TN Naan Mudhalvan Scheme — How to Apply, Eligibility & Benefits

What is Naan Mudhalvan Scheme?

Naan Mudhalvan (I Am the First) is a flagship skill development and employment programme launched by the Government of Tamil Nadu in 2022. The scheme aims to bridge the gap between education and employment by providing free industry-relevant training, certifications, and placement support to college students and graduates across Tamil Nadu.

The programme partners with leading technology companies like Google, Microsoft, IBM, Infosys, TCS, Coursera, and others to offer world-class courses at zero cost to students.

Key features:

• Free online and offline courses in technology, management, and vocational skills
• Industry-recognised certifications from top companies
• Placement drives and job fairs organised through the platform
• Internship opportunities with partner companies
• Career guidance and mentorship programmes
• Available to students in all colleges across Tamil Nadu (government, aided, and self-financing)

Disclaimer: CitizenNest is an independent platform and is not affiliated with the Government of Tamil Nadu. Information is compiled from official sources for public awareness.

Who is Eligible?

Student Eligibility

• Must be a student enrolled in any college in Tamil Nadu (degree, diploma, or professional course)
• Open to students of all streams — arts, science, commerce, engineering, medicine, law, etc.
• No income or caste restrictions — scheme is universal
• Must have a valid college ID
• Must be a full-time student (some courses also open to recent graduates)

Graduate Eligibility

• Recent graduates (within 1–2 years of passing out) from Tamil Nadu institutions
• Job seekers registered on the Tamil Nadu Employment Portal
• ITI and diploma holders looking to upskill

Who Can Benefit Most?

• Students seeking placements in IT and tech companies
• Arts and commerce students wanting to learn coding and digital skills
• Rural students who lack access to expensive private training
• First-generation graduates looking for career guidance

Available Courses and Partners

Note: Course offerings are updated regularly. Check the portal for the latest catalogue.

How to Register — Step-by-Step

Online Registration

1. Visit naanmudhalvan.tn.gov.in
2. Click on "Student Registration"
3. Enter your college name and select your institution from the dropdown
4. Enter personal details — name, date of birth, mobile number, email
5. Enter educational details — course, department, year of study, register number
6. Create a username and password
7. Verify your mobile number via OTP
8. Complete your profile — add skills, interests, and career preferences
9. Browse the course catalogue and enroll in courses of your choice
10. Start learning immediately — most courses are self-paced online

Through College

1. Many colleges conduct Naan Mudhalvan orientation sessions at the start of each academic year
2. The placement cell or department coordinator will guide batch registration
3. Your college will assign a Naan Mudhalvan coordinator to track progress
4. Offline training sessions may be conducted at your college campus

How the Programme Works

Learning Path

1. Register on the portal and complete your profile
2. Choose courses aligned with your career interest (recommended: 2–3 per semester)
3. Complete online modules — video lectures, quizzes, assignments
4. Take the certification exam — most are free online exams
5. Get certified — download your industry-recognised certificate
6. Update your profile with certifications earned

Placement Support

1. Companies post jobs on the Naan Mudhalvan portal
2. Eligible students (with matching certifications) are shortlisted
3. Placement drives are conducted at district and state level
4. Virtual interviews through the portal for remote opportunities
5. Internship opportunities with partner companies during semester breaks

Benefits

• 100% free — no registration fee, no course fee, no certification fee
• Industry certifications that are valued by employers (Google, Microsoft, IBM)
• Direct placement linkage — companies recruit directly from the platform
• Skill gap analysis — the platform suggests courses based on your profile and market demand
• Accessible from anywhere — courses are online, learn at your own pace
• Government-backed — adds credibility to your certification

Important Tips

1. Start early — Don't wait until final year. Begin taking courses from 1st or 2nd year to build a strong certification portfolio.
2. Focus on in-demand skills — Data Science, Cloud Computing, and Full Stack Development have the highest placement rates.
3. Complete certifications fully — Partial completion doesn't count. Finish the course and take the exam.
4. Keep your profile updated — Recruiters search profiles on the portal. Add all certifications, projects, and skills.
5. Attend placement drives — Register for every relevant drive. Check the portal weekly for new opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is Naan Mudhalvan completely free?

Yes. All courses, certifications, and placement services are 100% free for registered students. The government pays for the course licences.

Q2: Can arts and commerce students join?

Absolutely. The programme is open to all streams — not just engineering. There are specific courses for digital marketing, data entry, office automation, and soft skills designed for non-technical students.

Q3: Do I get a certificate after completing a course?

Yes. You receive an industry-recognised certificate (e.g., Google Data Analytics Certificate, IBM Cybersecurity Certificate). These are the same certifications that professionals pay for on platforms like Coursera.

Q4: Can I do Naan Mudhalvan courses if I'm already working?

The primary focus is on current students and recent graduates. However, some courses may be open to job seekers. Check the portal for eligibility.

Q5: How does placement work?

Companies post jobs on the Naan Mudhalvan portal. Students with matching skills and certifications are shortlisted automatically. Placement drives are conducted at college, district, and state levels.

Q6: Is this the same as TNSDC (Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation)?

Naan Mudhalvan is a separate initiative by the Higher Education Department, though it works in coordination with TNSDC. TNSDC focuses on vocational training for school dropouts and informal sector workers.

Q7: Can students from private self-financing colleges apply?

Yes. The scheme is open to students from all types of colleges in Tamil Nadu — government, government-aided, and self-financing institutions.

Last updated: February 2026. Information is based on official Tamil Nadu government sources. Verify at naanmudhalvan.tn.gov.in or your college placement cell.

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