தமி நா திற தநிைல ப கைல கழக

TAMIL NADU OPEN UNIVERSITY

[Established by Act No.27/2002 of the Government of Tamil Nadu]
Research Division
No.577, Anna Salai, Saidapet, Chennai – 600 015.
Phone: (91-44) 2430 6626. E-mail: tnouresearchdivision@gmail.com

File No: TNOU /RD/2018 Jul’Ses/Adms/2018-2

Ph.D. & M.Phil. Vacancy Position for 2018 July Session Admission

NO. OF VACANCIES
SL.NO MAJOR SUBJECT
Ph.D. M.Phil
1 TAMIL 5 5
2 MANAGEMENT 2 4
3 GEOGRAPHY 2 1
4 POLITICAL SCIENCE 3 1
5 PHYSICS 1 1
6 PSYCHOLOGY 1 3
7 SOCIOLOGY 1 1
8 CRIMINOLOGY 1 1
9 EDUCATION 1 4
10 ZOOLOGY 5 Nil
11 ANCIENT HISTORY & ARCHAELOGY 3 Nil
12 CHEMISTRY 3 Nil
13 ENGLISH 1 Nil
14 DRAMA / THEATRE STUDIES 2 Nil
15 ELECTRONIC MEDIA STUDIES 2 Nil
16 HISTORY & TOURISM STUDIES Nil 1
17 COMPUTER SCIENCE Nil 1
 தமி நா திற தநிைல ப கைல கழக
TAMIL NADU OPEN UNIVERSITY
Research Division
No.577, Anna Salai, Saidapet, Chennai – 600 015.
website: www.tnou.ac.in

File No : TNOU /RD/2018 Jul’Ses/Adms/2018-3

Ph.D./M.Phil. Regular Mode (Full Time/Part Time)- 2018 July Session

Instructions to the Applicants to apply for Ph.D./M.Phil. Research

Programmes:

1. The applicants should send a Demand Draft for Rs. 500/- (Application cost) along with
filled-in application form. The DD should be drawn in favour of ‘Tamil Nadu Open
University’ payable at Chennai.

2. The applicants need to submit the attested photocopies of the following documents along
with the filled-in application form as given below:
 Birth Certificate or S.S.L.C. Certificate (as a proof for date of birth)
 Community Certificate
 SSLC & PUC, HSC, UG, PG and M.Phil. Mark Statements and Convocation
Certificates
 Service Certificate and No Objection Certificate in original from the Head of
the Institution where the candidate is employed indicating the date of
appointment, if the applicants wish to pursue the research programme under
part time stream.

3 Incomplete late application forms and also application forms with false information, if
any will be summarily rejected without any intimation to the candidates concerned.
Candidates are, therefore, advised to fill in the relevant columns carefully and submit the
application form to The Controller of Examinations, Tamil Nadu Open University,
No.577, Anna Salai, Saidapet, Chennai - 600 015.

4. Eligibility Criteria and Selection Procedure for Ph.D.

4.1. Eligibility to apply for Ph.D.:
a) Those who have studied under 10+2+3 pattern of education and qualified for
the Master’s Degree or candidate with Master’s Degree under 10+2+5 pattern
of education of any recognized University in India or abroad, or any other
1
 qualification recognized as equivalent thereto in such fields of study as
notified for the purpose from time to time by the University, with at least 55%
marks (50% in the case of SC/ST candidates)

b) Those who possess a Master's degree or a professional degree declared

equivalent to the Master’s degree by the corresponding statutory regulatory
body, with at least 55% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade 'B' in the
UGC 7-point scale (or an equivalent grade in a point scale wherever grading
system is followed) or an equivalent degree from a foreign educational
Institution accredited by an Assessment and Accreditation Agency which is
approved, recognized or authorized by an authority, established or
incorporated under a law in its home country or any other statutory authority
in that country for the purpose of assessing, accrediting or assuring quality and
standards of educational institutions.

(Note: A relaxation of 5% of marks, from 55% to 50%, or an equivalent

relaxation of grade, may be allowed for those belonging to SC/ST/OBC
(non-creamy layer)/Differently-Abled and other categories of candidates as
per the norms in existence or for those who had obtained their Master's degree
prior to 19th September, 1991. The eligibility marks of 55% (or an equivalent
grade in a point scale wherever grading system is followed) and the relaxation
of 5% to the categories mentioned above are permissible based only on the
qualifying marks without including the grace mark procedures.)

(c) Those who have cleared the M.Phil. Course work with at least 55% marks
in aggregate or its equivalent grade 'B' in the UGC 7-point scale (or an
equivalent grade in a point scale wherever grading system is followed) and
have successfully completed the M.Phil. Degree shall be eligible to proceed to
do research work leading to the Ph. D. Degree in the same Institution in an
integrated programme. A relaxation of 5% of marks, from 55% to 50%, or an
equivalent relaxation of grade, may be allowed to those belonging to
SC/ST/OBC non-creamy layer)/differently - abled and other categories of
candidates as the norms in existence.

(d) Those persons whose M.Phil. Dissertations have been evaluated and the viva
voce is pending may be admitted to the Ph.D. programme of the same
Institution.

2
 (e) Those who have qualified in an entrance examination conducted by the
Tamil Nadu Open University.

(f) Those who have been qualified in the UGC/CSIR (JRF)/NET/SET/GATE

Examination / Teacher fellowship/M.Phil. shall be exempted from appearing
in the entrance test of Tamil Nadu Open University. (Those who have
qualified in the above must submit the proof for having completed them.)

4.2. Eligibility to register for Ph.D.:

Candidates can register for the Ph.D. Programme under either the Full-time [or] Part-
time stream.
Full-time:

Candidates, possessing any one of the qualifications as specified in the eligibility

norms and/or falling under any of the following categories is eligible to register for Ph.D.
research on a Full-time basis:

 ACA, FCA, AICWAI, ACSI qualifications of the Institute of Chartered

Accountants of India, Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India and
Institute of Company Secretaries of India; provided they have secured:

i) One of the above qualifications after the lapse of at least two

years after obtaining a University UG degree from any recognized
University.
ii) 55% of marks in the aggregate in the qualifying degree examination.

Part-time:

Candidates possessing any one of the qualifications as specified in the eligibility

norms and falling under any of the following categories is eligible to register for Ph.D.
research on a Part-time basis:

(a) Teachers working in the University / Recognized Research Institution /

Higher Education Institution / College / Higher Secondary School / High
School / Polytechnic College within Tamil Nadu and Puduchery.

(b) Candidates employed in a permanent job in a registered firm / institution /

State or Central Government Departments / Public Sector Undertaking within
Tamil Nadu and Puduchery with a minimum of TWO YEARS of total
working experience, after the qualifying degree.

Candidates have to submit their application forms through proper channel.

3
4.3. Selection procedure for Ph.D:

For admission into the Ph.D. Programme, an entrance test and interview will be
conducted for all the eligible applicants and the performance in the entrance test and
interview will be taken into account along with the marks scored in the PG Programme. The
entrance test will comprise Objective Type questions for 40% marks and 10 % marks for the
interview. The marks secured in written test and interview will be added to the marks
obtained in the PG Degree Examinations or qualifying examination by giving 50%
weightage and the rank list will be prepared accordingly.

5. Eligibility Criteria and Selection Procedure for M.Phil.

5.1. Eligibility to apply for M.Phil.:

(a) Candidates who have obtained a PG Degree under the 10+2+3 or 10+2+5
pattern or those who possess a professional degree declared equivalent to the
Master’s degree by the corresponding statutory regulatory body, with at least
55% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade 'B' in the UGC 7-point scale
(or an equivalent grade in a point scale wherever grading system is followed)
or an equivalent degree from a foreign educational Institution accredited by
an Assessment and Accreditation Agency which is approved, recognized or
authorized by an authority, established or incorporated under a law in its
home country or any other statutory authority in that country for the purpose
of assessing, accrediting or assuring quality and standards of educational
institutions.

