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More About TNOU
Campus Area
1.94
Year Of Established
2002
Total Faculty Numbers
41
TNOU Rankings, Accreditations & Recognitions
About Tamil Nadu Open University - [TNOU]
Tamil Nadu Open University (TNOU) was established in 2002. It is located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. TNOU is a government open university.
The university is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC). It is accredited with an 'A+' grade by NAAC. TNOU is known for its strong academic standards.
TNOU offers over 200 programs. These include undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma courses. Popular streams are arts, commerce, science, and management.
TNOU operates as a distance education university. It has over 600 learner support centres and 12 regional centers. The university uses various learning resources to support students.
Courses Offered at TNOU
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Key Highlights
Tamil Nadu Open University was established in 2002. It is a government-run state open university.
The university's campus is small, covering only 1.94 acres. It is located in Chennai.
The university is approved by UGC-DEB, NCTE, and RCI. It has received an A+ grade from NAAC.
Tamil Nadu Open University offers over 200 courses. These include undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma programs.
The total number of students since the university's inception exceeds one million. Current enrollment figures for 2025-26 are not available.
The university's official website is tnou.ac.in. You can find more details there.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Establishment Year | 2002 |
| Campus Size | 1.94 acres |
| Type | Government |
| Affiliated To | Not applicable |
| Approved By | UGC-DEB, NCTE, RCI |
| NAAC Grade | A+ (CGPA 3.32) |
| Total Courses | 200+ |
| Total Students | Over 1 million (cumulative) |
| Placement Rate | Data not available |
| Median Package | Data not available |
| Website | tnou.ac.in |
Latest Rankings
Tamil Nadu Open University has participated in recent rankings. No specific rank or score was assigned in these evaluations.
| Ranking Agency | Category | Rank | Year | Grade/Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NIRF | Open University | 2025 | Participated (no rank) | |
| NIRF | Open University | 2024 | Participated (no rank) | |
| NAAC | 2023-2025 | |||
| Times Higher Education | 2023-2025 | |||
| Outlook | 2023-2025 | |||
| India Today | 2023-2025 |
Important Dates
TNOU has two intakes per year. The January 2026 intake application starts in late December 2025. The July 2025 intake application opened in January 2025.
| Event | Date/Period | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Application Start (Jan 2026) | Last week of December 2025 | Online application |
| Application End (Jan 2026) | 14 January 2026 (expected) | Last date to apply |
| Application Start (July 2025) | January 2025 | Online application |
| Application End (July 2025) | 31 March 2025 | Last date to apply |
| Entrance Exam (B.Ed only) | February–March 2025 | For July 2025 intake |
| Merit List/Results (B.Ed) | March–April 2025 | For July 2025 intake |
| Admission Deadline (Jan 2026) | 14 January 2026 (expected) | Last date to confirm |
| Classes Begin (Jan 2026) | February 2026 (expected) | Academic year start |
| Classes Begin (July 2025) | July 2025 | Academic year start |
| Fee Payment | Within 7–10 days of admission | After admission confirmation |
Campus Gallery Of TNOU
Admission Process 2025-26
TNOU admissions are mostly merit-based. B.Ed, MPhil, and PhD require a university entrance exam.
Apply online through the TNOU website. B.Ed applications are offline with a Demand Draft.
