Nalanda Open University (NOU) is one of the most prestigious universities offering distance learning courses in India, catering to the varied needs of learners. Nalanda Open University courses are recognised by UGC-DEB (University Grants Commission-Distance Education Bureau) and MHRD (Ministry of Human Resource Development). Nalanda Open University course admissions are offered at UG as well as PG levels.
Some of the popular distance learning programmes offered by Nalanda Open University include BA, BSc, MCA and MA. This blog provides detailed information on the Nalanda Open University admission process, courses offered, fee structure, eligibility criteria, and more. Have a look.
Overview of Nalanda Open University
Nalanda Open University (NOU) was established on 14 March 1987 by an ordinance of the Government of Bihar. NOU is the only University in the State of Bihar established to impart learning exclusively through the system of distance education. The headquarters of the university is located at Bargaon, Nalanda. The university has a well-equipped, fully automated modern office, an examination centre, a state-of-the-art library and a computer laboratory, apart from administrative offices and other infrastructure.
Nalanda Open University employs a UCMS (University and College Management System), offering admission to courses across various disciplines at different academic levels. Students can pursue their education on their schedule, balancing work, family, and other responsibilities. Students can access online study resources and other educational resources through NOU’s innovative online learning platform, NOU e-Gyan.
Nalanda Open University Admissions: List of Courses With Fee Structure
Nalanda Open University offers a range of courses across various disciplines at different academic levels. The fee range for the courses varies by gender. The female candidates pay a lower fee for Nalanda Open University courses. Check out the various Nalanda Open University courses with fees below, along with the programme duration:
Bachelor’s Courses
Nalanda Open University offers a range of undergraduate courses across various disciplines with different specialisations. This opens up numerous learning opportunities for learners of all ages and backgrounds to pursue flexible education. Take a look at the various NOU bachelor's courses, their durations, and their respective fees for male and female students in the table below.
Course Name
Duration
Fees (Male and Female)
Bachelor of Computer Applications
3 Years
INR 22,800/- and INR 17,100/-
Bachelor's in Business Administration (BBA)
3 Years
INR 19,800 and INR 14,850/-
Bachelor of Library & Information Science
1 Year
INR 7200/- and INR 5400/-
Bachelor of Commerce
3 Years
INR 7200/- and INR 5400/-
Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication
3 Years
INR 7200/- and INR 5400/-
B.A. (Hons.) in Economics
3 Years
INR 7200/- and INR 5400/-
B.A. (Hons.) in Hindi
3 Years
INR 7200/- and INR 5400/-
B.A. (Hons.) in History
3 Years
INR 7200/- and INR 5400/-
B.A. (Hons.) in Tourism
3 Years
INR 7200/- and INR 5400/-
B.A. (Hons.) in Political Science
3 Years
INR 7200/- and INR 5400/-
B.A. (Hons.) in Psychology
3 Years
INR 7200/- and INR 5400/-
B.A. (Hons.) in Sociology
3 Years
INR 7200/- and INR 5400/-
B.A. (Hons.) in Social Work
3 Years
INR 7200/- and INR 5400/-
B.A. (Hons.) in Education
3 Years
INR 7200/- and INR 5400/-
B.A. (Hons.) in Public Administration
3 Years
INR 7200/- and INR 5400/-
B.A./B.Sc. (Hons.) in Geography
3 Years
INR 7200/- and INR 5400/-
B.A./B.Sc. (Hons.) in Home Science
3 Years
INR 7200/- and INR 5400/-
B.Sc. (Hons.) in Botany
3 Years
INR 7200/- and INR 5400/-
B.Sc. (Hons.) in Chemistry
3 Years
INR 7200/- and INR 5400/-
B.Sc. (Hons.) in Mathematics
3 Years
INR 7200/- and INR 5400/-
B.Sc. (Hons.) in Zoology
3 Years
INR 7200/- and INR 5400/-
B.Sc. (Hons.) in Physics
3 Years
INR 7200/- and INR 5400/-
Master’s Courses:
If you are looking to enrol in a master's programme through the distance mode of education, Nalanda Open University offers a 2-year postgraduate distance programme divided into 4 semesters, offering flexibility and self-paced learning. Below are the various affordable Nalanda Open University courses offered at the postgraduate level.
