| Programs | 11 |
|---|
About Tamil Nadu Open University
Tamil Nadu Open University is a government university in Chennai. It is approved by UGC.
It offers 11 programs, including MA, B.Ed, BCA, M.Com, Diploma. NAAC has accredited it with grade A+ (CGPA 3.32), valid until Aug 2028.
Tamil Nadu Open University (TNOU) is a state open university in Saidapet, Chennai, established by the Tamil Nadu Government under an Act of the state Legislature in 200212. It holds a NAAC A+ grade with a CGPA of 3.323.
TNOU offers 72 programmes in all, spread across bachelor degree programmes (24), master degree programmes (30), vocational diploma programmes (10), diploma programmes (6), certificate programmes (12), short term courses (15), advance vocational diploma programmes (2) and a postgraduate diploma programme (1). Doctoral study and a B.Ed. Spl. Ed. programme are also listed. Admission procedures are handled through the university website and the e-portal4.
On recognition, the NAAC A+ accreditation is valid from 2 August 2023 to 1 August 2028. UGC recognises the university and it is covered under Sections 2(f) and 12(B) of the UGC Act.
The university has a cumulative enrolment of about 12,35,975 learners as of the academic year 2025-265. It supports them through 210 Learner Support Centres across the state and 12 Regional Centres, including Chennai and Salem67. The headquarters campus covers 1.94 acres with three separate buildings and has 73 full time faculty members89.
Courses offered
| Program | Duration | Seats | Tuition (General) |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Com (Online) | 3 years | — | ₹11,500 for the full course |
| B.EdSpl. Ed. | — | — | — |
| B.Sc (Online) | 3 years | — | ₹19,100 for the full course |
| BA (Online) | 3 years | — | ₹11,500 for the full course |
| BBA (Online) | 3 years | — | ₹15,200 for the full course |
| BCA (Online) | 3 years | — | ₹29,500 for the full course |
| Diploma Programmes: 6 | — | — | — |
| M.Com (Online) | 2 years | — | ₹9,800 for the full course |
| M.Sc (Online) | 2 years | — | ₹20,800 for the full course |
| MA (Online) | 2 years | — | ₹8,400 for the full course |
| MSW (Online) | 2 years | — | ₹12,800 for the full course |
Courses and fees
Tamil Nadu Open University offers 72 programmes across several levels. The largest groups are master degree programmes (30) and bachelor degree programmes (24). Shorter options include certificate programmes (12), short term courses (15), diploma programmes (6) and vocational diploma programmes (10).
You will also find advance vocational diploma programmes (2) and one postgraduate diploma programme. A B.Ed. Spl. Ed. programme and doctoral (Ph.D.) study are listed as well. The university uploads its Ph.D. theses to the Shodhganga Repository of UGC INFLIBNET1.
Because TNOU is an open university, learners are supported through 210 Learner Support Centres across Tamil Nadu and 12 Regional Centres23. Fee amounts differ by programme, so check the fee details for your chosen programme on the official TNOU website or e-portal before applying.
Admission
For admission to Tamil Nadu Open University, students are asked to use the official university website and the e-portal strictly for all admission procedures and related academic activities1. Stick to these official channels and be careful about any other site or agent claiming to handle admissions for you.
If you have questions about eligibility or the process for a particular programme, you can contact the admission office by email at admission@tnou.ac.in or by phone on 044-2430660023. The university's address is No 577, Anna Salai, Saidapet, Chennai – 600 0154.
TNOU runs a wide range of programmes, from certificate courses to master degrees and doctoral study, so check the eligibility conditions for the specific programme you want. Learner Support Centres across the state can also help learners with academic support5.
Fees at a glance
The tuition fee for BA (Online) at Tamil Nadu Open University is ₹11,500 for the full course for General category students in 2026–27.1 The tuition fee for BBA (Online) is ₹15,200 for the full course for General category students in 2026–27.2 The tuition fee for BCA (Online) is ₹29,500 for the full course for General category students in 2026–27.3
The tuition fee for B.Com (Online) is ₹11,500 for the full course for General category students in 2026–27.4 The tuition fee for B.Sc (Online) is ₹19,100 for the full course for General category students in 2026–27.5 The tuition fee for MA (Online) is ₹8,400 for the full course for General category students in 2026–27.6
The tuition fee for M.Com (Online) is ₹9,800 for the full course for General category students in 2026–27.7 The tuition fee for M.Sc (Online) is ₹20,800 for the full course for General category students in 2026–27.8
The table below lists all 9 rows, each with its official source.
Admission and cutoffs
Official counselling results with closing ranks for Tamil Nadu Open University are not published in the rounds we cover yet.
Colleges in Tamil Nadu usually admit through the state entrance test and centralised counselling, or on Class 12 marks for some courses, plus a management quota. The college's admission notice states the route for each course.
Placements
Tamil Nadu Open University has not published an official placement report that we could verify yet.
Colleges that take part in NIRF publish students placed, higher studies and median salary for the last three batches in their NIRF data on their own website. Ask the placement cell for the latest report by course, with the number of students placed and the median, not only the highest, package.
Accreditation
Tamil Nadu Open University holds NAAC accreditation with grade A+, valid from 2 August 2023 to 1 August 2028.1
| Body | Grade | Valid | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NAAC | A+ (3.32) | Aug 2023 – Aug 2028 | National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) Verified |
Contact and location
- Address
- Tamil Nadu Open University(TNOU), No-577, Anna Salai, Saidapet,Chennai,Chennai,Tamil Nadu,600015
- PIN code
- 600015
- District
- Chennai
- State
- Tamil Nadu
- Official website
- tnou.ac.in
- Type
- University
- Ownership
- Government
- AISHE code
- U-0482
- UGC ID
- 394
How to reach
Tamil Nadu Open University is at No 577, Anna Salai, Saidapet, Chennai – 600 015, Tamil Nadu1. Anna Salai is the road on which the campus stands, and Saidapet is the locality. You can reach the university office on 044-24306600 for directions or other queries2. The university also has 12 Regional Centres, including at Salem, if you live outside Chennai3.
Campus and hostel
The Tamil Nadu Open University campus in Saidapet, Chennai, covers 1.94 acres and has three separate buildings1. The university also runs 12 Regional Centres, located in places such as Chennai and Salem2.
The University Library was established in 2004 and has a collection of 26795 books3. Library services include an Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) for book search, wifi internet access within the library, reprography services and daily newspapers4567. The library also offers the DELNET service and an anti-plagiarism check89.
The university has 73 full time faculty members, of whom 32 are in the time scale of pay and 41 are on contract10. If you need hostel or accommodation details, please confirm them directly with the university.
Frequently asked questions
What is Tamil Nadu Open University?
Is TNOU recognised by UGC?
Yes. UGC recognises Tamil Nadu Open University as a state university, and it is covered under Sections 2(f) and 12(B) of the UGC Act. Its approval status is valid.
What is the NAAC grade of TNOU?
TNOU holds a NAAC A+ grade with a CGPA of 3.32 in Cycle 1. The accreditation is valid from 2 August 2023 to 1 August 20281.
Is Tamil Nadu Open University on the UGC fake university list?
No. It does not appear on the UGC list of fake universities. You can double-check this on the UGC website.
How many programmes does TNOU offer?
TNOU lists 72 programmes. These include 24 bachelor degree programmes, 30 master degree programmes, 12 certificate programmes, 6 diploma programmes and 10 vocational diploma programmes, among others.
How do I apply for admission?
Students are asked to use the official TNOU website and the e-portal strictly for all admission procedures and related academic activities. Avoid unofficial sources1.