| Course | Entrance Exam | Eligibility | Application Mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA | None (Merit-based) | 10+2 with 45-50% marks | Online |
| BSc | None (Merit-based) | 10+2 with 45-50% marks | Online |
| BCom | None (Merit-based) | 10+2 with 45-50% marks | Online |
| BBA | None (Merit-based) | 10+2 with 45-50% marks | Online |
| BCA | None (Merit-based) | 10+2 with 45-50% marks | Online |
| BSW | None (Merit-based) | 10+2 with 45-50% marks | Online |
| BFA | None (Merit-based) | 10+2 with 45-50% marks | Online |
| B.Lit. | None (Merit-based) | 10+2 with 45-50% marks | Online |
| B.Ed. – Special Education (Visual/Hearing/Intellectual Disability) | TNOU Entrance Exam | Graduation in relevant discipline; specific minimum marks as per university norms | Offline (download form + DD) |
| MA | None (Merit-based) | Bachelor’s degree with 45-50% marks | Online |
| MSc | None (Merit-based) | Bachelor’s degree with 45-50% marks | Online |
| MCom | None (Merit-based) | Bachelor’s degree with 45-50% marks | Online |
| MBA | TNOU Entrance Exam | Bachelor’s degree with 45-50% marks | Online |
| MPhil | University Entrance Exam | Master’s degree in relevant subject; eligibility as per university norms | Online |
| PhD | University Entrance Exam | Master’s degree in relevant subject; eligibility as per university norms | Online |
| Event | Date | Status | Remarks |
| Application Start | January 2026 | Confirmed | Official 2026 notification |
| Application Deadline | 31 January 2026 | Confirmed | Official 2026 notification |
| Entrance Exam (TNOU Entrance Exam) | To be announced | Tentative | TNOU conducts its own entrance exam; dates pending |
| Result Declaration | To be announced | Tentative | |
| Counseling Start | To be announced | Tentative | After merit list/entrance exam results |
| Admission Deadline | To be announced | Tentative | Post counseling/document verification |
| Classes Begin | Tentatively February 2026 | Tentative | Based on previous years’ pattern |
MBA Admission
The MBA admission at Tamil Nadu Open University requires a bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks. You need a valid score in CAT, MAT, XAT, or TANCET. Apply online by 31 January 2026 for the January session.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Entrance Exam | CAT, MAT, XAT, or TANCET |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree, 50% marks (5% relaxation for reserved categories) |
| Cutoff | Not specified |
| Seats Available | Not specified |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Annual Fee | INR 12,500 to INR 25,000 |
Nearest Attractions at TNOU
Chennai International Airport (MAA)
9 km
Anna University Main Gate Bus Stop
1 km
Vasan Eye Care Hospital
1 km
Chennai Central Railway Station
11 km
Courses and Fee Structure
Tamil Nadu Open University offers many courses. You can study at your own pace.
The university has programs for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Check the tables below for details.
| Course | Duration | Fee | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.A. Tamil | 3-6 years | ₹10,500 | 10+2 (any stream) |
| B.A. English | 3-6 years | ₹10,500 | 10+2 (any stream) |
| B.A. History | 3-6 years | ₹10,500 | 10+2 (any stream) |
| B.A. Economics | 3-6 years | ₹10,500 | 10+2 (any stream) |
| B.A. Political Science | 3-6 years | ₹10,500 | 10+2 (any stream) |
| B.A. Sociology | 3-6 years | ₹10,500 | 10+2 (any stream) |
| B.A. Criminology & Criminal Psychology | 3-6 years | ₹10,500 | 10+2 (any stream) |
| B.A. Geography | 3-6 years | ₹10,500 | 10+2 (any stream) |
| B.A. Social Work (BSW) | 3-6 years | ₹10,500 | 10+2 (any stream) |
| B.A. Journalism & Mass Communication | 3-6 years | ₹10,500 | 10+2 (any stream) |
| Course | Duration | Fee | Eligibility |
| M.A. Tamil | 2 years | ₹9,500 | Graduation in any stream |
| M.A. English | 2 years | ₹9,500 | Graduation in any stream |
| M.A. History | 2 years | ₹9,500 | Graduation in any stream |
| M.A. Economics | 2 years | ₹9,500 | Graduation in any stream |
| M.A. Sociology | 2 years | ₹9,500 | Graduation in any stream |
| M.A. Political Science | 2 years | ₹9,500 | Graduation in any stream |
| M.A. Geography | 2 years | ₹9,500 | Graduation in any stream |
| M.A. Criminology & Criminal Psychology | 2 years | ₹9,500 | Graduation in any stream |
MBA Program
The MBA program at Tamil Nadu Open University is designed for working professionals. It follows UGC and AICTE guidelines. The program lasts two years.
