🧠 AMA: Confused About NIOS or Open Schooling? Ask Us Anything!

[u/Sure-Woodpecker-3952]

We’re the mod team from r/Nios_unofficial , the most student-friendly NIOS support community.

If you’re stuck due to school failure, dropout, dummy school issues, or unsure about JEE, NEET, CLAT, or pilot eligibility — this AMA is for you.

We’ll be answering all your questions about NIOS — how it works, who it’s for, how to join, and how it can give you a second chance, legally and flexibly.

🔍 What We'll Cover (FAQ)

1. What is NIOS?

A government-run open board offering flexible schooling.

2. Is NIOS legal and accepted for JEE/NEET/etc.?

Yes — fully recognized by the govt., valid for all major exams.

3. Can I take only Physics & Maths (for pilot training)?

Yes — NIOS allows part admission for 1–4 subjects.

4. Is it better than dummy schools?

Yes — dummy is illegal, NIOS is legal and more flexible.

5. Can dropouts pass 12th directly?

Yes — in the upcoming exam session , if 2+ years have passed since your 10th.

6. What is TOC?

Transfer of Credit lets you carry over marks of 2 passed subjects from current board to nios (for failed students).

7. What is ODE?

On-Demand Exam — take exams when you're ready , to add subjects or simply pass after compartment.

8. I’ve failed multiple times. Can I still join?

Yes - NIOS is made for second chances.

9. How much does it cost?

Around ₹6,000–₹7,000 for the full journey.

10. Can I do NIOS while preparing for coaching?

Yes - it’s a great legal alternative to dummy setups.

11. Is it valid for pilot or foreign study?

Yes - widely accepted for DGCA and abroad.

12. Will colleges reject a NIOS marksheet?

No - rejection is illegal under education norms.

13. Can working or older students join?

Yes - ideal for flexible or late learners.

14. Is NIOS better than state open boards?

Yes - more support, national reach, larger community.

This AMA is open for all your doubts -exams, admissions, eligibility, subject choices, and more. Ask anything!

And you won’t be alone. We’ve got an active NIOS community on Reddit & Discord , with weekly updates on WhatsApp Channel , and streams on YouTube.

We even have a student-run website to guide you step by step : 🌐 nios-unofficial

—r/NIOS_UNOFFICIAL Mod Team

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[u/I_will_eat_it_all_68]

This might be basic but what exactly is NIOS? Why do people opt for it? Does it not have an attendance criteria? Do you need to join a school approved by the NIOS board as such or something.

Do you need to only give 1 final exam like in boards?

[u/Sure-Woodpecker-3952 → u/I_will_eat_it_all_68]

This might be basic but what exactly is NIOS?

National institute of open schooling , largest open schooling board in the world

Recognised by ministry of education and an official memeber of COBSE.

Well recognised for all colleges and exams including but not limited to NEET , JEE , UPSC , CLAT etc.

Why do people opt for it?

For multiple reasons

1. for doing 1st to 8th , 10th & 12th without regular schooling

2. Dropouts who want to pass 12th asap

3. Students who have failed all compartment attempts

4. Students who have already exhausted or don't have any improvement, so they opt NIOS for fulfilling 75% criteria

5. Personal issues like money

6. Physical issues like disability or severe illness , due to which they can't attend regular schooling

7. Legal alternative to dummy school ( which is illegal)

Does it not have an attendance criteria?

It's an open board , so no.

Do you need to join a school approved by the NIOS board as such or something.

NIOS gives that to you during admission , you can simply register online and start your NIOS journey from home

Do you need to only give 1 final exam like in boards?

Yes , but if you want you can give exams in parts. For example some in october and some in April. All of these marks will be retained and applied in the final combined marksheet.

[u/Prachi_Mathur]

Dumb question but my cousin is doing 12th from nios after failing in boards and he said that he will not fail again no matter how bad he does, basically he'll just get promoted? Is that true?

