About the
National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS)
The largest open schooling system in the world, providing flexible, inclusive, and quality education to millions of learners.
What is NIOS?
The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) formerly known as National Open School (NOS) was established in November 1989 as an autonomous organization in pursuance of National Policy on Education 1986 by the Ministry of Education (MOE), Government of India. NIOS is providing a number of Vocational, Life Enrichment and community oriented courses besides General and Academic Courses at Secondary and Senior Secondary level.
Validity and Recognition
NIOS is one of the three National Boards of Education in India, alongside CBSE and CISCE. The Secondary and Senior Secondary certificates issued by NIOS are entirely valid and universally accepted. Students who pass from NIOS are eligible to:
- Apply for higher education in any university across India and abroad.
- Appear for competitive examinations like NEET, JEE, CLAT, CUET, and UPSC.
- Apply for all government jobs (State and Central), Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and private sector jobs.
Key Features of NIOS
Flexibility
Learners can choose their subjects according to their needs, interests, and future career plans from a wide range of available subjects.
Freedom to Learn
With no age limit or daily mandatory classes, learners can study at their own pace using self-instructional materials.
Transfer of Credit (TOC)
Ex-students of other recognized boards who failed can transfer their passed subject marks (up to 2 subjects) to NIOS.
On-Demand Examination (ODES)
Allows learners to appear for the examination when they are ready and prepared, instead of waiting for public exams.
Examination System
Public examinations are held twice a year in the months of April-May and October-November on dates fixed by NIOS. A learner can also appear through the On-Demand Examination System (ODES) at NIOS Headquarters (Noida) or at designated Kendriya Vidyalayas across India.