: Management Accounting
MBA – 10: Human Resource Management
MBA – 05: Managerial Communication
MBA – 11: Operations Management
MBA – 06: Information Technology for
Managers
MBA – 12: Quantitative Techniques
SEMESTER – III
SECOND YEAR
SEMESTER – IV
MBA – 13: Business Ethics & Corporate
Governance
MBA – 19: Innovation & Knowledge
Management
MBA – 14: Strategic Management
MBA – 20:
MBA – 15: Management Information Systems
MBA – 21:
MBA – 16: Entrepreneurship Development
MBA – 22:
MBA – 17: Operations Research
MBA – 23:
MBA – 18: International Business
MBA – 24: Project Report
Specialization Courses
Total Number of Courses: 24 (including Project Report)
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FOUR SPECIALIZATION AREAS & THEIR RESPECTIVE COURSES
A) Finance:
B) Marketing:
MBA – 31: Security Analysis & Portfolio
Management
MBA – 41: Consumer Behavior & Marketing
Research
MBA – 32: Financial Markets and Services
MBA – 42: Advertising & Sales Management
MBA – 33: Management Control Systems
MBA – 43: Retailing Management
MBA – 34: International Financial
Management
C) Human Resource:
MBA – 44: International Marketing
MBA – 51: Performance Management
MBA – 61: Supply Chain Management
MBA – 52: Labour Laws
MBA – 62: Total Quality Management
D) Operations:
MBA – 53: Management of Industrial Relations MBA – 63: World Class Manufacturing
MBA – 54: International Human Resource
Management
MBA – 64: Maintenance Management
MBA Degree will be awarded by the University as per the specialization chosen by the
student.
ACADEMIC SERVICES PROVIDED TO THE STUDENTS
A student of Online MBA program is entitled to the following Academic Services:
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Learning Management System (LMS) Access: The learner, upon admission, is
provided a unique user ID and password to access all online content. This content can
be accessed any number of times by the learner as per his/her time and convenience.
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Course Material: Course material, in the form of Lecture Notes, will be uploaded on
the LMS together with a list of reference books. If a student wants a course material
in printed form, the same can be purchased, by paying the required amount.
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Video Lectures: Video lectures by the University Professors and Experts will be
provided to the student on the LMS. The Video based lectures cover all the topics of
the course and are organized in an easy-to-use structure.
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Mobile-Based Learning: Students of online program have an option of viewing the
lectures in the off-line mode (without internet connection) using any android enabled
devices (e.g., mobile phones, tablets, etc.) by getting those lectures loaded onto their
memory cards.
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Faculty Interaction: Students have the option of interacting with faculty via Email,
Chat and Virtual Classrooms. The Virtual Classrooms are organized at regular
intervals for the students to participate and get their doubts, queries, etc., clarified /
answered.
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Quizzes and Mock Tests: Quizzes and mock tests are made available to the students
to allow them to assess their level of understanding and also prepare for graded
assessments.
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In addition to these facilities, the University broadcasts radio-lessons through AIR,
Hyderabad - A, telecast Tele-lessons through Doordarshan (Yadagiri & Saptagiri) Channels
and also organize Live Tele-conference programs on Sundays from 2.00 pm to 3.00 pm on
the same channels. The students can also use these facilities.
PATTERN OF EXAMINATION
The evaluation of students for Online MBA Program is based on two components, i.e.,
Continuous Assessment and Semester-end Examinations. Both Continuous Assessment and
Semester-end Examinations will be conducted ONLINE. Multiple Choice Questions and
Descriptive Questions will be there in Continuous Assessment and Semester-end
Examinations to test the analytical and conceptual comprehension of the students. Hence, the
students are expected to possess minimum typing skills.
Each course carries maximum 100 marks (30 + 70 = 100).
a) Continuous Assessment is the process of assessing the performance of students
through assignments, tests and participation in activities during the course as directed
by the University. Continuous Assessment carries a weightage of 30 marks.
Assignments shall be submitted as per the schedules decided by the University.
Students can work on the assignments on their personal computers / tablets, etc. at
their own pace and submit the work as per the schedule decided by the University.
b) Semester-end Examination: The final semester-end examination will be for 70
marks in each course. Case Analysis or Problem Solving Exercises may also be
included based on the nature / subject of the course. Semester-end examinations will
be conducted only at identified examination locations as per the schedule to be
announced by the University. The duration of the Semester-end examination for each
course will be three hours. THE EXAM IS NOT ON-DEMAND.
AWARD OF DEGREE
Student shall score minimum 40% marks both in continuous assessment and in the semesterend examination of each course separately, in order to qualify the single course of the
program. The final grade will be awarded after taking into account the marks so obtained for
all the courses both in continuous assessments and the final Semester-end examinations.
