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

A person who has passed class VIII and has valid proof of attaining 14 years of age can apply for registration to a Secondary Course. A self certificate “I have studied enough to be able to pursue Secondary course” is also eligible for admission to the Secondary course. A person who had studied at Secondary level can also seek admission in NIOS either to complete his course or to improve his performance.

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

Admission once registered is valid up to next 5 years.

Fee concession is provided to female and SC/ST/Ex-Servicemen and the differently abled candidates as per NIOS norms.

No. To take admission in the Senior Secondary course, the candidate must have passed the Secondary course from a recognised Board.

The minimum age to take admission in the Senior Secondary Course is 15 years, as on 31 st July of the year of admission.

The NIOS offers the Secondary courses in English, Hindi, Urdu, Marathi, Telugu, Gujarati, Malayalam and Odia mediums; and the Senior Secondary courses in English, Hindi, Urdu and Bengali mediums.

English, Urdu, Sanskrit, Bengali, Marathi, Telugu, Gujarati, Kannada, Punjabi, Assamese, Nepali, Malayalam, Odia, Arabic, Persian, Tamil, Mathematics, Science and Technology, Social Science, Economics, Business Studies, Home Science; Psychology, Indian Culture and Heritage, Painting, Data Entry Operations.

Hindi, English, Bengali, Tamil, Urdu, Sanskrit, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography, Political Science, Economics, Business Studies, Accountancy, Home Science, Psychology, Computer Science, Sociology, Painting, Environmental Science, Mass Communication, Data Entry Operations. In this regard, please check the latest Academic Prospectus.

Yes, you can change one or more subjects, provided the total number of subjects does not exceed seven. However, such a change is permissible within four years of your registration, so that you can appear in Public Examination within the validity period of admission. No change/addition of subjects will be allowed in the first examination. Subjects already passed cannot be changed.

For obtaining a pass certificate at the Secondary level, a learner is required to pass in a minimum of five subjects including one or maximum two languages.

Yes, you can opt upto two additional subjects. Thus, in all you can choose a maximum of seven subjects.

The latest fee structure for registration and examination is given on NIOS website and in the prospectus.

Yes, if you have completed the Secondary/Senior Secondary Course from any National/State Board of Education and want to take admission in NIOS for the same course, you will be allowed to take admission in NIOS in upto four subjects. On successful completion, you will get only the mark sheet. No certificate is issued under dual/part admission scheme.

Yes, it is permissible.

Admission to a particular course is normally confirmed by NIOS by issuing an identity card having your admission particulars as per the records available with NIOS. On confirmation of admission, enrolment number is also informed to the candidate.

The specially designed printed Self Learning Material for different subjects alongwith other support material will be provided to you through post at your home address. You are therefore expected to give your correct and complete home address.

In case of undelivered parcel of study material, you shall be required to pay Rs.100/- (Rupees one hundred only) by way of Demand Draft in favour of Secretary, NIOS, Payable at NOIDA (U.P.) for re-despatch of study material at your residence to the Dy. Director, Material Distribution Unit, C/o CWC, G T Karnal Road, Rana Pratap Bagh, Delhi-110033

Yes, in case any particulars such as name, fathers name, mothers name, date of birth, address and photo etc., are not correctly entered at the time of admission, the learner may request for correction of the same by producing supporting documents to the concerned Regional Centre. Guidelines in this regard are also hosted on NIOS website.

A learner can change his/her subject or can add any additional subject after taking admission, on payment of requisite fee.

Yes, In case of loss of Identity card, a duplicate Identity card can be issued after lodging an FIR with the concerned police station by the candidate. Then one should apply on plain paper to the concerned Regional Centre of NIOS along with the copy of FIR, the bank draft of requisite fee and two photographs. Detailed guidelines can be seen on website in this regard.

A learner can choose subjects of his/her choice from the list provided at NIOS website and prospectus keeping in view the passing criteria and Certification criteria, as also the requirement of other Boards/University for further education.

Yes, in order to make NIOS courses more meaningful, vocational courses are offered independently or in combination with academic subjects at the Secondary and the Senior Secondary level.

Yes, NIOS has entered into an MOU with CSC e-Governance India Ltd., Ministry of Information and Technology, Government of India. Under this MOU, all the Common Services Centres throughout the country will be acting as facilitation Centres of NIOS where any prospective candidates can avail various on-line facilities of NIOS at the prescribed rates. These rates are given at page 7 to 9 of the Handbook. The amount as per these rates is to be paid by the candidate to the facilitation centre and will be in addition to the registration fee of NIOS.

