Adikavi Nannaya University (AKNU) began as a public state university on 22 April 2006 under the Government of Andhra Pradesh. The University Grants Commission (UGC) recognises AKNU, while AICTE, NCTE and NBA have approved it. The university holds a NAAC B+ grade and is named after Adikavi Nannaya, who is regarded as the father of Telugu literature. It affiliates all undergraduate colleges and postgraduate institutes in Andhra Pradesh's two Godavari districts.

The main campus covers 50.93 acres at Rajahmundry, also called Rajamahendravaram, in the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. AKNU also operates extension campuses in Kakinada and Tadepalligudem for students across the Godavari river basin. Its Geoinformatics and Petroleum Exploration programme is the first programme of its kind in Andhra Pradesh. AKNU is not included in the latest NIRF University or Engineering ranking lists.

Placement data reported for NIRF 2023 shows a median salary of INR 4.8 LPA among placed graduates. The four-year B.Tech fee is INR 1.40 Lakhs, charged at INR 35,000 per year. The total MBA fee ranges from INR 37,800 to INR 85,200, while hostel charges are up to INR 5,600 per year.

  • Programmes are available through AKNU's four constituent colleges and its many affiliated departments:
    • The University College of Engineering conducts B.Tech courses in CSE, CSE (AI and ML), ECE, EEE, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering.
    • Computer Science and Engineering is offered at the M.Tech level.
    • Students can pursue B.Pharm and M.Pharm programmes.
    • The University College of Arts and Commerce offers MA programmes in English, Telugu, Economics, Political Science, Public Administration, and Social Work.
    • Through the University College of Science and Technology, M.Sc options include Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Botany, Zoology, Geology, Geophysics, Geoinformatics, Psychology, and Food Science and Technology.
    • MBA specialisations cover Financial Management, HRM, Marketing Management, and Tourism and Hospitality Management.
    • Professional programmes include MCA, M.Com, M.P.Ed, B.Ed, and other courses.
    • Ph.D study is available in all major disciplines taught by the university.

AKNU Admission Dates 2027

The engineering admission schedule for the 2027-28 session is linked to AP EAPCET 2027. MBA and MCA applicants will follow AP ICET 2027, while postgraduate admissions will use AP PGCET or AKNU's direct selection process, depending on the programme.

EventDate
AP EAPCET 2027 registration for B.Tech, expectedApril 2027
AP EAPCET 2027 examination for B.Tech, tentativeMay 2027
AP EAPCET 2027 counselling, tentativeJuly to September 2027
AP ICET 2027 examination for MBA and MCA, tentativeMay 2027
AP ICET 2027 counselling, tentativeAugust to September 2027
AP PGCET or direct postgraduate admissions, tentativeJune to August 2027
Ph.D admission cyclesJanuary and July 2027

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

Different course groups use the entrance examinations and counselling routes listed below.

ProgrammeEntrance ExamCounselling Body
B.TechAP EAPCETAP State Counselling Authority / AKNU
B.PharmAP EAPCETAP State Counselling Authority
MBA / MCAAP ICETAP State Counselling Authority
M.TechAP PGECETAP State Counselling Authority
MA / M.Sc / M.ComAP PGCET or merit-based admissionAKNU Admissions
B.EdAP EdCETAP State Counselling Authority
Ph.DAKNU Research Entrance Test (RET)AKNU Admissions

AKNU Courses and Fees

Across eight academic streams, AKNU provides more than 159 courses through four constituent colleges and affiliated programmes. The following table presents the eligibility, duration and total fee listed in the 2026 schedule for its main course groups.

ProgrammeDurationEligibilityTotal Fees
B.Tech (all branches)4 years10+2 with PCM and a valid AP EAPCET rankINR 1.40 Lakhs
B.Tech Lateral Entry3 yearsEngineering diploma and AP ECET rankINR 1.05 Lakhs
B.Pharm4 years10+2 with PCB or PCM and an AP EAPCET rankINR 1.80 Lakhs
B.Ed2 yearsGraduation with 50% and AP EdCETINR 36,220
MBA2 yearsGraduation with 50% and an AP ICET rankINR 37,800 to INR 85,200
MCA2 yearsGraduation with Mathematics and an AP ICET rankINR 37,800
M.Tech (CSE)2 yearsB.Tech in CSE or IT and a GATE or PGECET rankINR 53,800
MA (English / Telugu / Economics / others)2 yearsGraduation in the relevant streamINR 18,200 to INR 22,600
M.Sc (all science disciplines)2 yearsB.Sc in the relevant disciplineINR 29,000 to INR 72,000
Ph.D (all disciplines)3 to 5 yearsPostgraduate degree and AKNU RETINR 27,000 to INR 58,000

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

Seven B.Tech branches are available: CSE, CSE (AI and ML), ECE, EEE, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering. Other notable options are M.Sc Geoinformatics and the integrated five-year Mathematics and Computing programme. With a total fee of INR 72,000, M.Sc Food Science and Technology is the costliest science programme and uses specialised laboratory infrastructure.

AKNU Admission Process

AKNU selects students through the entrance examination or merit route assigned to each programme. Applicants must first meet the course eligibility rules, appear for the required test where applicable, and then complete counselling or the university selection process.

B.Tech Admission

The University College of Engineering fills seats in all seven B.Tech branches through AP EAPCET ranks and Andhra Pradesh state counselling. The available branches include the newer CSE (AI and ML) specialisation.

  • Eligibility: Applicants need Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in 10+2. The minimum aggregate is 45% for General candidates and 40% for SC, ST, and BC candidates.
  • Reservation: The Andhra Pradesh reservation policy applies. AP local-area reservation is available for candidates from the Godavari districts.
  • Lateral Entry (B.Tech): Applicants with a diploma in a relevant engineering field may use AP ECET to seek entry into the second year of B.Tech.