Course Name
Duration
Course Fees (Male and Female)
Master of Arts (Economics)
2 Years
INR 14,400/- and INR 10,800/-
Master of Arts (Education)
2 Years
INR 14,400/- and INR 10,800/-
Master of Arts (Environmental Science)
2 Years
INR 14,400/- and INR 10,800/-
Master of Arts (Geography)
2 Years
INR 14,400/- and INR 10,800/-
Master of Arts (Hindi)
2 Years
INR 14,400/- and INR 10,800/-
Master of Arts (History)
2 Years
INR 14,400/- and INR 10,800/-
Master of Arts (Home Science)
2 Years
INR 14,400/- and INR 10,800/-
Master of Arts (Journalism & Mass Communication)
2 Years
INR 16,000/- and INR 12,000/-
Master of Arts (Political Science)
2 Years
INR 14,400/- and INR 10,800/-
Master of Arts (Public Administration)
2 Years
INR 14,400/- and INR 10,800/-
Master of Arts (Psychology)
2 Years
INR 14,400/- and INR 10,800/-
Master of Arts (Sociology)
2 Years
INR 14,400/- and INR 10,800/-
Master of Arts (Sanskrit)
2 Years
INR 14,400/- and INR 10,800/-
Master of Arts (Urdu)
2 Years
INR 14,400/- and INR 10,800/-
Master of Commerce
2 Years
INR 14,400/- and INR 10,800/-
Master of Science (Botany)
2 Years
INR 14,400/- and INR 10,800/-
Master of Science (Chemistry)
2 Years
INR 14,400/- and INR 10,800/-
Master of Science (Environmental Science)
2 Years
INR 14,400/- and INR 10,800/-
Master of Science (Geography)
2 Years
INR 14,400/- and INR 10,800/-
Master of Science (Home Science)
2 Years
INR 14,400/- and INR 10,800/-
Master of Science (Mathematics)
2 Years
INR 14,400/- and INR 10,800/-
Master of Science (Physics)
2 Years
INR 14,400/- and INR 10,800/-
Master of Science (Zoology)
2 Years
INR 14,400/- and INR 10,800/-
Master of Computer Applications
2 Years
INR 40,000/- and INR 30,000/-
Intermediate Courses
Intermediate courses offered by Nalanda Open University can be pursued after the 10th grade. The structure of the Intermediate courses offered in various disciplines is divided into two parts, each lasting one year. Take a look at the various intermediate courses offered by Nalanda Open University in the fields of arts, commerce, and science.
Name of Course
Duration
Course Fees for Males and Females
I.A. Hindi
2 Years
INR 4800/- and INR 3600/-
I.A. History
2 Years
INR 4800/- and INR 3600/-
I.Sc. Biology
2 Years
INR 4800/- and INR 3600/-
I.Sc. Chemistry
2 Years
INR 4800/- and INR 3600/-
I.Sc. Physics
2 Years
INR 4800/- and INR 3600/-
I.Sc. Mathematics
2 Years
INR 4800/- and INR 3600/-
I.Sc. Commerce
2 years
INR 4800/- and INR 3600/-
Certificate Courses
Offering learners the chance to study at their own pace due to its highly flexible nature of learning, Nalanda Open University offers various certificate courses for students who wish to pursue a certificate to upgrade their skills and knowledge in a particular domain. The duration of the NOU Certificate courses ranges from 6 to 9 months.
Name of Course
Duration
Course Fees for Males and Females
Certificate in Abolition of Child Labour
6 Months
INR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Bhojpuri Language
6 Months
INR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Biofertiliser Production
6 Months
INR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Buddhist Studies
6 Months
INR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Child and Women's Rights
6 Months
INR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Child Psychology and Guidance
6 Months
INR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Christian Studies
6 Months
INR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Disaster Management
6 Months
INR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Environmental Studies
6 Months
INR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Floriculture Technology
6 Months
INR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Food and Nutrition
6 Months
INR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in HIV and Family Education
6 Months
INR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Health & Environment
6 Months
INR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Hindi-English Translation
6 Months
INR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Hindu Studies
6 Months
INR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in the Indian Constitution and Panchayati Raj
6 Months
INR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Information Technology
9 Months
INR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Insurance Services
6 Months
INR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Interior Decoration
9 Months
INR 6,800/- and INR 5,100/-
Certificate in Islamic Studies
6 Months
INR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Jain Studies
6 Months
INR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Legal Awareness Among Women
6 Months
INR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Library and Information Science
9 Months
INR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Magahi Language
6 Months
INR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Maithili Language
6 Months
INR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Medicinal and Aromatic Plants
6 Months
INR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Nutrition and Child Care
6 Months
INR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Pali Language
6 Months
INR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Prakrit Language
6 Months
INR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in the Sanskrit Language
6 Months
INR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Sikh Studies
6 Months
INR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Soil Health Management
6 Months
INR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Urdu Language
6 Months
INR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate Course in Computing (CIC)
6 Months
INR 15,200/- and INR 11,400/-
Certificate in Computer Network Administration (Discovery/Exploration)
6 Months
INR 15,200/- and INR 11,400/-
Postgraduate Diploma Courses
Postgraduate diploma programmes equip learners with industry-relevant skills and knowledge in a shorter duration in a relevant discipline. Nalanda Open University offers postgraduate diploma programmes that last one year in duration in various disciplines. Review the various NOU postgraduate diploma course lists and fees below.
