Even as the Tamil Nadu government announced earlier today that the state wide lockdown amid the coronavirus pandemic has been extended till August 31, it is not possible for schools or colleges in the state to re-open anytime soon. It was reported much earlier that the students and teachers will have to manage the courses via online lectures.

The state higher education department announced on Wednesday that universities are allowed to begin online classes for students from August 3, in an attempt to complete the mandatory academic hours for the upcoming semester. All students have been promoted to the next academic year without exams, except for the final year students. A higher education department official reportedly said, "It was decided to begin online classes for second and third year students from August 3. For conducting a semester, the colleges need at least 90 working days or 450 hours of classes. Due to the prevailing condition, 90 working days in the present semester is not possible hence it was decided to take classes for 450 hours. The meeting also decided to publish the marks or results of candidates who were promoted without exams within two or three weeks."

Higher education minister Anbalagan reportedly stated, "We have discussed with vice-chancellors on reopening of colleges and closing the admissions for first year. We are yet to take a final decision on starting online classes. We are holding a videoconference meeting with college principals on Thursday. After that we will take a decision on conducting the classes."