Overview
The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) is an autonomous organisation under India's education ministry, established in 1989, that offers open and distance schooling. Its Secondary (Class 10 equivalent) and Senior Secondary (Class 12 equivalent) certificates are recognised on par with other school boards, and courses are available in several Indian languages depending on the level. NIOS also offers vocational and life-enrichment courses.
Who can apply
For fresh admission to the Secondary course, a candidate should be at least 14 years old, with no upper age limit. Beyond the regular (Stream-1) route, NIOS also allows candidates who have already passed Secondary or Senior Secondary from another recognised board to enrol for specific subjects, and candidates who could not complete or clear their NIOS exam earlier to re-register.
Exam pattern
NIOS holds public examinations twice a year, in April–May and October–November. It also runs an On-Demand Examination (ODE) for Secondary and Senior Secondary learners, which lets registered and eligible candidates choose their own exam dates within a notified session window rather than waiting for the fixed public exam.
Fees
For the On-Demand Examination, NIOS charges Rs 500 per subject, plus Rs 200 for a practical subject. Fees are revised from time to time, so check the current session's fee notice on your regional NIOS centre's website.
How to apply
Admission and On-Demand Examination registration are both done online through the NIOS student portal, with documents such as age proof, address proof and (for later exams) previous mark sheets or admit cards uploaded as needed. On-Demand Examination registration for Streams 3 and 4 (candidates registering directly for exams rather than full admission) stays open through most of the year, though a learner cannot register for the same subject's ODE twice within a month.
After the exam
Only candidates who pass receive a mark sheet automatically; others can request one online for a fee. NIOS certificates are accepted for further study and for competitive exams on the same footing as other recognised boards.
Preparation tips
Decide early whether you're taking the fixed public exam or the On-Demand Examination, since registration windows and fees differ.
Keep your admission and identity documents ready before you start online registration, as uploads are required at each stage.
What is NIOS?
The National Institute of Open Schooling is an autonomous body that offers Secondary and Senior Secondary schooling through open and distance learning, with certificates recognised on par with other boards.
What is the minimum age to join the NIOS Secondary course?
14 years, with no upper age limit, for fresh admission.
What is the On-Demand Examination (ODE)?
An NIOS exam option where eligible Secondary and Senior Secondary candidates choose their own exam date within a notified session, instead of only sitting the fixed April–May or October–November public exam.
How much does the On-Demand Examination cost?
Rs 500 per subject, plus Rs 200 for a practical subject, as of the fee structure published by NIOS regional centres; confirm the current fee before you register.