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Tamil Nadu Open University Latest Updates 2025

Tamil Nadu Open University (TNOU), set up by the Tamil Nadu Government in 2003-04, is recognised by UGC-DEB, AICTE, NCTE, and RCI, and holds UGC 12B status.

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TNOU Overview

Fact: TNOU is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC), the Distance Education Bureau (DEB), the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), and the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI).

The Government of Tamil Nadu established Tamil Nadu Open University (TNOU) in 2003-04. The Institute is recognised by multiple official bodies like UGC-DEB, AICTE, NCTE, and RCI, and it also holds the prestigious 12B status. TNOU offers 234 programmes through 11 schools and a wide support network, serving over one million learners.

It provides flexible, ICT-enabled education, including M.Phil. and Ph.D. programmes, and skill-based training for disadvantaged communities across Tamil Nadu.

Key Details of the Institute:

Parameters

Details

Admission month

1st Cycle- December & January. 2nd Cycle- June & July

Top Programs

BA, MA, B.Ed, B.com, BCA, BJMC

Accepted Exams

Graduation

Duration of courses

UG: 3 yrs; PG: 2 yrs

Acceptance rate

100%

Regional Centres

12

Study Centres

210

Courses and Fees

Tamil Nadu Open University, based in Chennai, offers flexible distance learning across undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate programs. It delivers education from 12 regional and 210 study centres across Tamil Nadu.

Course Fees at TNOU

The university is currently providing 70+ courses across various categories such as BA, MA, PGDM, Certificate, and Short-Term Courses

The table below displays the fee structure for the programs

Category

Program

Duration

Fee (Per Year)

Master’s

M.A. (History, Political Science, Sociology)

2 Years

₹5,100 (Year 1), ₹4,400 (Year 2)

M.A. English

2 Years

₹5,450 (Year 1), ₹4,750 (Year 2)

M.A. Tamil

2 Years

₹4,650 (Year 1), ₹3,950  (Year 2)

M.A. Criminology and Criminal Justice

2 Years

₹5,800 (Year 1), ₹5,100 (Year 2)

M.S.W. (Social Work)

2 Years

₹7,300 (Year 1), ₹6,600 (Year 2)

M.Com

2 Years

₹5,800 (Year 1), ₹5,100 (Year 2)

M.Sc. (Maths, Psychology)

2 Years

₹7,800 (Year 1), ₹7,100 (Year 2)

M.Sc. (Physics, Botany, Zoology, Geography)

2 Years

₹11,300 (Year 1), ₹10,600 (Year 2)

M.B.A.

2 Years

₹13,300 (Year 1), ₹12,600 (Year 2)

Bachelor’s

B.A. (History, English, Political Science, etc.)

3 Years

₹4,300 (Year 1), ₹3,600 (Year 2&3)

B.A. Tamil

3 Years

₹3,675 (Year 1), ₹2,975 (Year 2&3)

B.Sc. (Maths)

3 Years

₹6,800 (Year 1), ₹6,100 (Year 2&3)

B.Sc. (Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology)

3 Years

₹7,800 (Year 1), ₹7,100 (Year 2&3)

B.Com

3 Years

₹4,300 (Year 1), ₹3,600 (Year 2&3)

B.B.A.

3 Years

₹5,550 (Year 1), ₹4,850 (Year 2&3)

B.C.A.

3 Years

₹10,300 (Year 1), ₹9,600 (Year 2&3)

B.Ed. Programmes

B.Ed. General

2 Years

₹50,000 (Total)

B.Ed. Special Education

2 Years

₹35,550 (Total)

Diploma Programmes

Media Arts, Journalism, Nutrition, Tourism

1 Year

₹3,300 – ₹5,300

Advanced Vocational Diplomas

General Duty Assistant

2 Years

₹8,500 (Year 1), ₹7,800 (Year 2)

Vocational Diplomas

Fashion Design, Beauty Therapy, Office Automation

1 Year

₹5,500 – ₹8,500

Certificate Programmes

Climate Change, ICT in Tamil, Entrepreneurship, etc.

NA

₹800 – ₹2,800

Short-Term Courses

Theatre, Beautician, Road Safety, Yoga, Logistics

NA

₹800 – ₹2,000

Placements, and Admissions

The Student Placement Cell at Tamil Nadu Open University is dedicated to helping students achieve their career goals. It aims to shape students into well-rounded professionals who meet the needs of today’s job market and contribute meaningfully to society. The cell supports students by guiding them in choosing the right career path, building essential skills, and preparing them for employment.

Activities & Support

  • Soft Skills Coaching: Special sessions on communication, interview skills, and CV writing are held at the University’s headquarters and regional centres.
  • Study Materials: Helpful content on soft skills and job preparation is made available on the cell's webpage.
  • Career Workshops: One-day workshops are conducted to introduce Employment Linked Skilling Programmes (ELSP) and Parallel Education and Employment Programmes (PEEP), in collaboration with Schoolguru Eduserve Pvt Ltd (Mumbai) and Soft Source Technology Pvt Ltd (Chennai).
  • Skill-Based Programmes: The cell organizes ELSP and PEEP for students and graduates of TNOU to boost their employability.

