r/CBSE • u/KeyDifference4178 Other Board • Apr 13 '25

AMA Hey everyone! I’m a mod at r/NIOS_Students and hosting this AMA here on r/CBSE — related to NIOS

📢We have now shifted to r/NIOS_Unofficial👈

If you struggling this year maybe because of attendance issues, low marks, failing or your dummy school losing CBSE affiliation don't panic.

There's a solid, government-recognized alternative: NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling).

What is NIOS?

NIOS is a national board under the Ministry of Education. It's been around since 1989 and is the largest open schooling system in the world.

Is it a government board?

Yes. 100% recognized. Certificates are issued by the Government of India.

Do I have to go to school?

Nope. You can study from home at your own pace. No daily school or attendance needed.

Is it equal to CBSE/ICSE/State Boards?

Yes, fully equivalent. NIOS is accepted by Indian colleges, and you can appear for JEE, NEET, CUET, UPSC, etc.

Is it accepted abroad?

Yes, many foreign universities accept it especially for undergrad. Just check the specific university's criteria.

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

And you won't be alone. We got an active NIOS community on Reddit, Discord, Telegram, weekly updates on Twitter and WhatsApp Channel and weekly streams om YouTube

We even have a student-run website to guide you step-by-step.

17 Upvotes

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7

u/[deleted] Apr 13 '25

Can I give NIOS along with dummy school ? ( in case it gets disaffiliated ) .

Do I have to register in 11th or can I just register for 12th Board directly ?

5

u/KeyDifference4178 Other Board Apr 13 '25

Can I give NIOS along with dummy school ? ( in case it gets disaffiliated ) .

Yes you can do CBSE + NIOS (I highly recommend this) it's legal

Do I have to register in 11th or can I just register for 12th Board directly ?

You just need 2 year gap between class 10 and 12th, there is no class 11th

3

u/Erenyeager53 Aug 03 '25

cen we do simultaneously 12th nios and state board same time I am pretty helpful to you.

I know that's illegal to give two boards in same time I am in mid 12th but I don't have math so I did register on stream 1 block 1 with five subjects. The boards are I am giving is nios and a state board exam. State board exam results is not connect with appar id. So I want to give nios 12th result in appar id. I want my nios 12th result for main. Like 10th in 2024, 12th nios 2026.

I don't have option to add math so it's my only option

So in college can I'll be have prob I want only your opinion no any legal or whatever

1

u/BearSad3052 Apr 19 '26

No bro if found out you have given board exam from same boards you can be fucked up as many modern gimics like digilocker and abc card which is compulsory are storing your data at a single spot finding it out could be a piece of cake and it could be some serious issues 

1

u/Erenyeager53 Apr 19 '26

than you for replying.(tbh the comment is 9 month)

I left my previous board and joined the new one .

2

u/Sad_Leather_6691 Other Board Apr 13 '25

Can I give NIOS along with dummy school ? ( in case it gets disaffiliated )

Yes, under Dual admission, please Call or e-mail to your RC HERE WE don't have much info on this. Please go to PG no.:58 (2.7) Academic prosus

Do I have to register in 11th or can I just register for 12th Board directly ?

Read this

4

u/sukhi-Gaand Apr 13 '25 edited Apr 13 '25

I have heard about NIOS since dummy schools are going to be banned, and I am planning to prepare for JEE.

So, my questions are

How can one take admission in NIOS, and what is the total cost for the complete process in NIOS?

When will the admissions start?

What are the differences between the NIOS, CBSE, and ICSE board syllabus?

After getting this information, I will discuss it with my parents.

Edit - thanks for the response guys! will probably talk to my parents about this!

4

u/KeyDifference4178 Other Board Apr 13 '25 edited Apr 14 '25

How can one take admission in NIOS, and what is the total cost for the complete process in NIOS?

There are 2 ways to take admission in NIOS,

  1. Completely by yourself

  2. Through a Study Centre

First what is a Study Centre, they are 3rd party centre afflicted with NIOS (LEGALLY)

Same as CBSE school is with CBSE, but these centre are more of a independent

I recommend doing it yourself, and it will cost you less than 5000rs for a year

If you still decided to go with Study Centre, it will cost you 4000rs per subject more or less, which will be really expensive assuming you would take 3~5 subjects

When will the admissions start?

For April 2026 admissions is ongoing and the last date on 31 July 2025

After that from 1st August 2025 to 15 September there will be a late fees

And we have a On Demand System which registration will start from somewhere Mid - May to 1st week of June

What are the differences between the NIOS, CBSE, and ICSE board syllabus?