(Note: A relaxation of 5% of marks, from 55% to 50%, or an equivalent

relaxation of grade, may be allowed for those belonging to SC/ST/OBC
(non-creamy layer)/Differently -Abled and other categories of candidates as
per the norms in existence or for those who had obtained their Master's degree
prior to 19th September, 1991. The eligibility marks of 55% (or an equivalent
grade in a point scale wherever grading system is followed) and the relaxation
of 5% to the categories mentioned above are permissible based only on the
qualifying marks without including the grace mark procedures).

(b) Those who have qualified in an entrance examination conducted by the Tamil
Nadu Open University.

4
 (c) Those candidates having qualified in the UGC/CSIR (JRF) examination
NET/SET/GATE/Teacher fellowship are exempted from appearing for the
entrance test, if they are eligible otherwise.

5.2. Eligibility to register for M.Phil.:

Full - Time:

Scholars within the definition of this category are those who pursue their full - time
M.Phil. Degree Programme in Tamil Nadu Open University.

Part - Time:

(a) A person within Tamil Nadu/Puducherry (as specified in the eligibility norms)
irrespective of employment status, who wishes to pursue M.Phil. Degree
Programme are eligible to register under the part-time stream.

(b) A teacher working in the University/Recognised Research Institution/Higher

Education Institution / College / Higher Secondary School /High School/
Polytechnic College within Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

(c) A candidate employed in a permanent job in a registered Firm/Institution/State

or Central Government Department/Public Sector Undertaking within Tamil
Nadu and Puduchery with a minimum of TWO YEARS of total working
experience, after the qualifying degree.

A candidate wishing to pursue the M.Phil research programme under the part
time stream has to submit the application form through proper channel.

5.3. Selection procedure for M.Phil:

For the admission into the M.Phil. Programme, an Entrance test and interview will be
administered for all the eligible applicants and the performance in the interview will be taken
into account along with the marks scored in the PG Programme. The written test would
comprise of objective type of questions for 40% marks and the interview would be conducted
for 10% marks. The marks secured in written test and interview will be added to the marks
obtained in the PG Degree Examinations by giving 50% weightage and the rank list will be
prepared accordingly.

5
6. Important Dates (Tentative):

Sl. No EVENTS DATE

1 Last date for Receipt of Application 18.05.2018

2 Conduct of Examination (Entrance) 09.06.2018

3 Conduct of Interview 09.06.2018

4 Uploading of Selection List in the TNOU Website 16.06.2018

5 Admission Intimation to the Selected Candidates 19.06.2018

6 Last date of Admission 29.06.2018

7 Induction Programme 05.07.2018

*******

6
 jkpo;e hL jpwe;jepiyg; gy;f iyf;fofk;> nrd;i d Application Cost : Rs. 500/-
Application Number (for office use)
TAMIL NADU OPEN UNIVERSITY, Chennai - 600 015
APPLICATON FOR ADMISSION TO Ph.D. PROGRAMME
Full - time/Part - time [January / July Sessions]
SUBJECT -
Affix latest
passport size
1. Name of the Applicant ( Capital Letters): photograph
(as entered in the Degree Certificate) with attestation
2. khzth; ngah; (jkpopy;)
3. Father’s/Husband’s Name :
AGE DD MM YYYY
4. Age and Date of Birth:
5. Address for Correspondence (Capital Letters)

Taluk
District State

Pin Aadhar number

Ph / Mobile No. e-mail ID
6. Classification of area Urban Rural
7. Nationality : Indian Others
8. Gender : Male Female Transgender
9. Marital Status : Married Unmarried Widowed
10. Religion: Hindu Muslim Christian Others
11. a. Community for Applicant from Tamil Nadu : SC-Arunthathiyar SC-Others ST MBC BC Others
b. Community for Applicant from Puducherry : SC ST OBC Others
12. Special Category : Differently Abled Not Applicable 13. Employment Status : Employed Unemployed
13. Employed in : Government Service Public Sector Quasi Government Self Employed
14. Educational Qualification :

Examination Name of the School / Subject Month & Year Class/Grade/

Passed College / Institution / Board / University of Passing Percentage of Marks
10th/11th
P.U.C./+2
Bachelor’s Degree
Master’s Degree (1)
Master’s Degree (2)*
M.Phil.
15. Professional / Teaching Experience
Duration
No Designation Institution
From To
I

II

*for the fields of Education & Special Education

16. Do you have Research Experience as JRF/SRF/URF/TRF/Others, if yes, please specify

No Funding Agency Duration

Type of Experience Theme of Research
From To

17. Whether the applicant has published articles /

research papers/books? If so, enclose Xerox copies
of them with the application.
18. Awards, Medals, Prizes and Honours achieved by
the Applicant.
19. Broad Theme / Title of the proposed Research
Topic (In block letters)

20. Any other particulars the applicant would like to

present for the consideration of the authorities in
regard to admission.

21. Part time candidates shall submit the application through proper channel. This portion shall be filled by the employer

The applicant ________________________________ who has submitted application for admission to Ph.D.
Programme in the Tamil Nadu Open University has been working in this organisation
viz._____________________________ in the post of ________________ on temporary / permanant basis
with effect form ________________. There is no objection in doing Ph.D. Programme in Tamil Nadu Open
University.

Signature of the forwarding

Date: Officer with seal.

22. List of attested copies of documents enclosed : (Pl. tick)

i. Community Certificate : Yes No ii. Special Category Proof: Yes No

iii. Proof of Educational Qualification: Yes No iv. Proof for date of birth: Yes No

v. Proof of Experience : Yes No

23. List of original documents enclosed :

i. Work experience certificate (where applicable) : Yes No

24. DECLARATION BY THE APPLICANT

I hereby declare that I have read and understood the conditions of eligibility for the programme for which I seek admission.
I fulfill the minimum eligibility criteria and have provided necessary information in this regard. In the event of any information being
found incorrect or misleading after admission, my candidature shall be liable to cancellation by the University at any time and I shall
not be entitled to claim refund of any fee paid by me to the University. I declare that I will abide by the rules and regulations of Ph.D.

Date: Signature of the Applicant

 Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

1.0 Introduction

The Tamil Nadu Open University (TNOU) was established by an Act (Act No.27) of
the Legislative Assembly of the Government of Tamil Nadu in 2002. As per this Act the
University with its headquarters at Chennai may carry out its academic activities in any
State/Union Territory of the Indian Union as well as in any Country.

1.1 Preamble

The Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is awarded to a candidate who has

passed prescribed course work and submitted a thesis on the basis of original and
independent research that makes a contribution to the advancement of knowledge, which
is approved by Board of Examiners as required.

1.2 Objectives

 To foster, promote and sustain research in all aspects

 To ensure to provide research of high quality.

 To recognize the research as an important component of the development of the

Nation.

 To disseminate the discovery of Knowledge.