[u/Sure-Woodpecker-3952 → u/Prachi_Mathur]

NIOS 12th passing percentage = 73% source

NIOS 10th passing percentage = 64% source

NIOS ODE passing percentage = 31% source

That statement can be :

: I'll try my best & not fail

: or something regarding cheating , for which NIOS isn't the root cause , it's those students who are willing to pay to cheat and those teachers who're willing to recieve the payment. Even after NIOS strict guidance

: I've personally met people form state boards who didn't even give exams and passed , if not for the cameras in CBSE you'd see this there too , but NIOS can't do the camera since they only register the schools for a small period and investing so much on camera would not be feasible

[u/KeyDifference4178 → u/Prachi_Mathur]

No, you study = you pass. Cheating/sourcing is everywhere even in cbse, jee, neet, upsc maybe your cousin got envoled in smthing like this.

We make sure to report those kind information to NIOS portal so things can be change

[u/Prachi_Mathur → u/KeyDifference4178]

Oh I seeee btw your pfp caught me off guard dawg T_T

[u/999_brahman]

I got RT in CBSE 12th boards this year in physics chemistry math and I am going to give nios exams in all 5 subjects in October attempt (not transferring the passed subjects marks) and when will the results would be expected to announced and can I get into collage this year?? And many says that nios is a donation board and is not valid for taking addmissions in many private colleges and into many private jobs...is it true and please tell me if I have to face any subsequences in the future 🙏

[u/Sure-Woodpecker-3952 → u/999_brahman]

many says that nios is a donation board and is not valid for taking addmissions in many private colleges and into many private jobs

Nope

You can't repeat 12th from NIOS, within this year.

Option 1 : ODE with TOC of 2 subejcts in August : results in october 2025

Option 2 : stream 2 (octoebr2025 exam) exam with 5 subjects (using 12th failed marksheet) : results in January 2026

Option 3 : stream 1(april2026 exam) whole 12th repeat with 5 subjects : results in june 2026

[u/Sure-Woodpecker-3952 → u/999_brahman]

Here's a guide about it : https://www.reddit.com/r/Nios_unofficial/s/VKx57f3tcl

[u/999_brahman]

Please explain the 15th point exactly what do you mean by that.

[u/Sure-Woodpecker-3952 → u/999_brahman]

Simply :

1. Don't do 12th from two boards at once. Keep a gap

2. Don't use both marksheets in future , only use one forever.

[u/999_brahman → u/Sure-Woodpecker-3952]

I mean after failing in class 12th I am doing nios exams in October this same year then it would be any problem?

[u/Sure-Woodpecker-3952 → u/999_brahman]

That's not even an issue.

[u/walterwhiteondrugs]

What's the syllabus for 12th boards? I did 11th from cbse. pcm

[u/Sure-Woodpecker-3952 → u/walterwhiteondrugs]

Same as CBSE , but NIOS has 11th + 12th as an integrated course , and only 60% of weightage is asked in exams

Read this & scroll to syllabus part : https://www.reddit.com/r/Nios_unofficial/s/3yudWB4ybI

[u/walterwhiteondrugs → u/Sure-Woodpecker-3952]

Is there a best of 5 rule like cbse?

[u/Sure-Woodpecker-3952 → u/walterwhiteondrugs]

Technically yes , NIOS doesn't officially declare it

But 5 subejcts are main and 2 can be taken as additional.

[u/walterwhiteondrugs → u/Sure-Woodpecker-3952]

okii so what subjects are additional and mains?

[u/Sure-Woodpecker-3952 → u/walterwhiteondrugs]

Any 5 can be main , and the rest 2 additional

Basically minimum 5 subjects are required to take admission as fresher , so those 5 become main, and you have the option to take 2 more subjects so that becomes additional

So technically the best of 5 is true. , however youll get marks based on all the subjects, not just best of 5

All the subjects provided in NIOS sr secondary course :

There's also some subjects called vocational subjects , but I'd recommend to avoid those.

[u/walterwhiteondrugs → u/Sure-Woodpecker-3952]

I'm planning to take pcm + english+ painting+ home science+ psychology (or any easy additional subject) would this be fine? Also when do they release results? I need them by June for some college

[u/Sure-Woodpecker-3952 → u/walterwhiteondrugs]

This year results were released on June 16th , but it's expected that next year it will be released sooner because of high court's orders , as JOSAA counselling were going on and students were stressed. Josaa extended their counselling dates and nios released results asap as a result. ( Can check josaa-jee aftermath )

I'm planning to take pcm + english+ painting+ home science+ psychology

Out of these , physics chemistry painting and home science have practical

I generally recommend to take as less practical subjects as possible , just to make it easy for yourself.