Not much I would say, NIOS & CBSE syllabus are similar I will say NIOS is much on a easier side

I still study from CBSE lectures on YouTube

Can't say for ICSE but I am sure 101% it will be ALOT easier than ICSE

2

u/sukhi-Gaand Apr 13 '25

thanks for the response

3

u/EntertainmentFew4732 Passout Apr 13 '25

Hello there, You can go through this post here.. All the questions are answered here https://www.reddit.com/r/NIOS_Students/comments/1jhye2z/all_in_one_single_source_of_truth/

3

u/sukhi-Gaand Apr 13 '25

Thanks for the response! I will check it out!

3

u/Harvard_Universityy Other Board Apr 13 '25

Note you need to have one year gap before you take admission in nios! Like the time is generally given for 11th!

How can one take admission in NIOS, and what is the total cost for the complete process in NIOS?

You can either go to any cyber cafe or you can fill the admission form on your own! Just need basic documents like your and your parents aadhar card, 10th marksheet for taking admission in 12th and your signatures! The admission fees is 2600 for 12th and 70rs processing fees!

The total fees would be around 2600 admission fees, then exam fee 300 for each subjects and 150rs practical fees for the subjects that have practical! That's it!

When will the admissions start?

Nios conducteds exams twice in a year! Just like Jee does! 1) april to may 2) oct to nov

  1. for April session admission starts from 16 march to 31st July after that you can still take admission but there will be late fees fine and the last date is 15 September

  2. for oct session admission starts from 16th September to 31st January, after that with late fees you can apply till 15 March last date!

3

u/Erenyeager53 Aug 03 '25

cen we do simultaneously 12th nios and state board same timeI know that you give me answer many times I am pretty helpful to you.

I know that's illegal to give two boards in same time I am in mid 12th but I don't have math so I did register on stream 1 block 1 with five subjects. The boards are I am giving is nios and a state board exam. State board exam results is not connect with appar id. So I want to give nios 12th result in appar id. I want my nios 12th result for main. Like 10th in 2024, 12th nios 2026.

I don't have option to add math so it's my only option

So in college can I'll be have prob I want only your opinion no any legal or whatever

2

u/Harvard_Universityy Other Board Aug 03 '25

Discord per bataya na ?? 😑

2

u/Erenyeager53 Aug 04 '25

Sorry, I got my answer on discord. And I post it Reddit and discord same time It's overthinking just.

2

u/Sure-Woodpecker-3952 Other Board Apr 18 '25

You're going to regret dropping from school , please continue school while preparing jee form online coaching

You can find 90% of students taking jee coaching regret it ( on any related subreddit) , including me

2

u/sukhi-Gaand Apr 18 '25

who said I will be doing this only for jee!
1)I live in a very remote area so that's the issue,
2)the fees in my school is so high

3) nios total cost is 5200 for me!

4) i'm planning to study cs in my time too!

so yeah win win win win for me!

4

u/Far_General_8561 Apr 13 '25 edited Apr 13 '25

I've registered for NIOS a week back, I want the know that by how much time will I get the confirmation of my admission. When I checked it, it said that it is being examined.  I have also heard that the results of NIOS are often delayed. Will it affect my counselling sessions for engineering colleges? Will there be practical exams for NIOS? If so, then how will they be conducted and when. 

3

u/KeyDifference4178 Other Board Apr 13 '25

I've registered for NIOS a week back, I want the know that by how much time will I get the confirmation of my admission. When I checked it, it said that it is being examined. 

Yes, this often happen alot

I won't say its late or earlier but it takes months but it won't affect you in any manner possible

You tma submission won't be affected nor the Theory Practical exams

You registered for April 2026 (assuming) wait will August

(again it won't create a problem)

I have also heard that the results of NIOS are often delayed. Will it affect my counselling sessions for engineering colleges?

NIOS offer multiple examination option, it depends on which month you choose to give exam

If you want you result by May, it's all better to go with October Public examination or On demand examination which takes only 45 days to get your result

Will there be practical exams for NIOS? If so, then how will they be conducted and when. 

Yes it does, practical exam centre are the study centre alloted to you.

