Institutional Development: 25 Years of the Largest Open Schooling System in the World

Abstract

NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling), India has emerged as one of the leaders in open schooling in the world. NIOS is going to celebrate the silver jubilee of its foundation in November this year. This paper will attempt to trace the genesis and evolution of this remarkable institute that has gone through various phases. It started as an open school project under the Central Board of School Education in 1979. Ten years later in 1989, it became a full fledged, independent autonomous organization named NOS (National Open School) under the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Govt. of India. Thirteen years later, in 2002 NOS was renamed as NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling), which signifies the change in vision and expansion in functions. Two more Departments (Vocational Education & Student Support Services) were added at this time to the existing three, i.e. Academic, Evaluation & Administration. // In the context of current policies in the country, NIOS is expected to expand its horizon and function as an institute of national significance for achieving the cherished goal of Universalization of secondary education as well as lifelong learning and continuing education for adult illiterates and neo-literates. // This paper will attempt to discuss the process of institutional development through a case study of NIOS. // Paper ID: 449