Q: What is the national ranking of Netaji Subhas Open University (NSOU) as per NIRF 2024?

As per the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024 , Netaji Subhas Open University (NSOU) has secured the 2nd position among open universities in India. This impressive ranking highlights NSOU’s growing academic presence, quality of distance education, accessibility to marginalized communities, and its commitment to lifelong learning. The ranking takes into account parameters such as teaching, learning resources, research, graduation outcomes, outreach, and inclusivity. NSOU’s consistent performance in these areas, especially in the domain of open and distance learning, has positioned it among the top three open universities in the country alongside IGNOU and BRAOU.

Q: When was NSOU established and what is its historical significance?

Netaji Subhas Open University (NSOU) was established in 1997 under the W.B. Act XIX to commemorate the birth centenary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. It officially began academic operations in July 1998 from the ancestral residence of Sarat Chandra Bose , symbolizing a deep-rooted connection to India’s freedom movement and educational reform. The institution was set up with a vision to provide inclusive and quality education to learners from marginalized sections of society, especially in West Bengal. Over the years, NSOU has expanded its reach by offering a wide range of programs in arts, science, commerce, social work, and vocational studies through open and distance learning.

Q: What entrance exams are required for admission to various NSOU programs?

NSOU’s admission process is primarily merit-based for most undergraduate and postgraduate programs. However, certain specialized or advanced-level courses have specific entrance requirements. For instance, candidates applying for Ph.D. programs need to qualify the Research Eligibility Test (RET) conducted by the university. For the MBA program , students must clear the NSOU-MET (Management Entrance Test) followed by a Personal Interview (PI) . Other programs, such as the PG Diplomas, BA, and MA , are based solely on academic merit and do not require separate entrance tests. Additionally, students must meet minimum educational qualifications as outlined for each course.

Q: How many schools and departments are there under NSOU?

NSOU functions through six distinct schools , each dedicated to specific academic disciplines. These include: School of Humanities School of Social Sciences School of Sciences School of Education School of Vocational Studies School of Professional Studies Each school is responsible for curriculum development, faculty engagement, and course delivery in their respective fields. This organized structure allows NSOU to cater to a diverse range of learners and ensure academic excellence across all levels of study.

Q: How many courses are offered at NSOU, and what are the major streams?

As of 2025, NSOU offers 109 courses across undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, certificate, and doctoral levels. These courses span multiple streams including Arts , Commerce , Science , Social Work , Journalism & Mass Communication , Education , and Vocational Studies . This extensive portfolio makes NSOU one of the most comprehensive open universities in eastern India. Additionally, the university has introduced several MOOCs and online learning initiatives to increase accessibility and cater to remote learners in both urban and rural areas.

Q: What is the fee range for NSOU’s MBA and PG Diploma programs?

NSOU’s MBA program is among its most popular professional offerings and is available at a competitive fee ranging from ₹8,300 to ₹1 lakh , depending on the specialization and delivery mode. Similarly, PG Diploma programs in fields like journalism, social work, management, and vocational studies are priced between ₹8,300 and ₹30,000 . These programs are structured to provide practical knowledge and industry relevance while remaining affordable to students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.

Q: Has NSOU received UGC 12B recognition, and what does it mean?

Yes, NSOU received UGC 12B status in October 2024 . This is a major milestone for the university, as it allows NSOU to receive financial grants from the University Grants Commission (UGC) for research and development purposes. The 12B status also enables the university to participate in centrally sponsored academic schemes, establish collaborative research projects, and gain wider national and international academic recognition. This recognition is a testament to NSOU’s institutional quality and its efforts to expand open and distance education across the state and country.

Question 1

What is the national ranking of Netaji Subhas Open University (NSOU) as per NIRF 2024?

Accepted Answer

As per the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024, Netaji Subhas Open University (NSOU) has secured the 2nd position among open universities in India. This impressive ranking highlights NSOU’s growing academic presence, quality of distance education, accessibility to marginalized communities, and its commitment to lifelong learning. The ranking takes into account parameters such as teaching, learning resources, research, graduation outcomes, outreach, and inclusivity. NSOU’s consistent performance in these areas, especially in the domain of open and distance learning, has positioned it among the top three open universities in the country alongside IGNOU and BRAOU.