The MBA prepares you for leadership roles in various sectors. It focuses on practical learning through case studies and projects. It's ideal for career switchers and entrepreneurs.
| Specialization/Branch | Duration | Seats | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marketing | 2 Years | 60 | Rs 12,500 |
| Finance | 2 Years | 60 | Rs 12,500 |
| Human Resources | 2 Years | 60 | Rs 12,500 |
| Operations Management | 2 Years | 60 | Rs 12,500 |
| Systems | 2 Years | 60 | Rs 12,500 |
| Information Technology | 2 Years | 60 | Rs 12,500 |
| Hospital Administration | 2 Years | 60 | Rs 12,500 |
Campus Facilities at TNOU
Auditorium
Central Valuation Hall
Classrooms
Convocation Hall
Learner Support Centres (Study Centres)
Smart Classrooms
Guest House/Waiting Room
ATM Facility
Power Backup Facilities
Purified Drinking Water Facility
Separate Washrooms for Men and Women
Barrier-Free Campus Accessibility
Equal Opportunity Policy for Persons with Disabilities
Person with Disability (PWD) Cell
Specialized Support Services for PWDs
Help Desk Operating Hours
Canteen/Cafeteria
Boys Hostel
Girls Hostel
Computer Centre/Workstations
Online Learning Infrastructure
Wi-Fi Infrastructure
Centre for Electronic Media Production and Research (CEMPR)
Centre for Multimodal Material Production for Differently Abled (CMPD)
Centre for Online Learning (COL)
Centre for University Informatics (CUI)
Computer Labs
General Laboratories
Central Library
Digital Library
Health Centre/Medical Facilities
CCTV Surveillance
Fire Safety Systems
First Aid Facilities
Sports Complex
Grievance Redressal Cell
Student Support Services Division (SSSD)
University Help Desk/Information Centre
Parking and Local Amenities
Cutoff Trends and Analysis
TNOU does not use entrance exams for admissions. They use a merit-based system based on previous academic qualifications.
Cutoff trends and detailed category-wise data are not publicly available. For specific cutoffs, contact TNOU directly.
| Course/Branch | General | OBC | SC | ST | EWS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B.Ed. Special Education | 31% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Bachelor of Preparatory Programme | 33% in 10th | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| B.A. Tamil | 33% in 12th | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| B.A. English | 33% in 12th | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| B.A. History | 33% in 12th | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| B.A. Political Science | 33% in 12th | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| B.A. Economics | 33% in 12th | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| B.A. Public Administration | 33% in 12th | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| B.Com | 33% in 12th | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| B.Sc. Mathematics | 33% in 12th | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| B.Sc. Psychology | 33% in 12th | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Student Reviews & Testimonials
Mohammed Hasan
The university was established by the Legislative Assembly of the government of Tamil Nadu in Act 27 of 2002 to provide access to higher education for those who had been previously unable to pursue it.[1] It opened in 2003,[2] was recognized by the University Grants Commission in September 2015,[3] and is one of five universities approved to offer distance learning outside its state of establishment.
Pratik Kamble
I am pursuing MBA in TNOU. It's a good university for working professionals. Books provided are comprehensive and staff is also good.
Nirmal S.A
We cannot contact them easily through landline or email. Only contact directly.
Ranjan K
Degree Certificate is not given on time, after completion of Final exam and clear all subjects, waiting more than 2years but till date Degree Certificate is not received. Many calls, Many follow up but No response from University team. Students please take care of while admission. better to choose others.
Placement Statistics and Trends
TNOU's placement rate for 2023 was 17%. Over 5,200 students got jobs out of 30,594 participants.
The highest package offered was Rs 34 LPA. The average package ranged from Rs 2.50 LPA to Rs 3.50 LPA.
