NIOS Celebrates 36 Years of Pioneering Open Schooling
The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) commemorated a significant milestone on Sunday, celebrating its 36th Foundation Day at Kaushal Bhawan in New Delhi. The event highlighted the institute's enduring commitment to making education accessible to all segments of Indian society.
Dignitaries Grace the Celebration
The ceremony was honored by the presence of Union Minister for Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, who attended as the Chief Guest. Adding prestige to the occasion, Sanjay Kumar (IAS), Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy, served as the Guest of Honour. The event was also attended by Prachi Pandey (IA&AS), Joint Secretary of the same department, alongside Prof. Akhilesh Mishra, Chairman of NIOS, other senior officials, and staff members.
A Legacy of Inclusive and Flexible Learning
As one of the only two national boards operating under the Ministry of Education, NIOS has been a cornerstone of India's educational landscape for over three and a half decades. It specializes in delivering school education through the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode, breaking down barriers for learners who cannot access traditional schooling systems.
The institute's comprehensive offerings include:
- Open Basic Education (OBE) for foundational learning.
- Secondary and Senior Secondary level courses.
- A wide array of Vocational Education programmes.
This learner-centric model has been instrumental in democratizing education, providing flexible, accessible, and inclusive learning opportunities across the nation.
Showcasing Growth and Launching New Initiatives
As part of the foundation day festivities, NIOS organized an exhibition to showcase its remarkable 36-year journey, displaying various academic programmes and innovative learning materials. In a significant step forward, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan released new NIOS courses and updated learning resources during the event, signaling the institute's continued evolution and adaptation to modern educational needs.
For 36 years, NIOS has consistently empowered millions of students, proving that quality education can transcend the walls of a conventional classroom and reach every corner of the country.
