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Updated on Oct 27 2025, 10:41 AM IST by Team Careers360

About Tamil Nadu Open University, Chennai

Tamil Nadu Open University is a well-known institution in the field of open and distant education in India. Located in Chennai, TNOU has played a significant role in expanding access to higher education and skill development in the region.It is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Distance Education Bureau (DEB).

Tamil Nadu Open University was established in 2002 by the Government of Tamil Nadu through an Act of the Legislative Assembly of the state. TNOU provides high-quality education through open and distance learning modes to a diverse range of students. It aims to promote social equity and inclusive education by reaching out to those who are unable to pursue conventional education due to various constraints. 

Tamil Nadu Open University offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, certificate and vocational programmes across various disciplines. TNOU offers courses MA Linguistics, MA Economics, MA History, MA Anthropology, M.Sc Zoology, M.Sc Geography, Physics, M.Sc Chemistry, M.Com, BA Political Science, Economics, B.Sc Psychology, Visual Communication, B.Com, MSW. These programmes are designed to cater to the diverse educational needs of the students. 

TNOU Chennai offers Library facilities, club, aauditorium, medical hospital, classrooms, laboratory, IT infrastructure facilities. Tamil Nadu Open University (TNOU), Chennai, has a Placement Cell that is solely responsible for handling all placement-related activities and the career support of students. As per the NIRF 2025 report, among 94 students of the UG 3-year programme who passed, 59 students got placed or chose to continue their studies. In the case of the PG 2-year programme, 25 students graduated, and out of them, 17 students took the path of placements or higher education.

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TNOU Location

Tamil Nadu Open University is located in Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, India. The city is well-connected to other major cities in Tamil Nadu and the rest of India through a network of highways, railway stations and an international airport. 

The university is situated approximately 6 km away from the Chennai Metropolitan Bus Terminus (CMBT) in Koyambedu, 12 km away from the Central Railway Station and 10 km from the Egmore Railway Station in Chennai. The university is located at a distance of 9 km from Chennai International Airport. 

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Commonly Asked Questions

On Tamil Nadu Open University, Chennai About
Q: When was Tamil Nadu Open University established and by whom?
A:
Tamil Nadu Open University (TNOU) was established in 2002 by the Government of Tamil Nadu through an Act of the Legislative Assembly of the state. It was created to expand access to higher education and skill development in the region through open and distance learning modes.
Q: What are the key recognitions of Tamil Nadu Open University?
Q: What is the primary aim of Tamil Nadu Open University?
Q: What types of programs does TNOU offer?
Q: How far is Tamil Nadu Open University from major transportation hubs in Chennai?

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Tamil Nadu Open University, Chennai Highlights

ParameterDescription
Established2002
Courses15 Degrees and 66 Courses
Institute TypeState University
ApprovalsUGC
GenderCo-ed
Faculty Count36
Campus Size5 acres

Commonly Asked Questions

On Tamil Nadu Open University, Chennai Highlights
Q: When was Tamil Nadu Open University established, and how has it grown since then?
A:
Tamil Nadu Open University was established in 2002, making it a relatively young institution with two decades of experience in providing open and distance education. Since its inception, the university has grown significantly, now boasting a substantial student population of 43,174 learners.
Q: How many students are currently enrolled at Tamil Nadu Open University?
Q: What is the faculty-to-student ratio at Tamil Nadu Open University?
Q: How large is the campus of Tamil Nadu Open University?
Q: How does Tamil Nadu Open University's establishment year compare to other open universities in India?

Tamil Nadu Open University, Chennai Placements

As per the NIRF 2025 report, among 94 students of the UG 3-year programme who passed, 59 students got placed or chose to continue their studies. In the case of the PG 2-year programme, 25 students graduated, and out of them, 8 students took the path of placements or higher education. The median salary for undergraduate graduates of TNOU who got placed is about Rs 1,80,000, and that of post-graduate graduates is close to Rs 2,20,000. Tamil Nadu Open University also organises Job Fairs in collaboration with leading industries for its students. TN...
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Commonly Asked Questions

On Tamil Nadu Open University, Chennai Placement
Q: What services does Tamil Nadu Open University's training and placement cell offer?
A:
Tamil Nadu Open University's training and placement cell provides several services to enhance students' employability. These include raising awareness about nationwide job opportunities suitable for students' academic qualifications, organizing job fairs in collaboration with leading industries, providing specialized coaching for soft skills development, and conducting workshops on Employment Linked Skilling Programmes (ELSP) and Parallel Education and Employment Programme (PEEP). The cell also maintains a web page with updated placement information for easy student access.
Q: How can students access placement-related information at TNOU?
Q: What types of skill development programs does TNOU offer to enhance student employability?
Q: Does TNOU organize job fairs for its students?
Q: Who are some of the top recruiters at Tamil Nadu Open University?

