Nalanda Open University (NOU) is a university at Patna in Bihar state, India. The University was established in March 1987 by an ordinance, promulgated by the Government of Bihar. It is the only university in Bihar providing education through distance and open education. With a vision of providing education to those who have been deprived of formal education, it follows the norms of flexibility with respect to eligibility, admission and course structure. Nalanda Open University has 28 study centres around Bihar and Jharkhand in cities like Jamshedpur and Ranchi and in important towns like Katihar and small towns like Bettiah, catering to the educational needs of every section of the society.

Nalanda Open University

The aim of the university is to provide educational opportunities to those students who are unable to take formal education and willing to upgrade their educational qualification and acquire knowledge in the various field of learning.

Quick Links

Programmes Offered in NOU

Nalanda Open University offers 5 different programmes for the students. Students can apply for only one course during the admission. No students will be allowed for the dual courses. Check the list of the programmes offered in the University for higher education.

  • Post Graduate
  • Post Graduate Diploma
  • Under Graduate
  • Intermediate
  • Certificate

Schools At NOU

Currently, there are 10 schools operating under Nalanda Open University. Check the name of Schools operating and courses offered.

School Name Courses offered
School of Computer Education and Information Technology
  • Master of Computer Application (MCA)
  • Bachelor of Computer Application (BCA)
  • Certificate Course in Information Technology (CIT)
  • Short Certificate Course in Information Technology (CIT)
  • Certificate in Computer Network Administration-(Discovery)
  • Certificate in Computer Network Administration -(Exploration)
School of Economics, Commerce and Management
  • Master of Commerce
  • M.A. in Economics
  • Post-Graduate Diploma in (Financial Management & Marketing Management)
  • Bachelor of (Commerce and Business Administration (BBA) )
  • B.A.(Hons.) in Economics
  • Intermediate of Commerce
  • Certificate Course in Disaster Management
  • Certificate course in Insurance Services
School of Health and Environmental Science
  • M.A. / M.Sc. in Environmental Science
  • P.G. Diploma in Yogic Studies
  • Certificate Course in Basics Medical Assistance and Nursing
  • Certificate course in Child Psychology and Guidance
  • Certificate course in Clinical Dental Technique
  • Certificate course in Dental and Oral Hygiene
  • Certificate course in Dental Mechanics
  • Certificate course in ECG Technique
  • Certificate course in Environmental Studies
  • Certificate courses in Food and Nutrition
  • Certificate course in Health and Environment
  • Certificate course in Nutrition and Childcare
  • Certificate course in Medical Laboratory Technique
  • Certificate course in HIV and Family Education
  • Certificate course in Operation Theatre Assistantship
  • Certificate course in Optometry and Ophthalmic Assistantship
  • Certificate Course in Physiotherapy and Ophthalmic Assistantship
  • Certificate course in Physiotherapy and Yoga-Therapy
  • Certificate course in Radiography and Imaging Technique
  • Certificate course in Artificial Insemination and minor Veterinary Services
School of Indian and Foreign Languages
  • M.A. in (Bhojpuri, Hindi, Magahi, Maithili, Sanskrit, Urdu)
  • P.G. Diploma in Hindi – English Translation (To be introduced)
  • B.A.(Hons.) in Hindi
  • I.A. (Hindi)
  • Certificate Course in ( Bhojpuri, Magahi, Maithili, Pali, Prakrit, Sanskrit, Urdu )
School of Indology
  • M.A. in History
  • B.A. (Hons.) in History
  • B.A. (Hons.) in Tourism
  • I.A. (History)
  • Certificate Course in ( Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islamic, Jain, and Sikh) Studies
School of Journalism and Mass Communication
  • Master in Mass Communication
  • P.G. Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication
  • Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication
School of Library and Information Science
  • Master of Library and Information Science
  • Bachelor of Library and Information Science
  • Certificate course in Library and Information Science
School of Pure and Agriculture Science
  • M.Sc. in (Botany, Chemistry, Geography, Mathematics, Physics, and Zoology)
  • B. Sc. in ( Botany, Chemistry, Geography, Home Science, Mathematics, Physics, and Zoology)
  • I.SC. in ( Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics)
  • Certificate course in Bio-fertilizer Production
  • Certificate course in Floriculture technology
  • Certificate course in Medicinal and Aromatic Plants
  • Certificate course in Soil Health Management
School of Sciences
  • M.A. in ( Geography, Political Science, Psychology, Public Administration, Rural Development and Sociology)
  • B.A. / B.Sc. (Hons.) in ( Geography and Home Science)
  • B.A. (Hons.) in (Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, and Social Work)
  • Intermediate (Arts)
  • Certificate course in Abolition of Child Labour
  • Certificate course in Child and Women’s Rights
  • Certificate course in Indian Constitution and Panchayati Raj
  • Certification course in Legal Awareness Among Women
School of Teachers Education
  • M.A. in Education
  • B.Ed.
  • B.A. in Education (To be introduced)

Eligibility Criteria Of NOU Course Wise

Students seeking admission in NOU must fulfil eligibility criteria for admission to various courses. Check the eligibility criteria.

