Tamil University: Courses, Contact Details, Facilities

Saaradha Thilagam

Updated on - Dec 11, 2024

Knowledge and intelligence distinguish humans from other living beings. While intelligence is innate, knowledge is acquired and cultivated through academic institutions, commonly known as universities. India’s tradition of organized learning dates back to the Pallava era with a Sanskrit college and the renowned Nalanda University in the north. The 19th century saw the establishment of prominent universities like Madras, Bombay, and Calcutta during British rule. Even earlier, Tamil’s development was nurtured through the ancient Chankam (Assembly of Poets), underscoring India’s rich academic heritage.

Tamil, a classical language with profound literature, remained overshadowed during British rule. This neglect inspired Tamil scholars to propose a Tamil University in Thanjavur on August 23, 1925. Despite initial efforts, the plan stalled due to insufficient government support. Decades later, in 1981, the vision was realized with the Tamil Nadu State Assembly passing the Tamil University Act, and the university was officially recognized by the UGC in 1983.

Dedicated to Tamilology, the university initially focused on research in linguistics, translation, lexicography, music, drama, and manuscriptology. M.Phil and Ph.D. programs were introduced in 1992, and postgraduate courses were added in 2003 due to public demand.

Tamil University, [TU] Thanjavur Quick Links:

Attribute	Details
Name	Tamil University
Established	1981
Location	Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu (Campus: 850 acres)
Vision	To preserve, study, and advance Tamil language, culture, and scientific heritage.
Mission	Excellence in Tamil studies, literature, and cultural research; support societal benefit and innovation.
Academic Structure	Five faculties: Arts, Manuscriptology, Developing Tamil, Language, and Science
Major Departments	Sculpture, Music, Drama, Manuscript Studies, Linguistics, Literature, Siddha Medicine, Architecture, etc.
Programs Offered	B.A., B.Sc., M.A., M.Sc., M.Phil, Ph.D., and diploma courses (focus on Tamil and allied fields)
Research Focus	Tamil language, culture, archaeology, literature, and scientific advancements.
Publications	Over 500 books; Encyclopedias (Science: 17 vols, Humanities: 17 vols); Greater Tamil Lexicon, dictionaries.
Facilities	Library (170,000 books), herbal garden, Karikalan Arangam (1,000 seats), hostels, gym, eco-friendly campus.
Affiliations	International Institute of Tamil Studies (Chennai), Pondicherry Institute of Linguistics and Culture
Special Initiatives	- Tamil coaching for IAS/IPS officers
	- NRI training on Tamil language and culture
	- Public exhibitions
Extension Activities	NSS programs, medical camps, disaster management awareness, yoga training, rural adoption (Neelagiri Vattam).
Student Support	Coaching for UGC NET, IAS; scholarships for SC/ST/BC students; 55 endowments for lectures and fellowships.
Awards and Recognitions	Karikalan Award for Foreign Tamil Literature; MoUs with international and national research institutions.
Core Values	Research, cultural preservation, public outreach, and empowerment of rural and socio-economically weak groups.
Infrastructure	Open-air theatre, distance education center, performing arts center, modern gym, residential quarters.
Notable Achievements	Discoveries in Tamil Brahmi inscriptions; excavations of archaeological sites; leading nodal center in research.
Placement and Career Support	Research-focused, empowering rural students for higher education and academic careers.
Official Website	https://www.tamiluniversity.ac.in/english/arial-roots-2/campus-map-2/

Tamil University, [TU] Thanjavur Courses:

With a total of 36 courses offered atTamil university, the college offers education in the field of phd , Art& science, diploma& certification & Distance education among other streams to the students. Students can check out the below table to understand the eligibility requirements and total tuition fee for all Tamil university courses:

Course	Fees	Eligibility
Ph.D(8 Courses)	₹25,700 - 30,700 (1st Year Fees)	Post Graduation
MA (9 Courses)	₹8,850 (1st Year Fees)	Graduation
Diploma(4 Courses)	₹1,000 (Total Fees)	-
M.Sc(2 Courses)	₹10,850 (1st Year Fees)	Graduation
PG Diploma(4 Courses)	₹2,000 - 5,000 (Total Fees)	Graduation
Certification(3 Courses)	₹600 (Total Fees)	-
M.Phil(6 Courses)	₹6,800 - 7,800 (1st Year Fees)	Post Graduation
MBA(8 Courses) Distance Education	₹11,900 (1st Year Fees)	Graduation

Tamil University, [TU] Thanjavur Departments:

Sculpture
Music
Drama
Palmleaf Manuscripts
Rare Paper Manuscripts
Epigraphy And Archaeology
Maritime History and Marine Archaeology
Tamil Studies in Foreign Countries
Translation
Lexicography
Social Sciences
Scientific Tamil and Tamil Development
Education and Management
Literature
Linguistics
Philosophy
Tribal Research
Folklore
School of Indian Languages & Comparative Literature
Siddha Medicine
Ancient Science
Industries and Earth Sciences
Architecture
Computer Science
Environmental and Herbal Science
Library and Information Science

