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Tamil Nadu Open University, more commonly known as TNOU is a fully open university that was started as an initiative by the state government of Tamil Nadu. The university has over 90 courses that are offered in the open-distance mode of education along with online learning support. The university is a well-known educational institute for providing distance education to students.
About Tamil Nadu Open University
Tamil Nadu Open University was started by the Government of Tamil Nadu in 2002. Since then the university has received approvals from bodies like UGC-DEB, RCI, and NCTE and also offers online courses to students now. Located in Chennai, the university also has 8 regional centers which allow the student to access educational resources and get student support easily without the hassle of travel. The university offers courses in the domains of humanities, social work, social sciences, sciences, management, commerce, etc.
It has facilities for student support, learning support as well as placement assistance for students. It is one of the well-regarded universities in Tamil Nadu for distance learning.
Factors one should consider while choosing Distance University
It's crucial and challenging to find the ideal institution that fits each person's demands. When choosing a university, it is important to consider several things to facilitate this process. These factors are essential for determining the Return on Investment (ROI), in addition to guarding against scams and traps. The most crucial factors to take into account are as follows:
- Recognition and Accreditation
- Fee structure
- Curriculum and Faculty
- Evaluation Method
- Accessibility in Learning Management Systems (LMS)
- Student support
- Placement Assistance
To provide comprehensive insights into selecting the right university, each of these factors will be thoroughly discussed in the conversation that follows.
Accreditation of Tamil Nadu Open University
An essential component in verifying the legitimacy of a university is its recognition or accreditation. The validity of the degree is impacted by the authenticity of any university. Thus, to maximize Return on Investment (ROI), it is imperative to verify a university's recognition before enrolling in any of its programs. The following are the accreditations and recognitions that the Tamil Nadu Open University possesses:
Fee Structure of Tamil Nadu Open University
There are 8 types of courses offered by the Tamil Nadu Open University, namely, undergraduate degree courses, postgraduate degree courses, diploma courses, postgraduate degree courses (PGD), vocational diploma programs, advanced vocational diploma programs, certification courses, and short-term courses. Here is the list of the programs offered by Tamil Nadu Open University.
The courses at TNOU are offered at reasonable rates along with flexible annual installment facilities. There are few concessions for students under special circumstances. The fee details for the courses are given below:
|
Course Fees at TNOU |
|
|
Course |
Fee in INR |
|
B.A |
INR 6500- INR 10,100 |
|
B.Sc |
INR 125,500- INR 19,500 |
|
B.Com |
INR 10,000- INR 13,000 |
|
BCA |
INR 28,500 |
|
BCA (Lateral Entry) Course |
INR 18,800 |
|
BBA |
INR 13,850 |
|
BSW |
INR 10,100 |
|
BPA |
INR 13,400 |
|
B.Lit |
INR 6725 |
|
M.A |
INR 6500- INR 8500 |
|
M.Sc |
INR 12,800- INR 26,000 |
|
MSW |
INR 12,800 |
|
MBA |
INR 24,800 |
|
M.Com |
INR 9800 |
|
MCA |
INR 37,100 |
|
MCA (Lateral ) |
INR 24,800 |
|
Diploma in Wildlife Tourism |
INR 4000 |
|
Diploma in Archaeology and Epigraphy |
INR 4000 |
|
Diploma in Tourism and Tour Operations Management |
INR 4000 |
|
Diploma in Journalism |
INR 4500 |
|
Diploma in Nutrition and Health Education |
INR 4500 |
|
Postgraduate Diploma Course |
INR 5500 |
|
Vocational Diploma Courses |
INR 4700- INR 7700 |
|
Advanced Vocational Diploma Courses |
INR 7700- INR 15,200 |
|
Certificate Courses |
INR 2000 |
|
Certificate in Entrepreneurship Development |
INR 300 |
|
Short-Term Courses |
INR 300-INR 1500 |
Note: The above-mentioned fee structure is subjected to change. Kindly, visit the official website for the exact fee structure.
Curriculum and Faculty of Tamil Nadu Open University
The learning at TNOU occurs through open and distance learning means, which allows learning at one’s own pace. In addition to self-paced learning, the university also holds in-campus practical classes for various courses.
