1. NIOS National Institute of Open Schooling

Courses

• Secondary Courses: Equivalent to class 10.
• Senior Secondary Courses: Equivalent to class 12.
• Vocational Education Programs: Practical skills for specific careers.
• Life Enrichment Programs: Personal development and life skills.
• Open Basic Education Programs: Elementary level education.

Eligibility

• Secondary Courses: For class 10, learners should be at least 14 years old and literate.
• Senior Secondary Courses: For class 12, learners should be at least 16 years old and have passed class 10.
• To register for the On-Demand Examination, the candidate needs to provide the marksheet showing their previous attempt with compartment or failure.

Fees

Exam duration and blocks

The NIOS examination system offers flexibility and convenience in several ways, including:

• Four Distinct Streams: NIOS provides a range of educational streams, catering to various learners' needs.
• 1st Examination Block: Examinations are conducted during April-May.
• 2nd Examination Block: Examinations are conducted in October-November.
• Transfer of Credit (TOC): NIOS allows learners to transfer credits from previous education, easing the path to completing their courses.
• On-Demand Examinations (ODE): Learners have the option to take exams on demand, providing further flexibility in scheduling and preparation.

2. BOSSE- Board of Open Schooling and Skill Education

Bihar Board of Open Schooling and Examination (BBOSE) was founded in February 2011 as an autonomous institution within Bihar's education department. It focuses on open and distance learning at the school level, combining elements of the State Council of Educational Research and Training and the Bihar School Examination Board. BBOSE offers unique features that set it apart from traditional examination boards and operates study centers in 38 districts across Bihar.

Courses

• Secondary Level Courses:
  Group A: Hindi, English, Bengali, Nepali.
  Group B: Math, Science, Social Science, Economics, Business Studies, Home Science, Psychology, Indian Culture, and more.
• Senior Secondary Level Courses: Subjects like Math, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography, and more.
• Vocational Courses: Various vocational training and education programs.
• Skill Courses: BOSSE Tech offers courses in Audio, Video, Photography & Design.
• Open and Distance Learning Programs: Covers language and non-language subjects, and more.

Eligibility

Eligibility criteria for admission to BOSSE Secondary and Senior Secondary courses are as follows:

• For Secondary programs, individuals who are at least 14 years old and are literate can apply, even if they haven't received formal education.
• For Senior Secondary level programs, individuals should be at least 16 years old, have completed their 10th, and maintain a one-year gap between completing their 10th grade and starting their 12th grade.
• There is no age limit to enroll yourself in the program.

Fees

Please note that examination fees are separate and should be paid within the specified dates. The fee structure for BOSSE courses may change over time, so it's advisable to check the official BOSSE website for the most up-to-date fee information.

Exam duration and blocks

BOSSE, or the Board of Open Schooling and Skill Education, holds examinations in two blocks for students enrolled in secondary and senior secondary courses:

• Block 1: Students admitted to Block 1 have the opportunity to take their exams in the following April-May.
• Block 2: Students admitted to Block 2 can sit for their exams in the same year's October-November block.

3. BBOSE

Bihar Board of Open Schooling and Examination (BBOSE) was founded in February 2011 as an autonomous institution within Bihar's education department. It focuses on open and distance learning at the school level, combining elements of the State Council of Educational Research and Training and the Bihar School Examination Board. BBOSE offers unique features that set it apart from traditional examination boards and operates study centers in 38 districts across Bihar.

Courses

The Bihar Institute of Open Schooling (BIOS) provides a range of academic courses through open and distance learning, including:

• Elementary Education
• Preparatory Programme
• OBE Programme (Open Basic Education)
• Secondary Education
• Higher Secondary Education

Additionally, BIOS offers professional and skill training from class 5 to class 12, allowing the combination of vocational courses with academic subjects for class 10th and class 12th.

The Bihar Board of Open Schooling and Examination (BBOSE) also extends academic courses through open and distance learning, offering diplomas and certificates for various programs with varying durations and qualification levels.

Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for Bihar Board of Open Schooling and Examination (BBOSE) admission vary by the chosen program:

• For the 10th class program, candidates must have passed the 9th class from a recognized school.
• For taking admission in class 12th, candidates must have passed the 10th class from a recognized board.
• The minimum age for admission to BBOSE for class 10th is 14 years at the time of registration.
• And for class 12th, one should be at least 16 years old.
• There should be a one year gap between 10th and enrolling in the 12th.