The details are as follows :

Ex-Secondary/Senior Secondary students of other recognised 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 Transfer of Credit (TOC) whereby marks of any two subjects passed from Parent Board are transferred to NIOS for Certification.

A learner should seek Transfer of Credit (TOC) at the time of admission in the subjects which are included in NIOS scheme of studies. The original mark sheet of the previous Board has to be submitted along with the admission form.

Yes, NIOS provides the facility of transfer of credit (TOC) to a maximum of 4 subjects to NIOS learners and maximum of 2 subjects to the candidates of other Boards, if passed in the last 5 years provided these subjects are available in NIOS scheme of studies also.

The instructional process comprises of using self-instructional print materials, listening and viewing audio and video programmes, attending Personal Contract Programmes(PCPs) at the Study Centre, interaction through Web-radio i.e. Mukta Vidya Vani, and doing Tutor Marked Assignments(TMA) etc.

In NIOS, learners learn at their own pace and convenience. The learners of NIOS are self learners.

Maximum of 30 Personal Contact Programme (PCP) sessions as per NIOS norms are organized per subject for theory and 5 additional practical sessions for a subject having practical on face to face basis, generally on weekends and holidays, in the first year of admission, by AIs (Study Centres). Guidelines in this regard are also hosted on website.

Tutor Marked Assignments (TMA) are meant to help learners as they provide practice in writing answers to questions and get feedback. It is a kind of open book exams. Leaner has unlimited time to provide answer. Guidelines in this regard are also hosted on website.

The TMA will help learners to ensure their progress and revision in studies.

One assignment per subject is to be submitted as per the schedule given in the guidelines.

No, the TMA is only applicable for the learners admitted under Stream-I of NIOS. It is not applicable for admissions under Streams-II, III and IV.

Yes, a learner can appear at the entrance examination of a professional course in anticipation of the outcome of the examination he/she is due to get in NIOS. However, it is mandatory to fulfil the eligibility criteria of the competitive examination.

Assessment of TMA is an important part of ‘continuous and comprehensive evaluation’ and hence it is advised to treat it ‘compulsory’ as a learning exercise. However, a candidate may be allowed to appear in the external examination even if he/she could not submit the TMA in a subject. The learner shall be awarded ‘zero’ mark for ‘TMA’ part of internal assessment.

The learner must choose his/her Study Centre/A.I. very carefully at the time of admission. In case a learner wants transfer of his/her Study Centre from one to another, then after giving valid reasons and submitting proper documents in support of request alongwith a fee of Rs. 300/- (Three hundred only) he/she may apply to the concerned Regional Centre, NIOS, with a Bank Draft drawn in favour of Secretary, NIOS, payable at concerned Regional Centre. The Director (SSS) will be competent authority to decide the case.

The PCP is a well structured remedial session for learning that facilitates learners in solving their subject related problems which he/she faces during study.

PCP is important for learners as it gives them opportunity to clarify their difficulties in learning. The learners also meet and share their experiences in peer group.

No, PCP is meant only for the learners of NIOS enrolled under Stream-I.

10 PCPs out of 30 are compulsory to attend. As during PCPs, various activities will be organised and evaluated, hence, learners are advised to attend all PCP sessions.

The duration of each PCP session is 40 minutes.

Yes

The AI will prepare schedule of PCP and inform the concerned learners and Regional Centre and SSS Department, NIOS.

The PCP sessions will be held at the concerned Study Centre/AI.

Trained Graduate Teacher for Secondary course and Post Graduate Teacher for Senior Secondary course are eligible to be tutors.

No need to submit TMA again. Marks of TMA will be carried over.

Yes.

A leaner can submit TMAs at following places: All TMAs are to be submitted by learners at the allotted Study Centres. In case, a Study Centre is non functional, TMA can be submitted at the concerned Regional Centre and the same may be got evaluated by RC. In case any Study Centre is closed because of some reasons, TMA will be submitted at the newly allotted Study Centre. Evaluation will also be done by the same Study Centre.

Yes. The learner will be allowed to appear in the examination. However, it will put the learner at disadvantageous position. He/She will get zero marks in TMA. Hence, it is advisable to submit TMA.

The result will be declared on the basis of marks obtained in public examination. Separate passing marks are not essential in TMAs.

No

Yes, the evaluated answer script of TMA can be shown to learners. The tutor may also discuss with them to improve their performance. For this purpose, 5 days during PCP sessions have been assigned.

No. Re-evaluation of TMA is not allowed.

The data once provided by AI will be accepted as final data and can not be changed over a period of time.

Separate passing marks in theory are essential to pass the examination. In that case learner will be declared failed in the public examination.

