How National Institute of Open Schooling Contributing in Education? Discover It's Importance, Courses, Methods, Examination, Recognition + Much More...!!

Abstract:
The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) is an autonomous Institution under MHRD established in 1989. NIOS offers Secondary (10th), Sr.Secondary (12th) and Vocational courses through open and distance learning(ODL) mode. It also offers Open Basic Education and Elementary Teacher Education Programme. NIOS operates through a network of five Departments, 22 Regional Centres and more than 6500 and Accredited Institutions in India and abroad. It has a current cumulative enrolment of about 2.82 million learners during the last five years with an annual enrolment of about 550 thousand learners which makes it the largest open schooling system in the world. The openness and flexibility in education is key to educational programs of NIOS. There is no upper age for admission in NIOS. Freedom of choice of subjects, self-learning study materials, transfer of credits and flexible examination system with ICT based On-Demand Examination (ODES) System are some of the learner-centric facilities being provided by NIOS. NIOS offers 42 Courses on SWAYAM Platform. NIOS successfully completed the training of more than 13 lakhs untrained in-service elementary teachers using SWAYAM platform.

www.nios.ac.in

National Institute of Open Schooling A-24/25, Institutional Area, Sector - 62, NOIDA Distt. Gautam Budh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh - 201 309

Keywords

National Institute of Open Schooling , NIOS, Subjects, Courses, Methods, Examination

Learning Outcomes:

After undergoing this article you will be able to understand the following 

1. What's NIOS?

2. How NIOS is significant in eradicating the education gap?

3. What is the procedure for taking admission in NIOS at secondary level?

4. What is the eligibility criteria for admission to the Secondary Course?

5. What is the valid proof of date of birth?

6. What is the procedure for taking admission in NIOS higher secondary level?

7. What is the eligibility criteria for admission to the Higher Secondary Course?

8. What is the valid proof of date of birth?

9. For whom NIOS comes as the best option to complete their school studies?

10. What is the difference between open schooling and regular schooling?

11. What is the difference between open schooling and distance learning?

12. Why is NIOS considered as the flexible system of learning?

13. How is NIOS different from other Boards?

14. Is NIOS valid for government jobs?

15. Conclusions

16. FAQs

References 


1. What's NIOS?

The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) is a government organization established to enable education to all segments of society. Its primary objective is to increase literacy across India and encourage flexible learning. Since 2004, NIOS had a cumulative enrollment of over 2 million students.

2. How NIOS is significant in eradicating the education gap?

People are busy with their work schedules but education is also crucial. Thus, open schooling is picking up speed. The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) is aiding these aspirants a lot. School boards in India and open learning institutions provide individuals with the opportunity to learn at their own speed, offering flexibility and freedom.   

The open school system can be advantageous for homeschooled children seeking to take milestone examinations. Wit it they attempt admission into graduate or diploma programs, children pursuing professional sports or other careers, etc.

National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) is attempting to eradicate the gap between working and education with its flexible curriculum. There are numerous syllabi that NIOS offers to its aspirants. Hence, almost every option in education is available for even those who cannot join a regular class. 

  1. Young adults have the opportunity to pursue vocational training and academic courses. Even if they are self-employed or working in non-skilled labor positions, they can continue academics. 
  2. Young mothers have the option to pursue their secondary or senior secondary education by engaging in home-based study and attending tutorials as needed and as their responsibilities permit. 
  3. Students in India have the option to approach an open school board if they wish to pursue a specific combination of subjects. 
  4. Young adults have the option to register for either one or two courses simultaneously. They can study at their own convenience, taking into account their personal and professional obligations. 
  5. The open learning institutions cater to individuals with physical and mental disabilities, women, individuals who have dropped out of school, individuals residing in rural and remote locations, as well as pupils who have not passed their 10th or 12th grade examinations. 

3. What is the procedure for taking admission in NIOS secondary level?

NIOS has introduced 100% On-line admission at the Secondary and the Senior Secondary level in order to facilitate learners to register.
Under this scheme, the learner have three options:
(i)    He/She can register on-line directly by visiting the website of NIOS i.e., www.nios.ac.in
(ii)    He/She may visit his/her nearest AI (Study Centre)/Facilitation Centre and take help for on-line registration.
(iii)    He/She may visit the concerned Regional Centre of NIOS and take help for on line registration.
(iv)    He/She can use the services of the Common Services Centres of the Govt. of India for Online registration throughout the Country.