Fees

Exam duration and blocks

• Examinations occur twice a year for students enrolled in secondary, higher secondary, and professional courses via the Bihar Open Schooling and Examination Board.
• Students who register during the first session, from March 1 to August 31, take their public examination in June of the following year.
• Learners who register during the second session, from September 1 to February 28/29 of the following year, take their public examination accordingly.
• Apart from regular students, those who have previously registered but failed or did not appear for the exam can also participate.
• Under the Transfer of Credit (TOC) provision, students who have failed in exams from other boards can take the upcoming examination after registering and being admitted to this board. However, they must submit a fully completed examination application 15 days before the exam's commencement. The application should be sent to the board office through the study center.
• The board offers an "examination on demand” ensuring swift result publication. This option is specifically designed for students who, due to various reasons, couldn't participate in the regular first examination in June and second examination in December, typically organized by the Board.
• Within this system, students can complete online examination application forms and submit their applications. The board schedules and conducts the examination within one week of receiving the application forms, and the results are promptly published within the following week.

4. WBCROS- The West Bengal Council of Rabindra Open Schooling

The West Bengal Council of Rabindra Open Schooling (WBCROS) is a government-administered board of education for distance learning. It was originally established as Rabindra Mukta Vidyalaya (RMV) in 1998 and later transformed into a statutory organization under the Rabindra Mukta Vidyalaya Act, 2001, which was subsequently amended in 2002 and February 2006. The latest amendment, in February 2006, resulted in its renaming as the West Bengal Council of Rabindra Open Schooling. WBCROS provides open learning opportunities through self-study materials and personal contact programs. It officially began its operations on January 1, 2007.

Courses

The courses offered by WBCROS include:

• Madhyamik (Secondary) Course: This course is equivalent to traditional secondary education, with a duration of a few years. It provides students the opportunity to complete their secondary education.
• Higher Secondary (HS) Course: The Higher Secondary Course is designed for students aiming to pursue higher education. It typically spans a minimum of two years and can extend up to five years, providing flexibility to learners.

Eligibility

Students should have completed the 10th and 11th grades from a recognized board with specified minimum marks. There is no upper age limit for admission, but candidates should be at least 16 years old.

Secondary (Class X) Course

• Generally, candidates must have completed at least 9th grade from any certified board with the required minimum marks.
• The minimum age limit for admission is typically 14 years.

Higher Secondary (Class XII) Course:

• Eligibility criteria for the Higher Secondary Course may vary based on specific requirements set by WBCROS.
• Rabindra Mukta Vidyalaya Candidates are assessed based on marks calculated out of 100 per subject.
• For this course, there is no upper age limit for admission.

Special Eligibility Conditions for Higher Secondary Course Examination:

• Learners who previously attempted the Higher Secondary Examination but did not pass within five years from the last examination date are eligible for admission.
• Learners who appeared in the Higher Secondary Examination but did not pass in all subjects may benefit from credit transfer for some subjects. This credit transfer is valid for five years from the date of the last examination.
• Those who have already passed the Higher Secondary Examination from other recognized Boards or Councils can enroll in WBCROS to study subjects not covered at the Secondary level. However, only a marksheet (no certificate) will be issued upon completion of the examination.

Fees

Exam duration and blocks

• Examination eligibility: Learners can take the examination one year after registering.
• Flexibility in subject appearance: Learners can choose when they want to appear for their subjects.
• Maximum attempts: Learners can attempt each subject up to nine times.
• Time intervals between attempts: Attempts are spaced six months apart.
• Course completion timeframe: Learners have up to five years to complete their course.

5. APOSS Andhra Pradesh Open School Society

APOSS was founded as an autonomous society and officially registered under the Andhra Pradesh Public Societies Act on February 20, 1991. It caters to the educational needs of learners up to the Intermediate level in Andhra Pradesh, India. Through open and distance learning, APOSS offers a flexible pathway for individuals aged 16-19 to complete their higher secondary education. Government support in the form of ODL (Open and Distance Learning) financial aid makes education accessible for a wider demographic.

Courses

APOSS offers a range of courses designed to meet educational needs.

• The Intermediate course: It is equivalent to formal Intermediate or Senior Secondary/+2 courses offered by traditional educational boards.
• The SSC: It is equivalent to formal SSC or 10th class of traditional school boards.

These courses are on par with formal SSC and Intermediate courses, making learners eligible for higher studies.

