Patna: Nalanda Open University (NOU), the state's only higher education institution offering distance learning, is set to commence its admission process in the second week of this month. Vice-Chancellor Ravindra Kumar confirmed that all preparations are complete for the 2026–27 academic session, which includes admissions to 24 postgraduate programmes, 11 undergraduate programmes (four-year degree courses under the choice-based credit system), four professional courses (BCA, MCA, BLIS, and MLIS), eight postgraduate diploma courses, and 16 certificate courses. Additionally, postgraduate courses in English and Maithili will be introduced from the current session.
Kumar stated that the university is awaiting fresh recognition from the Distance Education Bureau (DEB) of the UGC for some of its PG and UG courses. If approval is received within the stipulated admission period, enrolment in these courses will also commence in the current session.
The vice-chancellor further noted that NOU's academic calendar is on schedule, with all 2025 examinations completed and results declared. Examinations for 2026 are scheduled to begin in the last week of this month. The university has also requested the state higher education department to permit the opening of a branch office in Patna to enhance student convenience. Currently, students from remote areas must travel to Nalanda even for minor queries, and a Patna office would alleviate this inconvenience and improve access.
Kumar added that examinations could also be conducted in Patna from time to time. To benefit local students, the university has recently established study centres at Patna College and Patna Science College.
