Nalanda Open University admission registration process will start soon for the academic session 2026. Interested applicants can apply online through their official website by paying a non-refundable registration fee of INR 500*.NOU provides several programmes at UG, PG, Certificate and Diploma levels. Eligible candidates can apply for any programme from the university. The basic requirement for UG programmes is to complete 10+2 from a recognized board and for PG programmes, is to hold a bachelor’s degree in any relevant discipline. The university does not require any entrance exam for UG & PG courses, but for the B.Ed programme, it requires candidates to appear for a Common Entrance Test (CET) and 2 years of teaching experience.
Nalanda Open University Admission: Highlights
| Particulars | University Details |
| University Name | Nalanda Open University (NOU) |
| Mode of Learning | Open & Distance Learning |
| Offered Programme | UG, PG, Diploma, Certificate, and Intermediate |
| Application Fee | INR 500* |
| Establishment Year | 1987 |
| University Type | State- Open University |
| Selection Criteria | Merit- Based/ Entrance- Based (for B.Ed) |
About University
Nalanda Open University (NOU) is a state open university established by the Government of Bihar on 14 March 1987. NOU is recognized by the UGC (University Grants Commission), DEB (Distance Education Bureau and the Ministry of HRD. NOU aims to provide education through distance mode to those who are unable to take traditional (regular) classes due to financial constraints or geographical barriers. The university offers UG, PG, Diploma, Certificate and Intermediate programmes in distance education.
Nalanda Open University UG Admission 2026
Nalanda Open University admission registration portal has not opened yet for the 2026 academic year for its undergraduate (UG) programmes.UG courses offered at NOU include B.A in Economics, Education, Geography, Hindi Tourism, B.Sc in Botany, Chemistry, Geography, Mathematics, B.Com, BBA and BCA. These courses generally take a minimum of 3 years to complete, which is divided into 6 semesters. The basic eligibility criteria required for undergraduate programmes is to complete senior secondary education (10+2) from a recognized board. Securing a minimum percentage of 45% to 50% in a relevant stream also required by the university. Students can seek direct admission to any UG courses without qualifying for any entrance test, which is based on merit score.
Nalanda Open University PG Admission 2026
Nalanda Open University admission process will start soon for the postgraduate program for the academic session 2026. NOU offers several courses across many fields like Arts, Science, Commerce, Management, etc at the PG level. Candidates can apply to the PG courses through their official site. Qualification requirements for pursuing PG programmes are to hold a Bachelor’s or equivalent degree in any relevant discipline with at least 50% aggregate marks from a UGC approved university.
Applicants can seek admission on the basis of merit score without any entrance exam. The PG programme available at NOU includes M.A. in Economics, Bhojpuri, Pol Science, Sociology, Urdu, M.Sc. in Botany, Chemistry, Mathematics, M.Com, MJMC, MCA, and MLIS. PG programme fee ranges start between INR 7,200 to INR 20,000 per year.
Nalanda Open University Certificates Programs Admission 2026
Nalanda Open University admission process will begin soon for the academic session 2026 for the certificates program. Nalanda Open University (NOU) also offers certificate courses in Bio-fertiliser Production and Certificate in Floriculture Technology. These courses take a minimum of 9-6 months to complete. Applicants who have passed their 10+2 from a certified board in a relevant stream with a minimum passing mark of 45% are eligible to apply for the certificate programme. These course fees generally range between INR 1,650 to INR 1,700 for the entire duration.
Nalanda Open University Admission Fee Structure 2026
NOU provides courses in a very affordable range which generally starts from INR 1,650 to INR 20,000 per year. UG courses range between INR 2,400 to INR 6,600 per year, PG programmes start from INR 7,200 to INR 20,000 per year and the certificate courses INR 1,650. Students have to pay the course fee and additional fee through their official portal by using the payment gateway, including Net Banking, UPI and Credit/Debit Card.
| Master of Arts (M.A) | INR 7,200 (per year) |
| Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) | INR 2,400 |
| Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) | INR 8,000 |
| Bachelor of Computer Application (BCA) | INR 6,600 |
| Certificate in Floriculture Technology. | INR 1,650 |
Nalanda Open University Admission Process 2026
Candidates can apply for any programme at Nalanda Open University through their official website. The whole admission process is done online through its official admission portal. Before applying, candidates must create an ABC ID and a DEB ID. it is required to carefully check all requirements and guidelines before applying. Here are the steps of the admission process:
- Step 1: Visit Website: Go to the Nalanda Open University official admission portal ( www.ums.nou.ac.in/studentapplication/verify)
- Step 2: Registration: Register at the portal with your basic information like name,mobile number,email address,DOB and password
- Step 3: Log in. Sign in with your user ID and password
- Step 4: Select your respective programme of specialisation
- Step 5: Fill Form: Fill out the application form by providing the required information including personal details and educational details.
- Step 6: Upload Documents: Submit all required documents such as mark sheet, signature,photographs, the documents should be in scanned format.
- Step 7: Submission: Review the application form and submit it by clicking on the “Submit” tab
- Step 8: Fee Payment: Pay a one-time non-refundable application fee and programme fee
- Step 9: Confirmation: After verification of all details the university will send you a confirmation mail or an acknowledgement letter.
Required Documents For Nalanda Open University Admission
- 10th MarkSheets & Certificates
- 12th Mark Sheets & Certificates
- Degree certificates
- Transfer Certificate
- Migration Certificate
- Scanned Signature
- Photographs
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
NOU Examination 2026
Nalanda Open University exams are held every year in the month of January to February for 1st semester and June to July. Every programme of NOU consists of both theory and practical papers. The written examination carries a weightage of 80 marks and the assignment carries 20 marks. The duration of the theory paper is 3 hours. The university holds exams in their study centres or students need to go to a suitable place arranged by NOU.