2. Ph.D. Programme under full-time and part-time will be offered through the
following Schools of Study

 School of Social Sciences [SOSS]

 School of Management Studies [SOMS]
 School of Education [SOE]
 School of Humanities [SOH]
 School of Continuing Education [SOCE]
 School of Science [SOS]
 School of Computer Science [SOCS]
 School of Tamil and Cultural Studies [SOTCS]
 School of Journalism and New Media Studies [SOJNMS]
 School of Politics and Public Administration [SOPPA]
 School of Criminology and Criminal Justice Administration [SOCCJA)
 School of History and Tourism Studies [SOHTS]
 School of Special Education and Rehabilitation [SOSER]

1
3. Eligibility
(a) Candidates who have studied under 10+2+3 pattern of education and qualified for
the Master’s Degree or candidate with Master’s Degree under 10+2+5 pattern of
education of any recognized University in India or abroad, or any other
qualification recognized as equivalent thereto in such fields of study as notified for
the purpose from time to time by the University, with at least 55% marks (50% in
the case of SC/ST candidates)
(b) Candidates for admission to the Ph.D. programme shall have a Master's degree or
a professional degree declared equivalent to the Master’s degree by the
corresponding statutory regulatory body, with at least 55% marks in aggregate or
its equivalent grade 'B' in the UGC 7-point scale (or an equivalent grade in a point
scale wherever grading system is followed) or an equivalent degree from a foreign
educational Institution accredited by an Assessment and Accreditation Agency
which is approved, recognized or authorized by an authority, established or
incorporated under a law in its home country or any other statutory authority in
that country for the purpose of assessing, accrediting or assuring quality and
standards of educational institutions.
A relaxation of 5% of marks, from 55% to 50%, or an equivalent relaxation of
grade, may be allowed for those belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy
layer)/Differently-Abled and other categories of candidates as per the decision of
the Commission from time to time, or for those who had obtained their Master's
degree prior to 19th September, 1991. The eligibility marks of 55% (or an
equivalent grade in a point scale wherever grading system is followed) and the
relaxation of 5% to the categories mentioned above are permissible based only on
the qualifying marks without including the grace mark procedures.
(c) Candidates who have cleared the M.Phil. Course work with at least 55% marks in
aggregate or its equivalent grade 'B' in the UGC 7-point scale (or an equivalent
grade in a point scale wherever grading system is followed) and successfully
completing the M.Phil. Degree shall be eligible to proceed to do research work
leading to the Ph. D. Degree in the same Institution in an integrated programme.
A relaxation of 5% of marks, from 55% to 50%, or an equivalent relaxation of
grade, may be allowed for those belonging to SC/ST/OBC non-creamy
layer)/differently-abled and other categories of candidates as per the decision of
the Commission from time to time.

2
 (d) A person who’s M.Phil. Dissertation has been evaluated and the viva voce is
pending may be admitted to the Ph.D. programme of the same Institution.
(e) Qualified in an entrance examination conducted by the Tamil Nadu Open
University.
(f) Further, candidates having qualified UGC/CSIR (JRF)/NET/SET/GATE
Examination/Teacher fellowship/M.Phil. (those who have completed an entrance
examination at the time of enrollment to M.Phil. course and they must submit the
proof for completion of entrance examination) shall be exempted from appearing
in the entrance test.
4.0 Registration for the Ph.D. Programme
The candidates can register for the Ph.D. Programme as Full-time scholar [or] Part-
time scholar
4.1 Full-time
A candidate, possessing any one of the qualifications as specified in the eligibility
norms and falling under any of the following categories is eligible to conduct research on
a Full-time basis.

a) ACA, FCA, AICWAI, ACSI qualifications of the Institute of Chartered

Accountants of India, Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India and
Institute of Company Secretaries of India. Provided the candidates have secured:
i) One of the above qualifications after the lapse of at least two years after
obtaining a University UG degree from any recognized University and ii) 55% of
marks in the aggregate in the qualifying degree examination.

4.2 Part-time
A candidate, possessing any one of the qualifications as specified in the eligibility
norms and falling under any of the following categories is eligible to conduct research on
a Part-time basis
(a) A teacher working in the University / Recognized Research Institution / Higher
Education Institution / College / Higher Secondary School / High School /
Polytechnic College within Tamil Nadu and Puduchery.
(b) A candidate employed in a permanent job in a registered firm / institution / State
or Central Government Departments / Public Sector Undertaking within Tamil
Nadu and Puduchery with a minimum of TWO YEARS of total working
experience, after the qualifying degree.
(c) A candidate has to submit the application through proper channel.

3
5. Admission and Provisional Registration
a) Candidates desirous of admission and registration into the Ph.D. research
programme shall obtain the prescribed “Application form for Admission and
Provisional Registration” from the University and submit the application form
along with a brief research proposal of 500 words, experience certificate, to the
SR&E Division of the University.
b) The Head of School will follow the selection process and forward the application
with its recommendations to the Student Registration and Evaluation Division
(SR&ED) of the University for necessary action. The SR&ED will inform the
candidates about their provisional admission and registration.
c) The candidate must ensure that the application is complete and all the necessary
documents enclosed before submitting the application.
d) Incomplete applications submitted without enclosing any necessary documents
will not be accepted.
6. Selection Procedure
The selection of candidates for provisional admission and registration shall be based
on the following procedure

i) For admission into the Ph.D. Programme, an entrance test and interview will be
conducted for all the eligible applicants and the performance in the entrance test
and interview will be taken into account along with the marks scored in the PG
Programme. The entrance test will comprise of Objective type questions for 40%
marks and 10 % marks for the interview. The marks secured in written test and
interview will be added to the marks obtained in the PG Degree Examinations or
qualifying examination by giving 50% weightage and the rank list will be
prepared accordingly. The respective Schools will conduct the entrance
examination for the admission of Ph.D. candidate.
ii) An Abstract of the Research Proposal of the Candidate should be submitted to the
concerned School of Study.

iii) The allocation of the Supervisor for a selected student will be decided by the
Research Committee of the concerned School, depending upon the vacancy based
on the number of candidates per faculty member, permitted by the University, the
available specializations among the faculty Supervisors and the chosen topic of
research by the student.

iv) The “List of selected Candidates” should indicate the chosen guide and the subject
/ discipline.

4
 v) The Supervisor should certify to the effect that the selected topic for research is
not a repetition of the earlier research works based on earlier Ph.D. research works
of the guide.

7. Doctoral Committee
For every candidate (Full-Time/Part-Time) registered for the Ph.D. Programme, a
Doctoral Committee of not less than THREE members of the faculty who are recognized
Supervisors, shall be constituted with the approval of the University as follows:
For every candidate (Full-Time/Part-Time) registered for the degree under a
Supervisor, the Doctoral Committee shall consist of the Supervisor as its Convener, the
Head of the School concerned and one external member who is an expert in the field
nominated by the Vice-Chancellor on the recommendation of Supervisor. In case, Head
of the School is the Supervisor two external members who are experts in the field may be
nominated by the Vice-Chancellor on the recommendation of the Supervisor.
In respect of inter-disciplinary research, the Co-Supervisor shall also be included
as a member.
8. Duration of Research

S.No Qualification Full-Time/ Minimum Maximum

Part-Time Years Years
1. M.A/M.Sc./M.Com./M.Ed./CA/CFA/ Full-Time 3 4
M.C.A Part-Time 4 6
2 M.A/M.Sc. with M.Phil./M.Tech. Full-Time 2 4
Part-Time 3 6

9. Conversion of full-time registration into part- time and vice-versa

The University may permit conversion from Full-time research to Part-time research
and vice-versa in respect of candidates registered, for valid reasons and subject to
satisfying the regulations, rules and conditions in force.
10. Attendance Requirements
(a) A candidate registered on a full-time basis shall work under continuous
supervision for the minimum period of research prescribed after the date of
provisional registration and before submission of the thesis in the University.
(b) A candidate registered on a part-time basis in all the subjects except in those
involving laboratory work shall work at least for 60 days in different spells
every academic year during the course of research at the institution where the
Supervisor is attached. The Supervisor has to issue the attendance certificate

5
 through the Heads of Schools of the University to the Controller of
Examinations.
(c) A candidate, who has been permitted to register on a part-time basis in subjects
involving laboratory work in an institution other than where they are working,
shall be required to work for a minimum total period of 80 days.
11.0 Guideship
Every scholar registered for the Ph.D. Programme shall work under the
continuous supervision of a recognized Supervisor. For inter-lingual/inter-disciplinary
research, a scholar shall have a co-Supervisor/ Guide.

