“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world“ – Nelson Mandela.
Constantly evolving world needs a better future generation to create revolutions, which is possible only with education. Student life has always revolved around completion of homework, appearing for examinations, scoring marks and moving forward. This has become a vicious cycle for students, making it impossible for students to pursue their interest in other areas. Parents from socio-economically weaker sections of the society at times struggle to enroll their kids into a good school because of donation, fees and study material cost. But thanks to the initiatives and reforms being made by the Government of India to change the education system, there is an option available in the form of ‘Open Schooling’ outside the traditional classroom system which is supported by quality study material is being made available free online to make education equitable.
Since ancient times, Open Schooling has been playing a vital role in education. In the 1970s, Scholars and Researchers in foreign countries from various backgrounds suggested educational reformation in the form of home schooling. This idea was later accepted by many countries to increase the literacy rate and to promote education in rural areas. Statistically, if the open schooling option is considered then developed nations like the USA ranks first for open schooling. In the case of our nation, the possible impact of open schooling education was recognized by the government and NIOS Board was set up to increase student enrollment. The recent digital infrastructure initiatives have enabled access to online study material in more remote areas and thus increased student participation further.
So Let’s Take A Quick Look At The Reform?
The Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi introduced Open Schooling/Home schooling in the year 1979 as a project activity, to encourage participation of kids in pursuing education where school education seemed to be impossible. The Ministry of Human Resources Development, Government of India, established the National Open School (NOS) in 1989 and later in 1990 through a Government Resolution, NOS was vested with the authority to certify students up to pre-degree level of education. In July 2002, NOS was upgraded to national apex body for open schooling and new name given – National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) with a new mandate to continue certification up to pre-degree level as an alternative to formal education system
Open schooling by NIOS was a revolutionary breakthrough in the education system and NIOS is one of the three national school education boards in India. It follows the principle of ‘Freedom to learn’ wherein learners have a choice to choose what to learn, when to learn, how to learn and when to appear for an exam. This ensures that the education is learner-centric and there is flexibility in the examination system. Students certified by NIOS can enroll in reputed institutions for higher studies as the examination is considered equivalent to examination of other boards like CBSE and ICSE.
Why To Choose Open Schooling?
Irrespective of the socio-economic status every kid deserves to be educated. It is a fundamental right. NIOS study center makes it possible to reach every kid where schools couldn’t reach and educate them. Apart from socio-economic status, if a kid can’t pursue school education because of health issues, family conditions or wants to excel in extra-curricular activities then Open schooling provides an excellent option for them. In the current scenario, where parents are not comfortable to send their wards to schools, NIOS is a feasible option for parents to continue their ward’s education at home. NIOS study centers are located throughout India, to support the student learning through doubt clearing help and for activities like assignment submission and practicals.
What Are The Conditions To Enroll In Open Schooling?
- Parents can enroll their child in Secondary and Senior Secondary sections as per their needs. Not to forget, NIOS has tie up with other boards of education, so the child can shift to Open Schooling anytime.
- Fees for Open schooling is to be paid online through NIOS portal. The fees is inclusive of study material and other charges. So even before the seat confirmation is announced, the study material will reach the student address via post.
- Language isn’t a barrier in education. Open Schooling offers education in 18 languages for and for Class XII 41 subjects are available in 12 languages.
- As the world is moving towards digitization, NIOS has taken a step forward and launched a mobile app. This app is exclusively designed to track student data and helps the student throughout their academic journey. One can link their Aadhaar card to NIOS account to avoid confusion for further admission process.
How We Help NIOS Education ?
Akshara International School is accredited as a NIOS Study Center in Pune for Secondary and Senior Secondary School. We make sure to provide a healthy ODL (Open and Distance Learning) environment via NIOS Pune to our students. Although NIOS provides online content, students come up with doubts & difficulties, for which a study center guides them through personal contact program (PCP). Especially, subjects like science require practical knowledge and exposure. The Study Center makes sure to meet this yardstick and support the students to achieve their career goals.
