Nalanda Open University Updates 2025 Admissions and Results

Nalanda Open University was established on 14 March 1987 through an ordinance by the Government of Bihar, later replaced by the Nalanda Open University Act, 1995. Named after the ancient Nalanda University, it is Bihar’s only university dedicated to distance education.

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NOU Key Highlights

Latest Update: Latest Updates: Admission to the MCA Program at NOU is currently ongoing. The last date to register for the program was 30th July 2025

Source: NOU Website, Notice Detail

Nalanda Open University was established on 14 March 1987 through an ordinance by the Government of Bihar, later replaced by the Nalanda Open University Act, 1995. Named after the ancient Nalanda University, it is Bihar’s only university dedicated to distance education.

Recognised by the UGC-DEB, it offers programs through distance mode in various disciplines with 10 distinct schools, supported by a modern campus with a large library, computer lab, examination centre, and well-equipped offices.

NOU Key Highlights:

Parameters

Details

Admission month

June to August

Top Programs

MA, B.Ed, B.com, MJMC, BJMC

Accepted Exams

CET BED, Graduation

Duration of courses

UG: 3 yrs; PG: 2 yrs

Acceptance rate

100%

NOU: Courses and Fees

Nalanda University consists of 10 Schools, which offer multiple UG, PG Certificate, and Diploma programs across various subjects. The university accepts admission to its B.Ed program on the basis of CET BED, that is, Bihar B.Ed Common Entrance Test for admission to Teacher Education programs.

Course Fees at NAOU

The university is currently providing 64 courses across various categories such as BA, MA, PGDM, Certificate, and Intermediary

The table below displays the fee structure for the programs

Category

Program

Fee (per Year)

Post Graduate Degree Programs

Master's

  • Economics
  • Education
  • Environmental Science
  • Geography
  • Hindi
  • History
  • Political Science
  • Public Administration
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Sanskrit
  • Urdu


₹7200/-

Master’s (Magahi, Maithili, and Rural Development)

₹4400/-

  • M.Sc. (Botany)
  • M.Sc. (Chemistry)
  • M.Sc. (Environmental Science)
  • M.Sc. (Geography)
  • M.Sc. (Mathematics)
  • M.Sc. (Physics)
  • M.Sc. (Zoology)

₹7200/-

Master’s in Commerce

₹7200/-

Master’s in Journalism and Communication (MJMC)

₹8000/-

Master’s of Computer Applications (MCA)

₹20,000/-

Master's in Library Sciences (MLIS)

₹9700/-

Post Graduate Diploma Programs

  • Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing Management
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Financial Management
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Hindi-English Translation

₹6800/-

  • Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Yogic Studies
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Information & Public Relations

₹7200/-

Teachers Training Programme

Bachelor of Education - Admission through CET-BED

₹32000/-

Graduate Degree Programme

B.A. Honours

  • Economics
  • Education
  • Geography
  • Hindi
  • History
  • Journalism & Mass Communication
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Public Administration
  • Sociology
  • Social Work
  • Tourism
  • Home Science

₹2400/-

B.Sc. Honours

  • Botany
  • Chemistry
  • Geography
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Zoology
  • Home Science

₹2400/-

Bachelor of Commerce

₹2400/-

Bachelor's of Business Administration

Bachelor's In Computer Application (BCA)

₹6600/-

Intermediate Programmes

  • Intermediate of Arts
  • Intermediate of Commerce
  • Intermediate of Science

₹2000/-

Certificate Programmes

  • Certificate in Bio-fertilizer Production
  • Certificate in Floriculture Technology

₹1650/-

NOU: Admissions

Nalanda Open University offers admission in complete Online mode to all eligible candidates for its courses. Applicants must upload scanned copies of their qualifying exam mark sheet, matriculation certificate for age proof, and caste certificate if applying under reserved categories. 