Course Eligibility Duration of Course
Ph.D. (program is suspended till further order) Post Graduate in Relevant Area*
Master’s Degree in Arts Bachelor or equivalent degree in any subject 2 years
Master’s Degree in Science Bachelor or equivalent degree in Science subject 2 years
MLIS BLIS 1 years
MJMC Completed bachelor degree or equivalent degree in any subject or PGDJMC 2 years
MCA
  • Passed in BCA / B.Sc.(Computer Science) or bachelor’s degree
  • Mathematics as a subject
 3 years
Master’s Degree in Commerce Completed Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce 2 year
P.G. Diploma Courses Bachelor degree or equivalent* 1 year
B.Ed Diploma Courses Bachelor degree in Commerce 2 years
BLIS Completed Bachelor Degree or equivalent* 1 year
Bachelor Degree in Arts Passed intermediate in any stream 3 years
Bachelor Degree in Science Passed intermediate in Science stream 3 year
Bachelor’s Degree Course (B.Com) Passed intermediate in Commerce stream 3 year
BCA
  • Completed intermediate with Maths as subject
  • I.A with the certificate in Computing
 3 years
Intermediate Qualified in class 10 exam or equivalent exam 2 years
Certificate Courses Qualified in Matriculation or Intermediate as per requirement of each programme 9 / 6 Months

* Conditions Apply

Note: Degree and certificate will be considered as equivalent which has been recognized as such by the Academic Council of the Nalanda Open University.

Fee Structure Of NOU

Students applying for the admission to the various programme offered in Nalanda Open University (NOU) can check the Fee structure according to the courses.

Course Name Fee (Per year) in Rs.
Post Graduate Degree Programmes
(A). Arts Stream
M.A. in (All courses) Rs.3600/-
(B). Science Stream
M.Sc. in All courses Rs.3600/-
(C). Commerce Stream
M.Com Rs.3600/-
(D). Media Stream
MJMC Rs.4000/-
(E). Computer Science Stream
MCA Rs.10,000/-
(F).Library Science Stream
MLIS Rs.8000/-
Post Graduate Diploma Programmes
Post Graduate Diploma in (All offered courses) Rs.4400/-
Teacher Training Programme
Bachelor of Education Rs.20,000/-
Library and Information Science Programme
BLIS Rs.5500/-
Graduate Degree Programmes
(A). Arts Stream
B.A. Honours (Economics, Education, Geography, Hindi, History) Rs.2400/-
B.A. Honours (Journalism & Mass Communication) Rs.2400/-
B.A. Honours (Pol. Science and Psychology) Rs.2400/-
B.A. Honours (Public Administration ) Rs.2400/-
B.A Honours (Sociology, Social Work, Tourism, Home Science and Statistics) Rs.2400/-
(B). Science Stream
B.Sc. Honours ( Botany, Chemistry, Geography, and Mathematics) Rs.2400/-
B.Sc. Honours (Physics, Zoology, Home Science, and Statistics) Rs.2400/-
(C). Commerce Stream
B.Com Rs.2400/-
BBA Rs.6000/-
Computer Education Programme
Bachelor In Computer Application (BCA) Rs.6000/-
Intermediate Programme
Intermediate of Arts Rs.1875/-
Intermediate of Commerce Rs.1875/-
Intermediate of Science Rs.1875/-
Certificate Programmes
Agriculture Certificate Courses (All courses) Rs.1325/-
Child and Women Related Certificate Courses (All courses) Rs.1325/-
Health and Environment Related Certificate Course (All Courses) Rs.1325/-
Para Medical (All course) Rs.5000/-
Language-Based Certificate Courses (All courses) Rs.1325/-
Religion-Based Certificate Courses (All courses) Rs.1325/-
Computer Based and Miscellaneous Certificate Courses
Certificate in Information Technology Rs.1325/-
Certificate of Home Usages of Computers Rs.1325/-
Certificate in Disaster Management Rs.1325/-
Certificate in Indian Constitution & Panchayati Raj Rs.1325/-
Certificate in Insurance Services Rs.1325/-
Certificate in library & Information Science Rs.1325/-
CISCO CCNA (Routing & Switching) Rs.10,000/-
Certificate in Interior Decoration Rs.5000/-
Certificate in Artificial Insemination Minor Veterinary Services Rs.6000/-
Certificate in Hindi English Translation Rs.1325/-

Note: 25% fee concession to women seeking admission in any course.

NOU Study Centre

Nalanda Open University has a large network of 144 study centre spread across Bihar including old study centres and new study centres. There are 55 old study centres and 89 new study centres. Click the link provided below to check the list of NOEU study centres.

  • Click here to check the list of NOU Study Centre.

Bihar