Anna University, Centre for Distance Education (CDE), Chennai, which came into being as part of the elite Anna University, Government of Tamil Nadu is a known pioneer in offering accessible and quality higher education through distance learning. Anna University is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and accredited with an 'A' Grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).
The Centre for Distance Education (CDE) has a series of postgraduate programmes, with its flagship being the Master of Business Administration (MBA) by distance mode. The MBA programme is AICTE-approved. Specialisations are available in General Management, Technology Management, Financial Services Management, Marketing Management, Operations Management, and Health Services Management. Admission to the MBA course is through a Distance Education Entrance Test (DEET) by the university. The duration of the course is two years, and the program cost is around INR 51,767 for the first year.
The Centre for Distance Education (CDE) at Anna University boasts an impressive placement rate, estimated to be around 70–90%, though they don’t officially publish the exact numbers for 2025. But data from last year and also from research it was seen that graduates can expect to earn between INR 4.5 to 8 LPA, with many sources suggesting an average of about INR 5 LPA. While we don’t have specific details on the highest packages, some of the top recruiters are well-known IT and consulting firms like TCS, Wipro, Infosys, Cognizant, and L&T. Most job offers tend to be in the mid-level salary range, with companies like L&T reportedly offering salaries as high as INR 8 LPA.
Table of Contents
- Anna University Centre for Distance Education Chennai Highlights 2025
- Anna University Centre for Distance Education Chennai Important Dates
- Anna University Centre for Distance Education Chennai Admission 2025
- Anna University Centre for Distance Education Chennai Courses & Fees 2025
- Anna University Centre for Distance Education Chennai Placement 2025
- Anna University Centre for Distance Education Chennai Placement Highlights 2025
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- Anna University Centre for Distance Education Chennai Campus Infrastructure 2025
- College Comparison
- Anna University Centre for Distance Education Chennai FAQS
Anna University Centre for Distance Education Chennai Highlights 2025
Here are the key highlights of Anna University CDE Chennai
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the Institution | Anna University, Centre for Distance Education (CDE), Chennai |
| Affiliation | Anna University, Government of Tamil Nadu |
| Location | CDE Building, Anna University Campus, Sardar Patel Road, Guindy, Chennai – 600025, Tamil Nadu |
| Flagship Course | Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
| Fees | INR 1.3 Lakhs |
| Application Mode | Online (through Anna University CDE admission portal) |
| Courses Offered | MBA, MSc, MCA |
| Entrance Exams | The Distance Education Entrance Test (DEET) is conducted by Anna University |
| Official Website | https://cde.annauniv.edu |
Anna University Centre for Distance Education Chennai Important Dates
Anna University, Centre for Distance Education, Chennai, is now accepting applications for its undergraduate programs for the 2025 admission cycle. Given below are the key dates for College Admission 2025
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Last Date to Apply | 11 August 2025 (by 5:00 PM) |
| Admit Card Release | 5 August 2025 (tentative) |
| Entrance Exam (DEET) | 24 August 2025 |
| Entrance Exam Result Declaration | 18 August 2025 (tentative) |
| Classes Commencement | September 2025 (tentative) |
Anna University Centre for Distance Education Chennai Admission 2025
Anna University's Centre for Distance Education (CDE), Chennai, is inviting applications for its two-year MBA (Distance Education) programme for the 2025 academic year. The programme is designed for graduates, as well as working professionals who would appreciate accessible, yet structured management education.
Admissions are entirely merit-based, with no management quota or direct admissions. Candidates must be graduates from a recognised university with not less than 50% in the aggregate. The candidate is required to write the Distance Education Entrance Test (DEET), which is conducted by Anna University. Candidates with a valid TANCET score need not write the DEET.
During the shortlisting process, each candidate is evaluated based on a multitude of parameters, including prior academic performance, DEET/TANCET score, and prior work experience, where applicable. Candidates will be sent an email with an admission offer if they are selected. Once you receive admission confirmation, you must register and pay the course fee online within the time frame set to confirm admission.