A Supervisor shall not guide his/her immediate or close relative and to this effect
he/she shall furnish a declaration. A Supervisor shall not be permitted to register
candidates for Ph.D programme in the last one year of his/her service.

11.1 Eligibility for Guideship

a) Any regular Professor of the University/Institution Deemed to be a
University/College with at least five research publications in refereed journals, any
regular Associate Professor of the University/Institution Deemed to be a
University/College with a Ph.D. degree and at least two research publications in
refereed journals and any regular Assistant Professor of the University/Institution
Deemed to be a University/College with a Ph.D. degree and at least two research
publications in refereed journals with at least two years of Tamil Nadu Open
University’s teaching experience may be recognized as Research Supervisor.
Provided that in areas/disciplines where there is no or only a limited number of
refereed journals, the Institution may relax the above condition for recognition of a
person as Research Supervisor with reasons recorded in writing.
b) Only a full time regular teacher of the concerned University/Institution Deemed to
be a University/College can act as a supervisor. The external supervisors are not
allowed. However, Co-Supervisor can be allowed in inter-disciplinary areas from
other departments of the same institute or from other related institutions with the
approval of the Research Advisory Committee.
c) The allocation of Research Supervisor for a selected research scholar shall be
decided by the Department concerned depending on the number of scholars per
Research Supervisor, the available specialization among the Supervisors and
research interests of the scholars as indicated by them at the time of interview/viva
voce.
d) In case of topics which are of inter-disciplinary nature where the Department
concerned feels that the expertise in the Department has to be supplemented from
6
 outside, the Department may appoint a Research Supervisor from the Department
itself, who shall be known as the Research Supervisor, and a Co-Supervisor from
outside the Department/ Faculty/College/Institution on such terms and conditions as
may be specified and agreed upon by the consenting Institutions/Colleges.

11.2 Number of candidates under a Guide

A Research Supervisor/Co-supervisor who is a Professor, at any given point of
time, cannot guide more than three (3) M.Phil. and Eight (8) Ph.D. scholars. An
Associate Professor as Research Supervisor can guide up to a maximum of two (2)
M.Phil. and six (6) Ph.D. scholars and an Assistant Professor as Research
Supervisor can guide up to a maximum of one (1) M.Phil. and four (4) Ph.D.
scholars.
12. Change of Guide and Transfer of Scholars:
a) Transfer of Ph.D. scholars from one Supervisor to another Supervisor can be
effected, only with mutual willingness given by both the present and proposed
Supervisors.
b) In the case of change of Supervisor or transfer of candidates is proposed without
the consent of any one of the parties concerned, the matter shall be referred to
the Research Council / Academic Committee whose decision shall be final.
c) The Supervisors who wish to avail leave/lien/deputation beyond a period of SIX
MONTHS may nominate Co-Supervisor in the concerned subject for the
candidates registered with them if needed and the fact may be intimated to the
University well in advance.
13. Withdrawal of Guideship
If a Supervisor is found to have involved in plagiarism, moral turpitude with
fraudulent academic accomplishments and other activities prejudicial to the reputation of
the University, etc., his/her Guideship will be withdrawn.

14. Cancellation of the Ph.D. Registration

a) In case of candidates who do not possess an M.Phil. degree, who have not taken
Part I course work and examination and the minutes of the meeting of the
Doctoral Committee for them are not forwarded to the University for confirmation
of provisional registration on completion of ONE year of provisional registration,
their registration shall be cancelled by the University on completion of 3 years
from the date of provisional registration.

b) In case of any representation from the candidate/Supervisor for cancellation the

Supervisor and the candidate shall submit the matter to the Chairman Research
7
 Council which may either suggest cancellation or change of Supervisor depending
on the merit of the case. The decision of the Research Council shall be final.

c) If a Research Scholar is found to have involved in fraudulent academic activities

prejudicial to the reputation of the University his/her Registration will be
summarily cancelled.

15.0 Course Work

Every candidate provisionally registered for the Ph.D. Programme shall undergo
three course works viz: a. Research Methodology, b. Core area of Chosen Topic, c.
Related field of chosen topic in the first year. The syllabus for the course work will be
framed by the respective School.
A Ph.D. scholar has to obtain a minimum of 55% of marks or its equivalent grade
in the UGC 7-point scale (or an equivalent grade/CGPA in a point scale wherever grading
system is followed) in the course work in order to be eligible to continue in the
programme and submit the dissertation/thesis.
15.1 Scheme of Examination & Evaluation
The COE will conduct the Course work examinations getting question papers
from the supervisors for all the three courses, each of three hours duration carrying 100
marks each. The results will be communicated by the Supervisor to the Controller of
Examinations with the answer scripts and question paper along with the Minutes of the
Meeting of the Doctoral Committee.
On the basis of these examinations, provisional registration of the candidate will
be confirmed by the University. He/She shall be permitted to proceed with his/her
research work and submit the Thesis at the expiry of minimum total period of research
prescribed after provisional registration. The Doctoral Committee have to monitor the
progress of the work of the scholar and the report may be sent to the University without
fail once in six months.
Full-Time & Part- Time Candidates who possess M.Phil. Qualifications through
Full-time or Part-time basis in the same discipline/field of research will be exempted from
undergoing the course work. Their research work will be periodically monitored by the
Doctoral Committee, as in the case of other candidates. No exemption will be given to the
candidates those who have qualified M.Phil. Degree through Distance Education.
16.0 Submission of Synopsis and Thesis
16.1 Submission of Synopsis for Ph.D.

Not less than THREE months before the submission of the Thesis, every
candidate shall submit to the University, through the Supervisor, a Synopsis (SIX

8
COPIES) of the proposed Thesis together with the certificate of the doctoral committee
and stating the title of the Thesis to be presented in the prescribed application form along
with the prescribed fee. The Synopsis shall be submitted both in the form of hard copy
and soft copy in CD. The hard copy should not exceed 20 printed pages (one side only of
A4 size).

Before the submission of the synopsis, the candidate should present a

pre- Synopsis seminar before the Doctoral Committee, faculty, scholars and students. The
Doctoral Committee should send a suitability report of the same while forwarding the
synopsis.

Not later than SIX MONTHS after the submission of the Synopsis and after the
completion of the minimum period of research prescribed, every scholar shall submit
application and FIVE COPIES of Thesis embodying the results of the research carried out
by him/her with necessary fee. In addition, the Thesis shall also be submitted in the form
of soft copy in CD.

16.2 Submission of Thesis

Ph.D. scholars must publish at least one (1) research paper in refereed journal and
make two paper presentations in conferences/seminars before the submission of the
dissertation/thesis for adjudication, and produce evidence for the same in the form of
presentation certificates and/or reprints.
The title page of the Thesis, cover, format, etc., should strictly confirm to the
format of presentation as prescribed and the Thesis (all copies) should carry a declaration
by the candidate and certificate duly signed and issued by the Supervisor. The Thesis
should NOT be hard bound and it should have a thin and flexible cover.
No candidate shall ordinarily be permitted to submit the Thesis after a period of
FIVE YEARS in the case of Full-time research scholars and SIX YEARS in the case of
Part-time research scholars; provided that the University may for valid reasons and on the
recommendations of his/her Supervisor, grant extension of time for not more than TWO
YEARS in all, to the candidates. The registration of a candidate, who is not able to submit
his/her Thesis even after the grant of extension of TWO YEARS, stands cancelled, if not
re-registered.

The Ph.D. Thesis may generally be written in English (for subjects other than
languages). However, the Thesis may also be written in Tamil in mutual consultation with
the Research Supervisor.

