Chairman C.B. Sharma debunks myths associated with open schooling and sheds light on how the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) functions.

In a freewheeling conversation, C.B. Sharma, Chairman, NIOS, fields a number of questions demystifying the board.

NIOS’ philosophy

The NIOS was founded in 1989 — a time when many people could not attend school either because they were too poor to afford mainstream education or there were no schools in their neighbourhood. Hence, the government introduced open schooling so that everyone could access education.

We are an autonomous body functioning under the aegis of the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD). We prepare study material in collaboration with subject-matter experts and disseminate it through various learning centres around the country. Exams are held twice a year — in March and April, and then in September and October. Students who qualify in these exams are awarded an NIOS certification that is equivalent to clearing any other board exam in the country.

Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan’s impact on NIOS

Student enrolment with the NIOS has increased. From 2012 to 2016-17, over 26 lakh students enrolled with us. Many people wrongly think that the SSA has made the NIOS lose its relevance. The SSA has not delivered. It has been operational for more than a decade, but millions of children do not get school education. In India, we lack good teachers.

Also, we should not limit school education to children of a particular age appearing for examinations in particular subjects. At NIOS, we cater to people of all age groups, who wish to appear for Class XII exams. From students with physical and learning disabilities, those who could not clear their CBSE board exams, to elderly citizens who never went to school, we have a diverse student body.

The relevance

In a way, the NIOS serves our desperate need for certification. However, schooling is not just a certificate one attains on clearing Class XII. At NIOS, we are constantly seeking ways to broaden the scope of schooling — whether it is through the language of instruction or the choice of vocational and academic subjects available.

For example, we recently started making our course material available in sign language to cater to the needs of hearing-impaired students. Similarly, we are working on a special course for retired jawans who want to clear their class XII exams and find suitable employment. This includes subjects such as military history, military studies, physical education, and yoga, that they might find more interesting.

On August 7, we launched a course for handloom workers and their children. This includes modules that educate them on fabric science and introduce them to various designs found in the country, the latest technology in the market, and ways in which they can promote and sell their craft.

The idea is to make school education more relevant — we don’t view it as merely a ladder to higher education. We want to make it count, and our model gives us the flexibility to attempt this.

Shroud of negativity

There are many reasons. Distance learning still has a certain stigma attached to it. People think of it as easy certification. This mindset needs to change.

In order to prove ourselves and make our certification worthy, we have made our exams difficult. Unlike other boards, NIOS toppers usually secure between 85 to 90%. The pass percentage is also lower. Our students don’t have access to regular schools and teachers, and have to put in double the effort to prepare for our exams.

Implementation is also a problem as, many times, the centres don’t deliver. Unlike the CBSE, NIOS does not offer any affiliations that we can revoke, and this sometimes leads to a lack of commitment to our cause.

The future

Despite the shortcomings, NIOS has a promising future. It has given countless people the comfort of completing their schooling, and has also produced some remarkable results.

We have also been roped in to train teachers under a recent amendment to the Right to Education (RTE) Act that allows untrained teachers at the elementary level to complete their training by March 2019.

The NIOS is constantly evolving. We are continuously reviewing our course offerings to make them more meaningful for the times, and provide an alternative option in school education. In fact, we were recently given the best distance education award by the President.