TNOU Admission 2025: Dates, Eligibility, Application Process, Selection Criteria

Tamil Nadu Open University (TNOU) is the first open university in TamilNadu, aiming to provide higher education opportunities to those who may not be able to afford traditional forms of education. Recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC), National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI), and Distance Education Bureau (DEB), the university offers a range of programs. These include 3-year undergraduate courses such as B.A., B.Com., B.Sc., BBA, and BCA, as well as 2-year Master's programs in MBA, MCA, M.A., M.Com., and M.Sc. Additionally, TNOU provides Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma courses in various specializations, along with Certificate and Vocational programs.

To apply for admission, applicants can do so offline through forms available at study centres. Eligibility requirements include passing the 10+2 examination from a recognized board for undergraduate courses, while candidates applying for Master's courses must have completed a Bachelor's degree from a recognized institution. For the MBA program, candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in any discipline with at least 50% marks. Final admission is based on merit in the qualifying exam and subsequent counseling sessions. Admission to undergraduate courses is contingent on completion of the 10+2 or TNOU's Bachelor Preparatory Program (BPP), which must be completed before the Semester examinations.

The university provides self-learning materials in both print and electronic formats to support students. Counseling for admission is conducted at various locations across Tamil Nadu during two sessions, March-May and September-November. Additionally, applicants can register for a one-year Diploma Program or a six-month Certificate Program simultaneously.

TNOU Admissions Important Dates

Tamil Nadu Open University (TNOU) UG Admissions 

Admission to three-year full-time under-graduate B.A., B.Com., B.Sc., BCA and BBA programs are offered by Tamil Nadu Open University - [TNOU]. Lateral entry to two-year BCA is also offered based on fulfillment of basic eligibility. The minimum eligibility to apply for undergraduate courses is having passed 10+2 in relevant subjects. Candidates applying for lateral entry to the BCA program must have any Diploma from Recognized Polytechnic College to be eligible for admission.

Applying to M.A., M.Sc., M.Com., MBA, and MCA programs requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited university with at least 50% of the possible points in a relevant field. Application forms are available at the Tamil Nadu Open University study centers, and admission to the program will be determined by merit.

Tamil Nadu Open University (TNOU) PG Admissions 

Admission to two-year full-time post-graduate M.A., M.Sc., M.Com., MBA and MCA programs are offered by Tamil Nadu Open University - [TNOU]. M.Sc. is offered in 18 basic specializations and M.A. is offered in 7 basic disciplines.

The minimum eligibility to apply for M.A., M.Sc., M.Com., MBA and MCA programs is having passed bachelor’s from a recognized university with at least 50% marks in aggregate in a relevant discipline. Admission to the program will be merit-based and application forms are available at the study centers of the Tamil Nadu Open University.

Tamil Nadu Open University (TNOU) Application Process 

Students applying for Under-Graduate, Post-Graduate, Diploma and PG Diploma programs offered by the Tamil Nadu Open University [TNOU] must visit the specified study centres to get the application forms and prospectus. The final selection of the candidates is based on completion of the qualifying exam followed by counselling.

1. The Application Forms can be obtained from the study centers on the payment of prescribed payment of Rs. 100/- in cash.
2. Application forms can also be obtained From the Deputy Registrar, MPDD, TNOU, 577, Anna Salai, Saidapet, Chennai– 600 015 by post on payment of Rs.150/- by demand draft issued in favour of the Tamil Nadu Open University payable at Chennai.
3. Admission forms need to be submitted to the study centres on or before April 30th or October 31st of the academic year.
4. On submission of the Application Form, the Study Centre will issue a statement of acknowledgment to the Applicant and forward the Forms to the Zonal Centres.
5. The Admission Wing, after the detailed examination of the Application Forms, shall allot the Enrollment Number and send the ID Cards to the Study Centres for handing over to the students.
6. Then the students may quote their Enrollment Number in all their further references with the University.
7. Applicants who wish to enroll for a Diploma/ Certificate Program under the scheme of Dual Registration shall submit separate Application Forms.
8. Separate copies of the eligibility and other certificates, a photograph of the applicant and the signature of the applicant should be attested by any one of the Group A and Group B Officers.
9. For all the Program the fees shall be paid to the University. The fees may be remitted in any branch of the State Bank of India or Indian Bank.
10. For remitting the fees, the applicant may use the photocopy of the remittance Challan Form enclosed in the Prospectus. The Banker will return the challan of TNOU copy and STUDENT copy.
11. The applicant will have to enclose the TNOU copy of the remitted challan with the application for Admission. They may also consult their Study Centers regarding remittance of fees.
12. Applicants may submit the filled in Application Forms along with the University copy of the Challan.
13. Selected candidates will have to get their documents verified and the counselling will be held on the dates prescribed.

Documents Required:

• Passport size photograph.
• Signature of the candidate
• 10th Standard Mark Sheet or equivalent in support of Date of Birth
• 12th Standard Mark Sheet (wherever applicable).
• UG Degree Certificate (wherever applicable).
• Community Certificate in respect of SC/ST/OBC (NCL) candidates.

Tamil Nadu Open University FAQs