Nalanda Open University Admission 2026: Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for admission into various courses offered at Nalanda Open University course admission are listed below:
Particular
Details
Bachelor Courses
A candidate must have completed 12th grade in any stream or have an equivalent qualification from a recognised board.
Master Courses
A candidate must have completed a graduation degree in any discipline or a relevant discipline, depending on the course or an equivalent qualification from a recognised university.
PG Diploma courses
A candidate must have completed a graduation degree in any discipline or a relevant discipline, depending on the course or an equivalent qualification from a recognised university.
Certificate Courses
A candidate must have completed 10th grade in any discipline with a recognised board.
Nalanda Open University Admission Process 2026
The process for Nalanda Open University course admission can be followed and completed online in a few easy steps. The admission process at Nalanda Open University (NOU) is mentioned below.
Academic Bank of Credit ID (ABC-ID): The Prerequisite for Admission
Students must generate an Academic Bank of Credit ID (ABC-ID) using their Digilocker account for admission into the Nalanda Open University (NOU), as per guidelines set by the Indian Government. Each student has an individual ABC-ID, where grades and marks are reflected after the results are declared. ABC ID. It has been made mandatory by the government for students to create the ABC-ID to complete the application form, as without it, their results can be affected.
Email ID for Profile Verification
For profile verification, students must also submit their Email IDs to generate credentials. A student’s email ID serves as a unique identifier for the applicant throughout the application process while applying for admission at Nalanda Open University. Please verify the eligibility criteria and fee before applying for admission.
Check the process for Nalanda Open University or NOU admission below:
Visit the official website to start NOU admission process and create your student profile.
Enter the Email ID. The OTP will be sent to the email ID; enter it for verification.
Fill the admission form and submit all the necessary personal details.
Upload scanned documents such as your Aadhar number, photos, signature, marksheets, and certificates.
Select your course and desired specialisation if offered.
Pay the course fee.
Print the payment receipt and the application form for any future purpose.
Wait for the admission confirmation sent to your registered email ID.
Takeaway:
Nalanda Open University (NOU) offers courses for learners beyond physical, social and economic barriers, focussing on imparting affordable and accessible high-quality education. The university offers a strong learning management system through the NOU e-Gyan learning platform and highly committed faculty comprising academic and industry experts, along with extensive student support facilities. By fostering a sense of community and engagement, Nalanda Open University (NOU) follows an inclusive learning philosophy for all.
FAQs
Q1. Is the Nalanda Open University degree valid?
NOU has received recognition from the UGC DEB, indicating that the degree is completely valid.
Q.2 Which courses does Nalanda Open University (NOU) offer?
Nalanda Open University (NOU) offers courses at the graduate and postgraduate levels, as well as diploma and certificate programmes.
Q3. Is Nalanda Open University recognised by UGC?
Yes, Nalanda Open University (NOU) is recognised by UGC-DEB.
Q4. Are Nalanda University courses expensive?
No, NOU offers a wide range of courses and has a different fee structure for each. Despite this, the fees are reasonable and affordable.
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With a Master’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communication and over six years of hands-on experience across journalism, PR, and content creation, Manavta Kaundinya brings both academic rigour and industry insight to her writing. At LR, she works on blogs, emailers, social platforms, editorial updates, educational campaigns and outreach initiatives. She is an enthusiastic person eager to help learners make informed choices aligning with their goals.