9
17.0 Adjudicating of the Ph.D. Thesis

17.1 Panel of Examiners

After the submission of Synopsis, the Supervisor is advised to submit a panel of

Examiners for the candidate in a sealed cover to the Controller of Examinations in the
prescribed format.

A panel of Nine names

1. Three from North India or Overseas/abroad

2. Three from South India excluding Tamil Nadu

3. Three from within Tamil Nadu (for Vivo-voce purpose)

have to be named as examiners to evaluate the Thesis and for public viva-voce
examination. The persons suggested for appointment as examiners should hold Ph.D.
Degree with 10 years of teaching experience at the Post-Graduate level with research
publications in standard National and International journals.

17.2. Board of Examiners

The Vice - Chancellor may appoint a Board of Examiners for evaluation of the
Thesis consisting of the Supervisor as Convener and two other External Examiners i.e.
one from North India or Overseas/abroad and one from South India excluding Tamil
Nadu from the panel suggested by the Supervisor forwarded and recommended through
respective school’s head. However, the external examiner for the Vivo-voce examination
may be from Tamil Nadu with the approval of Vice-Chancellor.
Provided, further that no close or immediate relative of the Candidate / Supervisor
be appointed to act as an examiner.
17.3 Evaluation of the Thesis
The Board of Examiners so appointed shall evaluate the Thesis and report on the
merit of the Thesis for the award of the Ph.D. Degree. Each examiner is expected to give
a detailed report on the Thesis apart from a duly filled in proforma for adjudication in the
format prescribed.

The Board of Examiners shall report on the merit of the candidate as

1. “Commended”,

2. “Highly commended”,

3. “To be resubmitted”.

4. “Rejected”

10
 The two external examiners shall send the individual reports together with the
duly filled in proforma to the Controller of Examinations. Together with his/her
individual report and the duly filled in proforma, the Supervisor / Convener will prepare a
consolidated report, bringing out the salient points made in individual reports. The
consolidated report shall be prepared and submitted by the Supervisor on a date
prescribed by the Controller of Examinations.

If all the three examiners unanimously recommend the award of the degree, the
candidate will be asked to appear for a public Viva-Voce Examination.

If any examiner has in his/her report made some comments and suggested
corrections/modifications/alterations and asking the candidate to carry out the same in the
Thesis, then the candidate will be informed accordingly through the Supervisor.

The candidate should carry out the corrections suggested by the examiners, before the
public viva-voce examination. The Supervisor shall furnish a certificate to this effect,
together with the list of corrections, to the University before the public viva-voce
examination.

If one of the external examiners recommends the award of the degree and other
does not recommend the award of the degree, the Vice-Chancellor may refer the Thesis to
a fourth examiner so appointed shall belong to the same category (i.e., from Tamil Nadu
or outside Tamil Nadu) as the original examiner who evaluated the Thesis and has not
recommended.

The fourth examiner will not be provided with the report of the other examiners. If
the fourth examiner recommends the award of the degree, the candidate will be asked to
appear for a public viva-voice examination prescribed earlier. If the fourth examiner also
does not recommend the award of the degree, the degree will not be awarded to the
candidate.

17.4 Resubmission of the Thesis

The public viva-voce of the research scholar to defend the dissertation/thesis shall
be conducted only if the evaluation report(s) of the external examiner(s) on the
dissertation/thesis is/are satisfactory and include a specific recommendation for
conducting the viva-voce examination. If one of the evaluation reports of the external
examiner is unsatisfactory and does not recommend viva-voce, the Institution
shall send the dissertation/thesis to another external examiner out of the approved panel
of examiners and the viva-voce examination shall be held only if the report of the latest
examiner is satisfactory. If the report of the latest examiner is also unsatisfactory, the

11
dissertation/thesis shall be rejected and the research scholar shall be declared ineligible
for the award of the degree.

18.0 Public viva-voce Examination

18.1 A candidate whose thesis has been recommended for the award of the degree by the
Board of Examiners who evaluated the thesis shall submit himself/herself to a public
viva-voce examination conducted by the Supervisor and one external examiner appointed
by the Vice-Chancellor in the School where the research work was conducted. The
examiner from Tamil Nadu, who evaluated the Thesis, will be appointed as external
examiner to conduct the public viva-voce examination for the candidate.
18.2 A copy of the thesis of the candidate appearing for the public viva-voce examination
shall be deposited in the library for perusal of those interested in the Thesis before the
conduct of the public viva-voce examination, together with appropriate public notice
issued by the Supervisor for the purpose. A format for the Public viva-voce will be
prepared and the Public viva-voce needs to be conducted within the university premises
and the proceedings of the viva-voce need to be sent to the Office of the Controller of
Examinations.
18.3 The Supervisor shall convey to the university, the result of such public viva-voce
examination duly endorsed by the external examiner, together with a list of participants in
the examination with their signature, designation and address. A candidate who is also
successful at the public viva-voce examination shall be declared to have qualified for the
Ph.D. degree by the Syndicate.
18.4 If for any reason, the Supervisor is unable to conduct the public viva-voce
examination, even two months after the approval of the consolidated report on the Ph.D.
Thesis by the university and after appointment of the viva-voce examiner, the Syndicate
may make alternative arrangements for the viva-voce examination. If a candidate fails in
the viva-voce examination he /she will be allowed to reappear for the viva-voce
examination on a second occasion, after the expiry of THREE months. If he/she is not
successful even on the second occasion at the public viva-voce examination, the degree
will not be awarded to him/her.
18.5 No candidate shall be permitted to submit a Thesis or to appear for the public viva-
voce examination on more than two occasions.
19. Publication of the Ph.D. Thesis
After the award of the Ph.D thesis, whether approved or not, shall not be
published in full or parts without the permission of the University
However, following the successful completion of the evaluation and
announcement of the award of Ph.D. degree, the University shall submit a soft copy of the

12
Ph.D. Thesis to the UGC within a period of thirty days for hosting the same in
INFLIBENT, accessible to all Institutions.
20. Refund of Fees
The Programme fees once paid shall not be refunded. However, if on scrutiny, the
Applicant is found not eligible for admission to his/her Programme of choice,
Registration fee of Rs.1,000/- shall be retained by the University and the balance amount
shall be refunded to the Applicant.
21. Tuition Fee Exemption
As per G.O.Ms.No.429, Higher Education Department, dated 16.10.2008,
differently abled persons are exempted from payment of tuition fee.
22. Scholarship
The eligible Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Full time Research Scholars of
Tamil Nadu Open University who belongs to Tamil Nadu, subject to rules, may apply for
Scholarship in the prescribed application form on or before the stipulated last date, to the
Director, Adi-Dravidar Welfare Department, Chepauk, Chennai-5, with the permission of
the Head of the School and recommendation of the Registrar.
23. Fee Particulars

S.No. Fee Head Amount Rs.

1. Application Fee 500

2. Registration Fee 1000

3. Recognition Fee 500

4. Tuition Fee (per year) 10000

Other fee will be prescribed time - to - time.

Note: Any condition prescribed throughout this regulation regarding any issue, may be
given suitable relaxation / modification by the Vice-chancellor, on the recommendation of
the Head of the School based on the merit of the individual case, if it is justified with
relevant documents.

