Nalanda Open University (NOU), based in Bihar, provides flexible distance education programs for 2026, including undergraduate options like BA, BCom, and BCA, postgraduate degrees such as MA, MCom, MSc, MJMC, MCA, and MLIS, along with PG Diplomas and certificate courses.
Admissions follow a merit-based process for most programs, with BEd requiring a CET-BEd exam, and applications submitted online via the official portal at nalandaopenuniversity.cloudhostdns.net. Fees stay affordable at INR 5,000 – INR 10,000 annually for UG courses and INR 7,000 – INR 12,000 for PG, plus an INR 400 – INR 500 application fee, ensuring accessibility for students across Bihar and nearby regions without campus visits.
Expected 2026 admission timelines run from early December 2025 to June 2026, with last dates potentially at 31 January 2026 or extending to August/September, though these are tentative and subject to official updates on www.nou.ac.in. Post-admission, students receive login credentials for the e-Gyan portal to access study materials, pay fees, download admit cards, and check results seamlessly.
Nalanda Open University Admission Highlights
| Highlight | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 1987, Bihar; only open university in Bihar dedicated to distance education |
| Recognition | UGC DEB approved; degrees valid for jobs and higher studies |
| Courses Offered | 60+ UG, PG, Diploma, Certificate courses in Arts, Science, Commerce, Management, Journalism, Library Science, Education, Languages |
| Admission Process | Online application; eligibility 33-50% depending on course; merit-based |
| Flexibility | Study at your own pace; no need to attend regular classes; suitable for working professionals and rural students |
| Study Centers | 220+ centers across Bihar for local support |
| Study Materials | Printed self-learning materials and online access via LMS |
| Examination | State-of-the-art secured exam centers in Bihar, multiple exam windows per year |
| Digital Library | Access to e-books, journals, research papers, and academic resources online |
| Counseling | Regular online and offline academic counseling and support |
| Fee Structure | Affordable fees approx. ₹9,600/year for UG and ₹40,000/year for MCA |
Nalanda Open University Admission Courses
| Course | Type | Eligibility | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA (Hons.) | UG | 10+2 from recognized board | 3 years |
| B.Sc (Hons.) | UG | 10+2 with Science | 3 years |
| BCom (Hons.) | UG | 10+2 in Commerce | 3 years |
| BCA | UG | 10+2 any stream | 3 years |
| B.Ed | UG | Graduation | 2 years |
| B.Lib.I.Sc | UG | Graduation | 1 year |
| MA | PG | Graduation in relevant field | 2 years |
| M.Sc | PG | Graduation in Science | 2 years |
| MCom | PG | BCom | 2 years |
| MCA | PG | BCA/BSc with Maths | 2-3 years |
| M.Lib.I.Sc | PG | B.Lib.I.Sc | 1 year |
| PG Diploma (Journalism, Marketing, etc.) | PG Diploma | Graduation | 1 year |
| Certificate (Bio-fertiliser, Yoga, etc.) | Certificate | 10+2 or equivalent | 6 months |
Nalanda Open University Admission Process
1. Visit Official Website: Go to www.nou.ac.in or nalandaopenuniversity.cloudhostdns.net. Click “Admission” or “Online Admission”.
2. Registration: Register with name, email, mobile, DOB, verify OTP and create login credentials.
3. Fill Application Form: Select course (BA, BCom, MA, MCom, BSc, MSc, BEd, etc), then enter personal academic details.
4. Upload Documents:
- 10th/12th marksheets certificates (UG)
- Graduation marksheets/degree (PG)
- Passport-size photos (3 stamp-size)
- Signature
- ID proof Aadhaar
- Category certificate SC/ST/OBC
- Migration character certificate
5. Pay Registration Fee: INR 300-450 via SBI e-challan, UPI net banking or demand draft.
6. Document Verification: Submit form, then the University verifies at the regional centre then the Merit list is released (most courses merit-based BEd needs CET).
7. Pay Academic Fee: Selected candidates pay tuition, then get enrollment study materials and LMS access.
Eligibility for Nalanda Open University Admission
- UG Courses (BA, BCom, BSc, BCA): Passed 10+2 (Intermediate) from a recognised board in any stream; Mathematics required for BCA.
- BEd: Graduation from a recognised university; must qualify Bihar B.Ed CET.
- BLIS/BLibIsc: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from any discipline.
- PG Courses (MA, MCom, MSc): Graduation or equivalent degree in a relevant subject from a recognised university.
- MCA: BCA/BSc Computer Science/BTech/BCom/BA with Mathematics at 10+2 or graduation level.