Eligibility

Secondary Level

• The student must be at least 14 years old.
• The student should be literate.

Higher Secondary Level

• The student must be 16 years and have passed SSC (10th) or its equivalent or be an Intermediate (12th) Drop-Out.
• For completing the Intermediate in one year, there should be a one-year gap after SSC (10th).

Fees

Exam duration and blocks

• APOSS conducts Public Examinations twice a year.
• Students can appear for SSC (Secondary School Certificate) and Intermediate (10+2) examinations.
• The first examination set is typically in March to April, allowing students to fulfill their academic requirements during this period.
• The second set of examinations generally occurs in October to November.

6. CGSOS- The Chhattisgarh State Open School

Founded in 2008, the Chhattisgarh State Open School (CGSOS) is a state-level autonomous institution empowered by the Chhattisgarh Government to deliver quality education using open and distance learning methods. With a forward-thinking vision, CGSOS provides an accessible and adaptable learning path. It serves as an alternative for individuals who, for various reasons, may have been unable to access traditional educational systems. Through open and distance learning, CGSOS empowers learners to pursue their academic and career goals, fostering a more inclusive and flexible educational environment.

Courses

The Chhattisgarh State Open School (CGSOS) offers various courses at the 10th and 12th-grade levels. These courses serve as a gateway for individuals to pursue education using open and distance learning methods, ensuring that quality education is within the reach of every student. While the specific course offerings may vary, here are some common types:

• High School (10th) Courses: CGSOS offers High School courses, which are equivalent to the 10th standard in traditional education. Subjects encompass Mathematics, Science, Social Science, English, Hindi, and more.
• Higher Secondary (12th) Courses: For those seeking to accomplish their 12th-grade education, CGSOS provides Higher Secondary courses, including streams like Science, Commerce, and Arts. These courses encompass subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Economics, and others.
• Vocational Courses: Alongside traditional academic courses, CGSOS may offer vocational courses, designed to impart practical skills and knowledge in various trades, equipping students for employment opportunities.
• Open Schooling: Open schooling programs cater to learners who, for various reasons, might have discontinued formal education. CGSOS provides them with the means to complete their education and earn recognized certifications through flexible study options.

Eligibility

For Class 10th:

• Candidates have no specific age limit but must be at least 14 years old.
• Successful completion of class 8th from a recognized board is required.

For Class 12th:

• Candidates have no specific age limit but must be at least 16 years old.
• Successful clearance of class 10th from a recognized board is necessary.

It's important to note that the eligibility criteria for the CGSOS board exam may change over time, and students are advised to refer to the official CGSOS website for the most up-to-date information.

Exam duration and blocks

• The CGSOS board exams for both 10th and 12th classes occur in two blocks: one in March and April and another in September and October.
• Examinations for both classes are held in a single shift, taking three hours.

7. MPSOS- M. P. State Open School Education Board

The M. P. State Open School Education Board, or MPSOS, was established on March 29, 1995, by the Cabinet Minister. Since August 1995, it has operated as an autonomous registered society. MPSOS allows students to pursue their studies through the open education system and ensures education reaches all corners of the state, providing ample learning opportunities.

Courses

Level Courses

• Hindi
• English
• Mathematics
• Home Science
• Economics
• Physics
• History
• Commercial

Higher Secondary Level Courses

For class 12th exams, candidates have the option to select five subjects from a total of 18 available, these are the few of it:

• Hindi
• English
• Mathematics
• Home Science
• Economics
• Physics
• History
• Commercial

Eligibility

For Class 10th:

• Candidates should be at least 14 or 15 years old.
• Successful completion of class 8th is required.

For Class 12th:

• Candidates should be 16 years old.
• Passed out of class 10th from a recognized board.

Fees

Exam duration and blocks

MPSOS conducts board exams for both class 10th and 12th in two blocks:

• The MPSOS 1st block is held in June-July.
• The second block takes place in December.

8. RSOS Rajasthan State Open School

Established in 2005, the Rajasthan State Open School (RSOS) is an autonomous educational institution governed by the Government of Rajasthan under the Rajasthan Institute Registration Act of 1958. RSOS has a primary mission of extending educational access to economically disadvantaged students, with a particular emphasis on secondary and upper secondary classes.

Courses

RSOS extends a range of courses, utilizing its distance and open learning approach to accommodate students who cannot attend conventional schools.

These courses are primarily aimed at secondary and senior secondary levels, providing educational opportunities for up to class XII.

