Tamil Nadu Open University

Modeled on the lines of IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University), Tamil Nadu Open University is also an open university. It offers a variety of diplomas, certificates, under graduate and post graduate courses. It also offers vocational courses helpful for the ones looking for job opportunities.

Situated at Guindy (next to the campus of Anna University) the Open University was set up by an Act (No.27 of year 2002) of the Legislative Assembly, Government of Tamil Nadu. It was to come as boon for those who are deprived of higher education due to certain circumstances- like poverty or working schedule or physical handicap or marriage for those who have been denied access to higher education especially due destitution, physical challenges, working men and women, economically weaker sections of the society, and those who discontinued education for various reasons, etc..

It’s major plus point is that there is an easy process of admission and it has a flexible examination system. The various programmes under it are:
Diploma Programmes
Certificate Programmes
Under-Graduate Programmes
Post- Graduate Programmes
Professional Programmes
Vocational Educational Programmes
B.Ed Programmes

Bachelors’ Degree Programmes (BA/B.Com/BBA/BCA/BTS/B.Sc)

It can be done by two means; the formal and the informal scheme. The formal scheme is the regular way, by clearing 10+2 or its equivalent and the informal scheme is through BPP. This programme by which ever means completes in three years (minimum) and eight years (maximum). Medium of instruction is both English and Tamil but BCA/BTS is offered only in English.

Non formal scheme- is for those who had not had formal education (10+2) but have completed age of 18 years. They will have to do simultaneously Bachelor Preparatory Programme (BPP). They have three subjects in BPP-
· PSS-1- for B.A/B.Lit. and BTS
· PCO-1- for BBA and B.Com.
· PMT-1- for BCA and B.Sc
Formal scheme- they are the ones who had done the regular 10+2s or given any equivalent examination. They do not have to do BPP but have to go through two categories of prescribed courses - Language Courses (Foundation Courses) and Elective and Allied Courses to be eligible for the Bachelors’ Degree Programmes.