Introduction
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU), founded in 1982, proudly holds the distinction of being India’s first Open University. Over the past forty-three years, it has emerged as a pioneering institution in distance and open learning, steadfastly expanding the frontiers of higher education. Through its commitment to accessibility, flexibility, and inclusivity, the University has empowered millions of learners—especially those historically marginalized or excluded from conventional systems of education—thereby transforming aspirations into attainable realities.
BRAOU is now proudly announced a monumental shift in its core mission and strategic direction today. While maintaining its unwavering commitment to accessible higher education through comprehensive degree programs, BRAOU is evolving into a dynamic and proactive hub for cutting-edge skill development, vocational training, and direct employment generation. This bold transformation positions BRAOU at the forefront of national imperatives and global educational trends, empowering learners to not only acquire knowledge but also to earn, innovate, and lead in a rapidly changing world.
With over seven lakh inspiring success stories to its credit, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Open University has profoundly influenced the landscape of higher education in India, especially among the marginalized groups such as SC, ST, BC, women, and rural communities. Today, the University stands at a transformative juncture. Moving beyond the traditional mandate of awarding conventional degrees, BRAOU is redefining its mission as a dynamic platform for skill development, innovation, entrepreneurship, and employment-oriented learning, thereby aligning education with the evolving aspirations of society and the demands of a changing world.
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 represents a transformative reform in India’s education system, replacing the earlier 1986 policy. It envisions an education framework that is holistic, flexible, multidisciplinary, skill-oriented, and inclusive, aligned with the demands of the 21st century. NEP 2020 aims to make India a global knowledge hub while ensuring education becomes accessible, affordable, and employment-oriented. On the other hand, the Telangana Rising Policy reflects the Government of Telangana’s strategic vision to position the state as a leader in innovation, inclusive growth, skill development, and economic transformation. The policy integrates education, industry, and governance to create a vibrant ecosystem where learning translates into livelihoods.
In alignment with global educational models, the National Education Policy 2020 and the Telangana Rising Policy, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Open University has launched a series of flagship programmes under its Graduate Employability Framework. This framework has been conceptualized and developed with the support and expert guidance of the Commonwealth of Learning (COL)—the world’s only intergovernmental organization exclusively devoted to the promotion and advancement of open and distance learning. Hosted by the Government of Canada and headquartered in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, COL contributes global expertise in flexible, technology-enabled, and inclusive education systems.
Through this international collaboration, BRAOU reinforces its commitment to academic quality, outcome-based learning, skill integration, and employability enhancement—positioning itself in alignment with global standards in open and distance higher education. Thus, this progressive transformation finds concrete expression in the newly introduced initiatives of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Open University, designed to empower learners not merely to learn and graduate, but to earn, innovate, and lead successful careers in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
1. STEP – Stipend-based Education Programme (in collaboration with RASCI)
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Retailers Association’s Skill Council of India (RASCI) to implement the Stipend-based Education Programme (STEP). This forward-looking initiative is structured to integrate formal education with industry-aligned skill training. Under STEP, learners receive systematic, sector-specific, competency-based training in the retail domain while continuing their academic pursuits. Importantly, the programme provides a monthly stipend, thereby enabling students to gain practical work experience, develop employable skills, and attain financial support simultaneously.
Through this collaboration, BRAOU strengthens its commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry, fostering experiential learning, and promoting a model where education meaningfully converges with livelihood opportunities.
The Retailers Association’s Skill Council of India (RASCI) is a premier Sector Skill Council established to strengthen skill development and vocational training within India’s retail ecosystem. It is formally recognized by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MoSDE), NSDC, and NCVET. RASCI functions as the apex certifying and standards-setting body for vocational education in the retail sector. Working in close collaboration with retail industry leaders, RASCI ensures that learners receive industry-relevant, competency-based, and nationally certified training.
- Foster an “Earn While You Learn” Culture: Integrate structured retail job experience with formal academic education.
- Develop Industry-Relevant Practical Skills: Equip learners with hands-on competencies aligned with the retail and services sectors.
- Cultivate Professional Attributes: Strengthen workplace discipline, communication skills, teamwork, and customer engagement.
- Enhance Economic Empowerment: Provide stipend support to promote financial independence and reduce economic barriers to higher education.
- Enrollment Status: The applicant must be a current UG or PG student of BRAOU enrolled in the present academic year, or a recently graduated alumnus/alumna.
- Age Requirement: Candidates should be between 18 and 27 years of age at the time of application.
- Work Commitment: Applicants must demonstrate willingness to work a minimum of three days per week in a designated retail establishment assigned by RASCI.
- Stipend Support: Monthly stipend ranging from ₹7,000 to ₹24,000, depending on working days and store location.
- National Skill Certification: Awarded by the Retailers Association’s Skill Council of India (RASCI).
- Industry Experience: Structured, hands-on exposure in the retail sector enhancing immediate job-readiness.
