“A SOCIAL REVOLUTION AT Dr. B. R. AMBEDKAR OPEN UNIVERSITY”

• An affectionate embrace through education for tribal communities, transgender persons and persons with disabilities
• “Samatha Freeship” Scheme for Free Higher Education draws an encouraging response from students
• 516 students from Indigenous Tribal Communities enrolled under the Samatha Freeship Scheme
• Four transgender students admitted to the University
• 146 students with disabilities enrolled in higher education
• Admissions across all programmes increased from 51,564 last academic year to 56,180 this academic year
• Nearly 10% growth in first-year admissions compared to the previous academic year

Hyderabad : Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU) has emerged as a platform for inspiring transformation to marginalised tribal communities, born in remote forest regions and deprived of access to education, and transgender persons who have long faced social discrimination, are now preparing to pursue degree programmes alongside other students.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s vision that “Education is the only path to emancipation” into action, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University has initiated a quiet humanitarian revolution in higher education. Reaching out to communities at the margins of society, the University has opened the doors of higher education to tribal communities, transgender persons and persons with disabilities, ensuring that financial hardship does not stand in the way of their educational aspirations.

The “Samatha Freeship” Scheme, introduced by the University with a firm commitment to ensuring equal opportunities under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ghanta Chakrapani, has emerged as a driving force behind this transformation. During the current academic year, 516 students from Indigenous Tribal Communities have enrolled in higher education under the scheme. Four transgender students, who often face discrimination in society, have also joined the University, paving the way for a more dignified future. In another significant achievement, 146 students with disabilities have enrolled this academic year, demonstrating that disability need not be a barrier to pursuing one’s aspirations.

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These inclusive initiatives have strengthened students’ confidence in the University. The total number of first-year admissions across all programmes has increased from 51,564 in the previous academic year to 56,180 in the current academic year. This represents an encouraging growth of nearly 10% in admissions compared with the previous year. By transforming education into an accessible right and taking it to every doorstep, the University is setting an example for other educational institutions across the country.

A University That Has Become a School for the Marginalised

Established in 1982 as India’s first open university, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University has truly evolved into a university for the masses. Nearly 90% of its students belong to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Backward Classes and minority communities, while women account for approximately half of the student population. Recognising that certain sections of society still face barriers to accessing higher education, the University introduced the “Samatha Freeship Special Scheme” in the academic year 2025–26 to extend educational opportunities to those who need them the most.

Completely Free Higher Education for Tribal Students

The University offers completely free degree education to children belonging to Indigenous Tribal Communities, including the Gonds, Koyas, Chenchus and Konda Reddis, among other particularly vulnerable tribal communities living in the forests of Telangana. Recognising that even the annual tuition fee of ₹3,200 could be a significant financial burden for these families, the University has waived the entire tuition fee. Students can enrol in degree programmes by paying only a registration fee of ₹ 500.

The University also provides free study materials, audio and video lessons, and access to nearby study centres so that students can pursue their education close to their tribal habitations. Under this scheme, 376 students from Indigenous Tribal Communities enrolled in various programmes during the academic year 2025–26. The number has increased to 516 students in the academic year 2026–27, reflecting the growing reach of the initiative.

Free Higher Education for Transgender Persons

Any transgender person in Telangana who has completed the 10+2 level of education is eligible to enrol in any degree programme offered by the University. Students can secure admission by paying ₹500, with the remaining tuition fee waived. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University has emerged as a pioneer in extending such an opportunity to transgender persons. Whether they attend classes in person or study from home, they are not required to pay any additional tuition fees under the scheme. During the academic year 2025–26, three transgender students enrolled in various programmes. In the current academic year, 2026–27, four transgender students have secured admission, marking another step towards inclusive and equitable higher education.

Free Education for Persons with Disabilities

The University has also extended free education under the same scheme to persons with disabilities of 40% or above. During the academic year 2025–26, 94 students with disabilities enrolled in various programmes. This number has increased significantly to 146 students in the academic year 2026–27, a development that reflects the University’s commitment to making higher education accessible to all.

BRAOU Goal : To Empower at Least 1,000 Students from Marginalised Communities in the Next Five Years

The results of these compassionate and progressive initiatives are becoming evident within just one year of implementation. The increase in admissions demonstrates the growing impact of the University’s inclusive educational policies. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University is reaffirming its role as an institution that brings education to tribal communities and provides equal opportunities to all sections of society. The University is committed to empowering at least 1,000 students from tribal communities, persons with disabilities and transgender communities over the next five years through access to higher education. The University has already earned appreciation for providing free education to prisoners serving sentences in jails and to soldiers who guard the country’s borders. Continuing this commitment, BRAOU is now extending the reach of education to other socially and economically marginalised groups, embracing them through the transformative power of learning.

These Are Not Just Admission Figures, The Symbol Self-Respect : Prof. Ghanta Chakrapani

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Open University stands as a symbol of equality. We believe that the egalitarian society envisioned by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, must begin in the classroom itself. With this vision, we placed the proposal for the ‘Samatha Freeship’ Scheme before the Government, and the members of our Governing Council extended their wholehearted support. We consider it an honour that the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Telangana, Shri A. Revanth Reddy, has referred to our ‘Samatha Freeship’ Scheme for free higher education on several occasions and at various public platforms.

The Samatha Freeship Scheme, which we introduced in the previous academic year, is not merely about waiving fees. It is about removing the fear in the minds of children from tribal communities who believe that they may never be able to pursue higher education or earn a degree. It is about assuring transgender students, who often feel excluded by society, that this University stands firmly beside them and will support their aspirations for higher education. We consider it our responsibility to provide that assurance. The nearly 10% increase in admissions has further strengthened our sense of responsibility.

When a young Gond student becomes the first graduate from their tribal settlement, or when a transgender student earns a degree and secures employment, we consider that our greatest achievement and the most meaningful recognition of our efforts. Education is not an act of charity; it is a right. Our mission is to ensure that this right reaches the most disadvantaged sections of society. Come, let us give wings to your dreams through education. The doors of this university for the masses will always remain open to you. Let us join hands and continue our journey towards development, drawing inspiration from the ideals of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution.” For further details, visit: http://braou.ac.in or http://braouonline.in. Toll – Free Number: 18005990101 Help Desk: 040-23680333 / 555.