TNOU Diploma Courses 2026: Eligibility, Fee, Duration and Syllabus
Tamil Nadu Open University offers general diploma, vocational diploma, advanced vocational diploma, and post-graduate diploma programmes across various streams in English and Tamil mediums. For the Academic Year 2026-27, online admission is open until 13 October 2026. Entry requirements range from 10th standard pass to 12th standard pass or degree, depending on the programme level.
Key facts
| AY 2026-27 Admission Deadline | 13 October 2026 |
|---|---|
| General Diploma Fee Range (AY 2023-24) | ₹3,300 – ₹5,300 total fee |
| Vocational Diploma Fee Range (AY 2023-24) | ₹3,300 – ₹8,500 total fee |
| PGDAM Duration | 1 Year (Academic/Calendar Year) |
| PGDAM Pass Marks | 45% External, 50% Aggregate |
| Diploma in Media Art Pass Marks | 40% per course |
Admission Last Date and Application Steps for AY 2026-27
The last date for online admission to diploma programmes for the Academic Year 2026-27 is extended up to 13 October 2026. Candidates must complete all registration, document upload, and fee payment steps electronically on the admission portal.
- Open the AY 2026-27 Online Admission page.
- Select the fresh application registration link if applying for the first time.
- Select the document upload or fee payment services link if already registered.
- Fill in all required candidate credentials, upload mandatory documents, and complete the fee payment transaction.
General Diploma Programmes: Eligibility and Fee Structure
TNOU offers specialized general diploma programmes under various schools such as Social Sciences and Cultural Studies. Fee details below reflect the approved rates for the Academic Year 2023-24 session, as fees for AY 2026-27 have not been separately published on the website portal.
- Note: Total fee includes Tuition Fee (TF), Registration/Processing/Postal Charges (PF: ₹300), ICT Charges (₹500), and Alumni Charges (₹500).
- Historical session details can be checked on the Prospectus and Fee Structure page.
TNOU General Diploma Fee Structure (AY 2023-24)
| Code | Programme Name | Medium | Eligibility | Tuition Fee (₹) | Total Fee (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5576 | Diploma in Nutrition and Health Education | English | 12th Passed or Equivalent | 4,000 | 5,300 |
| 5569 | Diploma in Wild Life Tourism | English | 10th Passed or Equivalent | 3,500 | 4,800 |
| 5552 | Diploma in Archaeology and Epigraphy | Tamil / English | 12th Passed or Equivalent | 3,500 | 4,800 |
| 5572 | Diploma in Tourism and Tour Operations Management | English | 12th Passed or Equivalent | 3,500 | 4,800 |
| 5575 | Diploma in Journalism | English | 12th Passed | 4,000 | 5,300 |
| 501 | Diploma in Media Arts | Tamil | 10th Passed or 12th Passed or Equivalent | 2,000 | 3,300 |
Vocational and Advanced Vocational Diplomas
Vocational diploma programmes provide skill-based education in technical, health, design, and management disciplines. Most vocational courses require a minimum qualification of passing 10th standard.
Vocational and Advanced Vocational Diplomas (AY 2023-24)
| Code | Programme Name | Medium | Eligibility | Total Fee (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8844 | Advanced Vocational Diploma in General Duty Assistant (1st Year) | Tamil / English | 10th Passed or Equivalent | 8,500 |
| 8851 | Advanced Vocational Diploma in General Duty Assistant (Lateral Entry – 2nd Year) | Tamil / English | 10th Passed and TNOU VDGD/VDHA/DHA | 7,700 |
| 845 | Vocational Diploma in Manufacturing Technology (VDMT) | English | 10th Passed or Equivalent | 8,500 |
| 8847 | Vocational Diploma in Office Automation | Tamil / English | 10th Passed or Equivalent | 3,300 |
| 8848 | Vocational Diploma in In-Design | Tamil / English | 10th Passed or Equivalent | 5,500 |
| 8850 | Vocational Diploma in Vehicle Mechanic | Tamil / English | 10th Passed or Equivalent | 5,500 |
| 8816 | Vocational Diploma in Refrigeration & AC Technician | Tamil / English | 10th Passed or Equivalent | 5,500 |
| 8815 | Vocational Diploma in Fashion Design & Garment Making | Tamil / English | 10th Passed or Equivalent | 5,500 |
| 8849 | Vocational Diploma in Beauty Therapist | Tamil / English | 10th Passed or Equivalent | 8,500 |
| 8828 | Vocational Diploma in Acupressure Therapist | Tamil / English | 10th Passed or Equivalent | 5,500 |
| 8823 | Vocational Diploma in General Duty Assistant | Tamil / English | 10th Passed or Equivalent | 8,500 |
| 8831 | Vocational Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education | Tamil / English | 10th Passed or Equivalent | 8,500 |
Post Graduate Diploma Programmes
TNOU conducts specialized Post Graduate Diploma courses through its academic schools. For example, the PG Diploma in Applied Mathematics (PGDAM) is administered under the School of Science, while the PG Diploma in Library Automation and Networking (PGDLAN) is offered by the School of Library and Information Science.