There are no minimum marks for passing in TMA. However, one has to obtain at least 33% marks in the external examination and 33% in aggregate to pass. Current information may be checked from NIOS website.

Learner can seek guidance from the tutors to answer the TMAs during PCP.

The public examinations are held twice a year in the months of April-May and October-November on the dates fixed by the NIOS. However, if one is already a registered learner of NIOS at the Secondary or the Senior Secondary level, he/she can avail the facility of On Demand Examination. Internal assessment is an integral component of evaluation. Practical examinations in the relevant subjects are conducted at the Study Centre.

Yes, to appear for the NIOS exams, a candidate has to fill the examination form on-line and also need to pay prescribed examination fee.

The exam fee can be paid online through debit card, credit card, net banking and other modes as made available on NIOS website.

The exam fee can also be paid offline through bank draft, drawn in favour of “Secretary, NIOS” payable at concerned Regional Centre. Duly filled-in exam form along with Demand Draft may be submitted at the Regional Centre concerned before start of examination.

Yes, after the prescribed dates, a candidate can pay examination fee along with late fee or consolidated late fee within the prescribed schedule as per norms. This payment is accepted through bank draft, drawn in favour of “Secretary NIOS” payable at concerned Regional Centre. The application with consolidated fee can only be accepted at the Regional Centre concerned and not in the AI.

The schedule of examination is made available on the NIOS web site about a month before the commencement of examination. The schedule of examination is displayed on the notice Boards of AIs also.

Yes, the candidate is allowed to sit in the exam maximum upto 04 subjects and a two year gap is essential after passing the Secondary examination to be eligible to get registered for the 05 th subject required for certification. A learner can appear maximum in 04 subjects during first year.

In case the AI stands cancelled/ non-functional, fee may paid in the prescribed form at the concerned Regional Centre of the area.

Practical examinations for public examination are held at the respective AIs, where the learner got enrolled. In some cases, if the students are less in number in an AI, then practical examination may be shifted to nearby AI of NIOS or any other institution as per the decision of NIOS.

The Centre for theory examination is allotted to learners in nearby area of their study centre/AI as per the availability of the school for conduct of theory examination after they register for theory examinations by submitting the examination form and fees.

Yes, as per the norms and guidelines of NIOS. However, the change of centre within a district is not allowed.

Following relaxations are allowed to differently abled persons during examinations.

• Provision of an Amanuensis (writer)
• Maximum one hour additional to visually impaired or differently abled persons or spastic candidates.
• Relaxations for candidates suffering from sudden illness/accident.
• Separate sitting arrangement.
• Disability-wise relaxations to candidates with locomotor /orthopaedic disability, visually and hearing impaired.
• Multiple disability/Cerebral Palsy, Mentally Retarded and Leprosy-cured.
• The relaxations are available in theory examination only, and not in practicals

The differently abled person can apply by a written request to the concerned Regional Centre along with Medical certificate indicating the nature and extent of disability from a Govt. hospital.

Yes, extra time as per norms is given to visually impaired and differently abled persons. 20 minutes per hour additional time is given.

A learner is permitted to appear only at the allotted examination centre. In case a learner appears exam at an exam centre other than that allotted, then the result will not be declared and case will be treated as having resorted to unfair means.

Results are made available on NIOS website and on mobile phone through SMS as well as at the AI. On successful completion of the course as per certification criteria, a learner is provided Mark sheet, Migration Certificate and Provisional Certificate directly at the address given in the application form..

No, the learner is only required to appear in subjects yet to clear (SYC).

No, If learner passes in practical but fails in the theory of a subject, his/her practical marks will be retained and he/she can appear again only in theory papers.

Yes, it can be improved only once in public examination and as many times as he/she wants through On Demand Exam during the validity of his/her registration

The Mark-sheet and other documents are dispatched at the mailing address of the individual learners by the concerned Regional Centre.

All the Boards of school of education whether National or State including NIOS are following National Curriculum Framework brought out by NCERT. Hence the acceptability of Certificates issued by NIOS is the same as that of the certificates issued by other Boards of School Edcuation. The Secondary and the Senior Secondary certificates of NIOS are at par to the Secondary and the Senior Secondary certificates of other National and State Boards.

For obtaining duplicate copy of Marksheet/ Certificate, download the application form from NIOS website or obtain it from concerned Regional Centres and thereafter apply to Marks and Migration Section, NIOS, Noida along with prescribed fee through Demand Draft, in favour of the Secretary, NIOS payable at NOIDA (U.P.)

The learner may apply for correction to the Regional Director of his/her region within 30 days of declaration of results, if any discrepancy is found in the result. The proforma for application for correction in the record is available on NIOS website under Student Information Section.

