The Directorate of Matriculation Schools, Tamil Nadu is an accreditation and governing body for secondary schools in Tamil Nadu, India. In a concept unique to Tamil Nadu (within India), until 1971 Universities also governed secondary schools, and such schools were accredited to the Matriculation system.[1] About 5% of schools in Tamil Nadu fall under this system.[2]
Schools use English as the language of instruction. They have a unique curriculum until class 10 and follow the Tamil Nadu State Board curriculum for classes 11 and 12.[3] Schools are accredited on an annual basis.[4] Apart from that, languages like Hindi, French, Sanskrit are taught as optional. other than academics, Arts & crafts, physical activities and projects are also conducted in matriculation schools.
For the academic year 2008-09, 2.31 million students were enrolled in the matriculation schools with a boy to girl ratio of 10:9. From 2001 to 2008, the pass percentage has been 90 and above excepting for 2002 when it dipped to 87.