The Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University (Dr.BRAOU) was established under Act No.11 of 1982 by the erstwhile combined State of Andhra Pradesh, with its headquarters at Hyderabad. The University functioned effectively from 1982 until the bifurcation of the State in June 2014.

On bifurcation of the State into the State of Andhra Pradesh and State of Telangana under the provisions of the Andhra Pradesh Re-organisation Act, 2014, the Government of Telangana, vide G.O.Ms.No.23, dated 10.11.2014, adapted the Dr.BRAOU Act, 1982.

The Government of Andhra Pradesh, exercising its jurisdiction under Act No.11 of 1982, has established the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University from Hyderabad to Eluru, vide G.O.Ms.No.24, Higher Education Department, dated 23.05.2025, consequent to the reorganization of the States and establishment of the new capital at Amaravati.

Further, the Government of Andhra Pradesh, through G.O.Rt.No.210, Higher Education Department, dated 15.10.2025, has appointed Prof. S. Vijaya Bhaskar Rao, Professor of Physics, Sri Venkateswara University, and Vice-Chairman, A.P. State Council of Higher Education, as the In-Charge Vice-Chancellor of Dr.BRAOU, Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, to administer the University under the provisions of the Dr.BRAOU Act, 1982, and to manage 76 study centres located across the State.

The University has 76 study centers and 12 Regional Centers in the State of Andhra Pradesh. 1720 Academic Counsellors who are the Lecturers working in the Government Degree and Aided Colleges in the State of Andhra Pradesh have been delivering the classes for UG and PG programs offered in these 76 study centers for the benefit of the students admitted to the programs of Dr.B.R. Ambedkar Open University.

Presently the campus is running from Regional Centre of the Dr.BRAOUAP at S.R.R. & C.V.R. Government Degree College, Machavaram, Vijayawada, to initiate operations and extend educational services to the learners of Andhra Pradesh till the new building is established at the designated site.