Courses offered by Tamil Nadu Open University, Chennai

TNOU offers a wide range of courses across various disciplines. Tamil Nadu Open University (TNOU) provides educational programmes at the following levels: undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate. The TNOU courses cover the degrees of diploma, BA, B.Sc, B.Com, BCA, MA, M.Sc, MBA, and MCA programmes. Check the table below for a better understanding of courses and eligibility criteria in TNOU. The length of the TNOU courses is determined by their level. Generally, TNOU UG courses last for 3 years, while postgraduate programmes are of...

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Tamil Nadu Open University, Chennai Admission

TNOU admission follows a systematic process to enable students to pursue higher education and skill development through open and distance learning. Tamil Nadu Open University admission to a variety of UG, PG, diploma, vocational and certificate courses is done based on the required eligibility criteria. 

Aspiring students must carefully review the eligibility requirements mentioned by the university. Admission to most of the programmes offered by Tamil Nadu Open University is based on merit, determined by the candidate’s academic qualification and performance. Applicants are shortlisted for TNOU admission and selected based on their eligibility and the availability of seats. 

Also Read: TNOU Chennai Courses

TNOU Registration Process 2025-2026

Candidates need to follow the TNOU application process. The details related to courses and eligibility criteria are mentioned in the table below.

  • Visit the official website: tnou.ac.in

  • On the homepage, click on the menu option labelled 'ONLINE ADMISSION' (positioned at the top of the page)

  • Then, click on ‘NEW REGISTRATION’ and enter personal, parents and educational details 

  • Upload the documents in the specified format when you are at the final stage of the TNOU application process.

  • Click on ‘SUBMIT’

Documents to be uploaded during online registration

Documents

Size/ Format

Passport-size colour photo

Less than 400 KB (.jpeg or .jpg format)

Signature 

Less than 400 KB (.jpeg or .jpg format)

Aadhaar card

Less than 400 KB (.pdf or .jpeg or .jpg or .png format)

TNOU Diploma Admissions 2025-2026

Tamil Nadu Open University diploma courses include Vocational Diploma in Acupressure Therapist, Vocational Diploma in Beauty Therapist, Advanced Vocational Diploma in General Duty Assistant Tamil Medium. Check the table below for a better understanding of Tamil Nadu Open University courses offered and eligibility criteria. 

TNOU Diploma Course and Eligibility Criteria 

Course

Eligibility Criteria

Diploma

Passed the 10th Standard Examinations or its equivalent.

Tamil Nadu Open University Diploma Admission Process 

  • The candidate should meet the eligibility criteria of TNOU admission.

  • Candidates must fill out the application procedure with all required documents.

  • After completion of the application form, the selected candidates will receive mail to their registered mobile number.

  • The candidates must sign the printed application form along with the Fee receipt and required documents.

  • After receiving the application form, the selected candidates will receive the seat allotment letter.

  • To complete TNOU admission process of Diploma, candidates must pay the course fees.

TNOU Admissions 2025-2026 for UG Courses

TNOU courses are structured to cater to the UG programmes that includes B.Sc, B.Com, BA and BCA, BPA. The following table shows the eligibility criteria for UG programmes:

TNOU UG Courses and Eligibility Criteria 

Degree

Eligibility

BA

10th +12th (HSC) Equivalent or PUC or TNOU BPP or 10th +3 Years Diploma or 11th+ 2 Years TTC or 10th +2 Years ITI.

B.Sc

10th +12th (HSC) Equivalent or PUC or TNOU BPP or 10th +3 Years Diploma or 11th+ 2 Years TTC or 10th +2 Years ITI.

B.Com

10th +12th (HSC) Equivalent or PUC or TNOU BPP or 10th +3 Years Diploma or 11th+ 2 Years TTC or 10th +2 Years ITI.

BCA

10th +12th (HSC) Equivalent or PUC or TNOU BPP or 10th +3 Years Diploma or 11th+ 2 Years TTC or 10th +2 Years ITI.

BPA

Higher Secondary/Intermediate (10+2) any other examination recognised as equivalent

Tamil Nadu Open University UG Courses Admission Process 

  • The candidate should meet the eligibility criteria of TNOU admission.

  • Candidates must fill out the application procedure with all required documents.

  • After completion of the application form, the selected candidates will receive mail to their registered mobile number.

  • The candidates must sign the printed application form along with the Fee receipt and required documents.

  • After receiving the application form, the selected candidates will receive the seat allotment letter.

  • To complete TNOU admission process of UG programmes, candidates must pay the course fees.

TNOU Admissions 2025-2026 for PG Courses

TNOU offers a wide range of courses across various disciplines. These courses cater to diverse educational needs and levels, including undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma and certificate courses. TNOU offers PG programmes that includes MA, M.Sc, M.Com. The following table shows the eligibility criteria for PG programmes:

TNOU PG Courses and Eligibility Criteria 

Degree

Eligibility

MA

3 years duration (B.A. or equivalent) under 10+2+3 pattern

M.Sc

Bachelor's degree of 3 years duration (B.Sc. or equivalent) under 10+2+3 pattern

M.Com

Graduated in Commerce/ Business Administration/- Corporate Secretaryship/ACA/ AICWA/ and ACS/ who have studied at least 02 papers in Commerce in their degree programmes

MSW

Bachelor degree under 10+2+3 pattern from any recognized university

Tamil Nadu Open University PG Admission Process 

  • The candidate should meet the eligibility criteria of TNOU admission.