Job Fairs

From 2019 to 2022, TNOU Placement Cell successfully organized Seven Job Fairs in various parts of Tamil Nadu and helped nearly 4614 learners get jobs in well-reputed private companies.

The table below shows the Job fairs conducted over the period of time

Places of Job Fair Conducted by TNOU

Total Number of Beneficiaries

Date

Nandhanam Govt Arts College, Chennai.

321

30.11.2019

Madura College, Madurai

837

23.01.2021

TNOU, Regional Center, Villupuram

478

05.02.2021

Gopi College of Arts and Science, Gopi

1140

09.02.2021

Thirunelveli

500

26.02.2021

Jamal Mohamed College, Tiruchy

1047

15.03.2020

TNOU, Academic Block, Saidapet-Chennai

291

24.09.2022

Top Recruiters

  • ARS Steels and Alloys International Pvt Ltd
  • ICICI Bank
  • Radiant Medical Services Pvt Ltd
  • Blue Darts Express Ltd
  • Asgardia Foundation
  • Asgardia Corp
  • Tech Anugraha
  • Vizza Insurance Broking Service Pvt Ltd
  • NAC jewelry
  • Star Health Insurance
  • SBI Life Insurance
  • TVS Trans India
  • India Home Health Care Pvt Ltd

For more details, visit upGrad’s TNOU Placements’ page.

TNOU V/S NOU V/S UPRTOU

Parameters

TNOU

NOU

UPRTOU

Tuition Fees (Approximate Annual)

UG- ₹4.4K–10K

PG- ₹5.5K–13.5K

UG- ₹2.4K–6.6K

PG- ₹7.2K–20K

UG- ₹4.3K–10K

PG- ₹8.5K–17K

Popular Courses

B.A. B.Sc, B.Com

B.A. (Hons.), B.Sc., B.Ed.; MA, M.Com, etc.

B.Com, BCA, BBA

No. of Courses

100+

64

70+

Notable Alumni

The Alumni Association of TNOU connects past learners to share knowledge, support career growth, and offer scholarships. It organises job fairs, cultural events, and awareness drives. The association also promotes eco-friendly practices, raises funds for student support, and maintains strong links with industries, government bodies, and academic institutions.

Name

Field of Work

Dr. V. Irai Anbu

I.A.S., Former Chief Secretary, Govt. of Tamil Nadu

D. Manikandan, 

I.A.S Secretary, Dept. of Tourism & IT, Govt. of Puducherry.

Dr. M.L. Raja

Ophthalmologist; Director, AVINASH; Member, Syndicate - Alagappa University.

Dr. P.M. Saravanan

Former Labour Commissioner, Govt. of Tamil Nadu; Industrial Relations Advisor, TVS.

Dr. A. Gunasekaran

General Manager, Plant Operations, Parle Agro Pvt. Ltd., Chennai.

Mr. Gajendrakumar

Director & Business Analyst, Simptra Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

FAQs for Overview

1. When was the Tamil Nadu Open University established?

TNOU was established in the year 2003-04 by the Government of Tamil Nadu.

2. Are TNOU degrees recognized by national bodies?

Yes, TNOU is recognized by UGC-DEB, AICTE, NCTE, and RCI and also holds the 12B status from the UGC.

3. Does TNOU offer courses in both Tamil and English?

Yes, TNOU offers courses in English, Tamil, and bilingual modes depending on the programme.

4. Can learners track their application and progress online?

Yes, through TNOU's Student Portal, learners can track applications, academic performance, fee status, and even raise grievances.

5. How can applicants pay their admission fees?

Admission fees can be paid online via Net Banking, Credit Card, or Debit Card through TNOU’s secure payment gateway.

6. What support is available for job-seeking students at TNOU?

The university’s Placement Cell offers soft skills training, job fairs, resume help, and career workshops.

7. What kind of job fairs has TNOU organized?

From 2019 to 2022, TNOU organized seven job fairs, benefiting over 4600 learners across Tamil Nadu.

8. Is there any specific admission pattern followed by TNOU?

Yes, TNOU follows a two-cycle admission system: Calendar Year (January) and Academic Year (July).

9. Who are some notable alumni of TNOU?

Notable alumni include Dr. V. Irai Anbu (IAS), D. Manikandan (IAS), and Dr. A. Gunasekaran, among others from sectors like governance, healthcare, and technology.

10. Does TNOU offer any special education or B.Ed. programmes?

Yes, TNOU offers B.Ed. (General) and B.Ed. Special Education programmes with specific eligibility criteria for in-service teachers.

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Disclaimer

  1. The above statistics depend on various factors and individual results may vary. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

  2. The student assumes full responsibility for all expenses associated with visas, travel, & related costs. upGrad does not .