Admission to NIOS: A Pathway to Flexible Education

Are you looking for an educational opportunity that fits your unique circumstances and goals? The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) offers a flexible and inclusive platform for learners seeking to complete their schooling or pursue additional education. Whether you’re a school dropout, working professional, or someone looking to improve their qualifications, NIOS provides a welcoming environment tailored to your needs.

What is NIOS?

Established by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, NIOS is the largest open schooling system in the world. It aims to provide education to a diverse range of learners through flexible learning methodologies. NIOS caters to students at the secondary (Class 10) and senior secondary (Class 12) levels, offering a wide array of subjects and courses.

Why Choose NIOS?

1. Flexibility: NIOS understands that every learner has different needs and schedules. It allows you to study at your own pace and choose the examination schedule that suits you best.
2. Inclusivity: Whether you are a school dropout, differently-abled, or employed full-time, NIOS welcomes all learners without discrimination. It provides an opportunity to complete your education in a supportive environment.
3. Wide Range of Subjects: NIOS offers a variety of subjects at both secondary and senior secondary levels. From humanities and sciences to vocational courses, you have the flexibility to choose subjects that align with your interests and career aspirations.
4. Quality Education: The curriculum at NIOS is designed by experts in education and follows the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). It ensures that you receive a quality education comparable to that provided in conventional schools.
5. Recognition: NIOS certifications are recognized by universities, employers, and government bodies across India and abroad. Whether you aim to pursue higher education or seek employment opportunities, NIOS qualifications hold significant value.

How to Apply

Applying to NIOS is straightforward and can be done online through their official website or at one of their regional centers across India. Here’s a brief overview of the application process:

1. Registration: Visit the NIOS website (www.nios.ac.in) and register yourself as a learner. Provide necessary details such as personal information, educational background, and choice of subjects.
2. Choose Subjects: Select the subjects you wish to study based on your educational goals and interests.
3. Study Material: Once registered, NIOS provides study materials in printed or digital formats to help you prepare for your examinations.
4. Examinations: NIOS conducts examinations twice a year—April-May and October-November. You can choose the exam dates that are convenient for you.
5. Results and Certification: After successfully completing your examinations, NIOS issues a mark sheet and a passing certificate, which are equivalent to those provided by other recognized boards.

Official Website Link	Click here
Helpline Number	1800 180 9393 (Toll Free)

ios Admission Open For 10th & 12th Class 

The NIOS Open School Admission for the April 2025 session is now open for 10th & 12th classes across streams 1, 2, 3, and 4. Interested students are encouraged to apply for registration as soon as possible. It’s essential not to wait until the last date to avoid missing out.

Below are the required documents for admission to the National Open School for the 2025 April Exam Batch:

• Proof of age (birth certificate, Aadhar card, etc.)
• Address proof (Aadhar card, voter ID, etc.)
• Passport size photographs
• Previous educational certificates (if any)

Nios Board offers admission to students who have failed in the 8th or 9th grade to enroll in the 10th class, while those who failed in the 11th grade can enroll in the 12th class. The National Institute of Open Schooling, also known as Open School, provides a flexible and convenient platform for distance learning. It caters to students who are unable to attend regular classes, enabling them to continue their education seamlessly.

Eligibility & Required Documents for Nios Admission in 10th Class (Secondary)  for 2024-25 April Exam:

• Candidate age should be 14 years for taking Nios admission in 10th Secondary Course
• 8th or 9th Class Pass School leaving certificate should be signed by the principal & Gazette officer the competent education authority
• Address Proof like AADHAR CARD (Parent’s)/Rent Agreement (if rented)
• Cast certificate (if belongs to OBC, SC, ST category)
• Certificate from a Government Hospital for a handicapped person
• Original failure/compartment Marksheet of class 10th for TOC (Transfer of credit)
• Two Latest Coloured Photographs (Passport Size)

Eligibility & Required Documents for Nios Admission in 12th Class (Senior Secondary) for 2024-25 April Exam:

• Candidate age should be 15 years for taking Nios admission in 12th Senior Secondary Course
• Scan/Photocopy of 10th class passed Mark sheet
• Address Proof (Aadhar Card)/Rent Agreement (if rented)
• Cast Certificate (if belongs to OBC, SC, ST)
• Certificate from a Government Hospital for a handicapped person
• Original Failure/ Compartment Without Laminated Mark sheet of class 12th for TOC (Transfer of credit)
• Two Latest Coloured Photographs (Passport Size)

Admission Procedure

Secondary Course

This Course is equivalent to the Xth standard. You can choose subjects from the Scheme of Studies given in Table-. However, you will be required to successfully complete a minimum of five subjects, which is compulsory for certification.

Senior Secondary Course

This Course is designed for those who have passed the Xth standard or equivalent examination from a recognised Board and would like to continue their education towards a Senior Secondary Certification, equivalent to XII standard.
You can choose subjects from the Scheme of Studies given in Table. However, you will be required to successfully complete a minimum of five subjects, which is compulsory for Certification.

Scheme of Studies

For different courses, the scheme of studies is shown in the Table below.