4. What is the eligibility criteria for admission to the Higher Secondary Course?

A learner who has passed class VIII and has valid proof of attaining 14 years of age can apply for registration to the Secondary Course.
The learner who gives a self certificate stating that "I have studied and able to pursue the secondary course" is also eligible for admission to the Secondary Course.
The learner who had studied at the Secondary level can also seek admission in NIOS either to complete his course or to improve his performance.
Residential proof of the learner.

5. What is the valid proof of date of birth

The certificate of date of birth issued by a Municipal Corporation, a Municipal Body, a Village Panchayat or any other body authorised by the Registrar, Birth and Death, Government of India, and the Aadhaar Card issued by Govt. Agency is a valid proof of date of birth. However, in case of orphans, street children etc., a medical certificate in respect of age issued by a Government Hospital is also acceptable as a valid proof of date of birth.

6. What is the procedure for taking admission in NIOS?

NIOS has introduced 100% On-line admission at the Secondary and the Senior Secondary level in order to facilitate learners to register.
Under this scheme, the learner have three options:
(i)    He/She can register on-line directly by visiting the website of NIOS i.e., www.nios.ac.in
(ii)    He/She may visit his/her nearest AI (Study Centre)/Facilitation Centre and take help for on-line registration.
(iii)    He/She may visit the concerned Regional Centre of NIOS and take help for on line registration.
(iv)    He/She can use the services of the Common Services Centres of the Govt. of India for Online registration throughout the Country.

7. What is the eligibility criteria for admission to the Secondary Course?
A learner who has passed class VIII and has valid proof of attaining 14 years of age can apply for registration to the Secondary Course.
The learner who gives a self certificate stating that "I have studied and able to pursue the secondary course" is also eligible for admission to the Secondary Course.
The learner who had studied at the Secondary level can also seek admission in NIOS either to complete his course or to improve his performance.
Residential proof of the learner.
8. What is the valid proof of date of birth?
The certificate of date of birth issued by a Municipal Corporation, a Municipal Body, a Village Panchayat or any other body authorised by the Registrar, Birth and Death, Government of India, and the Aadhaar Card issued by Govt. Agency is a valid proof of date of birth. However, in case of orphans, street children etc., a medical certificate in respect of age issued by a Government Hospital is also acceptable as a valid proof of date of birth.

9. For whom NIOS comes as the best option to complete their school studies?

Ans.

NIOS is the best option for those candidates who could not complete their schooling due to some unavoidable reasons like financial crunch, inaccessibility to schools providing higher education; those who could not cope up with regular studies due to different reasons or others who want to give more time and attention to sports or some performing arts.

10. What is the difference between open schooling and regular schooling?

Ans.

Some most significant differences between open schooling and regular schooling are:

  • Regular schooling is based on learning through a student-teacher interaction following a rigid time-table. On the other hand, open schooling is a flexible system of education that provides self learning and its evaluation to a learner according to his/her own schedule.
  • Regular schooling is more based on instruction and education services that does not focus primarily on special education, vocational/technical education whereas the open learning system is very helpful to those who want to continue their study while working in some gainful activity/programme.
11. What is the difference between open schooling and distance learning?
Ans.
 Though the terms are often used interchangeably, there is an important difference between both. Open learning is a broader term used for any scheme of education or training that removes barriers to learning whether they are concerned with age, time or place. Distance learning, on the other hand, is one particular form of open learning in which tutors and learners are separated by geographical distance. This is sometimes called a home study or correspondence course.

12. Why is NIOS considered as the flexible system of learning?

Ans.

NIOS provides its students some exceptional facilities that a regular school can not. These facilities are as follows:

  • Flexibility of choosing the course/program independent of your age
  • Flexibility of not attending classes
  • Flexibility of on demand exam, i.e., it allows you to take the exam when you are ready
  • Flexibility of timewhich allows you to complete a 1 year program even in 4-6 years.

13. How is NIOS different from other Boards?

Ans.

Besides, the curriculum/syllabus of secondary or senior secondary education at NIOS is almost similar to CBSE, ICSE or other prevailing boards in India. Like other school boards, it is also recognised by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD).

