Heard of NIOS? The National Institute of Open Schooling or NIOS is an independent board set up by the Indian government to offer remote schooling options to the student community in India. NIOS has grown in popularity ever since the advent of the COVID pandemic. Here are 6 frequently asked questions on NIOS.
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What is NIOS?
The National Institute of Open Schooling, or NIOS, is an independent institution run by the Indian government’s Ministry of Education. A national board called NIOS offers educational options to students who require flexibility in their study environment, the pace of learning, and other areas of their course of study.
With the goal of educating students who are unable to attend conventional school for a variety of reasons, including distance, economic, social, and other factors, NIOS was founded in 1989. It provides secondary and senior secondary open and distance learning programmes, as well as vocational education and training programmes.
Exams are given by NIOS twice a year, in April and May and October and November. Within six weeks of the last day of the exam, the results are made public. For students who want to take the exam outside the regular exam timetable, NIOS also provides on-demand exams.
In order to assist students, NIOS maintains regional facilities all throughout the nation in addition to its main office in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the biggest open educational systems in the world and has been crucial in granting students from many backgrounds access to education.
Important Information on National Institute of Open Schooling
- NIOS Headquarters – Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
- NIOS Website – www.nios.ac.in
- NIOS Contact Numbers – 1800-180-9393 (Toll Free NIOS Contact Number)
- More FAQs – https://sdmis.nios.ac.in/home/faqs
What kind of students should opt for NIOS?
NIOS is designed for students who require flexibility and convenience in their education due to various reasons such as:
- working professionals who wish to finish their degrees but are unable to attend normal classes.
- students who desire to continue their studies after failing the normal board exams.
- students who desire to finish their education but have dropped out of school owing to financial or personal issues.
- students who intend to enrol in courses for vocational education and training.
- students who need flexible educational options since they are participating in extracurricular activities such as sports.
- Such students have the chance to continue their education and get a recognised secondary or senior secondary certificate through NIOS. It also provides versatility in terms of learning speed, teaching style, and subject options.
NIOS is suitable for learners who are self-motivated, disciplined and have a strong desire to learn. It requires a higher level of self-study, time management, and independent learning skills compared to regular schooling.
Overall, NIOS is a great option for students who are unable to attend regular schooling due to various reasons and want to complete their education through distance and open learning mode.
Are NIOS-awarded certificates valid?
Absolutely, the government of India and other educational institutions accept and acknowledge the credentials issued by NIOS. Being a recognised national board, the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) awards certificates that are equal to those given by other recognised boards like the CBSE and ICSE.
Several organisations, including the Council of Boards of School Education in India, the Association of Indian Universities, and the University Grants Commission (UGC), recognise NIOS (COBSE). Many colleges and educational institutes accept the certifications given out by NIOS for entrance to higher education programmes.
Exams for the secondary and senior secondary levels are given twice a year by NIOS, and the results are made public six weeks after the last exam date. The certificates awarded by NIOS are issued to successful candidates and are recognized as proof of completion of their education at the secondary and senior secondary levels.
Why did NIOS gain popularity during the COVID pandemic?
Because it gave students a flexible and easy way to complete their education while upholding social distance norms and avoiding physical contact, NIOS became well-known throughout the pandemic. Several students were unable to attend regular classes and were forced to put their education on hold since schools were shuttered and there were limitations on transportation.
As an open and distance learning system, NIOS gave students the option to continue their education in both offline and online settings. It gave them the freedom to learn whenever and however they wanted, without having to go to conventional classes. To ensure that students could finish their studies and receive certificates, NIOS also held exams in both offline and online formats.
Moreover, NIOS provided an option for students to appear for on-demand examinations, which allowed them to appear for the exam at any time of the year, based on their preparedness. This flexibility in examination scheduling was particularly helpful for students who were unable to appear for the regular examination due to various reasons.
Overall, NIOS gained popularity during the pandemic because it provided a convenient and flexible option for students to continue their education, without compromising on their safety and well-being. It demonstrated the potential of open and distance learning systems in providing education to students, especially during times of crisis.
Does NIOS provide online teaching?
Yes, NIOS provides online teaching and learning resources to its students through its online portal called the NIOS-Diksha platform. The platform offers a wide range of study materials, videos, and interactive content, which students can access at their own convenience.
NIOS also conducts online classes and webinars for students, which are conducted by experienced teachers and subject experts. The online classes are designed to provide a virtual classroom experience, where students can interact with teachers and fellow students, ask questions, and clarify their doubts.
NIOS has also collaborated with various organizations to provide digital resources and online learning tools to its students. For example, NIOS has partnered with Google to provide free access to Google Classroom, Google Meet, and other online tools to its students and teachers.
Moreover, NIOS has also launched a mobile app called the “NIOS Guru” app, which provides access to study materials, videos, and other resources through mobile devices. The app is available for download on both Android and iOS platforms.
Overall, NIOS provides various online teaching and learning resources to its students, making it a convenient and accessible option for students who want to pursue education through online mode.
Can NIOS be a replacement for conventional schooling?
NIOS can be an alternative to conventional schooling, but it cannot completely replace it. Conventional schooling provides a structured learning environment, where students interact with teachers and fellow students, participate in co-curricular activities, and develop social skills. It also provides a comprehensive curriculum and a standardized assessment system.
NIOS, on the other hand, provides flexibility and convenience in terms of the pace of learning, medium of instruction, and choice of subjects. It is designed for students who cannot attend regular schooling due to various reasons such as work, health, or personal reasons. It is also a good option for students who want to pursue vocational education and training courses.
However, NIOS requires a higher level of self-study, discipline, and independent learning skills compared to regular schooling. It also lacks the structured learning environment, social interaction, and co-curricular activities that are an integral part of conventional schooling.
Therefore, NIOS can be a viable alternative for students who are unable to attend regular schooling due to various reasons. It can provide an opportunity for such students to complete their education and obtain a recognized certificate. However, it cannot completely replace conventional schooling, as it lacks some of the important aspects of regular schooling.