The MBA course offers specialisations in General Management, Technology Management, Financial Services, Marketing, Operations, and Health Services Management. Classes will be held in a blended mode in which contact sessions will take place on weekends, complemented by study material provided online.
Anna University Centre for Distance Education Chennai Courses & Fees 2025
Anna University, Centre for Distance Education, Chennai, offers programs in various specialisations. The table below indicates the tuition fees, eligibility criteria, and entrance exams required for each course.
| Course | 1st Year Fees (INR) | Total Fees (INR) | Eligibility Criteria | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBA | 31,150 – 51,767 | Approx. 62,300 – 1,03,534 | Graduation + OEET | 2 Years |
| Master of Science [M.Sc] (Computer Science) | 31,150 | Approx. 62,300 | Graduation | 2 Years |
| Master of Computer Applications [MCA] | 31,150 | Approx. 93,450 | Graduation with 50% | 3 Years |
Anna University Centre for Distance Education Chennai Placement 2025
The Centre for Distance Education (CDE) at Anna University boasts an impressive placement rate, estimated to be around 70–90%, though they don’t officially publish the exact numbers. When it comes to salary packages, graduates can expect to earn between INR 4.5 to 8 LPA, with many sources suggesting an average of about INR 5 LPA. While we don’t have specific details on the highest packages, some of the top recruiters are well-known IT and consulting firms like TCS, Wipro, Infosys, Cognizant, and L&T. Most job offers tend to be in the mid-level salary range, with companies like L&T reportedly offering salaries as high as INR 8 LPA.
Anna University Centre for Distance Education Chennai Placement Highlights 2025
The table below shows the placement statistics.
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Placement Rate | 70–90% |
| Average Package | INR 5 LPA |
| Highest Package | INR 8 LPA |
| Top Recruiters | TCS, Wipro, Infosys, Cognizant, L&T |
Anna University Centre for Distance Education Chennai Scholarships 2025
Here are the details on scholarships
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility Criteria | Benefit | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Graduate Tuition Fee Concession | First graduate in the family | Partial or full tuition fee waiver | Tamil Nadu Government |
| SC/ST Scholarship (Post-Matric) | SC/ST students with parental income < ₹2.5 lakh | Full tuition and exam fee waiver | State Government (TNGOV) |
| OBC Scholarship (Post-Matric) | OBC/MBC/DNC students under income limits | Partial tuition reimbursement | Government of Tamil Nadu |
| Central Sector Scholarship (CSS) | Merit students with income < ₹8 lakh | Up to ₹10,000/year | Govt. of India (National Portal) |
| Physically Disabled Scholarship | Students with 40% or more disability | Tuition fee concession + allowance | Department for Empowerment of PwDs |
| Educational Loan/Subsidy Reimbursement | Employed students pursuing distance learning | Partial reimbursement by employers | Employer-based |
Anna University Centre for Distance Education Chennai Campus Infrastructure 2025
- Hostels: The campus offers separate hostels for boys and girls and provides some safe and comfortable accommodation for male and female students from outside the local area.
- Gym: The campus has a modern gym with simple fitness machines and equipment designed to help you stay fit and healthy.
- Library: There is a main library on campus where you will find a good selection of all academic textbooks and reference books, national and international journals, e-books, and digital learning systems.
- Auditorium: The college has a large Auditorium and multiple seminar halls that can be used for a range of academic activities, workshops, and cultural activities. They vary in seating capacities.
- Canteen: There is a multi-cuisine canteen that serves hygienic food at reasonable prices. It also offers packages for vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, pantry articles, informal snacks, hot & cold beverages, fresh fruit juices, etc.

