Functions and Duties of the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS)

  • Formulate strategic initiatives to enhance and expand the Open Schooling program across India.

  • Extend technical and financial assistance to state governments to establish and strengthen State Open Schools (SOSs).

  • Create actionable strategies to ensure equitable and inclusive education for marginalized and disadvantaged communities, including girls, women, minorities, and individuals with physical or mental challenges.

  • Offer a diverse range of educational programs, including general, vocational, continuing education, and life enrichment courses up to the pre-degree level.

  • Develop tailored curricula and self-learning resources for: (i) Open Basic Education (OBE), (ii) Secondary and Senior Secondary Education, and (iii) Vocational Education and Training (VET), emphasizing skill acquisition.

  • Utilize multimedia and multi-channel delivery systems to effectively distribute educational content and support program implementation.

  • Establish study centers in collaboration with agencies, organizations, and institutions in India and abroad to provide robust learner support services.

  • Administer examinations and award certificates to successful candidates.

  • Collaborate with the National Literacy Mission’s Equivalency Programme to provide education and certification opportunities for neo-literates.

  • Ensure high-quality learning in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) through monitoring, supervision, and evaluation, maintaining standards comparable to formal education while preserving the unique identity of ODL.

  • Conduct research, foster innovation, and share findings with stakeholders to advance Open Schooling practices.

  • Build and maintain a comprehensive database on Open Schooling.

  • Serve as a resource hub and capacity-building center for open schooling at both national and international levels.

  • Forge partnerships with national and international organizations to promote and strengthen Open Schooling.

  • Align with government schemes and programs in the school sector to support national educational goals.

  • Provide professional and technical consultancy in the field of ODL to institutions, organizations, and agencies in India and globally.