National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS)

The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) is India’s national board for open and distance learning, operating as an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. Established to expand access to quality education, NIOS provides learners with a flexible, learner-centric academic framework tailored to individual pace, interests, and goals.

Recognized as the largest open schooling system in the world, NIOS serves millions of learners in India and abroad through a wide network of over 20 Regional Centers and more than 7000+ Accredited Institutions (Study Centers) across the country and overseas.

The concept of open schooling in India began in 1979 as a pilot project of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), designed with in-built flexibilities. Subsequently, the National Policy on Education (1986) emphasized the need to strengthen the Open School System to extend open learning facilities at the secondary level nationwide as an independent system with its own curriculum, examination, and certification framework.

In pursuance of this policy, the Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India, established the National Open School (NOS) in November 1989, amalgamating the CBSE pilot project into it. The NOS was vested with the authority to register learners, conduct examinations, and award certifications up to pre-degree level courses.

In 2002, the Ministry of Education amended the nomenclature from National Open School (NOS) to National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS). This change reflected its expanded mandate to provide relevant and continuing education at the school stage, up to pre-degree level, through the Open Learning System particularly for prioritized learner groups as an effective alternative to the formal schooling system.

Academic Programmes Offered

NIOS offers a structured and nationally recognized academic system comprising:

• Secondary Course (equivalent to Class X)
• Senior Secondary Course (equivalent to Class XII)
• Open Basic Education (OBE)
• Vocational Education Courses/Programmes
• Life Enrichment Programmes

The curriculum is developed in alignment with national educational standards and is periodically reviewed to ensure relevance, quality, and effectiveness.

Recognition & Validity

NIOS certifications are:

• Recognized at par with CBSE, CISCE (ICSE), and State Boards
• Valid for higher education admissions, government employment, and competitive examinations, subject to fulfillment of eligibility criteria prescribed by respective institutions or authorities

As a government-established national board, NIOS ensures academic credibility, transparency, and compliance with national education policies, offering learners a structured, credible, and flexible education pathway.

International Presence

NIOS extends its mandate beyond national boundaries through its international activities and overseas learner support framework, as outlined on its official website. The Institute provides access to its academic programmes for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and other nationals settled abroad via authorised overseas study centres, established in accordance with NIOS norms. These services are available in countries including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Nepal, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman (Muscat), Saudi Arabia, and the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Overseas learners enrolled with NIOS are permitted to:

• Register for NIOS academic programmes through designated international study centres
• Appear in examinations at authorized overseas examination centres
• Access academic resources and learner support services while residing outside India

Through its international presence, NIOS supports the educational needs of Indian and other international learners seeking a flexible, nationally recognized open schooling system. This reinforces the Institute’s commitment to providing inclusive, accessible, and equitable education across geographical boundaries.

The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) maintains an official website, www.nios.ac.in, which is the primary and authoritative source of information for learners, parents, institutions, and other stakeholders. Visitors are advised to refer to the NIOS website for the most accurate and updated details on institutional policies, academic programmes, admission procedures, curriculum and syllabus, examinations, certification, recognition and acceptance of NIOS qualifications, and other information.