The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) is an educational organisation which imparts education through Open and Distance Learning Mode and also conducts examinations for grant of certificates up to pre-degree level at par with other National Boards viz. the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and Council for the Indian School Certificate Examination (CISCE).
Open and Distance Learning (ODL) is a flexible education system that allows students to learn at their own pace, often from home, using study materials and online resources, without attending regular classes.
The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) is a national board of education in India, established by the Ministry of Education. It provides education through open and distance learning, offering flexibility to learners who cannot attend regular schools due to various reasons.
NIOS offers a range of courses:
Open Basic Education (OBE) for levels equivalent to classes III, V, and VIII
Secondary Course (equivalent to class X)
Senior Secondary Course (equivalent to class XII)
Vocational Education Courses
Life Enrichment Programs
Yes, certificates issued by NIOS for Secondary and Senior Secondary levels are recognized at par with those from other national boards like CBSE and CISCE. They are valid for higher education and government jobs.
For Secondary (Class X): Anyone who has passed class VIII and is at least 14 years old, or provides a self-certificate stating they can pursue the course.
For Senior Secondary (Class XII): Students must have passed the Secondary (Class X) examination from a recognized board and meet the minimum age requirement.
Admissions are 100% online. You can:
Register directly on the NIOS website
Visit a nearby Accredited Institution (Study Centre) for help
Go to a Regional Centre
Use Common Services Centres (CSC) across India for assistance
- Proof of age (birth certificate, Aadhaar card, etc.)
- Previous educational qualifications
- Residential proof
Yes, NIOS offers a wide range of subjects and allows learners to choose combinations as per their interests and future plans, within the guidelines of passing and certification criteria
- Flexible learning schedule: Study at your own pace
- Self-learning materials provided
- Face-to-face support classes on weekends/holidays at study centres
- Option to appear for exams as per preparation, not bound by a fixed timetable
Yes, NIOS students are eligible for competitive exams like IIT JEE, NEET, and for admission to universities and professional colleges, provided they meet other eligibility criteria
- Public examinations are held twice a year (April-May and October-November)
- On-Demand Examination System (ODES) allows learners to appear for exams as per their readiness
- Credit accumulation is possible over a period of five years
Admission is valid for five years, during which learners can accumulate credits by passing subjects at their own pace.
- Self-learning materials (printed and digital)
- Audio-video resources
- Personal Contact Programmes (PCP) at study centres
- Tutor Marked Assignments (TMA) for continuous assessment
Yes, NIOS provides options for re-evaluation of answer sheets and issuance of duplicate certificates in case of loss or damage
| Feature | NIOS | CBSE/ICSE |
|--------------------------|-----------------------------------------|----------------------------------|
| Learning Mode | Open and Distance Learning | Regular classroom-based |
| Flexibility | High (choose subjects, exam schedule) | Fixed schedule and subjects |
| Recognition | Nationally recognized | Nationally recognized |
| Support | Study materials, PCP, online resources | Classroom teaching |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a year + On-Demand | Once a year |