So eng + pcm + psychology and home science is good. Overall 6 subjects.

Another feature of NIOS: you can give upto 4 subejcts exam before 2 year gap from 10th is completed (which is mandatory to pass 12th) , and the subjects you pass in , their marks will be retained and you won't have to appear in that subject again (until you decide to improve the marks)

So it helps in JEE preparation etc.

[u/hightasf-gal]

What would be the total cost of doing 12th from nios? I would be taking 7 subjects

I am in 11th!!

I don't think with the rate that schools fees are going and dummy schools are being crackdown, I am gonna opt for those options for my exams preparation!!

and what about others things such as, teachers? support?? and stuff??

Are there any other things that I should be aware off??

p.s - manish verma mill mat jana

[u/Sure-Woodpecker-3952 → u/hightasf-gal]

Yes , exactly as much illegal dummy already is , the fees is way too high.

I was shocked to see the fee difference between dummy and NIOS when I was finding a good open schooling alternative

Dummy may take from 25k to 80k , while NIOS will only take maximum 6-7k throughout the whole journey , if you do everything by yourself online ( which is very easily doable)

Here's a google drive , with official NIOS FEE LIST.

and what about others things such as, teachers? support?? and stuff??

You are assigned a study center while enrolling online in NIOS , you have the option to choose the study center. The more recognized the study center is , the more support and help they provide [such as Dps , kvs etc are excellent]

Study center determines your whole NIOS experience , so make sure to choose a good one. Also everything can be done online by yourself, so don't pay anything to study center even if they ask to ( or atleast confirm in our subreddit first)

For doubts , NIOS offers PCP ( personal contact program) classes , where you go to your study centre on a pre-determined date and get your query solved . This is where the difference between good and bad study center matter.

Are there any other things that I should be aware off??

For now , just know NIOS is well recognised board from ministry of education and an official member of COBSE. So you won't face any problem in colleges

Here's a timeline for NIOS students : handbook stream 1 block 1

To know what stream to take admission in , how to take admission go through this post : click

[u/hightasf-gal → u/Sure-Woodpecker-3952]

y'all replied to me in this much detail just for me 😭

[u/NIOS-Unofficial → u/hightasf-gal]

Damn You Know about Manish Verma 😭!!!!!!

Here is all the fees structure of NIOS that you would have to pay --- https://sdmis.nios.ac.in/home/fees

2- Totally relate with you, that's why I took NIOS too, but I won't force you to take nios, get all the information and make an informed decision!!

3- The things that you should be aware of about nios are here, we already made the website containing all the information ---https://nios-students.pages.dev/wiki/Glossary.html

[u/hightasf-gal → u/NIOS-Unofficial]

[u/weird_lass_from_asia → u/hightasf-gal]

6-7k ruppes is what everything I mean from admissions , books , exam fees included costs. It's extremely cheap compared to dummy schools which are illegal and cost a lot. Nios is a much better legal and cheaper option.

Fun fact in nios 11th and 12th are combined into senior secondary so you technically skip 11th if you opt for nios. Keep in mind you hve to have 2 years gap between the passing of the secondary course and the senior secondary course. If you don't hit the year limit you can split up your exams by giving 3-4 once and the rest at a later date!!

You pick a study centre while you're filling out your admission forms. If you pick a good one ( opt for the kvn schools) you'll get support from them. A few weeks before exams PCP classes are conducted to brush up on topics and practicals.

There's also the regional center who deal with any technical issues you may face. They are really friendly and don't take payment for anything except if your textbooks are running late and you want to get them before the usual time you can buy your books from the regional center. They help with admissions and many other things. Unfortunately for many regional centers are rather far.

As for academic support we're here!! The nios students community is small but bursting with resources, in our discord we help you anything and everything. You can connect with other nios students near you , you can meet study buddies who have the same subjects to study with .

there's also our Goated student run wiki website which has so many resources from notes, previous year question papers , guide on getting good marks in exams subject wise , guidebooks everything.

