Annamalai University, Directorate of Distance Education (AUDDE) is the distance learning unit of Annamalai University in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu. It started in 1979, while the parent university was founded in 1929. Its programmes are approved by the University Grants Commission-Distance Education Bureau (UGC-DEB). Annamalai University has NAAC A+ accreditation from 2022 and is recognised by UGC and the Government of Tamil Nadu.

In the NIRF University Rankings 2025, Annamalai University is listed in the University Band 101-150 in India. The university also holds #38 in Agriculture and Allied Sectors and #42 in Pharmacy in NIRF 2025.

AUDDE works from Annamalainagar, Chidambaram, in Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu. It is based inside the Annamalai University campus, which covers 872 acres.

AUDDE runs 51 programmes in open and distance learning mode at UG, PG, Diploma and Certificate levels:

  • MBA is a 2-year programme with 8 specialisations: Marketing Management, Financial Management, Human Resource Management, Hospital Management, E-Business, International Business, Information Systems, and General Management. The total fee is INR 32,000.
  • MA is offered for 2 years in English, Tamil, Economics, History, Political Science, and Sociology. The total fee is INR 8,500.
  • M.Sc is a 2-year course in Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, and Yoga. The fee is INR 9,500 to INR 35,000, based on the specialisation.
  • MSW, MFA, and M.Com are 2-year programmes in Social Work, Fine Arts (Bharathanatyam and Music), and Co-operative Management.
  • BFA is a 4-year course in Dance (Bharathanatyam) and Music (Vocal, Veena, Violin, Mrudangam). The total fee is INR 28,000.
  • Diploma and Certificate courses are available in Computer Applications, Yoga, Mass Communication, Journalism, GST, Accounting, Saiva Siddhanta, and performing arts.

Differently-abled applicants who have certification from the Government of Tamil Nadu can get fee concessions.

AUDDE Courses and Fees

AUDDE provides 51 distance learning programmes. For the full course period, the total fee starts at INR 1,950 for certificate programmes and goes up to INR 35,000 for M.Sc Chemistry.

CourseFee
MBA (8 specialisations), 2 years, eligibility: any graduation from a UGC-recognised universityINR 32,000
MA (English / Tamil / Economics / History / Political Science / Sociology), 2 years, eligibility: graduation in a relevant or allied disciplineINR 8,500
M.Sc Chemistry, 2 years, eligibility: B.Sc Chemistry or related science degreeINR 35,000
M.Sc Computer Science, 2 years, eligibility: B.Sc Computer Science or BCAINR 28,000
M.Sc Physics / Zoology / Botany, 2 years, eligibility: B.Sc in respective disciplineINR 30,000 to INR 34,000
M.Sc Mathematics, 2 years, eligibility: B.Sc MathematicsINR 9,500
M.Sc Yoga, 2 years, eligibility: any graduationINR 24,000
MSW, 2 years, eligibility: any graduationINR 18,000
MFA (Bharathanatyam / Music), 2 years, eligibility: BFA or equivalent in performing artsINR 24,000
M.Com (Co-operative Management), 2 years, eligibility: B.Com or equivalentINR 8,500
BFA (Dance / Music), 4 years, eligibility: 10+2 from a recognised boardINR 28,000
Diploma Programmes, 6 months to 1 year, eligibility: 10+2 or graduation depending on the programmeINR 2,450 to INR 5,700
Certificate Programmes, 6 months, eligibility: Class 10 or 10+2INR 1,950 to INR 3,850

Subject to revision. Kindly check with the official sources to confirm

The MBA includes functional and sector-based specialisations. M.Sc courses that need laboratory work, such as Chemistry, Physics, Botany, and Zoology, have higher fees because practical sessions are coordinated through Learner Support Centres.

AUDDE Admission Process

AUDDE admits students on merit and does not conduct an entrance test. Marks in the qualifying exam are used for admission to UG, PG, Diploma and Certificate programmes. Students can apply online, visit a Learner Support Centre, or send the application by post to the Directorate.

PG Programmes (MBA, MA, M.Sc, MSW, MFA, M.Com)

For PG admission, applicants need a graduation degree from a UGC-recognised institution under the 10+2+3 system or an equivalent pattern. Students with only an open university degree and no earlier regular qualification cannot apply for PG courses at AUDDE.

  • Eligibility: Graduation in a relevant or allied discipline from a UGC-recognised university
  • Application: Apply through audde.in, submit at a Learner Support Centre, or send the form by post to the Director, AUDDE, Annamalai University
  • Documents required: Degree certificate and mark sheets, transfer certificate, community certificate if applicable, Aadhaar card, and three passport-size photographs
  • Admission confirmation: Given after the course fee is paid through the AUDDE portal

UG Programmes (BFA)

The BFA course accepts students who have passed 10+2 from a recognised board. AUDDE offers BFA in Dance (Bharathanatyam) and Music with five options: Vocal, Veena, Violin, Mrudangam, and general Music. The course lasts 4 years in ODL mode and includes periodic contact sessions.

Diploma and Certificate Programmes

Most Diploma courses need either 10+2 or graduation as the minimum qualification. Certificate courses in Spoken English, Office Management, Library Science, and performing arts are open to Class 10 and 10+2 pass students. AUDDE has no age limit for its programmes, and students from any Indian state can apply without a domicile condition.