Question 2

When was NSOU established and what is its historical significance?

Accepted Answer

Netaji Subhas Open University (NSOU) was established in 1997 under the W.B. Act XIX to commemorate the birth centenary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. It officially began academic operations in July 1998 from the ancestral residence of Sarat Chandra Bose, symbolizing a deep-rooted connection to India’s freedom movement and educational reform. The institution was set up with a vision to provide inclusive and quality education to learners from marginalized sections of society, especially in West Bengal. Over the years, NSOU has expanded its reach by offering a wide range of programs in arts, science, commerce, social work, and vocational studies through open and distance learning.

Question 3

What are the most popular programs offered by NSOU at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels?

Accepted Answer

NSOU offers a diverse range of programs catering to undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG), and diploma students. Some of the most sought-after programs at the UG level include Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com), Bachelor of Science (B.Sc), and Bachelor of Education (B.Ed). At the PG level, popular courses include Master of Arts (MA) in various disciplines such as History and Journalism, Master of Commerce (M.Com), Master of Science (M.Sc) in Mathematics, and Master of Social Work (MSW). Specialized professional and vocational programs such as B.Lib.I.Sc, M.Ed, PG Diplomas, and MOOCs further enhance NSOU’s academic portfolio, making it a holistic center for distance education.

Question 4

What is the duration and fee structure for NSOU’s major courses?

Accepted Answer

NSOU’s course durations vary based on the level and type of program. Undergraduate programs like BA, B.Com, and B.Sc generally have a duration of 3 years, while PG programs such as MA, M.Sc, and M.Com span 2 years. Diploma and certification programs typically last between 6 to 12 months, and professional degrees like B.Ed and M.Ed are structured over 2 years. Fee structures are remarkably affordable:

B.Sc: ₹13,800 – ₹15,600
B.Ed: ₹6,774
MA: ₹7,600 (General) to ₹26,000 (Mass Communication)
M.Sc: ₹27,467
M.Com: ₹7,600
MSW: ₹10,400
B.Lib.I.Sc: ₹5,000

These affordable fees make NSOU an ideal option for learners seeking quality education on a budget.

Question 5

Does NSOU provide placement assistance or career support to students?

Accepted Answer

While NSOU does not guarantee campus placements in the traditional sense, it has introduced a Placement Facilitation Service through its School of Vocational Studies. This service functions as a bridge between students and employers. Through a partnership with TeamLease, a reputed manpower solutions company, students are allowed to upload their CVs on a dedicated job portal. This increases their visibility to prospective employers. Though services like mock interviews or resume workshops are not explicitly mentioned, the portal creates a support system where students can connect with job opportunities relevant to their domain of study.

Question 6

What entrance exams are required for admission to various NSOU programs?

Accepted Answer

NSOU’s admission process is primarily merit-based for most undergraduate and postgraduate programs. However, certain specialized or advanced-level courses have specific entrance requirements. For instance, candidates applying for Ph.D. programs need to qualify the Research Eligibility Test (RET) conducted by the university. For the MBA program, students must clear the NSOU-MET (Management Entrance Test) followed by a Personal Interview (PI). Other programs, such as the PG Diplomas, BA, and MA, are based solely on academic merit and do not require separate entrance tests. Additionally, students must meet minimum educational qualifications as outlined for each course.

Question 7

How many schools and departments are there under NSOU?

Accepted Answer

NSOU functions through six distinct schools, each dedicated to specific academic disciplines. These include:

School of Humanities
School of Social Sciences
School of Sciences
School of Education
School of Vocational Studies
School of Professional Studies

Each school is responsible for curriculum development, faculty engagement, and course delivery in their respective fields. This organized structure allows NSOU to cater to a diverse range of learners and ensure academic excellence across all levels of study.

Question 8

How many courses are offered at NSOU, and what are the major streams?