- MLIS/MlibIsc: BLIS or equivalent library science degree.
- PG Diploma (Journalism, Marketing, etc.): Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with minimum 50% marks (45% for reserved categories).
- Diploma Courses: 10+2 or equivalent; specific requirements vary by program.
- Certificate Courses (Yoga, IT, etc.): 10+2 in any stream with minimum 40% marks (35% for reserved categories).
Nalanda Open University Admission Fee Structure
The course fees are very competitive, and the university offers a 25% fee reduction for female applicants.
- UG Courses (BA/B.Sc/B.Com Hons): Approximately ₹7,200
- PG Courses (MA/M.Sc/M.Com): Approximately ₹8,800 to ₹14,400 (depending on subject)
- B.Ed.: Approximately ₹25,000 per year (Total ₹50,000)
| Course Category | Fee per Year (INR) | Total Fee Range (INR) | Payment Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| UG (BA, BCom, BSc, BCA) | 2,400–4,400 | 5,500–21,600 | Demand Draft or online at admission; yearly payments |
| UG Professional (BEd, BLIS) | 25,000–27,500 | 50,000–55,000 | Full or yearly via DD in favor of NOU, Patna |
| PG (MA, MCom, MSc, MCA) | 4,400–7,200 | 8,800–28,800 | One-time or annual DD payment; 25% discount for females |
| PG Diploma | 5,000–10,000 | 5,000–10,000 | Demand Draft at admission |
| Diploma/Certificate | 1,100–5,000 | 2,200–15,200 | Online or DD; yearly for multi-year programs |
Important Dates for Nalanda Open University Admission 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| UG/PG/Diploma/Certificate Admission Start | 20 November 2025 |
| Application Form Release | Last week of November 2025 |
| UG Admission Last Date | 6 December 2025 / 26 December 2025 / 31 January 2026 |
| PG Admission Last Date | 6 December 2025 / 26 December 2025 / 31 January 2026 |
| BEd Admission (via CET) | Extended to 31 August 2025 (previous session) |
Placement Assistance By Nalanda Open University Admission
- NOU has a placement cell that focuses on enhancing employability skills through soft skills and communication training.
- Organises campus interviews, job fairs, workshops, and seminars to connect students with industry opportunities.
- Provides career counselling, resume building, and guidance for job placements and internships.
- Offers job-oriented certification courses to improve placement prospects for distance learners.
- Facilitates recruiter visits from companies like Wipro, Flipkart, Microsoft, and Byju’s, with reported highest packages up to INR 12 LPA.
- Conducts weekly seminars, mock interviews, and skill development sessions via the placement cell.
Nalanda Open University (NOU) Contact Details
NOU is the sole university in Bihar dedicated to imparting education through the system of distance education (Open University).
Key Admission & General Query Numbers
- Admission & Examination Helpline (Mobile): +91 9667665513
- University Landline (General Query): +91 9667665513
Note: Students are advised to call only on working days between 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
Email and Fax
- General University Email: nou@nou.ac.in
- Registrar Email: registrar@nou.ac.in
- Fax: 0612-2201001
Official Resources & Address
- Official Website: https://www.nou.ac.in/
- e-Gyan Portal (Student Resources): https://nouegyan.in/
- Current Address (Headquarters): Nalanda University, Ward No. 11, Badgaon, Nalanda-803111 (BIHAR).
- Previous/Camp Office Address (Patna): 2nd/3rd Floor, Biscomaun Bhawan, Gandhi Maidan, Patna-800001 (BIHAR)
FAQs
Q. What is the Nalanda Open University admission process 2026?
Apply online via nou.ac.in or ums.nou.ac.in: register, fill form, upload documents, pay fee (INR 450-500), submit, and verify at the regional centre if needed.
Q. When is the last date for Nalanda Open University admission 2026?
UG/PG deadlines: 6 Dec 2025, 26 Dec 2025, or 31 Jan 2026; BEd via CET extended earlier—check official site for updates.
Q. How much is the Nalanda Open University fee structure for UG/PG courses?
UG: INR 2,400–27,500/year; PG: INR 4,400–7,200/year; 25% discount for females; pay via DD or online.
Q. Does Nalanda Open University offer an online student login portal?
Yes, access via dls.nouegyan.in or ums.nou.ac.in for study materials, fees, results, and admit cards post-admission.
Q. Is Nalanda Open University admission merit-based or an entrance exam?
Mostly merit-based; BEd requires Bihar BEd CET; no entrance for MA/MSc/MCom.