MBA / MCA Admission

Admission to MBA and MCA is decided through AP ICET scores followed by state counselling. The MBA has four specialisations. MBA applicants require at least 50% in graduation, while MCA applicants need 50% in a graduation course that included Mathematics.

M.Sc / MA / M.Com Admission

Depending on the course, postgraduate science and humanities seats are allotted through AP PGCET or by graduation marks. AKNU also holds its own selection process for certain M.Sc specialisations. Students must have a relevant B.Sc or BA degree with at least 50%, reduced to 45% for SC and ST applicants.

Ph.D Admission

AKNU opens Ph.D selection twice each year for engineering, science, humanities, management, and interdisciplinary subjects. Applicants take the Research Entrance Test (RET), followed by an interview for final selection. A valid GATE or UGC-NET score can provide an RET exemption in disciplines where the exemption applies.

  1. Choose a programme and confirm its academic eligibility requirements.
  2. Register for AP EAPCET, AP ICET, AP PGECET, AP PGCET, AP EdCET, AP ECET, or AKNU RET, as required for the selected course.
  3. Take the applicable entrance examination and obtain a valid score or rank.
  4. Join state counselling or AKNU's admission process, according to the programme.
  5. Complete document verification and the remaining admission formalities after seat allotment or selection.

AKNU Placements

Teaching and research are AKNU's main focus, while campus recruitment is most active for B.Tech and MBA students. NIRF 2023 data records a median salary of INR 4.8 LPA for graduates who secured placements.

IT and manufacturing employers account for many engineering opportunities, including roles with technology service companies and public sector organisations. MBA students receive openings in banking, finance, and FMCG. Students from science and humanities departments commonly move towards higher studies, civil services, or academic work instead of seeking an immediate campus placement.

Affiliated colleges in the two Godavari districts also organise their own campus drives. These recruitment events give their students access to district-level and regional employers.

AKNU Campus and Infrastructure

Located beside the Godavari river in Rajahmundry, an important commercial and education centre in East Godavari, the main AKNU campus occupies 50.93 acres. It contains the University College of Engineering, University College of Science and Technology, University College of Arts and Commerce, and University College of Education.

AKNU's extension campuses at Kakinada and Tadepalligudem make its courses accessible to students in the coastal and delta parts of the Godavari region. Facilities on the main campus include a central library, science and engineering laboratories, a computer centre, and spaces for sports.

Separate accommodation is provided through the Boys' Hostel and Women's Hostel at the Rajahmundry campus. The annual hostel charge for either facility is up to INR 5,600, placing it among the lower university hostel rates in Andhra Pradesh.

AKNU vs Andhra University vs Krishna University

Andhra University in Visakhapatnam and Krishna University in Machilipatnam are two other public state universities that students may compare with AKNU. Each of the three institutions is recognised by the UGC and has NAAC accreditation.

ParameterAKNU RajahmundryAndhra University VizagKrishna University Machilipatnam
Established200619262008
Campus50.93 acres for the main campus, plus extension campuses350+ acres61 acres for the main campus
NAAC GradeB+AB
Affiliated Colleges74 postgraduate institutes, plus undergraduate colleges200+ colleges100+ colleges
B.Tech Total FeeINR 1.40 LakhsHigherGovernment rates
MBA Total FeeINR 37,800HigherGovernment rates

Established in 1926, Andhra University is the oldest of the three and has the strongest research focus. It also has a larger campus, a wider affiliated-college network, and a higher NAAC grade. AKNU is the main affiliating university for the Godavari districts and offers a convenient location for students from Rajahmundry, Kakinada, East Godavari, and West Godavari. Its extension campuses and lower fees further support access within this region. Krishna University, founded close to the same period as AKNU, serves as a comparable state university for coastal South Andhra Pradesh from its base in Krishna district.

AKNU FAQs

Ques. Is AKNU operated by the government?

Ans. Yes. The Government of Andhra Pradesh established Adikavi Nannaya University as a public state university in 2006. It is recognised by the UGC and holds a NAAC B+ grade.

Ques. How much does the four-year B.Tech programme at AKNU cost?

Ans. B.Tech students pay a total of INR 1.40 Lakhs, equal to INR 35,000 per year. Separate hostel charges for both male and female students can be up to INR 5,600 annually.

Ques. How are students selected for AKNU B.Tech courses?

Ans. Selection is based on AP EAPCET, the Andhra Pradesh Engineering Agriculture and Pharmacy Common Entrance Test. Applicants use their scores in the Andhra Pradesh state counselling process. AKNU does not hold a separate entrance examination for B.Tech.

Ques. How do AKNU and Andhra University differ?

Ans. Andhra University in Visakhapatnam is much older and larger, has a broader network of affiliated colleges, and holds a higher NAAC A grade. AKNU is the designated university for the two Godavari districts. Its lower fees and campuses in Kakinada and Tadepalligudem can make it more convenient for students from East and West Godavari who want to remain closer to home.

Ques. Can students live in hostels at the AKNU main campus?

Ans. Yes. Separate Boys' and Women's Hostels are available on the main campus in Rajahmundry. Each has an annual charge of up to INR 5,600, which is among the lower hostel rates offered by universities in Andhra Pradesh.

Ques. Which NAAC grade has Adikavi Nannaya University received?

Ans. Adikavi Nannaya University is accredited with a NAAC B+ grade.

Ques. Which AKNU programmes stand out from its regular course options?

Ans. M.Sc Geoinformatics and Petroleum Exploration is the first programme of its kind in Andhra Pradesh. AKNU also conducts M.Sc Geophysics and an integrated five-year Mathematics and Computing programme. These courses relate to career areas such as petroleum, GIS, and earth sciences.