About The University

Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) occupies a unique position amongst universities and institutions of higher learning in the country. It was established in 1920, and evolved out of the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College (MAO College) which was set up in 1877 by the great visionary and social reformer, Sir Syed Ahmad khan. From its very inception, it has kept its door open to the members of all communities and from all corners of the country and the world. The Aligarh Muslim University is the realization of a vision which was broad, far- reaching and realistic

Spread over 467.6 hectares in the city of Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, Aligarh Muslim University offers more than 300 courses in the traditional and modern branches of education. It draws students from all states in India and from different countries, especially Africa, West Asia and Southeast Asia. In some courses, seats are reserved for students from SAARC and Commonwealth Countries. The university is open to all irrespective of caste, creed, religion or gender. It ranks 8th among the top 20 research universities in India.

The Centre for Distance Education (CDE)

The Centre for Distance Education (CDE) is an integral part of the University (established under Section 5(9A) of the University Act). Adopting flexible and innovative methods of education to ensure 'independent learning' to anyone, anytime and anywhere, the Centre offers programmes of the study that are customized to meet the learning requirements of knowledge seekers as well as to ensure that they learn at their own pace and convenience.

There is a large section of society which is unable to participate in the normal stream of education due to occupational, financial or social constraints. All these people can get an opportunity to derive the benefits of education through distance mode. The cost of Distance education is preferably low so that educationally backward sections can take advantage of University's programmes.

The use of multi-media methods of teaching and learning widens the reach of education and enhances the quality of education. By taking advantage of the advances in information and communication technologies, the Centre aims at giving the students an opportunity to learn and appear for the examination of the course which will be conducted by the University

Centre for Distance Education has a special commitment to the cause of Women's education, particularly of the minority community, among those who are educationally and economically deprived section. They are provided with an opportunity to study at home supported with self-learning study materials, women can benefit immensely from this programme.

CDE has the potential to realize Sir Syed's dream of emancipating our down trodden community from the shackles of illiteracy and ignorance, and bring them into the mainstream.