The core courses typically cover subjects like Mathematics, Science, Social Science, English, Hindi, and other key subjects for both secondary (class X) and senior secondary (class XII) levels.

It is important to note that the course offerings of RSOS may change from time to time, and students are advised to check the official website of RSOS for the latest course offerings.

Eligibility

• There is no upper age limit for admission to RSOS. However, candidates must meet the minimum age requirement of 14 years for secondary courses and 15 years for senior secondary courses.
• For admission to class 10th, candidates should have successfully completed class 8th.
• For class 12th admission, candidates must have passed the 10th class from a recognized school or board, or they should meet the eligibility criteria set by other state open schools.

Fees

Exam duration and blocks

• RSOS administers examinations for both class 10 and 12 which are commonly scheduled for May and June each year.

9. TOSS- Telangana Open School Society

The Telangana Open School Society (TOSS) was established as an autonomous society under the Andhra Pradesh Public Societies Act on February 20, 1991. TOSS is committed to extending educational opportunities to a diverse array of learners, guided by the motto of 'reach out and reach all.' It sticks to the principle of providing learners with the freedom to choose what and when they wish to learn.

TOSS initiated its SSC (Secondary School Certificate) courses in the academic year 2008-09, through Accredited Institutes (AIs). Later, it introduced Intermediate courses starting from the academic year 2010-11.

Courses

It's important to note that TOSS's course offerings may change over time, and students are advised to refer to the official TOSS website for the most up-to-date information.

Eligibility

SSC (Secondary School Certificate)/ 10th std

• To enroll in the SSC program, students should be at least 14 years old by August 31st of the admission year.
• If you have discontinued your studies in the school stage, you may be required to provide documents like a Transfer Certificate (TC).

Eligibility Criteria for TOSS Courses:

SSC (Secondary School Certificate):

• To enroll in the SSC program, students should be at least 14 years old by August 31st of the admission year.
• If you have discontinued your studies in the school stage, you may be required to provide documents like a Transfer Certificate (TC).

Intermediate (Pre-Degree Level)/ 12th :

• Eligibility criteria for Intermediate courses can vary based on the subject or stream chosen.
• Common requirements include having completed the SSC or an equivalent qualification

Please note that specific eligibility requirements may apply to individual courses, and students are advised to refer to the official TOSS guidelines for the latest information.

Fees

Exam duration and blocks

• TOSS board exams are held twice annually, typically in April/May and October/November.
• The official exam schedule is published on the TOSS website. It provides details on examination dates, subjects, and other relevant information.

10. UPSOSB- Uttar Pradesh State Open School Board

The Uttar Pradesh State Open School Board (UPSOSB) is an autonomous educational board established under The Uttar Pradesh State Open School Board Act, 2008 (U.P. Act No. 27 of 2008). This legislation was approved by the Uttar Pradesh Legislature on August 29, 2008. The primary mission of UPSOSB is to act as a bridge, facilitating access to education for rural and underprivileged populations in India. It operates within the framework of Open Schooling under the jurisdiction of the Indian Government's Education Department. UPSOSB holds the authority to enroll, assess, and grant certification to students pursuing education up to the 12th.

Courses

UPSOSB provides affordable education without compromising quality. They offer the following courses:

• Secondary School: Equivalent to the 10th, students can select subjects from the provided Scheme of Studies on the website.
• Senior Secondary School: Equivalent to the 12th, students can choose subjects from the Scheme of Studies on the website.
• Open Basic Education (OBE): Designed for students from class 3rd to 8th equivalent to the formal education system, this program targets school dropouts, working children, and girls who couldn't continue their education.
• Foundation Courses: UPSOSB provides foundational knowledge and skills in subjects like English, Hindi, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science for students aspiring to pursue higher education or vocational courses.

Eligibility

For Secondary Level:

• Minimum age requirement: 14 years.
• Literacy is essential.

For Higher Secondary Level:

• Minimum age: 16 years.
• Candidates should have passed SSC (10th) or its equivalent or be an Intermediate (12th) Drop-Out.
• To enroll in 12th, there must be a one-year gap after SSC (10th).

Fees

Exam duration and blocks

• UPSOSB conducts public exams twice annually in April-May and October-November.
• These exams are fixed by UPSOSB and are for enrolled students.
• Students can also take On Demand Exams when they're ready, offering flexibility.
• Two full-fledged exams are held every year in May/June and other months to support students in completing their education.