13
 APPENDIX -I
FORMAT FOR INTER-DISCIPLINARY RESEARCH PROPOSAL
(This proforma duly filled in should be forwarded along with
The Minutes of the School)
Name
Academic qualification
Age & Date of Birth
Occupation (if any)/Designation
Duration of Employment
The subject in which the candidate has
qualified for the Master’s Degree
The proposed discipline in which the
candidate intends to work for Ph.D.
The proposed department (with address)
where the candidate intends to work for
Ph.D.
The theme of proposed research (in not
more than 500 words)
Whether the proposed Ph.D. theme is
partly, directly or indirectly related to the
branch of knowledge in which the
candidate has qualified for his Master’s
Degree?
If so, briefly describe (in not more than 500
words) the input from the two disciplines to
the proposed area of research for Ph.D.
Details of publications, if any, bearing on
inter-disciplinary research, pertaining to the
topic. If yes, furnish the details
Comments of the supervisor under whom
inter-disciplinary research is proposed

Signature of the Supervisor Signature of the Applicant

Signature of the Co-Supervisor Signature of the Head of the School

14
 APPENDIX -II

FUNCTIONS OF THE DOCTORAL COMMITTEE

1. To discuss, advise and recommend on all matters connected with the candidate’s
research from provisional registration till the submission of the thesis. Before the
doctoral committee, the candidate has to make a presentation for about an hour
and the doctoral committee would give detailed comments and guidelines.
2. To suggest courses to be undertaken by the candidate during the first year of
his/her provisional registration, in the light of his/her attainment and with a view
to fulfilling the requirements of the research.
Such courses of instruction may be given as short-term courses lasting from three
to four months in such subjects as may be chosen by the Doctoral Committee and
through seminars, discussions, occasional lecturers, laboratory techniques, field
work, etc.
3. To conduct the Part I course work and examination for the candidate by written
and oral examinations, on the completion of such courses, at the end of the first
year of provisional registration and to report to the University on the fitness or
otherwise of the candidate to proceed with his/her research work for the Ph.D. and
recommending the confirmation of the provisional registration.
In case where a candidate is not approved at the end of the FIRST year by the
Doctoral Committee / University, it may recommend that the candidate should
undertake additional course work / examination after a further period of not
exceeding SIX MONTHS at the end of which he/she shall be examined again; and
if found fit, his/her provisional registration will be confirmed and he/she will be
permitted to proceed with his/her research work. A candidate who is not found fit
even after the additional course and re-examination, shall not be permitted to
continue research and his/her provisional registration shall be cancelled.
4. To monitor the candidate’s work periodically directing him/her [a] to give
periodical seminars on his/her work; [b] to submit reports once in six months
positively both in the case of full time and part-time candidates to the University
on the candidates progress in research work in the prescribed format to conduct
and supervise and presentation by the candidate of the final draft of his/her
proposed thesis for approval before the submission of synopsis of the thesis to the
University and to give a certificate to this effect to be submitted along with the
synopsis.

15
 APPENDIX - III
PROGRESS REPORT OF THE Ph.D. PROGRAMME
[To be submitted once in six months by both full-time candidates and part-time
candidates]
1. The progress reports shall be submitted by the candidate in quadruplicate, to the
Supervisor accompanied by a report by the candidate about the work carried out
during the period of this report (in about 300 words) duly signed by the candidate
and countersigned by the Supervisor.
2. The Supervisor shall fill his/her part, sign it and get it countersigned by the Head
of the School of this Supervisor.
3. The first copy to be retained by the Supervisor for placing before the Doctoral
Committee and subsequent office record, second copy shall be sent to the
Research section through the HOS, the third copy shall be sent to the parent
institution wherever applicable and the fourth copy to the scholar.
i. particulars about the candidate
(a) Name :
(b) Designation
(where applicable) :
(c) Institution where employed
(if applicable)
(d) Period of the Report :
2. Registration Details
(a) category of registration : Full-time / Part-time (Internal)/
Part-time (External)
(b) Date of provisional registration
with University reference
(c) Whether the provisional registration
has been confirmed
(If yes, give reference) : Yes / No

3. Particulars of the Supervisor(s)

[i] Supervisor
(a) Name :

(b) Designation :

(c) Institution where employed :

[ii] Co-Supervisor
(a) Name :

(b) Designation :

(c) Institution where employed :

4. Name of School
Where research is conducted :

5. Area of work and tentative title of

16
 The proposed thesis :
6. Details of the progress :
(a) Whether the candidate’s report
in triplicate is enclosed? : Yes / No

(b) Whether any papers have been

Published? : Yes / No
(if yes, furnish details)

(c) Whether seminars/conferences

Attended? : Yes / No
(d) Whether the prescribed
Course work has been completed? : Yes / No
If yes, courses completed.

7. Whether the tuition fee is being paid : Yes / No

Date: Signature of the Candidate

8. Remarks of the supervisor
(a) Attendance : Satisfactory/Not Satisfactory
(b) Progress : Satisfactory/Not Satisfactory
(c) Expected time of completion :

9. Whether the Supervisor agrees with the

Scholar’s report? If yes, give details) :

Signature of Co-Supervisor Signature of the Supervisor

(if applicable)

Date:
Place:

Signature of the Head of the School

Seal

17
 APPENDIX - IV
Model for Cover and Title of the Ph.D. Thesis

TITLE OF THE THESIS

Thesis submitted in
Partial Fulfillment of the
Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

By

__________________________________
(Name of the Candidate)

__________________________________
(Name of the School)

__________________________________
(Name of the University)

__________________________________
(Name of the Place)

__________________________________
(Month and Year)

18
 APPENDIX - V

DECLARATION

I declare that the thesis entitled ________________________________________

________________________________________________________________submitted
by me for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is the record of work carried out by
me during the period from _________ to __________ under the guidance of
________________________ and has not formed the basis for the award of any Degree,
Diploma, Associateship and Fellowship, Titles in this University or any other University
or other similar institution of Higher Learning.

Signature of the Candidate

19
 APPENDIX - VI
CERTIFICATE FROM THE SUPERVISOR

I certify that the thesis entitled ________________________________ submitted

for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) by Mr./Ms.____________________ is the
record of research work carried out by him/her during the period from _____________ to
____________ under my guidance and supervision, and that this work has not formed the
basis for the award of any Degree, Diploma, Associateship and Fellowship or other Titles
in this University or any other University or institution of Higher Learning.

Signature of the Supervisor

with designation

20
 APPENDIX - VII
PROFORMA FOR ADJUDICATION OF THE Ph.D. THESIS

1. Name of the Candidate :

2. Title of the Thesis :
3. Discipline and Subject :
4. Name and Address of the Examiner :
5. Recommendations of the Examiner
(Please strike out whichever are
not applicable) :

a) Thesis is highly commended :

or
b) Thesis is commended
or
c) Thesis is commended and the degree may be awarded subject to the candidate’s
furnishing satisfactory clarification to my queries during the Public Viva Voce
examination.
or
d) Thesis is commended and the degree may be awarded subject to the condition that
the corrections / modifications suggested by me are carried out in the thesis and
duly certified by the supervisor – convener before the public viva-voce
examination.
or

e) Thesis needs to be resubmitted after revision for revaluation.

or
f) Thesis is not commended and the degree may not be awarded.
Note: Please enclose your detailed report on the thesis. Please also enclose a list of
questions, if any, to be asked at the public viva-voce examination.

6. Any other remarks

Place:
Date: -----------------------------------------------------
(Signature of the Examiner with Designation)

Address:

21
 APPENDIX - VIII

TAMIL NADU OPEN UNVIERSITY

Faculty of ____________________________________________________________
The Syndicate of Tamil Nadu Open University hereby makes known that (Name
of the Candidate) has been admitted to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, he/she having
been certified by duly appointed examiners to be qualified to receive the same in the year
___________________________for the thesis entitled ___________________________.
(Title of the Thesis)
(Name of the Discipline)
Given under the seal of the Tamil Nadu Open University this ___________________ day
of _______________________________________.

Registrar Vice-Chancellor

22
 APPENDIX - IX
TAMIL NADU OPEN UNVIERSITY

Faculty of _______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
The Syndicate of Tamil Nadu Open University hereby makes known that (Name
of the candidate) has been admitted to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, he/she having
been certified by duly appointed examiners to be qualified to receive the same in the year
___________________ for the thesis entitled ___________________________________
_________________________.
(Title of the Thesis)
(Names of the Disciplines) (Inter disciplinary)
Given under the seal of the Tamil Nadu Open University this _____________________
__________________________ day of _______________________________________.

