NIOS Study Centres/ Accredited Institutions (AIs)

A Study Centre in the NIOS system is officially referred to as an Accredited Institution (AI). These centres are schools or educational institutions authorised by the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) to provide essential academic and administrative support to learners enrolled in NIOS secondary and senior secondary courses.

Who Can Be a Study Centre (AI) for Academic Programmes

Any existing school affiliated with a recognized board, such as National Boards (CBSE, CISCE) or State Boards, is eligible to apply to become a NIOS Study Centre for offering Academic Programmes at the Secondary and Senior Secondary levels. Such Study Centres are officially designated as Accredited Institutions (AIs).

Institutions located outside India may also apply for accreditation by submitting the prescribed application form through the concerned Indian Embassy, along with the requisite fee, enabling NIOS to extend its globally recognized open schooling framework to learners abroad.

Through this accreditation process, NIOS ensures that Study Centres possess the required academic infrastructure, qualified teachers, and administrative capability to effectively support learners under the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) system.

Role and Importance of Study Centres (AI)

NIOS follows an open and distance learning model that emphasises flexibility, self-paced study, and broad access to education. However, to ensure students receive essential academic and administrative support, every learner must be linked with a Study Centre (AI) during the admission process. At present, NIOS operates through approximately 7,712 Study Centres across India and 27 Study Centres in foreign countries, catering to the educational needs of learners worldwide.

Functions of Accredited Institutions

Academic Support Functions

• Provide NIOS learners with easy access to open and distance learning opportunities within their reach.
• Conduct learner orientation programmes to familiarize students with NIOS systems, courses, and unique features.
• To inform learners about the important dates like the last date of submission of Application Form for enrollment with and without late fees, and registration dates for appearing in the Examinations, etc.
• Plan and conduct Personal Contact Programmes (PCP) and practical sessions as per NIOS guidelines.
• Facilitate access to practical laboratories, library resources, and ICT-enabled learning, including platforms such as PM e-Vidya, SWAYAM, etc.
• Evaluate Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs), provide constructive feedback, and upload marks to NIOS.
• Offer guidance, motivation, counselling and exam preparation support to learners.

Administrative Support Functions

• Maintain complete and accurate records of study materials received from NIOS and to distribute the study materials to the learners without any service charges and to ensure that adequate and right type of materials are available at the Study Centre and also keep full record of study materials etc., issued to the learners as directed by NIOS.
• Provide a separate Notice Board for learners to display timetables, date-sheets, examination schedules, and other important NIOS-related information.
• To issue Mark-Sheets and Certificates to the learners and maintain their complete record.
• To function as Examination Centre of NIOS for its examinations as and when required.
• To maintain liaison between NIOS and learners for proper functioning of the Study Centre.

Compliance with Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)

NIOS has prescribed a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to guide Coordinators and staff involved in the systematic implementation of its Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programmes. The SOP serves as a reference framework for Accredited Institutions, Regional Centres, and NIOS Headquarters to ensure uniformity, transparency, and efficiency in operations.

The SOP is periodically reviewed and updated based on evolving requirements. All Accredited Institutions are required to strictly adhere to the SOP currently in force for effective administration and delivery of NIOS programmes.

Choosing Your Study Centre

During the NIOS admission, learners are required to select a Study Centre (Accredited Institution - AI).

To assist learners in making an informed choice, NIOS provides a Study Centre Locator Tool on its official portal, which allows students to search and identify Accredited Institutions easily.