BA Distance
(Bachelor of Arts)
TNOU University Distance BA Course Overview
The UGC-DEB Approved Bachelor of Arts course offered by the Tamil Nadu Open University is thoughtfully designed to help students develop their skills in areas such as literature, history, sociology, and political science. With TNOU’s distance education model, you don’t need to attend a regular college. Instead, you receive printed self-learning materials, can study at your convenience, and get help from nearby study centres when needed.
This program supports skill-building in writing, communication, and critical thinking. These are highly useful for careers in teaching, civil services, journalism, and content creation. You also have the option to attend personal contact classes to gain a better understanding of complex topics.
Whether you’re a recent school graduate, a working professional, or someone from a rural area, this course is suitable for all learners. It’s cost-effective, UGC-recognised, and widely respected across India. After graduation, students can pursue MA programs or apply for a wide range of jobs in the public and private sectors.
Distance BA Course Duration & Eligibility
The Bachelor of Arts program at TNOU spans three years and is divided into six semesters. Each semester includes a mix of core subjects, foundation papers, and electives that help students build a solid academic base step by step.
To apply, students must have completed 10+2 or an equivalent qualification from a recognised board. No entrance exam is required, making the process easy and accessible for everyone. Admission is granted based on academic merit.
The course is open to learners from all over India, including rural and remote areas. With flexible schedules and support from study centres, it’s a great option for anyone looking to earn a degree without the need to attend regular college classes.
UGC Entitled
Recognized by the University Grants Commission
Grade NAAC A+ Accredited
Accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council
NIRF Ranking
National Institutional Ranking Framework
TNOU Semester-wise Curriculum Distance BA
| Semester I | Semester II | Semester III | Semester IV | Semester V | Semester VI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation Course in English – I | Foundation Course in English – II | Drama – I (Elizabethan and Jacobean Drama) | Drama – II (Modern British Drama) | American Literature | World Literature in Translation |
| Poetry – I (Chaucer to 18th Century) | Poetry – II (19th & 20th Century) | Fiction – I (Novel & Short Story) | Fiction – II (Indian Writing in English) | Indian Writing in English | Commonwealth Literature |
| Prose – I (Addison to Dickens) | Prose – II (Modern British Essays) | Allied Paper – Literary Criticism – I | Allied Paper – Literary Criticism – II | Shakespeare | English Language and Linguistics |
| Allied Paper – Social History of England | Allied Paper – Literary Forms | Skill-Based Elective – I | Skill-Based Elective – II | Elective – I (Optional: Women’s Writing) | Elective – II (Optional: Journalism) |
| Non-Major Elective – I | Non-Major Elective – II | Skill-Based Elective – III | Skill-Based Elective – IV |
Note: The syllabus shown above is for the English specialisation. The number of subjects and academic structure will remain similar across other specialisations such as History, Political Science, Economics, Sociology, and Tamil. The exact subject titles may vary depending on the chosen discipline and are subject to change in accordance with university updates.
TNOU BA Course Specializations
Students pursuing the BA course through the Tamil Nadu Open University can select from various subject areas. These specialisations enable learners to tailor their degree to their interests, career goals, or academic background, adding depth to the core BA curriculum.
Available Specialisations
- B.A. History
- B.A. English
- B.A. Political Science
- B.A. Economics
- B.A. Tamil
- B.A. Sociology
TNOU BA Course Fees Structure
| Fee Component | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per sem) | ₹3,000 |
| Other Charges (per sem) | ₹1,300 |
| Total per Semester | ₹4,300 |
| Total Programme Fee | ₹15,800 |
Additional Fees:
Examination Fee: ₹200 per subject
Registration Fee: ₹1,000 (one-time)
Note: EMI options are available for fee payment.
Top 5 Distance Universities for BA
| University | Per Semester Fee | Location | Approvals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karnataka State Open University | ₹7,840 | Mysuru | UGC, DEB |
| Uttrakhand University | ₹12,000 | Uttrakhand | UGC, DEB, NAAC A |
| LPU | ₹18,000 | Punjab | UGC, DEB |
| Vivekananda Global University | ₹10,200 | Jaipur | UGC, DEB |
| Kurukshetra University | ₹3,000 | Kurukshetra | UGC, DEB |