Registrar Vice-Chancellor

23
 Application Cost : Rs. 500/-
jkpo;e hL jpwe;jepiyg; gy;f iyf;fofk;> nrd;i d
TAMIL NADU OPEN UNIVERSITY, Chennai - 600 015 Application Number (for office use)

APPLICATON FOR ADMISSION TO M.Phil. PROGRAMME

Full - time/Part - time
SUBJECT -

1. Name of the Applicant ( Capital Letters): Affix latest

passport size
2. khzth; ngah; (jkpopy;) photograph
with attestation
3. Father’s/Husband’s Name :
AGE DD MM YYYY
4. Age and Date of Birth:

5. Address for Correspondence (Capital Letters)

Taluk

District State

Pin Aadhar Number

Ph / Mobile No. e-mail ID
6. Classification of area Urban Rural
7. Nationality : Indian Others
8. Gender : Male Female Transgender
9. Marital Status : Married Unmarried Widowed
10. Religion: Hindu Muslim Christian Others
11. a. Community for Applicant from Tamil Nadu : SC-Arunthathiyar SC-Others ST MBC BC Others
b. Community for Applicant from Puducherry : SC ST OBC Others
12. Special Category : Differently Abled Not Applicable 13. Employment Status : Employed Unemployed
13. Employed in : Government Service Public Sector Quasi Government Self Employed
14. Educational Qualification :

Examination Name of the School / Month & Year Class/Grade/

Subject
Passed College / Institution / Board / University of Passing Percentage of Marks
10th/11th
P.U.C./+2
Bachelor’s Degree
Master’s Degree (1)
Master’s Degree (2)*
M.Phil.
15. Professional / Teaching Experience
Duration
No Designation Institution
From To
I

II

*for the fields of Education & Special Education

16. Do you have Research Experience as JRF/SRF/URF/TRF/Others, if yes, please specify

Duration
No Type of Experience Funding Agency Theme of Research
From To

17. Any other particulars the applicant would :

like to present for the consideration of the
authorities in regard to admission.

18. Part time candidates shall submit the application through proper channel. This portion shall be filled by the employer

The applicant ________________________________ who has submitted application for admission to M.Phil.

Programme in the Tamil Nadu Open University has been working in this organisation

viz._____________________________ in the post of ________________ on temporary / permanant basis

with effect form ________________. There is no objection in doing M.Phil.Programme in Tamil Nadu Open

University. Signature of the forwarding

Date: Officer with seal.

19. List of attested copies of documents enclosed : (Pl. tick)

i. Community Certificate : Yes No ii. Special Category Proof: Yes No

iii. Proof of Educational Qualification: Yes No iv. Proof for date of birth: Yes No

v. Proof of Experience : Yes No

20. List of original documents enclosed :

i. Work experience certificate (where applicable) : Yes No

DECLARATION BY THE APPLICANT:

I hereby declare that I have read and understood the conditions of eligibility for the programme for which I seek admission.
I fulfill the minimum eligibility criteria and have provided necessary information in this regard. In the event of any information being
found incorrect or misleading after admission, my candidature shall be liable to cancellation by the University at any time and I shall
not be entitled to claim refund of any fee paid by me to the University. I declare that I will abide by the rules and regulations of
M.Phil. programme.

Date:
Signature of the Applicant
 Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.)
1.0 Introduction
The Tamil Nadu Open University (TNOU) was established by an Act (Act No.27) of
the Legislative Assembly of the Government of Tamil Nadu in 2002. As per this Act the
University with its headquarters at Chennai may carry out its academic activities in any
State/Union Territory of the Indian Union as well as in any Country.
1.1 Preamble
The Degree of Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) is awarded to a candidate who has
passed the stipulated course work and submitted a dissertation on the basis of original and
independent research that makes a contribution to the advancement of knowledge, which
is approved by Board of Examiners as required.
1.2 Objectives
a) To promote acquisition of knowledge and to continually offer opportunities for
upgrading knowledge, training and skills in the context of innovations, research
and discovery in all fields of human endeavour’s.
b) To provide a ground for training as a stepping stone for research leads to
innovation and discovery of new ideas.
c) To provide a platform to broaden the area of research.
d) To evolve flexible course work relating to the area of research.
2. M.Phil. Programme under full-time and part-time will be offered through the
following Schools of Study.
 School of Social Sciences [SOSS]
 School of Management Studies [SOMS]
 School of Education [SOE]
 School of Humanities [SOH]
 School of Continuing Education [SOCE]
 School of Science [SOS]
 School of Computer Science [SOCS]
 School of Tamil and Cultural Studies [SOTCS]
 School of Journalism and New Media Studies [SOJNMS]
 School of Politics and Public Administration [SOPPA]
 School of Criminology and Criminal Justice Administration [SOCCJA)
 School of History and Tourism Studies [SOHTS]
 School of Special Education and Rehabilitation [SOSER]

1
3. Eligibility

(a) Candidates (under 10+2+3 or 10+2+5 pattern) for admission to the M.Phil.
programme shall have a Master's degree or a professional degree declared equivalent to
the Master’s degree by the corresponding statutory regulatory body, with at least 55%
marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade 'B' in the UGC 7-point scale (or an equivalent
grade in a point scale wherever grading system is followed) or an equivalent degree from
a foreign educational Institution accredited by an Assessment and Accreditation Agency
which is approved, recognized or authorized by an authority, established or incorporated
under a law in its home country or any other statutory authority in that country for the
purpose of assessing, accrediting or assuring quality and standards of educational
institutions.
A relaxation of 5% of marks, from 55% to 50%, or an equivalent relaxation of grade, may
be allowed for those belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/Differently-Abled and
other categories of candidates as per the decision of the Commission from time to time, or
for those who had obtained their Master's degree prior to 19th September, 1991. The
eligibility marks of 55% (or an equivalent grade in a point scale wherever grading system
is followed) and the relaxation of 5% to the categories mentioned above are permissible
based only on the qualifying marks without including the grace mark procedures.
(b) Qualified in an entrance examination conducted by the Tamil Nadu Open
University.
(c) Further, those candidates having qualified UGC/CSIR (JRF) examination
NET/SET/GATE/Teacher fellowship exempted from appearing in the entrance test, if
they are eligible otherwise.

4.0. Category
4.1 Full - Time Scholars
Scholars within the definition of this category are those who pursue their full -
time M.Phil. Degree Programme in Tamil Nadu Open University.
4.2 Part - Time Scholars
A person within Tamil Nadu / Puducherry (as specified in the eligibility norms)
irrespective of employment status, who wishes to pursue M.Phil. Degree Programme are
eligible to register under part-time.

(a) A teacher working in the University / Recognised Research Institution / Higher

Education Institution / College / Higher Secondary School / High School /
Polytechnic College within Tamil Nadu and Puduchery.

2
 (b) A candidate employed in a permanent job in a registered Firm / Institution /
State or Central Government Department / Public Sector Undertaking within
Tamil Nadu and Puduchery with a minimum of TWO YEARS of total working
experience, after the qualifying degree.

(c) A candidate has to submit the application through proper channel.

5. Eligibility for Guideship

(a) Any regular Professor of the University/Institution Deemed to be a

University/College with at least five research publications in refereed journals,
any regular Associate Professor of the University/Institution Deemed to be a
University/College with a Ph.D. degree and at least two research publications in
refereed journals and any regular Assistant Professor of the University/Institution
Deemed to be a University/College with a Ph.D. degree and at least two research
publications in refereed journals with two years of Tamil Nadu Open University
teaching experience may be recognized as Research Supervisor. Provided that in
areas/disciplines where there is no or only a limited number of refereed journals,
the Institution may relax the above condition for recognition of a person as
Research Supervisor with reasons recorded in writing.

