The government will launch a nationwide campaign to identify and enroll out-of-school and dropout children. The Ministry of Education stated that this initiative will contribute to achieving the National Education Policy's target of 100 per cent Gross Enrolment Ratio from pre-school to secondary level by 2030. It added that open schooling offers a practical alternative for children who are unable to attend regular schools due to economic, social, or geographical constraints.
The Ministry further stated that it is also focusing on strengthening access, quality, and standardization in school education, including improving the effectiveness of open schooling systems. With over ten thousand Study and Examination Centres across the country, the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) is providing a scalable platform capable of mainstreaming a large number of learners who require flexibility due to social, economic, or personal circumstances.
NIOS, an autonomous body under the Education Ministry, is the largest open school board in the world. It provides inclusive and flexible access to quality school education and skill development through open and distance learning, promoting universalization, equity, and social justice. It also offers flexible admissions, multiple opportunities to clear examinations, an On-Demand Examination System, and certification that is recognized on par with other national and state boards.
