The Directorate of Distance Education at Annamalai University is a public department located in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu. Founded in 1979 in the city of Cuddalore, this distance education wing was established to provide quality education to students who are unable to attend regular college classes but wish to pursue higher studies. It is recognized as one of the leading institutions for distance and part-time education in Tamil Nadu. Annamalai University Distance Education is accredited by the UGC, Distance Education Bureau, and AICTE. Moreover, the university has formed partnerships through memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with various national and international universities and organizations.
Annamalai University Distance Education has received a Grade 'A+' accreditation from NAAC. The university offers over 125 programs, including certificates, diplomas, degrees, and doctoral courses. The available courses in Annamalai University Distance Education include BSc, BCom, BBA, BSW, BA, MA, MSc, MBA, MCom, among others. Additionally, the programs are available in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and Online Learning (OL) formats. The highest and lowest salary packages offered to recent graduates were INR 4 LPA and INR 1.80 LPA, respectively. Notable recruiters participating in Annamalai University Distance Education placements included Grand Hyatt Kochi, The Leela Group of Hotels, and many others.
The admission cycles for Annamalai University Distance Education occur twice a year, in January and July. For the January session, online registration for most courses begins in November, while for the July session, registrations start in May-June. The main website of Annamalai University Distance Education (audde.in/) provides information about exam forms, assignments, study materials, and grade cards. Additionally, students can access their results through the Annamalai University Distance Education portal. Candidates can also check their assignment and admission status on the university's official site. Below are the key highlights regarding the Annamalai University Directorate of Distance Education:
Particulars  | AU DDE Highlights 2025  | 
|---|
Establishment year | Ownership  | 1979 | Public  | 
Location  | Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu  | 
Campus area  | 1,000 acres  | 
Approved by  | AICTE, UGC, Distance Education Bureau  | 
Accredited by  | NAAC with ‘A+’ grade  | 
Affiliated to  | Annamalai University  | 
No. of courses offered  | 125+  | 
Courses offered  | BA, MBA, MA  | 
Application mode  | Offline  | 
Education mode  | Online/Distance  | 
Official website  | audde.in  |