Entrance

Building
College Comparison
Here’s a comparison between Anna University (CDE), Chennai, and IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University)
| Feature | Anna University (CDE), Chennai | IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University) |
|---|---|---|
| Mode of Learning | Distance (Offline/Online Materials) | Distance with Online Support |
| Eligibility | Graduation + Entrance Test (OEET) | Graduation + OPENMAT (if applicable) |
| Duration | 2 – 5 years | 2 – 5 years |
| Fee (Total) | INR 1.3 Lakh | INR 62,000 |
| Specializations | General, Tech, Operations, Finance, HR | 5+, including Finance, HRM, Operations, Marketing |
| Placement Support | Limited, mostly self-arranged | Limited; IGNOU does host job fairs occasionally |
| Accreditation | UGC-DEB, AICTE | UGC-DEB, AICTE, NAAC A++ |
| Ranking | NIRF #18 (Anna University overall) | Top for Open Universities in India |
| Website | https://cde.annauniv.edu/home/index.html | https://www.ignou.ac.in/ |
Anna University Centre for Distance Education Chennai FAQS
Ques. How important is the MBA awarded by Anna University Distance Education?
Ans. Yes, it is UGC-DEB and AICTE approved and valid for govt as well as private jobs.
Ques. What is the duration of an MBA distance course?
Ans. The course lasts at least 2 years and a maximum 5.
Ques. Is an entrance exam required for joining?
Ans. No, the candidates who appear for OEET (Online Education
Ques. Are the different MBA majors?
Ans. Specialisations are General Management, Technology Management, Financial Services, HR, and Operations.
Ques. Is it possible to apply for the program online?
Ans. Yes, you can handle the complete application process online via the university's website.
Ques. Is Anna University providing placements for a distance MBA?
Ans. Placement support is limited. Most students find jobs on their own or use their degree for career advancement.
Ques. If they give you the written or classroom resources or classes to help you study.
Ans. Yes, the university gives study material, and contact classes are sometimes held in study centres.
Ques. Is this degree valid for government jobs and promotions?
Ans. Sure, because the course is from a reputed state university and it\'s applicable for the majority
Ques. Who is the ideal candidate for this course?
Ans. Working professionals, graduates preparing for competitive exams, or anyone needing academic flexibility would benefit from this program.

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Comments
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According to the official website of the Centre for Distance and Online Education, Anna University, Chennai (CDE), the distance-education (ODL) programmes they offer are: MBA, MCA, and M.Sc. (Computer Science). There is no mention of a distance programme in Material Science at present.
The candidate must have passed 10+2 with Mathematics as a compulsory subject or Mathematics/ Statistics at degree level. Interested candidates can register online on the official website @cdefee.annauniv.edu.
The PG Programme in Power Engineering and Management under the Faculty of Electrical and Electronics Engineering was started in the year 2013 with an intake of 20 students. This course is offered as a Full-time programme, to encourage the fresh engineers and professionals to enrich their technical skills in the field of Power Engineering and Management. The syllabus focuses on various areas like Power Engineering, Energy Conversion, Energy Management and Audit, Renewable Energy Technologies, etc.
Anna University Distance Education does not contact the candidate, but you can contact the college at 044-22357216/ 22357221/ 64502508 for the queries.
Fees and admission process
Click on the below links to get the fee structure and admission process course wise
Link: Anna University CDE Courses and Fees
Link: Anna University CDE Admission 2023
AU CDE Chennai doesn’t offer B.Com course to the students and only PG courses.
AU CDE Chennai offers only PG technical courses and not any designing courses.
AU CDE Chenna provides only one 3-years course which is MCA and the total fees for the same is INR 56,150.
Anna University Centre for Distance Education does not offer BSW to students. So, there are no fee details available for the course.
Anna University Distance Education does not offer B.Tech through distance education.
Anna University Center for Distance Education does not have Aeronautical Engineering. There are only three courses available in the Center which are given below:
How to get Admission for MBA?
You need to appear for Distance Education Entrance Test and counselling round conducted by Anna University for admission to the MBA course.