B.Ed. Applicants need to submit additional specified documents. Fees must be paid online in full, with a 25% concession available for women. Candidates should keep printouts of their application form and fee receipt for future reference.

Admission Requirements and Eligibility

The following are the minimum requirements for admission to various courses:

Course

Eligibility / Qualification

Duration

Master's Degree in Arts Subjects

Bachelor's or equivalent Degree in any subject

2 Years

Master's Degree in Science Subjects

Bachelor's or equivalent Degree in the concerned Science subject

2 Years

MLIS

BLIS

1 Year

MJMC

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in any subject or PGDJMC

2 Years

MCA

BCA or Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or B.Tech or B.Sc/B.Com/B.A with Mathematics at 10+2 or Graduation

2 Years

Master's Degree in Commerce

Bachelor's Degree in Commerce

2 Years

P.G. Diploma Courses

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent

1 Year

BLIS

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent

1 Year

Bachelor's Degree in Arts Subjects

Intermediate in any stream

3 Years

Bachelor's Degree in Science Subjects

Intermediate in Science

3 Years

Bachelor's Degree (B.Com)

Intermediate in any stream

3 Years

B.Ed Courses

Bachelor's Degree in any subject with at least 45% marks at graduate level, plus 2 Years teaching experience

2 years

For more detailed information on Admissions. Check out upGrad’s NOU Admissions’ page.

NOU V/S TNOU V/S MPBOU

Parameters

NOU

TNOU

MPBAOU

Tuition Fees in INR (Approximate Annual)

UG- ₹2.4K–6.6K

PG- ₹7.2K–20K

UG- ₹4.4K–10K

PG- ₹5.5K–13.5K

UG- ₹2.5K–30K

PG- ₹6.6K–9K

Popular Courses

B.A. (Hons.), B.Sc., B.Ed.; MA, M.Com, etc.

B.A. (Hons.), B.Sc., B.Ed.; MA, M.Com, etc.

MBA, MSc, M.Com

No. of Courses

64

100+

80+

NOU: Notable Alumni

Nalanda Open University’s alumni network includes people working in education, sales, business development, operations, and media. They support each other, share experiences, and guide current students, creating a helpful and connected learning community.

The table lists some of the proud NOU Alumni

Name

Field of Work

Satya Kumar

Public Relations Officer-cum-Incharge ICT at Bihar Animal Sciences University, Patna

Khushboo Kumari

Agriculture Specialist at the Government of Bihar

Priti Kumari

Science educator and researcher

Smriti Swaraj

Assistant Teacher, Government of Bihar

Roushan Kumar

Urban Planning and Development Expert.

FAQs for NOU

1How can I pay my fees at Nalanda Open University?

Fees must be paid online in full during admission using accepted payment methods.

2What documents do I need to upload for online admission?

Scanned copies of the qualifying exam mark sheet, matriculation certificate, and caste certificate (if applicable).

3What facilities are available at the NOU campus?

Facilities include a large library, computer lab, exam centre, and automated offices.

4What is the duration of intermediate programs at NOU?

Intermediate programs at NOU have a duration of 2 years.

5Where is the Nalanda Open University located?

It is headquartered in Bargaon, Nalanda, Bihar, with a modern 10-acre campus.

6Does NOU offer any certificate courses in agriculture?

Yes, it offers certificates in Bio-fertilizer Production and Floriculture Technology.

7Are NOU courses recognised by the UGC?

Yes, NOU is recognised by the UGC-DEB for distance education programs.

8Does NOU conduct any entrance test for B.Ed admission?

Yes, admission to the B.Ed program is through the CET-BED exam.

9Can I apply for NOU courses offline?

No, the entire admission process is fully online; no offline submissions are accepted.

10Is there any fee concession for women at NOU?

Yes, women applicants get a 25% concession on all course fees.

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Disclaimer

  1. The above statistics depend on various factors and individual results may vary. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

  2. The student assumes full responsibility for all expenses associated with visas, travel, & related costs. upGrad does not .