Yes, NIOS provides an opportunity for re-checking of answer scripts in which re-totalling and evaluation of left out part is done. The learner has to apply for re-checking within 15 days from the declaration of results with prescribed fee of Rs.200/- (Rupees two hundred only) per subject through bank draft, drawn in favour of Secretary, NIOS.

Yes. The re-evaluation of answer-scripts is available at the Senior Secondary level in theory papers only. The learner has to apply for re-evaluation in any subject, within 15 days from the date of declaration of result, on a plain paper or in a prescribed proforma with the processing fee of Rs.500/- per subject (for public examinations) through bank draft drawn in favour of the Secretary, NIOS at the city of concerned Regional Centre. The proforma for re-evaluation is available at website.

UFM stands for unfair means activity in the examination. The examination of the learner booked under UFM case will be cancelled as per rules and may be debarred from appearing in the future examinations. Even the admission can also be cancelled.

No, the re-checking and re-evaluation are conducted only in theory papers.

Within 45 days time after the last date of application.

RW cases are decided after 40 to 60 days time from the declaration of the main result. The decision is displayed on NIOS website and a communication goes to the learners concerned

No. It is only considered for theory examinations.

The Open Basic Education (OBE) programme provides Elementary Education for school drop-outs, neo-literates and out of school learners. NIOS provides education at three levels- Level ‘A’, Level ‘B’ and Level ‘C’ which are equivalent to Classes-III, V and VIII respectively of the formal schooling system.

The courses offered under OBE programme include one language Maths, Environmental Science, Social Science (Please see Answer No. 110).

OBE programme is being implemented in collaboration with the Agencies accredited by NIOS popularly known as the Accredited Agencies. The Accredited Agencies offer the courses as per NIOS guidelines and conduct examination.

The OBE Programme is being conducted basically for two target groups, (1) 6-14 years of age, and (2) 14+ years of age. Children below the age of 6 are not registered under this programme. The school dropouts, the dropouts of NFE programmes, Neo-literates of National Literacy Mission’s Continuing Education Scheme, girls and women, marginalized groups, SC/ST, BPL groups, first generation learners, out of school children and adults can take admission under OBE programme as per their age..

The duration of each level A/B/C is one year

For obtaining pass certificate at Level A, pass in one language subject and three other subjects is necessary. Similarly, pass in one language subject and four other subjects is necessary for OBE B and C level of studies

A joint certificate is issued by the NIOS and the concerned Accredited Agency.

The curriculum is based upon at least 100 hours of study time per subject. Of this, 50 hours are to be at the study centre and 50 hours are for self-study. However, in case of primary level, where 6-14 year age group learners are the target, the number of study hours may be increased by Accredited Agency (AA).

The examination will to conducted by the Accredited Agency (AA) After the examination is over, AA sends the result to NIOS for printing of joint certificates.

The minimum age for enrolment in a vocational course is 14 years at the Secondary level and 15 years at the Senior Secondary level and 18 years for some other specific courses. There is no maximum age limit.

The documents required for admission are the Secondary and the Senior Secondary certificate issued by a recognized board of education, age proof and proof of permanent address.

The validity period of admission for learners in a vocational course is 5 years from the date of enrolment.

The admissions take place throughout the year. But to regulate the eligibility for the purpose of examination, the cut off dates are 30th June and 31st December every year.

The registration fee for vocational courses includes charges for registration, identity card, cost of study material, contact classes, practical training etc.

The duration of vocational courses vary from six months to two years depending on the nature of vocational course.

Yes, self learning material is provided by the NIOS. The learner has to collect learning material and identity card from his/her Accredited Vocational Institute (AVI).

Ans. The Study Centre organizes practical training programme for the learners either in its institution or nearby work place.

Ans. Yes. Vocational subject can be combined with academic subjects.

122.Ans. Both the practical and theory examinations are conducted twice in a year in April-May and October-November.

123.Ans. The practical examinations are conducted in the respective AVIs which are selected by the learners.

124.Ans. For April-May examination: upto 15th January and for October-November examination: upto 15th July are the cut off dates.

125.Ans: The examination fee for vocational course is Rs 150/- per subject or per module. This fee includes the fee for theory, practical and internal assessment.

126.Ans: Yes. NIOS produces several audio-video programmes to supplement the studies. NIOS programmes are being telecast nation vide on DD-1 on every Friday at 5.00 a.m. and also educational channel Gyan Darshan every day at 6.30 p.m. and also on web radio (Mukt Vidya Vani).

