Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched new courses and self-learning materials at the 36th Foundation Day of the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS). The event took place on November 23 at Kaushal Bhawan in New Delhi.
The launch underscores NIOS’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities. The institute also presented an exhibition, highlighting its 36-year history of growth and achievements through various academic programs and learning resources.
NIOS: A National Board for Flexible Learning
NIOS functions as one of two national boards under the Ministry of Education. Its primary role is to provide school education through an open and distance learning (ODL) mode. This system offers flexibility, allowing students to learn at their own pace and convenience, regardless of geographical location or prior educational background.
For over three and a half decades, NIOS has been instrumental in making education accessible to a diverse range of learners. This includes individuals who may have missed conventional schooling, working professionals, homemakers, or those residing in remote areas. The institute’s flexible model supports secondary and senior secondary education, alongside a variety of vocational courses.
Key Highlights of the Foundation Day Event
Minister Pradhan presided over the event as the chief guest. He spoke on the importance of accessible and inclusive education, aligning with national educational goals. Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy (DSEL), attended the celebration as the guest of honour, contributing to discussions on educational policy.
Prachi Pandey, Joint Secretary of DSEL, was also present as a distinguished guest, reaffirming governmental support for NIOS initiatives, the institute confirmed. The exhibition provided a comprehensive overview of NIOS’s evolution. It showcased the development of its curriculum, teaching methodologies, and the impact of its self-learning materials on millions of students nationwide.
Displayed items included detailed outlines of academic programs, ranging from basic education to secondary and senior secondary levels. Vocational training modules were also highlighted, demonstrating NIOS’s role in skill development and employability. The exhibition served as a factual chronicle of the institute’s contributions to India’s education landscape.
Previous Educational Initiatives and Future Vision
The 36th Foundation Day built upon previous successful initiatives. During its 35th Foundation Day celebrations last year, NIOS introduced new self-learning material specifically for its Natyakala program. This enhancement supports cultural education through accessible formats.
Additionally, NIOS launched the ULLAS se NIOS initiative in the previous year. This program represents a drive to address adult illiteracy. It aims to provide basic education and formal certification to illiterate individuals aged 15 years and above across the country.
NIOS has set a target for the ULLAS se NIOS initiative: to reach five crore (50 million) learners by the year 2027 . This objective underscores the institute’s commitment to foundational literacy and lifelong learning, reflecting a strategic vision for broader educational inclusion.
Important Information for Prospective Students
Students interested in pursuing secondary or senior secondary education through an open and distance learning mode should note current opportunities. NIOS is currently accepting registrations for its Class 10th and 12th examinations scheduled for March-April 2026 .
Prospective candidates must complete their application process by December 20 to register without incurring any late fees. This deadline is crucial for students planning to appear for these specific examination sessions. The registration process is designed to be straightforward, ensuring maximum accessibility for all eligible learners.
Further details regarding eligibility criteria, examination syllabus, and application procedures are available on the official NIOS website. Students are advised to review these resources carefully before submitting their applications for the upcoming examination cycle.