The PGDAM course has a duration of 1 Year ( Academic or Calendar Year).
Evaluation Rules, Passing Marks, and Grading Scheme
Passing requirements and question paper structures vary across diploma streams:
- PG Diploma in Applied Mathematics (PGDAM): Minimum pass mark is 45% in the External Examination and an aggregate of 50% combining External Examination and Internal Assessment. Securing 60% and above in total places a candidate in First Class; all other passing candidates receive Second Class.
- PGDAM Examination Pattern: Written theory paper comprises Part-A with 5 out of 8 questions (5 x 5 = 25 marks) and Part-B with 5 out of 8 questions (5 x 10 = 50 marks).
- Diploma in Media Art (D.M.A.): Minimum pass mark is 40% in each course. Securing 60% and above in aggregate awards First Class; securing 50% to below 60% awards Second Class.
- Diploma in Media Art Exam Scheme: Theory exam carries 70 marks divided into Part A (3 out of 5 short questions, 3×3=9 marks), Part B (3 out of 5 medium questions, 3×7=21 marks), and Part C (4 out of 7 long questions, 4×10=40 marks).
- Open University System for D.M.A.: Candidates without formal +2 qualifications must attain 18 years of age in the year of admission and pass TNOU – BPP in the first year.
Curriculum Design and Academic Guidelines
The Curriculum Development Cell at TNOU handles the planning, formulation, and periodic revision of curricula across all Diploma, Vocational Diploma, and Advanced Diploma courses. The CDC prepares Self Learning Materials (SLM) and Programme Project Reports (PPR) in accordance with UGC Regulations and TANSCHE guidelines.
Important TNOU links
| What you can do | Official page |
|---|---|
| Register for AY 2026-27 online admission | tnouportal.in/OnlineadmissionHomeAY2026.aspx |
| Read about TNOU curriculum development cell | tnou.ac.in/Cell-CDC.php |
| View library and information science school | tnou.ac.in/SchoolLibrary.php |
| Check TNOU prospectus fee structures | tnou.ac.in/ProspectusNew.php |
Official documents (PDF)
- Diploma in Media Art PDF — Diploma in Media Art syllabus and examination regulations
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date to apply online for TNOU Diploma courses for AY 2026-27?
The last date for online admission for the Academic Year 2026-27 session is extended up to 13 October 2026. Applicants must complete registration and submit fees via the official admission portal.
Does TNOU offer distance learning diploma programs in Tamil language?
Yes, TNOU offers several diploma and vocational diploma programmes in Tamil medium, including Diploma in Media Arts, Diploma in Archaeology and Epigraphy, Vocational Diploma in Office Automation, and Vocational Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education.
What is the fee for general diploma programmes at TNOU?
For the Academic Year 2023-24, total fees for general diploma programmes ranged from ₹3,300 (Diploma in Media Arts) to ₹5,300 (Diploma in Nutrition and Health Education / Journalism), inclusive of tuition, registration, ICT, and alumni charges.
What is the passing mark requirement for Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Mathematics (PGDAM)?
A student must secure a minimum of 45% in the External Examination and an overall aggregate of 50% combining External Examination and Internal Assessment to pass PGDAM.
What is the passing mark for the Diploma in Media Art at TNOU?
Candidates must secure at least 40% marks in each course to pass the Diploma in Media Art. Scoring 60% or more in aggregate awards a First Class classification.
Can someone without a 12th standard pass enroll in the Diploma in Media Art?
Yes, under the Open University System, candidates who have attained 18 years of age in the year of admission can join the Diploma in Media Art provided they pass the TNOU – BPP examination in their first year.
Sources
Written from the official TNOU pages and documents below, as read on 2 October 2026.
- Post-Graduate-Diploma-in-Applied-Maths.pdf tnou.ac.in/…/Post-Graduate-Diploma-in-Applied-Maths.p
- Online Admission tnouportal.in/…/OnlineadmissionHomeAY2026.aspx
- Curriculum Development Cell tnou.ac.in/…/Cell-CDC.php
- School of Social Sciences tnou.ac.in/…/SchoolSocial.php
- School of Science tnou.ac.in/…/SchoolScience.php
- School of Library and Information Science tnou.ac.in/…/SchoolLibrary.php
- Diploma in Media Art tnou.ac.in/…/Diploma.pdf
- Programme Coordinators tnou.ac.in/…/poay2023.pdf