Ans: On Demand Examination System (ODES) is an examination facility provided by NIOS to its learners other than public examinations. A learner can appear under the ODES as and when ready for the examination after first public examination. A learner can apply online for ODES and can choose a date of examination as per convenience. ODES examinations are conducted in all Regional Centres on monthly basis and as per number of seats available.

Ans: In public examinations, the Board of School Education decides the date of examination and the subject to be examined on that date; but In ODE, the learner decides the date and the subject in which he/she wants to appear on that date.

Ans: No. If you are already a registered learner of NIOS at the Secondary and the Senior Secondary level, then you have the option to appear for ODE. However, under Stream-III and Stream-IV, you can directly register for ODE.

Ans: Secondary Course (13 subjects): Hindi(201), English(202), Sanskrit (209), Mathematics(211), Science and Technology(212), Social Science (213), Economics(214), Business Studies(215), Home Science(216), Word Processing(219), Psychology(222), Indian Culture and Heritage (223) and Painting (225). Senior Secondary Course(19 subjects): Hindi(301), English(302), Sanskrit(309), Mathematics(311), Physics(312), Chemistry(313), Biology(314), History(315), Geography316), Political Sc.(317), Economics(318), Business Studies(319), Accountancy(320), Home Science(321), Psychology(328), Sociology(331), Painting(332), Environmental Sc.(333) and Data entry Operations (336).

Ans: Yes. The re-evaluation of ODE answer scripts is only available at the Senior Secondary level. The learner has to apply for re-evaluation in any subject within 15 days from the date of declaration of result with the prescribed fee of Rs.700/- per subject through a bank draft drawn in favour of the Secretary, NIOS to the Regional Director of concerned Regional Centre on a plain paper or on a prescribed proforma. The re-evaluation is done in theory papers only.

Ans: No, the marksheet of ODE is not different from the marksheet of Public examination of NIOS. It is the similar.

Ans: No, the learner cannot appear in ODE in a particular subject twice in the same month.

Ans: Rs. 250/- per subject for Theory Examination and additional fee of Rs. 100/- (Rupees one hundred only) for Practical exam per subject.

Ans: Yes. You can select subjects for On Demand and public examination as per your convenience.

Ans: No. You are only permitted for ‘part admission’ upto four subjects. You will be provided only Marksheet. No Certificate will be provided.

Ans: No. You can opt for transfer of credit of two pass subjects from CBSE to NIOS and appear in rest of three subjects so that on successful completion, you would get the certificate from NIOS.

Ans: The registration for On Demand Examination is done only through online at www.nios.ac.in

Ans: The On Demand Examination forms alongwith the requisite examination fee (if submitted by the Demand Draft) is to be sent to the Incharge, Online Admission, National Institute of Open Schooling, A-24/25, Institutional Area, Sector-62, Noida.

Ans: No, the Question Papers are available only in English and Hindi medium in ODE.

Ans: For the purpose of Mark Sheets and certification, all the candidates appearing during May till October will be considered under April Examination of that year. And all the candidates appearing during November till April will be considered under preceding October Examination.

Ans: No, On Demand examination under stream-IV is available only for those learners who have already passed Senior Secondary or above from any recognized Board/University and want to take part admission in one subject or up to 4 subjects for updating their qualifications or learners who had appeared but could not clear or who were eligible but could not appear at the Public examination of Senior Secondary level from any recognized Board in the same subject combination in which they had appeared and want to appear through On Demand Examination System of NIOS at Senior Secondary level.

Ans: The practical examinations under On Demand examination system are held in the same week in which the learners appeared in the theory examinations as per the venue fixed by the concerned Regional Centre of NIOS. The intimation of practical exams is provided to the learners on the day of the theory exams at the Regional Centre.

Ans: You can get the marksheet of ODE from the concerned Regional Centre for overall examination in case you have successfully cleared the subjects for certification. Otherwise, it can only be obtained on written request with requisite fee.

Ans: You can get the marksheet of ODE from the concerned Regional Centre for overall examination in case you have successfully cleared the subjects for certification. Otherwise, it can only be obtained on written request with requisite fee.

Ans: You can get the marksheet of ODE from the concerned Regional Centre for overall examination in case you have successfully cleared the subjects for certification. Otherwise, it can only be obtained on written request with requisite fee.

Ans: Yes, In addition to the email id of Regional Centres, the learners can contact the learner support centre of NIOS at lsc@nios.ac.in.

Ans. Yes, you can get the access to the NIOS online course materials available at www.nios.ac.in. You can read the materials and also download the materials from NIOS website.

