TNOU Fees, Admission 2026, Courses, Cutoff, Ranking, Placement

NAAC A++ Grade (A+)

Affiliated to State University

Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Simran Popli

Updated on 16 January 2026

Simran Popli

Updated on 16 January 2026

Tamil Nadu Open University is a distinguished state open university established in 2002 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. This institute, the Tamil Nadu Open University, proudly offers a total of 200+ courses across diverse disciplines, functioning as a non-private college member. TNOU is indeed renowned, with 27939 students actively enrolled in various programs, encompassing fields like Engineering and other specialized areas, all managed across its 11 specialized departments. Further, this top-ranked premium institute (Tamil Nadu Open University) operates with over 41 dedicated faculty members. The campus, quite notably, spans 1.94 acres. Tamil Nadu Open University is deeply committed to academic excellence and is recognized by appropriate regulatory bodies (it's often referred to as a premier college). Furthermore, TNOU maintains over 3 international collaborations, including with the Asian Association of Open Universities, highlighting its reach.

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.

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
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

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

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

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

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.

About TNOU

1.94Campus Area

2002Year of Establishment

41Total Faculty Numbers

1.94Campus Area

2002Year of Establishment

41Total Faculty Numbers

TNOU Courses and Fees 2026

Degree	Duration	Annual Fee	Seats	Eligibility	Action
Bachelor of Arts (Part Time)6 Specializations	3 Years	₹4,300	NA	10+2	Apply Now
Diploma (Part Time)15 Specializations	2 Years	₹1,750 - ₹8,500	NA	10+2	Apply Now
Master of Arts (Part Time)6 Specializations	2 Years	₹4,650 - ₹5,800	NA	NA	Apply Now
Ph.D. (Part Time)16 Specializations	4 Years	₹43,500	NA	Post graduation	Apply Now
Post Graduate Diploma (Part Time)2 Specializations	1 Year	₹10,450	NA	Graduation	Apply Now
Bachelor of Business Administration (Part Time)1 Specialization	3 Years	₹15,250	NA	10+2	Apply Now

View All Courses

TNOU Rankings

Accreditations

All India Council for Technical Education

National Assessment and Accreditation Council

National Council for Teacher Education

TNOU Important Dates

TNOU BA - Bachelor of Arts Important Dates

Events

Dates

Application Start Date

Mar 31, 2025

TNOU BBA Important Dates

Events

Dates

Application Start Date

Mar 31, 2025

TNOU B Com - Bachelors of Commerce Important Dates

Events

Dates

Application Start Date

Mar 31, 2025

TNOU B Ed - Bachelor of Education Important Dates

Events

Dates

Application Start Date

Mar 31, 2025

TNOU Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarship Name	Eligibility	Amount	Application Process
Reimbursement for SC/ST Students (Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department)	SC/ST students pursuing distance education (formal stream), who are not employed and whose annual parental income does not exceed Rs 1,00,000/.	Reimbursement of non-refundable fees	Students should apply for scholarships in the prescribed form obtained from the Offices of Adi Dravidar/Tribal Welfare Department. The form, along with supporting documents (including the applicant's Savings Bank Account No., Name of the Bank, Branch, etc.), must be submitted to the Director, SSSD, TNOU, after university fees are paid. Applications will then be forwarded to the respective Government Departments for sanction, with disbursement subject to government conditions.
Scholarship to Son and Daughter of Differently Abled Persons	Sons and daughters of differently-abled persons.	INR 10,000 per annum during undergraduate studies (first 3 years); INR 20,000 per annum during postgraduate studies (for students continuing the same stream). The scholarship is renewable based on performance in each academic year.	-
First Graduate Tuition Fee Concession Scheme	First graduate students pursuing professional courses in Tamil Nadu.	Full tuition fee waivers	-

TNOU Campus Gallery

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Nearest Attractions at TNOU

No 577, Anna Salai, Saidapet, Chennai - 600015, Tamil Nadu, India

Contact: 044-24306600, 044-24306645

https://www.tnou.ac.in

Nearby Locations

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

Facilities Provided by TNOU

Academic Spaces

Auditorium
Central Valuation Hall
Classrooms
Convocation Hall
Learner Support Centres (Study Centres)
Smart Classrooms

Accommodation for Parents

Guest House/Waiting Room

Basic Services

ATM Facility
Power Backup Facilities
Purified Drinking Water Facility
Separate Washrooms for Men and Women

Disability Services

Barrier-Free Campus Accessibility
Equal Opportunity Policy for Persons with Disabilities
Person with Disability (PWD) Cell
Specialized Support Services for PWDs

Entry/Exit Rules

Help Desk Operating Hours

Food Options

Canteen/Cafeteria

Hostel Facilities

Boys Hostel
Girls Hostel

IT Facilities

Computer Centre/Workstations
Online Learning Infrastructure
Wi-Fi Infrastructure

Incubation Centers

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)

Laboratories

Computer Labs
General Laboratories

Library

Central Library
Digital Library

Medical Facilities

Health Centre/Medical Facilities

Safety & Security

CCTV Surveillance
Fire Safety Systems
First Aid Facilities

Sports & Fitness

Sports Complex

Student Help Desks

Grievance Redressal Cell
Student Support Services Division (SSSD)
University Help Desk/Information Centre

Transport Services

Parking and Local Amenities

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.

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FAQs on TNOU

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.

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 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.

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 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 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 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.