(b) Only a full time regular teacher of the concerned University/Institution Deemed to
be a University/College can act as a supervisor. The external supervisors are not
allowed. However, Co- Supervisor can be allowed in inter-disciplinary areas from
other departments of the same institute or from other related institutions with the
approval of the Research Advisory Committee.

(c) The allocation of Research Supervisor for a selected research scholar shall be
decided by the Department concerned depending on the number of scholars per
Research Supervisor, the available specialization among the Supervisors and
research interests of the scholars as indicated by them at the time of interview/viva
voce.

(d) In case of topics which are of inter-disciplinary nature where the Department
concerned feels that the expertise in the Department has to be supplemented from
outside, the Department may appoint a Research Supervisor from the Department
itself, who shall be known as the Research Supervisor, and a Co-Supervisor from
outside the Department/ Faculty/College/Institution on such terms and conditions
as may be specified and agreed upon by the consenting Institutions/Colleges.
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6. Number of candidates under a Supervisor

A Research Supervisor/Co-supervisor who is a Professor, at any given point of

time, cannot guide more than three (3) M.Phil. and Eight (8) Ph.D. scholars. An Associate
Professor as Research Supervisor can guide up to a maximum of two (2) M.Phil. and six
(6) Ph.D. scholars and an Assistant Professor as Research Supervisor can guide up to a
maximum of one (1) M.Phil. and four (4) Ph.D. scholars.

7. Procedure for Admission

The student will be admitted during Academic Year (July) session only. For the
admission into the M.Phil. Programme, an Entrance test and interview will be
administered for all the eligible applicants and the performance in the interview will be
taken into account along with the marks scored in the PG Programme. The written test
would comprise of objective type of questions for 40% marks and the interview would be
conducted for 10% marks. The marks secured in written test and interview will be added
to the marks obtained in the PG Degree Examinations by giving 50% weightage and the
rank list will be prepared accordingly. The respective Schools will conduct the entrance
examination for the admission of M.Phil candidates by following the Tamil Nadu
reservation policy.

8. Duration

a)
Duration
Full-Time/ Minimum Maximum
Part-Time Years Years
Full-Time 1 2
Part-Time 2 3

b) Final Examination shall be conducted in the Semester pattern.

9.0 Programme of Study

9.1 Part I: Course work

The M.Phil. candidates shall take compulsorily three theory courses and a
Dissertation. The course work will be framed by the respective Schools.

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 For the full - time candidates course work will be covered in the first semester and
dissertation in the second semester. For the part-time Candidates course - work will be
covered in the second semester and dissertation in the fourth semester.
The credit assigned to the M.Phil. course work shall be a minimum of 8 credits
and a maximum of 16 credits.
The course work shall be treated as prerequisite for M.Phil. preparation. A
minimum of four credits shall be assigned to one or more courses on Research
Methodology which could cover areas such as quantitative methods, computer
applications, research ethics and review of published research in the relevant field,
training, field work, etc. Other courses shall be advanced level courses preparing the
students for M.Phil./Ph.D. degree.
A M.Phil. scholar has to obtain a minimum of 55% of marks or its equivalent
grade in the UGC 7-point scale (or an equivalent grade/CGPA in a point scale wherever
grading system is followed) in the course work in order to be eligible to continue in the
programme and submit the dissertation/thesis.
The overall minimum credit requirement, including credit for the course work, for
the award of M.Phil. degree shall not be less than 24 credits.

9.2 Part - II: Dissertation

Candidates shall submit the dissertation to the University through the Supervisor
and the Head of the School within 6 months from the date of Completion of the course
work in the case of Fulltime Programme and within one year from the date of completion
of the course work in the case of Part-time Programme. If a candidate is not able to
submit his / her dissertation within the period stated above, he / she shall be given an
extension time of 6 months in the first instance and another 6 months in the second
instance with penalty fee. If a candidate does not submit his / her dissertation even after
the two extensions, his / her registration shall be treated as cancelled and he / she has to
re-register for the Programme. However the candidate need not write the theory courses
again, if he / she has already passed these courses.
The dissertation shall be evaluated by an external examiner for the maximum of
100 marks. The external examiner shall be selected from a panel of 3 experts suggested
by the Research Supervisor and working within the respective area of the Research. The
viva-voce examination shall be conducted by both the external examiner and the
Supervisor and evaluated for the maximum of 50 marks. Internal marks for a maximum
of 50 marks will be awarded by the Supervisor. The mark should be sent to the Controller
of Examinations by the Research Supervisor.

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 The M.Phil. Dissertation can be submitted either in English or Tamil.
The maximum marks for the viva-voce examination shall be 50 (joint evaluation).
A candidate shall be declared to have passed Part - II Examination if he/she secures not
less than 50% of the marks prescribed for the dissertation that is for the maximum of 100
marks and 50% of the marks prescribed for the viva-voce Examination.
If the examiner who evaluates the dissertation makes a qualified recommendation
such as revision of dissertation, the candidate shall be advised to revise the dissertation in
the light of the suggestions made by the examiners and resubmit the dissertation, within a
period of SIX months. Resubmission fee shall be charged as fee for Re-submission of
dissertation. The revised dissertation shall be sent to the same examiner who evaluated
the dissertation in the first instance.
10. Classification of successful candidates
The candidates who passed theory courses and dissertation and viva-voce will be
classified as follows.

Total Marks secured Classification

1. 75% and above I Class with Distinction
(first attempt only)
2. Above 60% to below 75% I Class
3. Above 50% to below 60% II Class

11.0. Restriction in number of chances for appearing the Examination

11.1 Full - time Candidates
No candidate shall be permitted to appear for the written Examination in any
course more than four times or to re-submit the dissertation or appear for the viva-voce
examination more than twice. Resubmission of a dissertation shall be done as mentioned
supra with a penalty fee. The permitted chances shall be completed within a maximum
period of 3 years.
11.2 Part - Time Candidates
No candidate shall be permitted to appear for the written Examination in any
course more than four times or to re-submit the dissertation or appear for the viva-voce
examination more than twice. Resubmission of a dissertation shall be done as mentioned
supra with a penalty fee, within 6 months from the first of the month which follows the
month in which the result of the first attempt is announced. The permitted attempts shall
be completed within a maximum period of 6 years from the first of the month which
follows the month in which the registration was done.

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12. Conferment of the Degree
No candidate shall be eligible for the conferment of the M.Phil. Degree
Programme unless he / she is declared to have passed both course work and dissertation.
13. Re-Registration

a) The candidates shall be permitted for Re-Registration based on the merit of

individual cases.

b) The Re-registered candidates are required to submit the dissertation not earlier
than three months and not later than one year after the date of re-registration. No
further extension of time shall be given.
14. Refund of Fees
The Programme fees once paid shall not be refunded. However, if on scrutiny, the
Applicant is found not eligible for admission to his/her Programme of choice,
Registration fee of Rs.1,000/- shall be retained by the University and the balance
amount shall be refunded to the Applicant.
15. Tuition Fee Exemption
As per G.O. Ms. No.429, Higher Education Department, dated 16.10.2008, differently
abled persons are exempted from payment of tuition fee.

16. Fee Particulars

S.No. Fee Head Amount Rs.

1. Application Fee 500

2. Registration Fee 1000

3. Recognition Fee 500

4. Tuition Fee (per year) 10000

Other fee will be prescribed from time - to - time.

Note: Any condition prescribed throughout this regulation regarding any issue, may be
given suitable relaxation / modification by the Vice-Chancellor, on the recommendation
of the Head of the School based on the merit of the individual case, if it is justified with
relevant documents.