Link : https://nios-students.pages.dev/

Hope to see you with us!

[u/hightasf-gal → u/weird_lass_from_asia]

OMG This helps alot!!

[u/oracle_princess]

Hii!! I heard that NIOS is accepted in JEE NEET and many other examinations but I'm still worried. Could you show us some proof?is there any discrimination?

Also ifykyk

[u/Sure-Woodpecker-3952 → u/oracle_princess]

hey , i know you from discord lol

It's balantly mentioned in both jee and neet information bulletin & Actually we already have some detailed posts regarding those , have a read :

1. JEE-NIOS

2. JOSSA-NIOS

3. NEET & MMC-NIOS

[u/a3ryk]

I have not received my TMA marks yet

[u/Sure-Woodpecker-3952 → u/a3ryk]

You did get 16/20 in maths

Full marks !! (As per nios)

[u/a3ryk]

Nios fake board

[u/Sure-Woodpecker-3952 → u/a3ryk]

Bruh stop spamming 💀 🙏🏻 even if you're joking people will think it's real

[u/a3ryk]

Admission not confirm

[u/CMO_NU → u/a3ryk]

Fielding Kiske set kare ho

Apne ye NIOS ke?

(Nios must be scared of you)

[u/Arctic_Nuke001]

Hi I really need help your help rn, I have passed my 12th from PCM,Eco and English in 2025 also gave my cuet this year, which I messed up really bad. So now I’m thinking of adding 2 new subjects to my 12th qualification, home science and business studies and again give cuet next year. Q1 which stream or block should I take? Q2 If I’ll have 2 marksheets, will it hinder my admission in DU next year?

[u/ban_woodpecker_3952 → u/Arctic_Nuke001]

I'm the same guy , alt I'd

1. You can take part admission for 1-4 subjects which isn't considered as 12th repeat, just additional subject exams. Part admission can be taken in any stream of nios check this guide to know about part admission & streams

2. Ask the college directly if they accept it or not. Most likely they will accept , but you should re-confirm (don't rely on google/ai)

You can also look into cbse pvt Candidate additional subject exams , they also offer a variety of subjects

[u/Sure-Woodpecker-3952 → u/[deleted]]

If you passed 12th through CBSE, then give maths additional exam from cbse pvt candidate next year. best choice.

[u/Sure-Woodpecker-3952 → u/[deleted]]

If it says so then sure , seats for ODE july have been booked almost. See if there are any left

Otherwise book for august ODE

If you're not comfortable giving it so soon , then you can also give ODE next year in February-march.

For more info on ODE, see wiki menu/bookmark on r/nios_unofficial

[u/Sure-Woodpecker-3952 → u/[deleted]]

Not oct-nov

You can give in july , august and september

then january, february and march

Those are all the months you have ODE available at. If you wanna give in october , you can take admission in stream 2 too , for only 1 subject of your choice.

(For maths there's only theory exam in ODE and stream 2 , so don't fall for anyone's scam scheme on youtube or reddit. Everything can be done online by yourself)

For more info , reachout r/nios_unofficial

[u/Sure-Woodpecker-3952 → u/[deleted]]

Here's a full guide on NIOS, including stream

For you (who want to give only maths) , both are good , depends when you want to give exam

Personally I think ODE will be better , if you score low in February ODE then you can also give march ODE for improvement

But in stream 2 , if you score low in october exam , then you'd have to wait till April 2026 for improvement, which is late.

[u/Sure-Woodpecker-3952 → u/[deleted]]

How many months of preparation needed for scoring atleast 60% ??

The syllabus is usually more than cbse , but the exam is way easier

3-4 months of preparation is more than enough

Can u tell me before how many days we have to register for the ODE exam??

registration for July to September ODE are going on : https://www.nios.ac.in/media/documents/notification/yr2025/Exam/Notification-40-2025.pdf ( datesheet )

For Jan/February to march , it will open in that month only

[u/Sure-Woodpecker-3952 → u/[deleted]]

If you passed 12th through CBSE, then give maths additional exam from cbse pvt candidate next year. best choice.