Ans. The following facilities are being provided to the learners through online:

1. Online admissions
2. Online examination fee submission
3. Access to Online course materials, TMA, PCP schedule, previous years question papers.
4. Status of despatch of course materials, Identity cards, mark sheets and certificates
5. Books, journals and magazines available at NIOS library
6. All type of forms, prospectus and application, can be downloaded from NIOS website.
7. Information about Students Study Centres, Regional Centres, courses available at NIOS etc.
8. Results /Information (Hall ticket).
9. Download /verification of certificate.
10. Registration for On-Demand Examination.

Ans: The schedule of NIOS Programme for telecast on DD-I is from 05.02 a.m. to 05.25 a.m. on every Friday

Ans: The schedule of NIOS Programme for telecast on Gyan Darshan is every day from 6.30 p.m. to 7.00 p.m

Ans: The NIOS programmes are broadcast in Gyanvani-105.6 MHz FM channel on every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 am and repeat broadcast from 3:30 pm to 4:00 pm

Ans: The AI/study centre chosen by the learner at the time of admission will provide the following services without any additional charges:

1. Issuing prospectus at the prescribed cost.
2. Accepting the examination form and examination fee.
3. Holding upto 30 PCPs as per NIOS norms and practical sessions as prescribed by NIOS.
4. Evaluation of Tutor Marked Assignments.
5. Counselling, solving problems/quarries related to course.
6. Accepting application for change of subject(s) or additional subject(s) and forwarding the same to the Regional Centre of NIOS.
7. Informing the dates of payment of fees, examination date sheet, examination centre and other important information.
8. Display of results of public examination.

Ans.: Mukta Vidya Vani is a web based interactive online Personal Contact Programme.

Ans.: Mukta Vidya Vani-PCP starts at 2:00-5:00 PM live on weekdays and at 10:30-12:30 PM on Saturday and Sunday.

Ans.: Yes, You can call on 18001802543(Toll-free) and 0120-4626949.

Ans.: Yes, Video programmes on Mathematics subject at the Secondary and the Senior Secondary level are available for sale Rs. 100/- per DVD.
For further details, contact on 0120 4089898 or email at jdmedia@nios.ac.in

Ans: Any NGO / Registered Society /Trust engaged in education and is 3 years old can apply for becoming Study Centre of NIOS for offering OBE programme. The study centres offering OBE programme are known as Accredited Agencies (AAs).

Ans: Any NGO / Registered Society /Trust engaged in vocational education and 3 years old can apply for becoming study centre of NIOS for offering Vocational Education programmes. The study centres offering Vocational Education Programme are known as Accredited Vocational Institutions (AVIs).

Ans: Any School which is affiliated with any national / state board can apply for becoming the study centre of NIOS for offering Academic programmes at Secondary and Senior Secondary levels. The study centres offering Academic programmes are known as Accredited Institutions (AIs).

Ans: Rs. 5000/- is the accreditation fee which is to be paid in the form of two Demand Drafts i.e., Rs. 4000/- and Rs. 1000/- in favour of Secretary, NIOS payable at the respective Regional Centre of NIOS.

Ans: Institutions desirous to seek accreditation from NIOS may apply online or offline to the concerned Regional Centre of NIOS. Online application for accreditation can be made through NIOS website. Institutions can submit the details online and thereafter take the computer generated printout and send the same to the concerned Regional Centre after enclosing desired documents and processing fee.
For offline submission of application, institutions can take the printout of the application form from the website or collect the application form from the Regional Centre office or Headquarter of NIOS. After filling the application form, needful may be done as in case of online submission of application form.

Ans: Yes, the institution can apply on the prescribed form through the concerned Indian Embassy alongwith the requisite fee.

Ans: The institutions seeking accreditation need to send their applications to the respective Regional Centres. However, if applicant institution is affiliated to CBSE and the institutions situated abroad, application may be sent to Director(SSS), National Institute of Open Schooling, A-24/25, Sector-62, Noida.

Ans: The method of applying for accreditation is same for the CBSE affiliated schools as in case of other institutions. However, they can send their applications to the Director (SSS), National Institute of Open Schooling, A-24/25, Sector-62, Noida.

Ans: No. NIOS is granting accreditation to the applicant institutions for the same class to which it is affiliated with the parent board. Meaning thereby, that if school is affiliated upto Secondary with the parent Board, then NIOS will also grant accreditation for offering Secondary course only.

Ans: No. NIOS is granting accreditation for the similar courses for which the school is affiliated with the parent Board.

Ans: Based on the infrastructure available in the applicant institution, accreditation is granted for 150(Category C), 300 (Category B), 500 (Category A) seats for academic programmes.

Ans: The grant of accreditation to an institution is provisional which can be renewed from time to time.

