Nalanda Open University: About Us

Nalanda Open University, established in March 1987 by the Government of Bihar, stands as the sole university in Bihar, India, offering education through distance and open learning. Named after the ancient Nalanda University, a renowned centre of learning from the 5th to 12th centuries, it provides a diverse array of undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma programs in arts, science, commerce, management, education, and law. With a network of study centres spanning Bihar and other Indian states, the university is recognized by the Distance Education Council (DEC), the University Grants Commission (UGC), and the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), solidifying its commitment to accessible education.

Nalanda Open University Vision, Mission & Objectives

Vision:

To be a leading open university in the country, providing high-quality and affordable education to all.

Mission:

To promote open and distance learning (ODL) as an effective and efficient mode of education.

To provide wider access to higher education for all sections of society, irrespective of their age, location, or socio-economic background.

To promote lifelong learning and continuous professional development.

Objectives:

To offer a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma programs in various disciplines.

To develop high-quality learning materials and use innovative technologies to deliver education.

To provide effective student support services.

To collaborate with other universities and institutions to promote ODL.

Nalanda Open University Admission Process, Eligibility Criteria and Fee Structure

Course Level	Admission Process	Eligibility Criteria	Fee Structure (Approximate)	Duration
Undergraduate (UG)	1. Obtain a prospectus and application form (online/offline). 2. Fill out and submit a form with the required documents. 3. Pay the admission fee. 4. Await selection notification.	Varies by program (typically 10+2 pass).	It varies by program (around Rs. 10,000–30,000 for the full program).	It varies by program (typically 3-6 years).
Postgraduate (PG)	Same as UG.	Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (minimum marks may vary).	It varies by program (around Rs. 15,000–40,000 for the full program).	It varies by program (typically 2-3 years).
Diploma	Same as UG.	Varies by program (may require 10+2 or any degree).	It varies by program (around Rs. 5,000–20,000 for the full program).	It varies by program (typically 1-2 years).

How do I apply for admission to Nalanda Open University?

• Check the course details: Visit the NOU website (http://www.nou.ac.in/) or download the prospectus to confirm eligibility and fee structure for your desired course.

• Obtain form: Choose an online or offline application. Online registration is available at https://nalandaopenuniversity.cloudhostdns.net/registration/terms/new.

• Fill & submit: Complete the form with accurate details and attach the required documents (check the website for specifics).

• Pay fee: Submit the online or offline payment as per instructions.

• Await selection: Once completed, wait for the university's notification regarding your application.

Nalanda Open University Facilities

Academic Resources:

• Library: NOU has a well-equipped central library located in its Patna office complex. The library boasts a vast collection of books, journals, periodicals, and other academic resources relevant to various disciplines offered by the university. Additionally, students have access to e-resources through the library's website.

Nalanda Open University Library

• Study Centres: NOU has a wide network of study centres spread across Bihar and other Indian states. These centres provide students with access to learning materials, conduct contact sessions, and facilitate examinations.

• Online Learning Platform: NOU utilizes an online learning platform to deliver course content, conduct virtual classes, and provide other academic resources to students.

Student Support Services:

• Counselling: NOU offers counselling services to its students to help them address academic and personal concerns.

• Career Guidance: The university provides career guidance and placement assistance to its students.

• Grievance Redressal: NOU has a grievance redressal mechanism in place to address student complaints and concerns.

Additional Facilities:

• Digital Repository: NOU maintains a digital repository of learning materials, research papers, and other academic resources accessible to students.

• Alumni Network: The university has an active alumni network that provides support and mentorship to current students.

Nalanda Open University Activities

Academic Activities:

• Guest Lectures and Webinars: NOU regularly organizes online and offline guest lectures and webinars featuring experts in various fields. These events provide students with exposure to diverse perspectives and industry insights.

• Conferences and Seminars: The university hosts national and international conferences and seminars on relevant topics, allowing students to participate in academic discourse and engage with researchers.

• Competitions and Quiz Programs: NOU conducts subject-specific competitions and quiz programs to encourage healthy competition and test students' knowledge.

Cultural and Social Activities:

• Online Student Forums and Communities: NOU promotes online forums and communities where students can interact, share experiences, and engage in discussions beyond academics.

• Cultural Events and Celebrations: The university organizes online and offline cultural events celebrating festivals, national days, and other occasions, fostering a sense of community and cultural exchange.

• Alumni Connections: NOU encourages active alumni networks, enabling current students to connect with past graduates and seek mentorship or career advice.

Nalanda Open University Scholarships Programme

Merit-Cum Means-Based Scholarship Scheme (MMS):

• Supports economically backward and meritorious NOU students.

• Eligibility: Family income under INR 6 lakhs p.a., minimum 45% aggregate score.

• Application details may change; refer to official sources for updates.

Other Possibilities:

State & Central Government Scholarships:

• Various government-sponsored scholarships based on merit, socio-economic factors, caste, etc.

• Explore Bihar government and central government schemes.

Fee Concession for Women:

• NOU offers a 25% fee concession for female students across all courses.

• A step towards promoting women's education.

Nalanda Open University Affiliation and Accreditation

Affiliation:

• Established in 1995 by the Bihar Legislature, NOU is a state-owned university.

• Signifies recognition and support from the government of Bihar.

Accreditations:

Distance Education Council (DEC):

• Recognized by DEC, ensuring adherence to national standards for open and distance learning.

University Grants Commission (UGC):

• UGC recognition validates the academic quality of NOU's programs and degrees.

Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD):

• Formerly recognized by MHRD (now the Ministry of Education) for open and distance learning,).

Additional Recognitions:

Association of Indian Universities (AIU):

• NOU is a member of AIU, enhancing the recognition and value of its degrees.

Nalanda Open University's FAQs

Q1: What is Nalanda Open University, and when was it established?

Nalanda Open University, established in March 1987 by the Government of Bihar, is the sole open university in Bihar, India. It offers education through distance and open learning.

Q2: Why is it named Nalanda Open University?

It is named after the ancient Nalanda University, a renowned center of learning from the 5th to the 12th centuries.

Q3: What programs does Nalanda Open University offer?

The university provides a diverse array of undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma programs in arts, science, commerce, management, education, and law.

Q4: How is the university recognized?

The Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), the University Grants Commission (UGC), and the Distance Education Council (DEC) all recognize Nalanda Open University.

Q5: What is the vision of Nalanda Open University?

The vision is to be a leading open university in the country, providing high-quality and affordable education to all.

Q6: How can I apply for admission to Nalanda Open University?

Check the course details on the official website, obtain the application form (online or offline), fill it out with accurate details, attach the required documents, pay the admission fee, and await the university's selection notification.

Q7: What are the eligibility criteria for undergraduate programs?

Eligibility varies by program but is typically 10+2 pass.

Q8: What are the facilities provided by Nalanda Open University?

The university offers academic resources such as a well-equipped library, study centers, an online learning platform, and various student support services like counseling and career guidance.

Q9: Does Nalanda Open University have a scholarship program?

Yes, the university offers the Merit-Cum Means-Based Scholarship Scheme (MMS) to support economically backward and meritorious students.

Q10: Is Nalanda Open University affiliated and accredited?

Yes, the university has a relationship with the Bihar Legislature and has received approval from the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), University Grants Commission (UGC), and Distance Education Council (DEC). It is also a member of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).

Q11: Does the university have an alumni network?

Yes, Nalanda Open University has an active alumni network that provides support and mentorship to current students.

Q12: Are there any fee concessions or scholarships for female students?

Yes, the university offers a 25% fee concession for female students across all courses.