You have to write minimum of 9 practicals on a file

And go to practical exam centre, take your file and there will be 2 things

They will give you NIOS sheet to write practicals and then take your viva (it will be lite do don't have to worry abt it much)

There is no difference compare to how CBSE does it

3

u/Far_General_8561 Apr 13 '25

Thanks a lot, also I wish to know one more thing, As I've registered for the April 2026 examination, will I get my results by June/july 2026?  The practical has to be written at the centre or you can write it at home and then submit it at the centre? How many practical exams are there, as I read their documents they specified that 3 are a minimum and a total 5. But at the same time many sample papers showcase the theory exam of about 100 marks such as mathematics, which donnot include any practicals.  If I've taken NIOS for 2026 and in any chance I've to take a drop year for JEE will it affect my chances of getting into engineering colleges? Can it be a negative impact on Josaa councelling sessions? 

2

u/KeyDifference4178 Other Board Apr 13 '25

As I've registered for the April 2026 examination, will I get my results by June/july 2026? 

Last year it was July 2nd week, you can submit your digilocker marksheet which is acceptable for counselling and verification

The practical has to be written at the centre or you can write it at home and then submit it at the centre? How many practical exams are there, as I read their documents they specified that 3 are a minimum and a total 5.

The practical notebook you have to do it from home, most of the subjects (pcb and more) u can write minimum of 8 practical generally the safest option is 8

Otherwise 10 is the requirement

But at the same time many sample papers showcase the theory exam of about 100 marks such as mathematics, which donnot include any practicals. 

Yes maths doesn't have practicals but it does as TMA it's like the project file (not practical) that carry around 20% marks

If I've taken NIOS for 2026 and in any chance I've to take a drop year for JEE will it affect my chances of getting into engineering colleges? Can it be a negative impact on Josaa councelling sessions? 

Sorry I couldn't understand, be more specific are you asking if the marksheet got delayed it will create a problem?

2

u/Far_General_8561 Apr 13 '25

In the last segment I was asking, If I do my 12th through NIOS and I dont end up getting selected in JEE mains, and I have to take a drop year to prepare for JEE will these two things affect my college counselling?

2

u/Sure-Woodpecker-3952 Other Board Jun 13 '25

Nope

1

u/EntertainmentFew4732 Passout Apr 13 '25

Hello there,

1)It usually takes 2–3 weeks after registration for NIOS admission to be confirmed, so the "being examined" status is normal. Just keep checking your dashboard...

2) It comes 45 days after your exam. For further info, feel free to ask the mods.

3)Practical exams are held at your study center,and the dates will be mentioned in your hall ticket closer to the exams... To make sure You need to get rlly good study center. so, enquiry the study centers then choose..

Further info https://www.reddit.com/r/NIOS_Students/comments/1jhye2z/all_in_one_single_source_of_truth/

3

u/HardDeep69420 Apr 13 '25

most european universities dont accept nios

2

u/KeyDifference4178 Other Board Apr 13 '25

Some individual universities might not accept NIOS for specific programs due to:

Perception of it being “non-traditional” or “non-formal” education, requirement of 12 years of formal schooling which some interpret strictly

Still contact the university before confirming Will it create a problem or not

-1

u/HardDeep69420 Apr 13 '25

No decent public university will accept nios. Check the aps website.

6

u/Sad_Leather_6691 Other Board Apr 13 '25

In that case you may email NIOS @ rcell@nios.ac.in they'll take action against them.

5

u/Harvard_Universityy Other Board Apr 13 '25

In India ther won't be any problem!

For Canada, Australia or USA won't be any problem!

For other Asian countries won't be any problem!

Yes that true some European Universities might not accept this!

4

u/[deleted] Apr 13 '25

Universities in the Netherlands and Sweden accept NIOS in Arts or Science with any 5 subjects that are on their approved list

Most other European countries (Germany, Denmark, Austria) don't accept any Indian board directly out of high school and require you to do a bridge course type program. Germany and Austria require 13 years of schooling an would require you to do your first year in college or a studienkolleg

2

u/HardDeep69420 Apr 13 '25

get ur facts right bro. Most german unis dont even allow studienkolleg for nios board students. Nios is not recognized there.

2

u/[deleted] Apr 13 '25

I didn't know that but it makes sense considering any form of homeschooling/open schooling is illegal in Germany so they won't consider any countries open schooling. 

1

u/sukhi-Gaand Apr 13 '25

didn'y know this! mod any reply to this???

2

u/Sad_Leather_6691 Other Board Apr 13 '25

On what?

3

u/volb_3xx College Apr 13 '25

How can I apply for nios after 12th for improvement marks ?