AUDDE Career Outcomes

AUDDE is a distance education directorate and does not organise campus placement drives. Students find jobs through open recruitment, government exams, and their own professional contacts. Under UGC-DEB rules, AUDDE distance learning degrees are accepted on par with regular degrees by most government and private employers.

Note: AUDDE does not provide campus placement support. A student’s career result depends on earlier work experience, qualifications, and personal job search effort.

MBA graduates from AUDDE often look for work in banking, financial services, healthcare management, and state government services. MA students in Tamil and English commonly prepare for government school teaching roles and TNPSC exams. MSW graduates move towards NGOs, social welfare departments, and community development organisations. M.Sc graduates in Chemistry and Computer Science usually target laboratory, research, or IT support jobs.

AUDDE Rankings

NIRF ranks Annamalai University as the parent institution. AUDDE is a directorate of the university, so it is covered through the parent university’s ranking submissions. In 2025, Annamalai University appears in three NIRF categories.

Note: NIRF does not give separate ranks to distance education directorates. The ranks below belong to Annamalai University as a whole.
Ranking BodyCategory2025 Rank
NIRFUniversityBand 101-150
NIRFAgriculture and Allied Sectors38
NIRFPharmacy42

AUDDE Scholarships

AUDDE does not provide directorate-level merit scholarships. Eligible students can still use fee concessions and Tamil Nadu state government scholarship schemes.

Scholarship / ConcessionEligibilityBenefit
Differently-Abled ConcessionStudents with disabilities certified by the Government of Tamil NaduFee waiver as per AUDDE policy
Tamil Nadu Government ScholarshipsSC, ST, BC, and MBC category students from Tamil NaduAs per state government rules for distance learners

AUDDE vs TNOU vs MKU DDE

Students planning distance education in Tamil Nadu often compare AUDDE with Tamil Nadu Open University (TNOU) and Madurai Kamaraj University Directorate of Distance Education (MKU DDE). These three options are meant for working professionals and learners who need flexible study. The main differences are parent university accreditation, number of programmes, and fees.

ParameterAUDDETNOUMKU DDE
DDE Established197920021974
Parent InstitutionAnnamalai University (est. 1929)Tamil Nadu Open UniversityMadurai Kamaraj University
NAAC Grade (Parent)A+A+A++
RecognitionUGC-DEBUGC (Open University)UGC-DEB
MBA Total FeesINR 32,000INR 23,400 to INR 24,000INR 28,000 to INR 30,000
Total Programmes51+50+40+
Entrance Exam RequiredNoNoNo

AUDDE is linked with Annamalai University, one of India’s oldest traditional residential universities, founded in 1929. TNOU is a dedicated open university in Tamil Nadu and offers state-focused programmes with comparatively lower MBA fees. MKU DDE works under Madurai Kamaraj University, which has NAAC A++ accreditation, and is one of the older distance education directorates in India with humanities and science courses.

AUDDE FAQs

Ques. Can students use an AUDDE MBA for government recruitment and higher studies?

Ans. Yes. The AUDDE MBA has UGC-DEB approval, so it can be used for government job applications and doctoral programme eligibility. AUDDE courses follow UGC Open and Distance Learning rules. Graduates may apply for state and central government recruitment exams with this degree.

Ques. How much does the full AUDDE MBA cost?

Ans. The complete fee for the 2-year AUDDE MBA is INR 32,000. This fee is the same for all 8 specialisations, including Marketing Management, Financial Management, and Human Resource Management. MBA applicants also pay an application fee of INR 295.

Ques. Are MBA and MA applicants required to take an entrance test at AUDDE?

Ans. No. AUDDE does not hold an entrance exam for any course. MBA, MA, M.Sc, and other admissions are based only on merit. Applicants with a graduation degree from a UGC-recognised institution can apply directly without taking a test.

Ques. What NAAC grade does Annamalai University have?

Ans. Annamalai University has NAAC A+ accreditation from 2022. AUDDE runs as a directorate of Annamalai University, and its programmes carry the recognition of the parent university. This accreditation supports the acceptance of AUDDE degrees by employers and other universities.

Ques. Are placements arranged for AUDDE students?

Ans. No. AUDDE does not run campus placement drives because it is a distance education institution. Graduates search for employment on their own. MBA students often go into banking, administration, and healthcare management, while MA graduates commonly prepare for TNPSC exams and government school teaching jobs.

Ques. Is the AUDDE MBA approved by AICTE?

Ans. AUDDE offers its MBA under UGC-DEB approval. For distance MBA courses in India, UGC-DEB recognition is the relevant regulatory approval. Students should check the latest UGC-DEB approved programme list on the official AUDDE portal before applying.

Ques. Which AUDDE courses have the lowest fee, and how do other fees compare?

Ans. The lowest-cost options at AUDDE are Certificate Courses in Violin, Vocal, and Veena, with a total fee of INR 1,950. MA and M.Com courses cost INR 8,500 for 2 years. The MBA fee is INR 32,000, while M.Sc Chemistry costs INR 35,000 for the full course.