Open Basic Education Programme

The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) was set up as the National Open School in 1989 by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, as an autonomous organisation. It provides educational opportunities to persons who wish to study further and qualify for a better tomorrow.

The Mission of NIOS is to provide education to all with special concern for girls and women, rural youth, working men and women, SCs and STs, differently abled persons and other disadvantaged persons who could not continue their education in the formal system. The aim of NIOS is to reach the unreached.

NIOS has taken special initiatives for imparting education to Jail Inmates by setting up Study Centres in Jails across the country and granting full fee exemption.

There are three National Boards of School Education: NIOS, CBSE, and CISCE. NIOS is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. It is vested with authority to impart school education up to pre-university level, conduct examinations and award certificates.

The Open Basic Education (OBE) programme was initiated in June 1994 with the aim of providing primary and upper primary education through alternative means of open schooling. In 2000 the programme was extended to cover children 6–14 years with the help of Accredited Agencies (AAs).

NIOS reaches marginalized groups who were unable to attend school due to physical or social inaccessibility. The OBE programme has been recognised by the Government of India as equivalent to formal school education for further education and employment.

The programme is for children of 6–14 years age group. The target group consists of:

• School dropouts from formal education system
• Left outs from Schools
• Out of school children
• Children of marginalized groups: SC, ST, minorities, migratory population, nomads and families Below Poverty Line (BPL)
• Children with special needs (CWSN)

• Registration period valid for a maximum period of five years
• Flexibility to choose any language as medium of study: Hindi, English, Sanskrit, Urdu or any Regional Language
• Minimum age for admission: 7 years as on 31st March of the year
• Assessment by Accredited Agencies (AAs) as per NIOS guidelines
• First examination at any level in the next year from the year of admission
• Credit accumulation facility available for OBE learners
• Minimum duration of study for each level A/B/C: one academic year
• Multiple entry system: Learner can enter at Level A, B or C directly based on eligibility

Admissions are 100% Online through www.nios.ac.in and Student Portal www.sdmis.nios.ac.in. The learner has three options:

• Log on to www.nios.ac.in or www.sdmis.nios.ac.in
• Read all instructions and procedures carefully before filling
• Keep ready scanned images of Photograph, Signature and relevant Documents as per Table-4
• Keep valid Mobile Number and valid e-mail ID ready
• Pay processing charges online within 10 days of submitting application
• One email address: once only; one Mobile Number and Address: max three learners
• After verification, an Enrolment Number will be generated; confirmation via email and SMS
• Hard copy of admission form NOT required to be sent; but upload scanned originals online

Learner's admission will be cancelled if:

• The processing charge paid is short
• The supporting documents are not appropriate
• False documents submitted or incorrect information given

• Issue of Duplicate Identity Card
• Change of Subject / Additional Subject
• Change of Study Centre / AA
• Issue of Duplicate Documents
• Minor Corrections in spelling of Name, Father's/Mother's/Guardian's Name
• Change of learner's name
• Correction of Date of Birth and other personal details

• Curriculum for OBE programme developed by NIOS
• Subjects include Academic and Pre-Vocational subjects to introduce learners to the world of work
• Curriculum focuses on life issues, national concerns, social harmony, national integration, peace and values
• Activity-based learning is emphasised
• Sample learning materials available on www.nios.ac.in
• AAs may also use State Government or other national level Board textbooks

• Minimum 100 hours of study time per subject
• For pre-vocational subjects: additional 50 hours for practical (Total 150 hours)

The Accredited Agency (Study Centre) will provide the following services without any additional charges:

• Academic support as prescribed in curriculum at each level
• Counseling for course-related problems/queries
• Informing examination date sheet, centre and other important information
• Conducting Examination
• Issue Achievement-cum-Transfer Certificate jointly after receiving from NIOS, without any additional fee

• Examination held once a year in February on dates fixed by the Accredited Agency
• First-time learner must study for one year before appearing
• Medium: Hindi / Sanskrit / English / Urdu / Regional Language
• Levels A & B: 100 marks, 2.5 hours duration
• Level C: 100 marks, 3 hours duration
• Date sheet prepared by concerned Accredited Agency
• Examination evaluated by Accredited Agency as per NIOS guidelines

A Joint Certificate issued jointly by Accredited Agency and NIOS. Certification criteria:

A learner can avail five chances in examinations over five years. NIOS accumulates credits until the learner clears all required subjects for certification.

In case of use of unfair means, examination will be cancelled; learner may be debarred from future exams and admission may also be cancelled.

Learners with disabilities (blindness, low vision, speech/locomotor impairment etc.) are provided need-based provisions including amanuensis, technological devices, etc.

Learners must submit an application to the concerned Regional Centre of NIOS along with a Medical Certificate from any of the following:

• Disability Certificate from Government Hospitals (Central/State)
• Certificate from recognized national-level institutes (National Association for the Blind, Spastic Society, etc.)
• Certificate from NGOs/practitioners registered with Rehabilitation Council of India

Processing charges cover registration, verification, data processing, examination monitoring, result processing, Joint Certificate preparation and dispatch.

Minimum Educational Qualification: No minimum educational qualification required at any level.

Date of Birth Documents (any one):

• Birth Certificate from Municipal Authority / Registrar of Births and Deaths
• Passport issued by Government of India
• Transfer Certificate / School Leaving Certificate showing date of birth
• Aadhaar Card issued by Government of India

Proof of Residence (any one):

• Aadhaar / Ration Card / Utility Bill in parents'/guardian's name
• For rented accommodation: permanent address proof + current rented accommodation proof
• Street children/orphans: Self-certificate stating category, countersigned by AA/NGO

Other Documents (Original Scanned Copies):

• Recent Passport size colour Photograph
• Signature (preferably in Black Ink)
• Disability Certificate (if applicable)

NIOS recognises the talent and virtues of OBE learners as an integral part of the programme.

Talent areas: Poetry, Singing, Dance, Instrumental Music, Acting, Mimicry, Creativity, Painting, Others

The Ministry issued a circular to all State Education Secretaries recognising NIOS OBE Programme. The letter confirms:

• NIOS is an autonomous organisation set up in 1989 for pre-degree level education
• AIU granted equivalence via Notification dated 25.7.1991
• Level A ≡ Class III/II, Level B ≡ Class V/IV, Level C ≡ Class VIII/VII
• All States/UTs instructed to treat NIOS-NGO joint certificates as equivalent for admissions and employment

Signed by: (Amit Kaushik), Director | Tel: 23382604