A university that has been providing distance education to students for over 2 decades, TNOU boasts 7 faculties further consisting of various schools for specific disciplines. The faculty is well-qualified and has ample experience in effectively delivering distance education to students. The majority of the professors are Ph.D. scholars.
Accessibility of LMS of Tamil Nadu Open University
Students are given access to printed textual learning resources. They are given the choice to also refer to the digital learning materials which can be accessed by students free of cost from the official university website. In terms of learning methodology, the university also gives online assignments to students, which can be submitted through the assignment portal on the official website of the university.
Evaluation Method of Tamil Nadu Open University
The university evaluates the performance of the student through Continuous Internal Assessment (CIA) and term-end examinations which are held in authorized exam centers through automated means. The two components are divided in the ratio of 30:70, with CIA having a 30% weightage and End Semester Exams having a weightage of 70%.
CIA further includes attendance at the Academic Counselling Sessions conducted by the university and Assignments for each paper. The academic counseling sessions are conducted at the student support centers over the weekends, the timetable for which is intimated to the students. The assignments for evaluation can be accessed by students from the official university website.
The examinations for the courses are conducted in physical mode at designated centers across the state. The basic details of the examination procedure are mentioned here:
- Online Examination Registration through the University Portal
- Automated examinations held at university-authorized centers
- University officials closely invigilate the examinations
- An examination follows the Semester End system
- Students enrolled in the academic year format appear for exams in the months of June-July
- Students enrolled in the calendar year format appear for exams in the months of December-January
- Examinations Conducted in the form of OMR Sheets
Students Support System of Tamil Nadu Open University
TNOU has a very strong and robust support system for students, which allows students to have a hassle-free experience of education. With the added support of the regional centers and learner support centers, communication in case of queries and concerns becomes easier and more convenient even through correspondence.
The university has also formed several different bodies, cells, and committees to address the various concerns or complaints that students may raise. There are over 10 cells as well as some facilities given to the students so that they can directly contact the concerned authority for their concerns and seek prompt redressal.
The basic student support features of TNOU are given here:
|
Student Support at TNOU |
|
|
Student Support Services Division |
Alumni Cell |
|
Anti-Ragging Cell |
BC/ MBC Cell |
|
Environment Cell |
Internal Harassment Cell |
|
National Innovation Cell |
The person with Disability Cell |
|
Placement Cell |
Equal Opportunity Cell (SC/ST Cell) |
|
Grievance Redressal Cell |
Women’s Cell |
|
Research Advisory Committee |
Library |
|
Quick Enquiry Feature on the University Website |
Admission Counselling |
Placement Assistance of Tamil Nadu Open University
TNOU has a Student Placement Cell which is dedicated to helping students’ professional skills development as well as providing them with various employment opportunities through partnering with a large number of hiring companies and organizations. TNOU’s Placement Cell conducts annual placement drives at the various regional centers of the university.
The university also conducts various professional skill development programs and workshops for students to assist them in honing their professional skills and becoming better equipped for job-seeking.
Why to Choose Tamil Nadu Open University
Tamil Nadu Open University (TNOU) is a state government university that was started as an initiative by the Tamil Nadu government to extend educational services to a larger number of students who are not able to pursue courses in the regular mode of education.
So, if you are looking for a higher education course in the open learning or distance mode, then find out why Tamil Nadu Open University is a good choice for you.
Some Other Online/Distance Universities
Several other online and ODL universities in India are well-accredited. Here we have listed down some of the top options for you.
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Other Distance Education Universities |
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Conclusion
There are over 90 courses offered by the Tamil Nadu Open University in the open-distance learning mode. Courses in the domains of humanities, social sciences, journalism, commerce, management, sciences, etc. are covered. Several vocational and advanced vocational courses are also available. The course fee is reasonable, along with provisions for scholarships and fee concessions in special cases.
TNOU is a state government university and has approval from UGC-DEB and experience of over 20 years in providing distance education to students. It offers higher education at affordable rates and has a well-structured student support network. It also offers placement support to students. So, overall the university has a good framework for providing distance education effectively.
The University has 7 faculties consisting of 15 schools. The faculty at TNOU is well-qualified and has ample experience in distance education. Most of the professors are Ph.D. scholars and are supportive and reachable for queries and concerns.