Based on the overall result of marks score, the Online MBA Degree shall be awarded, as
follows:
First Class with Distinction
–
70% and above
First Class
–
60% and below 70%
Second Class
–
50% and below 60%
Pass
–
40% and below 50%
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TUITION FEE
The Tuition fee payable at the beginning of each semester is provided below. The payment
has to be made using the online payment gateway using Credit Card, Debit Card or Net
Banking.
SEMESTER
First Semester
Second Semester
Third Semester
Forth Semester
Total Fee
AMOUNT (INR)
10,000/10,000/10,000/10,000/40,000/-
Note: Examination Fee has to be paid separately as per the norms of the University.
ADDITIONAL COSTS - For Printed Books and Micro SD Card. [Optional]
Students can avail certain optional services on additional payment as shown below:
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1
Particulars
Printed Books (Course Material).
If collected in person at the University campus.
2
Courier Charges for Printed Books.
3
Micro SD card loaded with the Offline App. and Video content.
If collected in person at the University campus.
4
Courier Charges for Micro SD Card.
Cost
Rs. 1,500 per
semester.
Rs. 250 per
semester.
Rs. 1,000 per
semester.
Rs. 100 per
semester.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
ELIGIBILITY
The Online MBA Program is open to fresh graduates as well as in-service candidates.
Further, it is open to all citizens of India, who are willing to take examinations in India and
satisfy the following conditions:
i) IN-SERVICE CANDIDATES
a) The candidates should have passed Bachelor Degree Examination of minimum
three years duration or graduates from allied subjects like Faculty of Engineering /
Technology, Medicine, Pharmacy, Law and Architecture from any University
recognized by UGC with a minimum 2 years of experience at executive /
supervisory level;
OR
b) Any working person with a professional qualification (i.e., CA / CMA / CWA /
CS) with a minimum 2 years of experience at executive / supervisory level.
AND
c) Such candidates shall submit a Service Certificate certified by the current
employer, stating their designation, length of service, etc. Further, a No
Objection Certificate (NOC) has to be produced from such employer.
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ii) FRESH GRADUATES
a) The candidates should have passed Bachelor Degree Examination of minimum
three years duration from any University recognized by UGC with 50% marks
(5% relaxation is allowed in the case of reserved categories).
b) The graduates from allied subjects like Faculty of Engineering / Technology,
Medicine, Pharmacy, Law, and Architecture of any University recognized by
UGC with 50% marks (5% relaxation is allowed in the case of reserved
categories)
c) Any person with a professional qualification (i.e., CA / CMA / CWA / CS).
ENTRANCE TEST
Candidates, who seek admission into the Online MBA Program, shall necessarily
appear for an Entrance Test conducted by the University. The list of identified locations
where the Entrance Test will be conducted is provided in Annexure – A. However, the
University reserves the right to modify (add / delete) the locations, if required. The Entrance
Test is also 'ONLINE’.
PATTERN OF ENTRANCE TEST
The Entrance Test will be conducted in four areas mentioned below:
Area
General Awareness
English
Quantitative Aptitude
Reasoning
Total
No. of Questions
25
25
25
25
100
Marks
25
25
25
25
100
The duration of the test will be 2 Hours and Qualifying Marks in the Entrance Test will be
40 (Forty only). A 5% relaxation in case of SC & ST candidates only will be provided.
There will be no negative marks in the Entrance Test. A Model Paper for the Entrance Test
is uploaded on the University web site.
Candidates who do not qualify in the Entrance Test conducted during one session cannot
appear for the Entrance Test again for the same session. They can, however, appear for the
Entrance Test again during any of the next sessions.
HOW TO APPLY FOR ENTRANCE TEST
1) Login to www.eprograms.braou.ac.in, and click on „Apply Now‟ button on the
home page. Fill the ‘Application for Entrance Test of Online MBA’ with all the
required details, as per the instructions given in the application form.
2) Select the preferred date of the Entrance Test and the preferred test location. The
University will provide a few alternative test dates to allow students to take the
Entrance Test at their convenience. The Entrance Test dates and the List of Test
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Locations are subject to change, and in the case of such change, the students will be
intimated in advance.
3) Scan the following original certificates and upload them onto the University web site:
a) Date of Birth Certificate (SSC or Equivalent such as Passport or Certificate from
Registrar of Births & Deaths / Tahsildar, School Leaving Certificate issued by the
Head Master / Principal).
b) Memorandum of Marks and Degree Certificate of Qualifying Examination.
c) Relevant Social Status Certificate (SC / ST / BC).
d) Service Certificate and No Objection Certificate (NOC) in the case of In-Service
Candidates.
4) In respect of Photo and Signature, put your passport size latest colour photograph on
a white paper and sign below the photo and scan it. The same shall be uploaded onto
the University web site.