  • Candidates must fill out the application procedure with all required documents.

  • After completion of the application form, the selected candidates will receive mail to their registered mobile number.

  • The candidates must sign the printed application form along with the Fee receipt and required documents.

  • After receiving the application form, the selected candidates will receive the seat allotment letter.

  • To complete TNOU admission process of PG programmes, candidates must pay the course fees.

TNOU Documents Required

  • Class 10th Marksheet and Certificate 

  • Class 12th Marksheet and Certificate 

  • 3 years diploma certificate OR 2 years IT certificate

  • Identification card 

  • Caste Certificate (if applicable)

  • Migration Certificate 

  • Transfer Certificate 

  • Passport Size Photographs 

  • Date of Birth Certificate

Note: Candidates should submit the above-mentioned documents without fail. All the candidates are requested to read all the information properly while applying for TNOU admissions.

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Commonly Asked Questions

On Tamil Nadu Open University, Chennai Admission
Q: What types of programs does Tamil Nadu Open University (TNOU) Chennai offer for admission?
A:
Tamil Nadu Open University, Chennai offers a wide variety of programs for admission through open and distance learning. These include undergraduate (UG) programs, postgraduate (PG) programs, diploma courses, vocational courses, and certificate courses. The university provides opportunities for higher education and skill development across multiple disciplines.
Q: How is the admission process conducted at TNOU Chennai?
Q: What are the steps to fill out the TNOU Chennai online application form?
Q: What documents need to be uploaded during the online registration process?
Q: What are the document requirements for admission to undergraduate programs at TNOU Chennai?

Tamil Nadu Open University, Chennai Facilities

TNOU Facilities are well equipped and provide equally talented and skilled providers of learning and student development. To mention a few, Tamil Nadu Open University is deeply rooted with a library having more than 26000 books, a sound IT infrastructure, well-equipped departmental laboratories, and spacious classrooms. Tamil Nadu Open University facilities also includes placement cell. TNOU Facilities is good example of student welfare facilities, there are a cafeteria, a medical unit, guest rooms, and an auditorium. The placement cell at TNOU...
Library
I.T Infrastructure
Alumni Associations
Laboratories
Classrooms
Cafeteria
Guest Room/Waiting Room
Medical/Hospital
Auditorium
Club
Have a question related to Tamil Nadu Open University, Chennai ?

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Good luck


Open universities are those universities that have minimal to no entry requirements (of grade, age, etc. Open universities may employ specific teaching methods, such as open supported learning and distance learning education through apps, tv programs, CDs, study material by post, etc.

Various Open Universities in India include Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), Dr.B.R. Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU), Vardhaman Mahaveer Open University  (VMOU), Nalanda Open University (NOU) Patna, Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (YCMOU), Nashik, Madhya Pradesh Bhoj Open University (MPBOU), Bhopal, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University  (BAOU), Ahmedabad, Karnataka State Open University (KSOU), Mysore, Netaji Subhas Open University (NSOU), Kolkata & more.

In the case of IGNOU, there are three start sessions in a year Jan, April, and July session. One can take admission online and select the option of study material as a soft copy(accessed online) or hard copy(will be delivered by post or can get at nearest center). Visit individual university websites for more details.

So, you can correspond with the university and be part of their distance learning program.


Tamil Nadu Open University, Chennai Contact Address

Address:
Tamil Nadu Open University, No 577, Anna Salai, Saidapet, Chennai-600015, Tamil Nadu, India

Tamil Nadu Open University, Chennai Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

1: How far is TNOU from major transportation hubs in Chennai?

TNOU is strategically located near major transportation hubs in Chennai. It is situated approximately 6 km away from the Chennai Metropolitan Bus Terminus (CMBT) in Koyambedu, 12 km away from the Central Railway Station, 10 km from the Egmore Railway Station, and 9 km from Chennai International Airport.

2: What types of programmes does TNOU offer?

TNOU offers wide range of programmes to cater to diverse educational needs. TNOU offers six undergraduate degrees such as B.A., B.Com., B.Sc., BBA, BCA, and BSW, which cover the areas of arts, commerce, science, management, and social work respectively. For higher education, the university has the provision of M.A., M.Sc., M.Com., MBA, MCA, and MSW also offers Diploma Courses and Ph.D.

3: What is the primary aim of TNOU?

TNOU primary aim is to promote social equity and inclusive education. It achieves this by providing high-quality education through open and distance learning modes to a diverse range of students, particularly those who are unable to pursue conventional education due to various constraints.

4: What are the recognitions of Tamil Nadu Open University?

TNOU is recognised by two important educational bodies in India: the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Distance Education Bureau (DEB). 

5: When was Tamil Nadu Open University established?

TNOU was established in 2002 by the Government of Tamil Nadu through an Act of the Legislative Assembly of the state.

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