FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What is NIOS?

Ans: 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 upto 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).

2. What is Open and Distance Learning system?

Ans: Open and Distance learning (ODL) is an innovative approach of providing opportunity of learning through Self Learning Material (SLM) and certain other strategies in a flexible manner at the pace of learners. In this mode, the learner is also provided academic support in the form of PCP and TMA in addition to SLM.

3. What is the difference between Open Schooling and Regular Schooling?

Ans: Regular Schooling is a traditional method of face to face learning in a formal set-up of class room situation with a rigid time-table; whereas Open Schooling is a flexible method of providing self learning and its evaluation to a learner according to his/her own schedule. The Open learning system is very helpful to learners who could not avail the facility of formal schooling on account of economic, social or geographical considerations or they want to continue their study while working in some gainful employment.

4. How different is NIOS from any other Institution for providing Education?

Ans: The NIOS follows learner centric approach of teaching through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Mode. It offers a wide range of subjects in comparison to any other formal schooling programme. The learners are free to choose subject combination as per their needs and goals. The learners study at their own pace with the help of specially designed Self Learning Materials (SLM). Learning is supplemented by audio-video and face to face contact classes which are held at the study centres on holidays and weekends. The learners have freedom to appear in examination in their subjects as per their preparation.

5. What are the Courses offered by NIOS?

NIOS offers the following programmes /courses:- Open Basic Education (OBE) Programme, which includes following three levels courses (i) OBE 'A' Level Course -Equivalent to class III (ii) OBE 'B' Level Course -Equivalent to class V (iii) OBE 'C' Level Course -Equivalent to class VIII a) Academic Courses (i) Secondary Course-Equivalent to class X (ii) Senior Secondary Course-Equivalent to class XII b) Vocational Education Courses c) Life Enrichment Programmes 

6. Whether Secondary/Senior Secondary School Certificates obtained from NIOS have the same recognition as of other Boards?

Ans: Yes. The Secondary/Senior Secondary certificates obtained from NIOS have the same recognition as certificates issued by other Boards. NIOS is vested with the authority to conduct Public Examinations at Secondary and Senior Secondary level vide Govt. of India's resolution dated 14 September 1990. Further, all the Boards either National or State including NIOS are following the National Curriculum Framework (2005). Thus, the Secondary and the Senior Secondary Certificates of NIOS are equivalent and at par to the Secondary and the Senior Secondary Certificate of other Boards.

7. What is the organisational set-up of NIOS?

Ans: The Headquarter of NIOS is situated at A-24-25, Institutional Area, Sector-62, NOIDA, (UP). The organizational structure includes five departments at the Headquarter, nineteen Regional Centres, two Sub-Regional Centres and one Cell located in different states/parts of the country. The departments of NIOS are (i) Academic (ii) Vocational Education (iii) Evaluation (iv) Student Support Services and (v) Administration.

8. How can I get information about the  NIOS?

Ans: You can visit IIL website www.iillko.com or contact on Phone 9335218071 or 0522-4001998

9. By which resolution, NIOS has been vested with the authority to conduct examination at school level and for certification thereof?

Ans: The Government of India vide resolution no. F5.24/90Sch.3 dated 14th September, 1990 published in part-I section no. 42 of the Gazette of India on 20th October, 1990 vested in NIOS the authority to conduct examinations at school level and for certification thereof.

10. Has the Association of Indian Universities granted equivalency to NIOS Certificates?

Ans: Yes, the Association of Indian Universities vide its letter no. EV11/(354)/91 dated 25th July, 1991 has granted equivalency of courses of NIOS with those of other examinations of recognised Boards for purpose of admission to higher studies in Indian Universities.

11. Whether a candidate passing the Secondary Examination from NIOS can take admission in class XI of any other Board?

Ans:Yes. As all the Boards whether National or of States including NIOS are following the National Curriculum Framework -2005 brought out by NCERT, hence, the NIOS students who have passed the Secondary examination from it are eligible to seek admission in Class XI of any other Board.

12. Whether a candidate passing the Senior Secondary examination from NIOS is eligible for admission in Universities and Professional Colleges?

Yes. NIOS learners are eligible to seek admission in any university and professional college if otherwise fulfilling the eligibility criteria of that particular university/professional colleg