Tamil University, [TU] Thanjavur Committees:

Research Committee
Purchase Committee
Building Committee
Women's Welfare Committee
Finance Committee
Publication Committee
IQAC Committee
NAAC Committee

Tamil University, [TU] Thanjavur Infrastructure Facilities:

Tamil University has a Faculty Guesthouse for research scholars along with well-equipped college atmosphere.
There is an Open Ait Theatre at the Tamil University for various cultural activities to take place.
Along with computers for each department, there is an Internet Centre at the Tamil University with high-speed internet for research purpose and can be used by students or faculty.
The Library at the Tamil University is one of the largest and oldest in the state with nearly 1,70,000 books and many other journals for research and other needs.
The Digital Library is an addition to the facilities provided which contains E-books, E-journals, etc.
Tamil University also has a sports cell that takes care of all the activities related to sports and encourages students to learn more about sports.
The Museum at the Tamil University is its major attraction which has many objects of archeology and culture.

Tamil University, [TU] Thanjavur Placement Highlights:

Tamil University has a Placement and Career Counselling Cell that helps students to have exposure to jobs that are available and guides the students.
Career Guidance and Counselling Cell provides sufficient support for employment and personality development skills.
The Placement Cell also organizes many workshops related to professional trends.
It also aims to improve the social values and knowledge of students.

Tamil University, [TU] Thanjavur Eligibility Criteria:

Course	Eligibility
B.Ed./ BPA	Candidate should have passed [10+2 level] as per rules of the Higher Education Department. Candidate should have secured a minimum of 55% in their previous study, relaxation of 5% for SC/ ST candidates.
MA/ M.Sc/ MSW/ MCA/ MLIS/ M.Ed.	Candidate should have passed [10 + 2 + 3 Pattern] in the respective field as per the rules of the Higher Education Department and University Grant Commission. Candidate should have secured a minimum of 55% in their previous study, relaxation of 5% for SC/ ST candidates.
M.Phil.	Candidate should have passed [10 + 2 + 3 + 2 Pattern] in the respective field as per the rules of the Higher Education Department and University Grant Commission. Candidate should have secured a minimum of 55% in their previous study, relaxation of 5% for SC/ ST candidates.
Ph.D.	Candidate should have secured a minimum of 55% in the Postgraduate programme. Relaxation of 5% for SC/ ST candidates.
Diploma	Candidate should have passed [10+2] level with the required eligibility.
Postgraduate Diploma [Translation]	Candidate should have completed a Master's degree in Arts/ Science.
Postgraduate Diploma [Herbal Bio-Technology]	Candidate should have completed a Bachelor's degree in Science.
Postgraduate Diploma [Siddha Drug Standardization]	Candidate should have completed a Bachelor's degree in Science/ Chemistry/ Micro- Biology/ Pharmacy/ Nutrition/ Siddha.
Postgraduate Diploma [Environmental Management]	Candidate should have completed a Master's degree in Science/ Earth Science, Biology/ Environmental Science/ Geography/ Oceanography.
Certificate Courses	Candidate should have passed 10th or [10+1] level.

Tamil University, [TU] Thanjavur Admissions:

Programs Offered

Undergraduate (B.Ed)

Duration: 2 years
Eligibility: Graduation or equivalent in a relevant field
Selection: Merit-based

Postgraduate (MA, MBA, MSc, M.Com, MLIS)

Duration: 2 years
Specializations:

MA: Tamil, History, Tamil Music, English, Bharathanatiyam, Yoga
MSc: Geography, Environmental Science, Psychology, Maths, Botany
MBA: Business Administration
M.Com, MLIS

Eligibility: Graduation in a relevant discipline
Selection: Merit-based

Diploma Courses

Specializations: Dance & Music, Traditional Medicine, Yoga, Herbal Science, Astrology, Temple Priesthood, Epigraphy, Public Speaking, Drawing, and more
Eligibility: 10th/12th or equivalent certification
Selection: Merit-based

Postgraduate Diploma

Duration: 1 year
Specializations: Computer Applications, Guidance & Counselling, Yoga, Web Services
Eligibility: Graduation in a relevant field
Selection: Merit-based

Application Process

Purchase the application form from the university.
Submit the completed form with necessary documents: 12th-grade mark sheet, graduation mark sheet (for PG), eligibility, migration, and gap certificates (if applicable).
Enclose a ₹250 demand draft (DD) in favor of Registrar, Tamil University or a Bank of India receipt.

Tamil University, [TU] Thanjavur Scholarship

Students are supported in accessing scholarships from the Government of Tamil Nadu and funding bodies like the UGC. Additionally, department-wise top three rank holders each year receive special scholarships funded by the Bharathiyar and ATPanneer Selvam Endowment.

Tamil University, [TU] Thanjavur Cutoffs:

The cutoffs for different courses vary from one another.
The cutoffs are based on a merit list prepared by the Tamil University every year.
The merit list is calculated by taking into consideration the 10+2 marks of the candidate.
The cutoffs will be put up in the main office of the Tamil University and the official website.
Generally, the cutoffs range between 45% to 50%.