The NIOS exam (National Institute of Open Schooling) is a Open Schooling and inclusive education system in India. It caters to a wide range of learners, including those who couldn’t complete their formal education.The NIOS conducts examinations for secondary and senior secondary levels, offering a variety of subjects. It provides an opportunity for students to pursue education at their own pace, regardless of age or circumstances. NIOS exams are held twice a year, in April-May and October-November. These exams are accessible to students from all over the country, promoting lifelong learning and education for all.
Highlights
| Exam Name | NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling) Exam |
|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) |
| Exam Levels | Secondary (Class 10) and Senior Secondary (Class 12) |
| Eligibility | Open to all age groups, no formal education required |
| Subjects Offered | A wide range of subjects including science, arts, commerce |
| Exam Sessions | Twice a year – April-May and October-November |
| Flexibility | Self-paced learning, no upper age limit |
| Examination Mode | Offline (pen and paper-based) |
| Certification | Recognized by the Government of India |
| Accessible Nationwide | Available to students across India and abroad |
| Lifelong Learning | Encourages education at any age and stage of life |
Important Dates
| Exam Dates | Expected Dates |
| Time Table Release Date | March 2024 |
| NIOS Admit Release Date | Last week of March or in the First week of April 2024 |
| Practical Exam Dates | To be announce |
| Theory Exam Dates | To be announced tentatively in April |
Applictaion Procedure
| Step | Procedure |
|---|---|
| 1. | Registration |
| – Visit the official NIOS website. | |
| – Register for a new account or log in. | |
| 2. | Fill Application Form |
| – Provide personal and course details. | |
| – Select your preferred examination center. | |
| 3. | Upload Documents |
| – Upload scanned copies of required documents. | |
| – Ensure documents meet size/format guidelines. | |
| 4. | Pay Examination Fee |
| – Pay the fee online using available options. | |
| – Keep a copy of the payment receipt. | |
| 5. | Submit Application |
| – Review information and submit the application. | |
| 6. | Confirmation |
| – Receive an acknowledgment with registration info. | |
| – Print the confirmation page for reference. | |
| 7. | Admit Card |
| – Download and print the admit card from the site. | |
| 8. | Appear for Exam |
| – Attend the exam at the scheduled time. | |
| 9. | Check Results |
| – View results on the NIOS website. | |
| 10. | Collect Certificates |
| – Collect certificates from your study or regional center. |
Eligibility Criteria
1. Age Criteria:
- There is no minimum or maximum age limit for most NIOS exams. Candidates of all age groups can apply.
2. Nationality:
- Indian citizens and foreign candidates residing in India can apply.
3. Educational Qualifications:
- The educational qualifications vary depending on the specific NIOS exam. Here are some general guidelines:
- For Secondary (Class 10):
- Candidates must have passed Class 8 from a recognized board or have a Self-Certificate (as per NIOS norms).
- For Senior Secondary (Class 12):
- Candidates must have passed Class 10 or an equivalent examination from a recognized board or institution.
- For certain exams, candidates may need specific prerequisites or subject combinations. It’s essential to check the detailed eligibility criteria for the specific NIOS exam you plan to take.
4. Proof of Residence:
- Some NIOS exams may require candidates to provide proof of residence in India or in the area under the jurisdiction of the respective Regional Centre. This can include an Aadhar card, passport, or other relevant documents.
5. Reserved Category Candidates:
- NIOS provides certain relaxations in eligibility criteria for candidates belonging to reserved categories such as Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and candidates with disabilities (PH). These relaxations may include lower educational qualifications and fee concessions.
6. For International Candidates:
- International candidates residing in India can apply under the Open System of NIOS. They need to provide necessary documents like a valid visa and passport.
