No candidate shall be eligible for the Diploma unless he/she has undergone the prescribed course of study for a period of not less than 3 academic years in any institution affiliated to the State Board of Technical Education and Training, Tamil Nadu, when joined in First Year and two years if joined under Lateral Entry scheme in the second year and passed the prescribed examination.The minimum and maximum period for completion of Diploma Courses are as given below:

Diploma Course Minimum Period Maximum Period
Full Time 3 Years 6 Years
Full Time
(Lateral Entry)
2 Years 5 Years

This will come into effect from N Scheme onwards i.e. from the academic year 2020-2021.