Course	Subject Offered	Scheme of Studies
Secondary	Hindi(201), English(202), Bengali(203), Marathi(204), Telugu(205), Urdu(206), Gujarati(207), Kannada(208), Sanskrit(209), Punjabi(210), Assamese (228),Nepali(231), Malayalam(232), Oriya(233), Arabic (235)Mathematics(211), * Science(212), Social Science(213), Economics(214), Business Studies(215), Home Science(216),, Psychology (222), Bhartiya Culture & Heritage (223), * Painting (225), * Data Entry Operations (229)	Five Subjects with either one or two languagesMinimum of five subjects.Two additional subject can also be takenThe Learners are however advised to select the subjects as per their future plan of study and work
Senior Secondary	Hindi(301), English(302), Urdu(306), Bengali (303), Sanskrit (309), Mathematics(311), * Physics(312), Chemistry(313),* Biology(314),History(315), * Geography(316), Political Science(317), Economics(318), Commerce(319), Accountancy(320), * Home Science(321), * Stenography(H)(324), * Stenography(E)(325), * Stenography(Urdu) (329), * Secretarial Practice(326), Psycology(328), * Computer Science(330), Sociology(331), * Painting (332), * Mass Communication (335), Environmental science (333), * Data entry Operations (333)	–

• Subjects with * have theory as well as practical works.

Procedure

From the year 2010-11, NIOS has introduced 100% On-line admission in order to facilitate learners in registering themselves with it. Off-line admission quota has been dispensed with. Under this scheme learners have the options to

1. register themselves One-line directly
2. may visit their nearest AI (study centre)/Facilitation Centre and take their help for On-line registration.
3. may visit their Regional Centre for on line-registration.

In order to facilitate admission, provision of on-line admission throughout the year 24×7 has been made.

• Online Admission through NIOS On-line (Ni-On) Project

Incomplete application forms will be rejected.

• Requirement: Minimum Educational Qualification
• Secondary Course: Certificate of Class VIII passed, or Self Certificate (as mentioned atThe back of Admission Form)
• Senior Secondary Course: Copy of the Certificate of the Secondary Examination passed from a recognized Board of Secondary Education duly attested by a Gazetted Officer

• Admission forms received without supporting documents will be rejected and fee will not be refunded.
• If the secondary level examination is not passed from a recognised board, admission at secondary level will not be considered. List of recognised Boards
• If you possess a High School/Secondary Certificate from any foreign Board/University and want to take admission to Senior Secondary course of NIOS, you will be required to attach a certificate from the concerned ambessy to the effect that the examination passed by you is equivalent to the Indian High School/Secondary Examination.

Re-admission for Ex-NIOS students

The students of NIOS at SECONDARY/senior Secondary level who have completed their validity period of five years of admission, but could not complete the Course, are eligible to take Re-admission with NIOS. The credit of subject passed (maximum of four subjects) in the previous admission will be transferred to the fresh admission, if these subjects are passed during the last ten years .

• Code No: 9901
• Name of the Board: National Institute of Open Schooling (National Open School)

Transfer of Credits (TOC) Facilities

Ex-Secondary/Senior Secondary students of the following Boards of School Education who have passed in at least one subject, but have not qualified in the course, may seek admission in the respective course at NIOS and avail facility of TOC.

1. You will have the option to get the credit transferred to a maximum of two subjects, provided these subjects are passed in the last five years
2. The credits will be given only in those subjects which are included in NIOS scheme of studies and the scheme of examination. TOC in the subjects having practicals at Sr. Secondary level will be allowed only when you are pass in theory and practical separately.
3. You will have to give full details of the TOC subjects and marks obtained on the Admission Form.
4. You will have to attach the original mark sheet issued by the respective Board.
5. You will have to pay requisite fee of an amount Rs. 75/- per subject for transfer of credit for the number of subjects in which TOC is required.

Dual Enrolment and part Credit

Under this scheme if you are a learner who

1. is studying in a regular school, or
2. has already passed Secondary Sr. Secondary or any other higher course from any Board/University, you can opt any subjects of your choice, to update knowledge and educational qualifications

However, on passing, only the statement of grades will be issued, No other certificate will be issued in this case.

Fee

Fee payable for various courses is given in table. Read it carefully. Admission fee payable for different courses include charges for registration, study materials, personal contact programmes , Identity Card etc.

To earn part credit, a learner can also take one or two subjects only. In such case, please pay fees as per the fee structure is given in the Table

Fee once paid is not refundable, or adjustable in future

• Fee once paid is not refundable, or adjustable in future.
• Don’t pay any extra amount apart from the requisite fee.