5) Make online payment of Rs.750/- (Rupees Seven Hundred and Fifty) only, towards
Registration-Fee either by using a debit / credit card or net banking.
6) Hall Ticket for Entrance Test will be emailed to the candidate and also be uploaded
onto the University web site two days before the preferred date of the Entrance Test.
ADMISSION PROCESS - After Qualifying in the Entrance Test
An applicant qualified in the entrance test has to follow the following procedure for
completing the admission process:
1. The candidate needs to pay the required tuition fee of 1st Semester using the online
payment options provided there for, and invariably save / print the fee paid receipt.
2. On successful payment transaction, the candidate will be provisionally admitted to the
course and specialization, which he/she has applied for.
3. The applicant has to send by post the hard copies of the below mentioned documents,
that were also scanned and uploaded at the time of applying for the Entrance Test, to
the address provided there for:
a. Two print-outs of the application form submitted earlier for the Entrance Test
(the application form has to be signed now physically by the candidate);
b. One photocopy of each of the documents uploaded should be attested by a
Notary / a Gazetted Officer;
c. Original Service Certificate and No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the
current employer; and
d. Three (3) Latest Passport Size Colour Photographs.
4. After verification of the hard copies of the documents submitted by the candidate, an
Admission Number will be allotted by the University. The student has to invariably
mention this number in every future correspondence with the University.
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5. Tuition Fee once paid will not be refunded. So, prior to making the payment, the
students are advised to make sure that they are eligible to take admission into the
‘Online MBA Program’ as per the eligibility criteria decided by the University.
NOTE: The student shall submit all the necessary Original Certificates for verification at
any time during the admission or the currency of the program, if asked by the University.
CHECKLIST OF DOCUMENTS
The following is the checklist of documents to be sent to the University as mentioned earlier:
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Proof of Qualification: Attested photocopies of the last qualifying exam and
statement of marks (degree certificate / marks sheet).
Three (3) passport size latest colour photographs.
Attested photocopy of the marriage certificate (if applicable) indicating any change
in the name of the candidate.
Proof of Date of Birth: Attested photocopy of SSC or Equivalent Certificate such as
Passport or Certificate from Registrar of Births & Deaths / Tahsildar, School Leaving
Certificate issued by the Head Master / Principal.
Relevant Social Status Certificate (SC/ST/BC).
Original Service Certificate and No Objection Certificate (NOC) in the case of InService Candidates.
ADDRESS FOR SENDING HARD COPIES
The Programme Coordinator
„Online Programs Cell‟
Students Services Branch,
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Open University
Prof. G. Ram Reddy Marg, Road No – 46,
Jubilee Hills, HYDERABAD – 500033.
Telangana State, India.
Instructions for Dispatching the Envelope
i) Please send the envelope containing the documents mentioned above, through
„Registered Post Acknowledgement Due’ only.
ii) Please do write your Provisional Admission Number (Given for your Application) on
the backside of your photographs and also super scribe the same, on the envelope to
be sent / posted.
IMPORTANT DATES
The Important dates for the January, 2015 batch is provided below:
Activity
Admission Notification
Last Date for submitting Application Form
Entrance Test Dates (Tentative)
Date
17th December 2014
20th December 2014, 21st December 2014,
27th December 2014, 28th December 2014
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Last Date for Payment of Fees
07th January 2015
Commencement of Program
10th January 2015
Semester-End Examination (Tentative)
1st June 2015
Click on the link for Application Form: www.eprograms.braou.ac.in
HELPDESK - For Advice & Guidance
Phone Number – 8688 339 339
SMS – BRAOU to 56767
Annexure - A
List of Entrance Test Locations
The tentative list of locations where the Entrance Tests will be conducted is provided below.
The list of locations may be modified, at the sole discretion of the University, based on the
number of students appearing for the entrance test at a specific location and on specified
dates.
1. Hyderabad & Secunderabad
2. Warangal
3. Khammam
4. Nalgonda
5. Mahabubnagar
6. Karimnagar
7. Nizamabad
8. Medak
9. Guntur
10. Vijayawada (Krishna District)
11. Eluru, (West Godavari District)
12. Rajahmundry
13. Vizag (Visakhapatnam)
14. Srikakulam
15. Tirupati
16. Kadapa
17. Ananthapuram
18. Kurnool
19. Nellore
20. Ongole
21. Bangalore
22. Chennai (Tamil Nadu)
23. Cochin (Kerala)
24. Mumbai (Maharashtra)
25. Ahmedabad (Gujarat)
26. Delhi
27. Kolkata (West Bengal)
28. Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh)
29. Patna (Bihar)
30. Bhubaneshwar (Orissa)
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