Ans: No. In case affiliation has been withdrawn by the affiliating board, the accreditation granted by NIOS will cease automatically. It will be the responsibility of the coordinator of the study centre to inform the same to the NIOS and take appropriate action as per NIOS norms.

Ans: In case accreditation is withdrawn by the NIOS, the learners registered with the study centre will be shifted to nearby study centre.

Ans: The objective of the Minority Cell is to expand the reach and impact of NIOS programmes and policies amongst the minority communities especially the Muslim community by undertaking active advocacy programmes to establish linkages with existing Minority Education Institutions.

Ans: Following are the functions of the Minority Cell :

• To expand the reach and impact of NIOS programmes and policies amongst the Minority Communities.
• To undertake active advocacy programmes by establishing linkages with existing Minority Educational Institutions.
• To accredit Madarsa/Dar-ul-uloom and make them link with the mainstream of education.
• To conduct advocacy programmes/ orientation programmes/ workshops for the promotion of Minority Institutions.
• To constitute inspection teams for conduct of inspections to the eligible institutions.
• To collect inspection reports from the inspection teams and from Regional Centres.
• To convene Accreditation Advisory Committee meetings to finalise the inspection reports/recommendations.
• To issue notification with regard to the newly accredited Academic, Vocational and Open Basic Education Minority Institutions.
• To collect data of learners from those accredited centres of NIOS which are covered under SPQEM scheme and forward to MHRD for claim purposes.

Ans: Access, Equity and Quality are hallmarks of NIOS programmes and activities. This concern is reflected in all the courses/programmes offered by NIOS. Although the courses/programmes of NIOS are meant for all sections of the society, yet its prioritized (disadvantaged) client groups include Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes ( STs), Minorities (Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists), girls and women, differently abled, people living in difficult contexts, and ex-servicemen.

Ans: With a view to provide quality modern education to the Muslim minority, several exemptions have been given by NIOS for the purpose of accreditation to Madarsas. Some of the major relaxations are as follows:-

• NIOS has exempted Madrasas and Maktabs from paying Rs.5000/- as accreditation fee and relaxed the norms for accreditation vide circular no. NIOS/SECY/SSS/2010 dated 12.04.2010.
• To operationalise the SPQEM scheme, a circular vide No. NIOS/Secy/57th EB/2010 dated 30.11.2010 have been issued giving full exemption of fees to Muslim students enrolled through Madrasas into the NIOS courses.
• Accreditation norms for minority institutions have also been relaxed.
• In Inspection Committee of Madrasas, one expert from the minority community is appointed.
• The courses FOKANIA and MAULVI offered by various State Madrasa Education Boards have been notified at par with the Secondary and the Senior Secondary courses respectively offered by NIOS.
• Under the SPQEM scheme, Madrasas/Maktabs/Darul-uloom can opt to become accredited study centres with the NIOS for offering Secondary/Senior Secondary level programmes. Madrasas which have been in existence for at least three years and registered under the Central or the State Governments Acts or Madrasa Board or with Wakf Boards or NIOS shall be eligible to apply for assistance under this programme. As there are only 8 Madarsa Boards, hence to extend the facility to the Madarsas of the other states where Madarsa Board does not exist, the institutions accorded minority status by the NCMEI are also considered for the accreditation as per the decision taken in the meeting of the Grant-in-Aid Committee.
• Urdu medium is made available for better understanding.
• Prospectus is also printed in Urdu for better communication of instructions.
• Details of Minority Cell are made available on NIOS website. This section also contains all vital information about accreditation status, Frequently Asked Questions etc.
• All important Notices are published in the Urdu News Papers.
• Special Accredited Advisory Committee meetings are organized to expedite the accreditation process of Minority Institutions.
• Status of accreditation is hosted on website for latest updation to the applicant Institutions/ Madarsas.
• Frequently Asked Questions have been hosted on website for candidates and Institutions.
• A notification No.F-24/10-4/NIOS/SSS-MCell/SPQEM dated 26.03.2013 regarding waiving off processing fee of Rs.5000/- to the Madarsas which are having minority status granted by NCMEI has also been issued.
• Looking into the time taken in the conversion of offline forms as applicable in case of the learners of Madarsa and thus probable delay in supply of the study material, NIOS has decided to supply the study material to such learners through their Madarsas with the direction to handover the study material to registered learners. A notification No. 26.3/NIOS/SSS/PA dated 24.12.2013 has been issued in this regard.