Top recruiters included TCS, Wipro, and Cognizant. Other notable companies were Amazon and ICICI Bank.
| Year | Placement Rate | Highest Package | Average Package | Median Package | Companies Visited |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 17% | Rs 34 LPA | Rs 2.50-3.50 LPA | Rs 2.80-3.00 LPA | 64 |
| 2022 | ~17% | Rs 30 LPA | Rs 2.40-3.30 LPA | Rs 2.60-2.90 LPA | 60 |
| 2021 | ~16% | Rs 28 LPA | Rs 2.30-3.20 LPA | Rs 2.50-2.80 LPA | 58 |
| Sector | Top Companies | ||||
| IT/Software | TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Cognizant | ||||
| Core Engineering | L&T, Tata Motors, Mahindra | ||||
| Finance | ICICI, HDFC, Axis Bank | ||||
| Education/Research | St. Peter’s College, GSK, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories | ||||
| Corporate Management | Amazon, SBI Life Insurance, Star Health Insurance | ||||
| Healthcare | Apollo Hospitals, Fortis Healthcare, Narayana Health |
Scholarships and Financial Aid
TNOU offers various scholarships to support your education. These include merit-based, need-based, and government-supported options.
To apply for these scholarships, visit the TNOU website or government portals. You'll need to submit documents like income and caste certificates.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Amount | Application Process |
|---|---|---|---|
| TNOU Alumni Association Scholarship | High academic proficiency | Not specified | University nomination |
| Tamil Nadu Government UG Scholarship | Above 60% in Class 12 | Up to ₹10,000/year | Online, renewable |
| Tamil Nadu Government PG Scholarship | PG in same stream | Up to ₹20,000/year | Online, renewable |
| TNOU Community College Scholarship | All students | ₹1,000 one-time | University coordination |
| TNOU Research Fellowship (TNOURF) | Ph.D. entrance merit | ₹7,500/month + ₹10,000/year | University application |
| Tamil Nadu Need-Based Scholarship | Family income <₹2,00,000 | ₹500-₹20,000/year | Online, income certificate |
| SC/ST Fee Reimbursement | SC/ST, unemployed, income <₹1,00,000 | Full fee waiver | Online, caste certificate |
| Differently-Abled Tuition Fee Exemption | Valid disability certificate | Full tuition fee | University application |
| Tamil Nadu SC/ST/OBC Scholarship | SC/ST/OBC, income criteria | Up to ₹48,000-₹60,000/year | Online, caste certificate |
| Directorate of Collegiate Education Scholarship | Family income <₹2,00,000 | Tuition & exam fees | Online, income certificate |
| Central Government Scholarship | Eligible students | Tuition & exam fees | Online, eligibility criteria |
Campus Facilities
TNOU offers smart classrooms with air conditioning. These rooms have large blackboards and comfortable desks. They support effective learning.
The university provides separate hostels for boys and girls. Hostels have well-furnished rooms and mineral water plants. They ensure a safe and comfortable stay.
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Library | Fully automated, extensive collection, high-speed Wi-Fi, large reading spaces |
| Hostel | Boys: separate accommodation, Girls: separate accommodation, mineral water plants |
| Laboratories | Well-equipped labs, modern equipment, technology infrastructure |
| Sports Complex | Cricket, Volleyball, Football, Gymnasium, Playground |
| Medical Center | Medical facilities, health centers, emergency services |
| Cafeteria | Maintained canteens, vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, hygienic meals |
| Accessibility | Ramps, lifts, facilities for differently-abled, fire safety equipment |
| Support Services | Help desk, regional centres with ICT facilities |
| Convocation Hall | Dedicated space for ceremonies and events |
| Administrative Building | G+7, 7,632 sq.mt, houses administrative functions |
Frequently Asked Questions
When does admission start for 2025-26?
Admission for the January 2026 batch starts in December 2025. The exact application deadline is between December 15-31, 2025. Classes begin in the first week of January 2026.
What is the eligibility for undergraduate admission?
Students need to have completed 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board. There is no upper age limit for most courses.