Accepted Answer

As of 2025, NSOU offers 109 courses across undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, certificate, and doctoral levels. These courses span multiple streams including Arts, Commerce, Science, Social Work, Journalism & Mass Communication, Education, and Vocational Studies. This extensive portfolio makes NSOU one of the most comprehensive open universities in eastern India. Additionally, the university has introduced several MOOCs and online learning initiatives to increase accessibility and cater to remote learners in both urban and rural areas.

Question 9

What is the NSOU admission process for 2025, and how can one apply?

Accepted Answer

To apply for NSOU courses in 2025, candidates must first visit the official NSOU website and fill out the online application form. The process involves:

Registering with a valid email and mobile number
Selecting the desired course and school
Uploading scanned copies of required documents

Paying the application fee online Following successful submission, candidates are shortlisted based on merit (or entrance test score, if applicable). Shortlisted applicants must then undergo document verification, after which they are required to pay the course fee to confirm their seat. The entire process is conducted online, making it seamless and accessible to distance learners.

Question 10

What is the fee range for NSOU’s MBA and PG Diploma programs?

Accepted Answer

NSOU’s MBA program is among its most popular professional offerings and is available at a competitive fee ranging from ₹8,300 to ₹1 lakh, depending on the specialization and delivery mode. Similarly, PG Diploma programs in fields like journalism, social work, management, and vocational studies are priced between ₹8,300 and ₹30,000. These programs are structured to provide practical knowledge and industry relevance while remaining affordable to students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.

Question 11

Has NSOU received UGC 12B recognition, and what does it mean?

Accepted Answer

Yes, NSOU received UGC 12B status in October 2024. This is a major milestone for the university, as it allows NSOU to receive financial grants from the University Grants Commission (UGC) for research and development purposes. The 12B status also enables the university to participate in centrally sponsored academic schemes, establish collaborative research projects, and gain wider national and international academic recognition. This recognition is a testament to NSOU’s institutional quality and its efforts to expand open and distance education across the state and country.

Parameters	Details
Admission Months	JanuaryJuly
Top Programs	BA, B.Com, B.Sc; PG in Commerce, MSW, M.Ed, History, etc.; BLIS; Advanced Diplomas
Accepted Exams	RET for Ph.D., UGC-DEB entrance exams/UG eligibility
Duration of Course	UG: 3 yrsPG: 1–2 yrsDiplomas/MOOCs: 6–12 monthsB.Ed/M.Ed- 2 yrsPh.D.: 3+ yrs
NIRF Ranking 2024	2
Number of Schools and Departments	6 Schools

Programs	Duration (Years)	Tuition Fees (total)
B.Sc (per stream)	3	13,800 – 15,600
B.Lib.I.Sc.	1	5,000
B.Ed	2	6,774
M.A	2	7,600
M.A (Journalism & Mass Communication)	2	26,000
M.Sc (Maths, etc.)	2	27,467
M.Com	2	7,600
M.S.W	2	10,400

Parameters	NSOU	BRAOU	IGNOU
NIRF Ranking (Engineering 2024)	2	3	1
Tuition Fees (Approximate Annual)	UG- ₹5K–17K PG- ₹7.6K–1 L	UG- ₹4K–40K PG- ₹5.2K–1.2 L	333+ courses, vary per course
Popular Courses	B.A. (Hons.), B.Sc., B.Ed.; MA, MBA, etc.	B.Sc, B.Ed, MA, M.Sc, MBA, etc.	333+ UG/PG/diploma/certificates
No. of Courses	56	64	333+

Alumni	Field of Work
Suvendu Adhikari	Leader of the West Bengal unit of Bharatiya Janata Party
Aniket Kar	Associate at Concantrix
Deb Kumar	Asst. Librarian

NSOU: Courses, Admissions & Placements 2025

NSOU Overview

Courses and Fees

Placements and Admissions

Ranking 2024-2025

NSOU VS BRAOU VS IGNOU

Notable Alumni

FAQs for Overview

Overview 2025

upGrad Learner Support

Disclaimer

Year	Rank
2024	2