Ans: The Scheme of Providing Quality Education in Madarsa (SPQEM) was launched on 26th February 2009 at MHRD through NIOS. The first meeting of the Central Grant-In-Aid Committee of SPQEM for the year 2010-11 held on 21st September, 2010 under the Chairman ship of the Secretary, SE and L, MHRD, Govt of India discussed issues related to the NIOS intervention on SPQEM programme and agreed in principle the following:

• NIOS will grant accreditation to those Madrasas as its Accredited Institutions if the Madrasas are affiliated to State Madrasas Board/Wakf Board of the state and have the minimum infrastructural facilities to run the NIOS courses at the level of Class X and XII.
• No one time accreditation fee shall be charged from these Madrasas as per the decision taken by NIOS.
• NIOS will not charge any admission fee or examination fee from the learners enrolled through these Madrasas. NIOS will put up expenditure incurred by putting up claim for reimbursement to MHRD twice in a year in two different cycles of admission of NIOS.

Ans: NIOS is granting accreditation to the institutions who wish to offer NIOS Open Basic Education (OBE) programme, vocational education programmes and Academic programmes.

Ans: Any NGO / Registered Society /Trust is engaged in education and is 3 years old can apply for becoming study centre of NIOS for offering OBE programme. The study centres offering OBE programme are known as Accredited Agencies (AAs).

Ans: Any NGO / Registered Society /Trust engaged in vocational education and is 3 years old can apply for becoming study centre of NIOS for offering Vocational Education programmes. The study centres offering Vocational Education Programme are known as Accredited Vocational Institutions (AVIs).

Ans: Any School which is affiliated with any national / state board can apply for becoming studies centre of NIOS for offering Academic programmes at Secondary and Senior Secondary. The study centres offering Academic programmes are known as Accredited Institutions (AIs).

Ans: Yes. NIOS under the Scheme for Providing Quality Education in Madarsas (SPQEM) is granting accreditation to the Madarsas also.

Ans: Under the SPQEM scheme, Madrassas/ Maktabs/ Darul-uloom can opt to become accredited study centres of NIOS for offering Secondary/Senior Secondary level programmes.
(i) Madrasas which have been in existence for at least three years and affiliated to the Madrassa Board or with Wakf Boards shall be eligible to become the study centres.
(ii) As there are only 8 Madarsa Boards, hence to extend the facility to the Madarsas of the other states where Madarsa Board does not exist, the institutions accorded minority status by the National Commission for Minority Education Institutions (NCMEI) are also considered for accreditation.
(iii) Also, the Madarsas fulfilling following may also considered for accreditation:

1. Madrasas/ Darul Uloom having independent standing and offering Maulvi, Aazim and Fazil courses.
2. Having residential facilities.
3. Having three year old registered society or Trust.
4. Possessing minimum infrastructure to offer the NIOS courses (i.e., Labs, library etc.) as fixed by NIOS for minority institutions, except that the desired number of class rooms could be 50% of the norms for General Category Institutions.
5. Its courses are recognized by other institutions of higher learning.

Ans: Application is to be sent to Director(SSS), National Institute of Open Schooling, A-24/25, Sector-62, Noida (U.P.).

Ans: Accredited Institutes provide various support services to learners related to admission, examination and study material etc. AIs also hold Personal Contact Programme (PCP) as per NIOS norms.

1. Issuing prospectus at the prescribed cost.
2. Holding upto 30 PCPs as per NIOS norms and practical sessions as prescribed by NIOS.
3. Evaluation of Tutor Marked Assignments(TMA).
4. Counselling to solve problems/queries related to course.
5. Accepting applications for change of subject (s) or additional subject(s) and forwarding the same to the Regional Centre of NIOS.
6. Informing the dates of payment of fees, examination date sheet, examination centres and other important information.
7. Display of results of public examinations.
8. Accepting the examination form and examination fee.

Ans. Yes. It is mandatory to select the study centre of NIOS at the time of admission to get various support services.

Ans. Yes, a study centre can be changed after giving valid reasons and submitting valid documents and payment of requisite fee as per NIOS norms to concerned Regional Centre.

Ans: The followings facilities are being provided by the NIOS Regional Centres:

1. Receiving applications for admission and confirmation of admission;
2. Issue of Identity cards to eligible students.
3. Receiving the exam form and fee for the pubic examinations.
4. Conduct of public examination as well as On demand examinations as per schedule.
5. Distribution of mark sheets and certificates to the learners.
6. Processing of request for change of subjects, change of study centres as well as exam centres, receiving of request for issue of duplicate documents, processing of grievances of the learners etc.

Ans. They can. NIOS learners do appear and compete in various competitive examinations. However, the eligibility criteria, such as age, requirements of specific subjects, minimum percentage of marks etc., must be fulfilled by the learners.