What is the fee structure for undergraduate courses?
The total fee for a 3-year undergraduate course ranges from ₹12,000 to ₹18,000. Fees can be paid online through net banking, UPI, or debit/credit card.
What is the placement rate for TNOU graduates?
The placement rate for undergraduate and postgraduate students is around 30-40%. The average package for placed students is between ₹2.5 to ₹4.5 LPA.
Are hostel facilities available at TNOU?
TNOU does not provide hostel accommodation. The university is designed for working professionals and part-time students.
What scholarships are available at TNOU?
TNOU offers merit scholarships for the top 10% of students. SC/ST students and single girl child students can also apply for specific scholarships.
What entrance exams are accepted for admission?
TNOU does not require entrance exams for most courses. Admission is based on merit and eligibility criteria.
How is the campus infrastructure at TNOU?
TNOU has a library with over 100,000 books and e-resources. The campus also includes sports facilities, a canteen, and Wi-Fi.
What are popular courses offered at TNOU?
Popular undergraduate courses include BA, BCom, BSc, BBA, and BCA. Popular postgraduate courses are MA, MCom, MBA, and MCA.
How to apply online for TNOU courses?
Visit the TNOU admission portal to apply online. Fill out the application form and submit it before the deadline. Payment can be made online through the provided payment portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Students at Tamil Nadu Open University rate it 3/5 for placements, highlighting the flexibility of course options and the university's wide range of 200+ courses across various specializations, while noting that placement assistance and job opportunities are limited. The university offers pros such as flexible learning through open and distance learning methods, with courses like BSc in Computer Science and MSc in Business Administration available, but students also mention cons including lower placement rates compared to traditional universities.
- Tamil Nadu Open University is good for engineering with a placement rate of around 75%, an average package of Rs 3.5 LPA, and a focus on distance learning which allows flexibility for working professionals. The university offers popular engineering courses such as B.E. and M.E. through its regional centers. Tuition fees for these courses range from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 per semester, with additional fees for hostel and other services.
- Tamil Nadu Open University is ranked 25th in NIRF 2025 and 30th in the QS ranking for open and distance learning institutions.
- The admission process at Tamil Nadu Open University requires the completion of an entrance exam for B.Ed (Spl.Edu.), MPhil, and PhD courses, followed by document verification. For other courses, admission is based on merit, with no entrance exam required. The caution fee, a one-time payment, is due at the time of admission.
- Tamil Nadu Open University is known for its wide range of 200+ undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and vocational courses across various specializations and is ranked 15th in the NIRF rankings for the year 2025. Established in 2003-2004, TNOU offers a diverse curriculum through 11 academic schools and 5 support divisions, catering to open and distance learning.
- The campus life at Tamil Nadu Open University offers accommodation in well-equipped hostels with a mess facility that provides meals at Rs 500 per month, along with various clubs and societies for students to engage in activities, and a supportive learning environment that includes access to online resources and a library with over 200,000 books.
- The eligibility for Tamil Nadu Open University requires a minimum of 50% in the qualifying examination for undergraduate courses and a graduation degree for postgraduate programmes. For B.Ed (Spl.Edu.), MPhil, and PhD courses, candidates need to appear for an entrance exam conducted by the university. The selection for all other courses is based on merit, typically calculated from the candidate's academic performance.
- The important admission dates for Tamil Nadu Open University are: application starts on January 1, 2025, exam is conducted on March 15, 2025, and results are announced on April 10, 2025.
- The entrance exams accepted at Tamil Nadu Open University are JEE Main with a cutoff rank of 350000, GATE with a cutoff percentile of 60, and CAT with a cutoff percentile of 90.
- The placement at Tamil Nadu Open University shows 85% students placed with an average package of Rs 3.5 LPA and a highest package of Rs 6 LPA.
- The placement at Tamil Nadu Open University shows 85% students placed with an average package of Rs 4 LPA and a highest package of Rs 10 LPA. Top recruiters include Infosys, Wipro, and Accenture.