NIOS just provides a route for completing education to those who have not been able to complete it through the regular school. The Seconday and Sr. Secondary certificate obtained from NIOS have the same recognition as certificates issued by other boards. To know some other differences which come to be the benefits of opting NIOS

14. What are the Courses offered by NIOS?

Ans.

NIOS offers the following courses:-

(a)Open Basic Education (OBE) Programme, which includes following three levels courses

  • OBE 'A' Level Course -Equivalent to class III
  • OBE 'B' Level Course -Equivalent to class V
  • OBE 'C' Level Course -Equivalent to class VIII

(b) Academic Courses

  • Secondary Course-Equivalent to class X
  • Senior Secondary Course-Equivalent to class XII

(c) Vocational Education Courses

(d) Life Enrichment Programmes

15. Can a student change the subjects after taking admission in NIOS?

Ans.

A student change his/her subject or can add any additional subject after getting registered for a period of five years, considering the criteria that the total number of subjects does not cross seven.  

16. When does NIOS conduct the Public Examinations?

Ans.

NIOS conducts the Public Examinations twice in a year

  • First in the months of April-May
  • Second in the months October-November

However, candidates are also eligible to appear through On Demand Examination at secondary level and senior secondary level in those subjects only in which they have admission in NIOS. 

17. Is it necessary for a student to have a two years gap between passing of secondary and Sr. Secondary Examination?

Ans.

Yes, candidates seeking admission to Senior Secondary Course must ensure a two-year gap from the year of passing the Secondary examination. If a learner does not have the requisite gap of two years, he/she can appear in maximum of four subjects only in the first year. He/she will be eligible to appear in remaining subjects only on completion of two years gap.

18. What are the mediums of studies available in NIOS?

Ans.

NIOS offers the Secondary courses in English, Hindi, Urdu, Telugu, Gujarati, Marathi, Malayalam and Oriya mediums. However, at Senior Secondary level, the course is offered only in English, Hindi and Urdu mediums. 

19. What is the value of NIOS Board for the entrance level exams like IIT JEE, PMT?

Ans.

NIOS is recognised by the government of India which makes the certification through this board valid throughout India for registering to any competitive exam that students take after clearing their 12th.

20. Is NIOS valid for government jobs?

Ans.

Yes, the NIOS is a government authorized board under the Ministry of Human Resource and development, government of India.  Therefore, NIOS Board is valid for any further education in all over India and is recognized for all types of government jobs also.

21. Conclusions:

The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) has emerged as a beacon of flexibility and inclusivity in the education landscape. With its open and distance learning model, NIOS allows a wide spectrum of learners, including school dropouts, working professionals, homeschoolers, and those with special needs,

22. FAQs

What's the Objectives of NIOS?

Ans.: 

The NIOS plays a very important role in the National System of Education and it has its own distinct characteristics. The main objectives of NIOS are:

  • To provide professional advice to the Government of India, and to the States, regarding proper development of Open and Distance Learning System at school level in response to requests from the concerned Government/s or suo moto
  • To develop need based Academic and Vocational Education Programmes for livelihood and lifelong learning up to pre-degree leve
  • To attain excellence in developing quality Open and Distance Curricula and courseware for learners
  • To accredit institutions for developing effective learner support system to facilitate learning up to pre-degree level
  • To strengthen the Open and Distance Learning System through research and development activities
  • To promote open schooling at national and global level by networking, capacity building, sharing of resources and quality assurance

Q. What's the prioritized target groups of NIOS?

Ans.: 

The target groups of NIOS are the following:

  • Rural and urban people
  • Disadvantaged groups
  • Underprivileged sections of the society
  • Unemployed and partly employed people
  • School dropouts
  • People with special needs i.e., physically and mentally challenged persons
  • Minorities

References

1. The National Institute of Open Schooling

https://www.nios.ac.in NIOS

2. Swayam

https://swayam.gov.in › nc_details National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS)

3. "National Institute Of Open Schooling". Nos.org. 19 February 2012. Archived from the original on 7 March 2012. Retrieved 3 March 2012.

4."pub_PS_OpenSchooling_web" (PDF). Col.org. Retrieved 3 July 2015.

5.  "International Centre for Training in Open Schooling". Nos.org. 16 November 1945. Archived from the original on 25 February 2012. Retrieved 3 March 2012.

 6. Majumdar Sahil, Pallavi (15 October 2002). "Open school for UAE expats". Times of India. Retrieved 9 July 2013.



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