The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) — India’s largest open learning board has reported a 120% increase in student enrolments in Karnataka for the April 2025–26 Class 10 and 12 examinations. The number of students rose from around 4,715 last year to nearly 10,100 this year, marking a record high for the state. This sharp rise reflects the growing popularity of flexible and inclusive education, supported by government initiatives and local learning collaborations.
Key Highlights
- Massive Growth: The increase of over 5,300 students reflects a doubling of participation within one academic cycle.
- Government Collaborations: The growth stems from MoUs with three state departments— Minority Welfare, Panchayati Raj, and Samagra Shikshana Karnataka — aimed at integrating madrasa learners, rural youth, and out-of-school children into formal education.
- Inclusive Outreach: Over 5,000 madrasa students joined NIOS through a 1.5-year blended academic-religious learning programme.
- Library-based Learning Centres: Village libraries have been converted into NIOS study centres, enabling access for Kannada-medium students in rural areas.
- Flexible Study Paths: Many students now prefer NIOS for its self-paced schedule that allows extra preparation time for competitive exams such as JEE and NEET.
Impact
This remarkable surge represents a transformative shift toward flexible and inclusive education in Karnataka. It opens new pathways for working youth, school dropouts, and learners from minority and rural communities to earn a recognized board qualification and re-enter the academic mainstream. The success of this initiative underscores that open schooling can effectively complement traditional education systems — expanding access and opportunity without compromising academic quality or standards.
Conclusion
The 120 % rise in NIOS enrolments in Karnataka showcases how flexible, government-linked open schooling can bridge educational gaps and empower diverse learners. By combining community-based centres, inclusive language support, and digital innovation, Karnataka has set a national benchmark for accessible secondary education.
FAQs
1. What caused such a steep rise in NIOS enrolments?
Ans: Partnerships with state departments, outreach in local languages, and inclusion of madrasa students led to higher participation.
2. Who benefits most from NIOS?
Ans: Out-of-school children, working learners, adult students, and those preparing for national entrance exams.
3. Is the NIOS certificate valid like CBSE or state boards?
Ans: Yes. It is recognised by all universities, colleges, and government bodies across India.
4. What are the key subjects and mediums available?
Ans: Students can choose from multiple academic and vocational subjects in English, Hindi, and Kannada mediums.
5. Are NIOS students eligible for government jobs?
Ans: Absolutely. The NIOS certificate is recognized for all central and state government jobs across India.
My self Anita Sahani. I have completed my B.Com from Purbanchal College Silapathar. I am working in Dev Library as a Content Manager. A website that provides all SCERT, NCERT 3 to 12, and BA, B.com, B.Sc, and Computer Science with Post Graduate Notes & Suggestions, Novel, eBooks, Health, Finance, Biography, Quotes, Study Materials, and more.