Fee Structure

General Category (Fee include PCP*, Registration Fee and cost of material) Exempted from PCP* fee	Male (Without Late Fee)	Female (Without Late Fee)	SC/ST, Ex-Service Men/Handicapped (Without Late Fee)
Secondary Course (i) for 5 subjects	Rs.1800	Rs.1450	Rs.1200
(ii) for an additional Subject	Rs.720	Rs.720	Rs.720
Senior Secondary Course (i) for 5 subjects	Rs. 2000	Rs.1650	Rs.1300
(ii) for an additional Subject	Rs.720	Rs.720	Rs.720

Fee Structure for Part Admission/Part Credit/TOC

Course level	Registration Fee	Cost of Course Material for each subject	Fee for Transfer of Credit(TOC) (per subject)
Secondary	Rs.480	Rs.360	Rs. 180/-
Sr. Secondary	Rs. 480	Rs. 400	Rs. 180/-

Cancellation of Admission

You admission will be cancelled and fee paid will not be refunded on the following grounds:

• if the admission form is incomplete,
• if the supporting documents are not complete,
• if the fee paid is short,
• if false documents have been submitted,
• if required educational qualifications are not fulfilled,
• if the minimum are criteria is not fulfilled,
• if incorrect or wrong information is given,
• if the secondary examination is not passed from a recognised board.

Note: Admission once cancelled, will not be re-considered and fee paid will not be refunded under any circumstance.

NIOS will not be responsible if the request for admission is not considered on account of short payment deposited with the AI or if no seats are available with AI.

Confirmation of Admission and Issue of Identity Card

Your admission to a particular course will be confirmed by NIOS by issuing an Identity Card and a confirmation letter giving your admission particulars as per the record available in NIOS computers. Do check the particulars given in the confirmation letter. Discrepancies, if any, may be brought to the notice of the AI immediately. The Identity Card will be issued only once and no modified Identity Card will be issued on subsequent changes/corrections of admission particulars. You should retain your Identity Card carefully till you complete your study in NIOS.

Other Facilities after Admission

1. Issue of Duplicate Identity Card
   In case of loss of Identity Card, a duplicate Identity Card can be issued. For obtaining Duplicate Identity Card, first lodge an FIR with the concerned Police Station. Then apply on a plain paper to the concerned Regional Centre of NIOS as listed in Appendix-‘D’ along with (i) the copy of FIR, (ii) Bank Draft of Rs. 100/-drawn in favour of the Secretary, National Institute of Open Schooling, payable at the concerned Regional Centre, and (iii) a photograph along with specimen signatures duly attested by the Coordinator of AI.
2. Change of Subject/Additional Subject
   During the admission period of five years, you can change one or more subject(s), provided the total number of subjects does not exceed seven. However, such a change is permissible within your registration, so that you can appear in Public Examinations with the validity period of admission. No change/addition of subjects will be allowed or the first examination i.e., April-May 2007 examination. Subject(s) passed cannot be changed.
   For change of subject/additional subject, you are required to submit your application on plain paper to the Concerned Regional Centre of the NIOS through your AI along with the prescribed fee.
   The fee should be paid though a Bank Draft drawn in favour of ‘Secretary, National Institute of Open Schooling’ payable at the concerned regional Centre. No application in this regard will be accepted in the NIOS Headquarters. The concerned Regional Centre of NIOS will confirm such change or Addition of subjects at your mailing address under intimation to your AI. Do keep in contact with your AI and ensure that the described changes have been made.

Learner Support Centre (LSC)

(On the pattern of Call Centre)

All Information at one call – User friendly Learner Support Centre- JUST DIAL 1800 180 9393 (Toll Free)

The success of any Open Learning institution like NIOS lies in its responsiveness to the changing needs and aspirations of its clientele group. The technological advances have increased the aspirations of the learners from the institutions and the institutions, today, depend heavily on technology of various types to deal with its learners. In order to facilitate its learners/client group for their transactions/ interactions with NIOS, a Learner Support Centre (LSC) has been set up at NIOS HQ at NOIDA and has started functioning from February 2009. The Learner Support Centre functions as a Multi-mode Response Centre.

The Learner Support Centre is using different modes of communication to respond to the queries of learners regarding their educational, health and social concerns in a time bound framework.

The queries are addressed through:

1. IVRS driven response system
2. Telephony driven response system
3. Web driven response system including E-mails
4. SMS driven response system

The Learner Support Centre will Provide the following:

1. From 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM – Supported by Executives
2. From 05:30 PM to 9:30 AM – Supported by IVRS

• How do I take admission?
• What are documents required for admission?
• What is the admission fee structure?
• What is the status of my admission?
• When will I get my identity card?
• How will I get my study material?
• Which is my allotted study centre?
• When is my first study examination?
• Where to submit my TMA?
• How and when to submit my examination fee?
• When is my result coming? ——- and many more

or mail your queries/problems to lsc(at)nios[dot]ac[dot]in

Conclusion

Choosing NIOS for your education opens doors to a flexible learning experience that respects your individuality and accommodates your unique circumstances. Whether you are looking to complete your schooling, upgrade your qualifications, or prepare for higher education and employment, NIOS provides a robust platform to achieve your goals. Embrace the opportunity to learn at your own pace and shape your future with NIOS.

For more information on admissions, courses, and study materials, visit the NIOS website or contact your nearest NIOS regional center today. Take the first step towards a brighter future with NIOS—where education meets flexibility and inclusivity.

National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) Class 10th & 12th Admission