Exam Syllabus
Secondary Level (Class 10):
| Subject | Syllabus |
|---|---|
| Hindi | Hindi Grammar, Comprehension, Writing Skills, Prose, Poetry. |
| English | English Grammar, Reading Comprehension, Writing Skills, Prose, Poetry. |
| Mathematics | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Data Handling, Mensuration, Statistics. |
| Science | Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science. |
| Social Science | History, Geography, Political Science, Economics, Disaster Management. |
| Economics | Introduction to Economics, Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Development Economics, Indian Economic Development. |
| Business Studies | Fundamentals of Business, Business Management, Business Finance, Marketing. |
| Home Science | Family and Its Environment, Food and Nutrition, Apparel Designing, Community Health. |
| Psychology | Introduction to Psychology, Methods of Psychology, Developing Psychological Skills, Adolescence and Adulthood. |
| Indian Culture and Heritage | Culture, Heritage, and Identity in India. |
Senior Secondary Level (Class 12):
- Hindi
- English
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- History
- Geography
- Political Science
- Economics
- Business Studies
- Accountancy
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Painting
- Data Entry Operations
Exam Pattern
Secondary Level (Class 10):
| Subject | Examination Type | Maximum Marks | Duration (in hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hindi | Theory | 100 | 3 |
| Practical | 20 | Varies | |
| English | Theory | 100 | 3 |
| Practical | 20 | Varies | |
| Mathematics | Theory | 100 | 3 |
| Science | Theory | 75 | 3 |
| Practical | 25 | Varies | |
| Social Science | Theory | 75 | 3 |
| Practical | 25 | Varies | |
| Economics | Theory | 100 | 3 |
| Business Studies | Theory | 75 | 3 |
| Practical | 25 | Varies | |
| Home Science | Theory | 75 | 3 |
| Practical | 25 | Varies | |
| Psychology | Theory | 75 | 3 |
| Practical | 25 | Varies | |
| Indian Culture and Heritage | Theory | 75 | 3 |
| Practical | 25 | Varies |
Secondary Level (Class 10):
| Subject | Examination Type | Maximum Marks | Duration (in hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hindi | Theory | 100 | 3 |
| Practical | 20 | Varies | |
| English | Theory | 100 | 3 |
| Practical | 20 | Varies | |
| Mathematics | Theory | 100 | 3 |
| Science | Theory | 75 | 3 |
| Practical | 25 | Varies | |
| Social Science | Theory | 75 | 3 |
| Practical | 25 | Varies | |
| Economics | Theory | 100 | 3 |
| Business Studies | Theory | 75 | 3 |
| Practical | 25 | Varies | |
| Home Science | Theory | 75 | 3 |
| Practical | 25 | Varies | |
| Psychology | Theory | 75 | 3 |
| Practical | 25 | Varies | |
| Indian Culture and Heritage | Theory | 75 | 3 |
| Practical | 25 | Varies |
Senior Secondary Level (Class 12):
| Subject | Examination Type | Maximum Marks | Duration (in hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hindi | Theory | 100 | 3 |
| Practical | 20 | Varies | |
| English | Theory | 100 | 3 |
| Practical | 20 | Varies | |
| Mathematics | Theory | 100 | 3 |
| Physics | Theory | 75 | 3 |
| Chemistry | Theory | 75 | 3 |
| Biology | Theory | 75 | 3 |
| History | Theory | 75 | 3 |
| Geography | Theory | 75 | 3 |
| Political Science | Theory | 75 | 3 |
| Economics | Theory | 75 | 3 |
| Business Studies | Theory | 75 | 3 |
| Accountancy | Theory | 75 | 3 |
| Psychology | Theory | 75 | 3 |
| Sociology | Theory | 75 | 3 |
| Painting | Theory | 75 | 3 |
| Data Entry Operations | Theory | 75 | 3 |
Senior Secondary Level (Class 12):
| Subject | Examination Type | Maximum Marks | Duration (in hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hindi | Theory | 100 | 3 |
| Practical | 20 | Varies | |
| English | Theory | 100 | 3 |
| Practical | 20 | Varies | |
| Mathematics | Theory | 100 | 3 |
| Physics | Theory | 75 | 3 |
| Chemistry | Theory | 75 | 3 |
| Biology | Theory | 75 | 3 |
| History | Theory | 75 | 3 |
| Geography | Theory | 75 | 3 |
| Political Science | Theory | 75 | 3 |
| Economics | Theory | 75 | 3 |
| Business Studies | Theory | 75 | 3 |
| Accountancy | Theory | 75 | 3 |
| Psychology | Theory | 75 | 3 |
| Sociology | Theory | 75 | 3 |
| Painting | Theory | 75 | 3 |
| Data Entry Operations | Theory | 75 | 3 |
FAQs
The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
NIOS exams are open to various categories of learners, including school dropouts, working professionals, differently-abled individuals, and those seeking additional certifications.
NIOS conducts exams twice a year – in April-May (Block I) and October-November (Block II). The exact exam dates are typically announced on the official NIOS website.
Yes, NIOS is recognized by various educational boards, universities, and government organizations in India.