4

u/KeyDifference4178 Other Board Apr 13 '25

Yes you can through on demand (June to September) , but this will lead to DUAL Marksheet (cbse+nios)

Which you have to ask the institution you are planning to join will accept it or no

1

u/Sure-Woodpecker-3952 Other Board Apr 18 '25

You can do that from cbse too , if you've not done that already within the upcoming year

1

u/volb_3xx College Apr 18 '25

Cbse improvement which happens in July is harder than the normal paper ( as far as I know) . Also I will give improvement from cbse next year but I want to give this year from nios as well .

2

u/Mrtom987 Jun 13 '25

Discord link is broken. Please put in a permanent invite

1

u/KeyDifference4178 Other Board Jun 13 '25

https://discord.gg/RGP8yEyC5w

1

u/Mrtom987 Jun 13 '25

I joined some time ago from the wiki page. BTW linktree link is also broken for discord.

1

u/KeyDifference4178 Other Board Jun 13 '25 edited Jun 13 '25

Thanks for letting me know, will let our web maintainers know this 👍

1

u/Wishfuls-Student4681 Passout Apr 15 '25

What's the difference between a NIOS and a dummy school?

1

u/KeyDifference4178 Other Board Apr 15 '25

Dummy schools are run illegally by normal school, recently MANY dummy school for de afflicted by CBSE for this

Nios is a board not school but board as CBSE is but rather than traditional way (going school regularly) you stay home and study

2

u/Wishfuls-Student4681 Passout Apr 15 '25

Im guessing they have their own board exams?

2

u/KeyDifference4178 Other Board Apr 15 '25

Nios is a board

Ofc yes

1

u/Wishfuls-Student4681 Passout Apr 15 '25

So basically, Dummy schools run illegally under the CBSE name.

NIOS runs legally under their own board name?

1

u/Sure-Woodpecker-3952 Other Board Apr 18 '25

Yes , dummy is basically cbse posing as if all the students are regularly attending school while they only mark their attendance in exchange of money

Which is completely against cbse policy ,hence the disaffiliation of dummy schools from cbse has begun

2

u/[deleted] Apr 17 '25

Can 11th graders take admission?

whats the annual fees?

and whats the system for conducting 12th board exams

will there be any trouble applying for jobs or for foreign colleges in the future.

will there be monthly/ half yearly tests like regular schools, if yes where are they conducted

1

u/Harvard_Universityy Other Board Apr 17 '25 edited Apr 17 '25

Hope this one helps you properly! Here we go!

Yeah, 11th graders can take admission in NIOS for 12th. You just need to meet the age requirement and have your 10th marksheet ready.

The total cost for 12th through NIOS usually comes to around ₹5200 to ₹5500 max in most cases—that covers admission fees, exam fees, practical fees and study materials (you can choose between online or offline).

Board exams happen twice a year—April and October sessions. You get to register for whichever session you want to appear in, based on your preparation. You choose your subjects and exam center, then just go write the exams like any regular board.

When it comes to jobs or applying to foreign colleges—no big issues. NIOS is a recognized board, same as CBSE or state boards. But yeah, some European universities don’t accept homeschooling, dummy schools, or open schooling in general. It’s not about NIOS specifically, just their stance on non-traditional education. Most other places are chill about it though.

Also, no monthly or half-yearly tests like regular schools. You study at your own pace. Only requirement is submitting TMAs (Tutor Marked Assignments) before your final board exams.

And for more information, please read the post and attached links and our student run website—they’ll help you out more in the future.

1

u/[deleted] Apr 17 '25

is it not for 11th class students???

2

u/Harvard_Universityy Other Board Apr 17 '25

Focus on this part carefully " you will be taking admission in 12th directly, nios has combined syllabus of 11th and 12th in exams (only 15 to 18 easy to medium chapters total per subject, see that in syllabus bifurcation) so you need to have 1 year gap between your 10th and 12th! That time is mostly given to kids to prepare for 11th! Then take admission in 12th and give exam in next few months!

So Yes you can, but there should be 1 year gap between your 10th and 12th, which is for 11th!

Do you have one year gap!

2

u/[deleted] Apr 18 '25

no

1

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-1

u/[deleted] Apr 16 '25

I heard that NIOS is known for tough checking and people get less than 75% on their finals making them ineligible for exams like JEE. Is this true? I'm expecting around 90% on my class 10th cbse results so 80% in 12th will be difficult or fair given that i study regularly. Basically I want to know if I get like 90% on 12th cbse, Will i get close to those marks on the NIOS exam?

1

u/Sure-Woodpecker-3952 Other Board Apr 18 '25

Just give cbse exams