2. WeEnabled – Women Empowerment Programme (in collaboration with WE Hub)
In a forward-looking strategic collaboration with WE Hub, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Open University has launched the WeEnabled Programme—a Six-Month intensive training initiative dedicated to empowering women learners. This programme is thoughtfully designed to equip participants with essential competencies in entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership, and employability skills.
By integrating academic learning with entrepreneurial exposure, the initiative aligns with broader national and state visions for women’s empowerment, inclusive growth, and economic participation—transforming learners into creators, leaders, and change-makers in the emerging knowledge economy.
The Women Entrepreneurs Hub (WE Hub) is the Government of Telangana’s pioneering state-led incubator dedicated exclusively to promoting and strengthening women-led startups, innovations, and social enterprises. It serves as a comprehensive support platform offering an enabling ecosystem for aspiring women entrepreneurs.
- Capacity Building at Scale: To train and mentor at least 2,000 young women learners at BRAOU in entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership.
- Economic Empowerment: To strengthen financial independence, self-reliance, and career confidence.
- Ecosystem Integration: To connect women learners with the broader start-up ecosystem, industry mentors, and real-world problem-solving initiatives.
- Enrollment Requirement: The applicant must be a female learner currently enrolled in any UG or PG programme at BRAOU.
- Age Criterion: The candidate should be below 25 years of age at the time of application.
- Commitment: Must demonstrate willingness to participate in the entire six-month training programme, including mentoring and workshops.
- Six Months of Structured Training: Entrepreneurial mindset, Grassroots innovation, Digital literacy, and Leadership skills.
- Hands-on Mentoring: Personalized guidance from industry experts and accomplished entrepreneurs.
- Capstone Project / Final Pitch: A culminating project presented at the end of the programme.
3. SKILL PROGRAMME WITH SRTRI
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU), through a strategic partnership with the Swamy Ramanand Thirtha Rural Institute (SRTRI), offers short-term residential skill development programmes thoughtfully designed to foster holistic student development, strengthen employability, and stimulate rural innovation.
The Swamy Ramananda Tirtha Rural Institute was established in the year 1995 to enable rural India with unhindered access to latest technologies. SRTRI strongly believes that the holistic development of human resources would be the only permanent solution for rural poverty eradication. The core mission rests upon building the capacities of rural youth and women.
- Students Checklist: Students pursuing B.A., B.Com., or B.Sc. programmes at BRAOU are eligible to apply.
- Duration: 1 Month to 3 Months (Short-term Residential Programme).
- 100% FREE Programme: No training fee charged to selected students.
- Free Accommodation & Food: Residential campus facilities and nutritious meals provided throughout the programme.
- Immersive Learning Environment: Structured daily schedule fostering discipline and teamwork.
- Holistic Development Focus: Emphasis on personal growth, professional competence, and social responsibility.
4. BRAOU–TCS JOB ACHIEVER PROGRAMME
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University in association with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), has launched the BRAOU–TCS Job Achiever Programme—a specialized, career-oriented initiative aimed at enhancing the employability of BRAOU students.
- Criteria: Students currently enrolled in B.A., B.Com., or B.Sc. – I Year programmes at Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Open University are eligible to apply.
- Employment Access: Pathways to 3,000+ corporate organizations across diverse sectors including IT, services, and finance.
- Corporate Exposure: Familiarization with industry protocols, professional ethics, workplace culture, and performance expectations.
- Job Readiness: Development of communication, analytical, and soft skills essential for successful corporate careers.
- Industry-Aligned Training: Structured modules designed in association with TCS to meet contemporary market demands.
5. SAMATHA FREESHIP – Advancing Equity in Education
The Samatha Freeship is a transformative scholarship initiative of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Open University aimed at extending free education to the most vulnerable and historically marginalized sections of society.
- Adivasi and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
- Transgender Persons.
- Persons with Disabilities and Divyangjans.
By eliminating financial constraints, the Samatha Freeship ensures that economic hardship does not obstruct the fundamental right to higher education. It embodies the University’s enduring commitment to social justice and inclusivity—transforming education into an instrument of dignity and equal opportunity.
6. Nipuna Fellowships – Advancing Skills and Employability
The Nipuna Fellowships, instituted by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Open University, are designed to provide comprehensive support for skill development, vocational education, and language proficiency programmes for learners from disadvantaged and marginalized communities.
- Full Financial Support: Complete waiver of training and programme costs, entirely funded by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Open University.
- Large-Scale Impact: Designed to benefit at least 5,000 learners annually, significantly expanding access to career-oriented education.
- Comprehensive Development: Access to structured vocational training and language proficiency enhancement.
- Certification Focus: Recognized certification upon completion, enhancing job-readiness and career mobility.
These Impactful schemes strengthen the University’s mission of inclusive growth and socio-economic empowerment.
COMPUTER COURSES
Explore our wide range of professional certificate courses designed to enhance your digital skills and career prospects. Each course is crafted by industry experts to provide hands-on experience and practical knowledge.