The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) marked its 36th Foundation Day at Kaushal Bhawan, where Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan praised the organisation for building one of the most inclusive education systems in the country. The event, held on Sunday, brought together key officials and educators committed to expanding learning opportunities for all.
I am writing about this event because NIOS represents an educational lifeline for students who need flexibility, second chances or a pathway that fits their personal circumstances. In a country as diverse as India, a one-size-fits-all schooling model does not work for everyone. NIOS has consistently shown how open schooling can serve working youth, sportspersons, rural learners, students with disabilities, and many others who might otherwise be pushed out of the system.
When national leaders appreciate this work openly, it not only validates the effort but also encourages more families to see open schooling as a genuine and respected option. It also helps create awareness about the government’s broader vision of inclusive, accessible and skill-oriented education. Sharing this story matters because thousands of learners depend on NIOS today, and many more will rely on it in the years ahead.
Highlights of the Foundation Day Celebration
The 36th Foundation Day programme was organised at Kaushal Bhawan in New Delhi. Dharmendra Pradhan attended as the Chief Guest and acknowledged the strong role NIOS has played in widening access to education. He emphasised that an open schooling system is essential in a country where students come from varied socio-economic backgrounds and may have very different learning needs.
Key Guests at the Event
The event was also attended by:
- Sanjay Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy
- Ms. Prachi Pandey, IA&AS, Joint Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy
Their presence highlighted the Ministry’s support for expanding open schooling and improving its reach across India.
Dharmendra Pradhan’s Message on Inclusivity
In his address, Dharmendra Pradhan said that the inclusive education system built by NIOS is “wonderful” because it reflects India’s social realities. He appreciated the institute for providing structured learning opportunities to children and adults who may not fit into mainstream schooling. According to him, NIOS is a powerful example of how education can be redesigned to meet learners where they are, instead of forcing them to conform to rigid formats.
He also spoke about the importance of recognising diverse learning pathways. Whether it is a young athlete managing training schedules, a student preparing for competitive exams, a working person trying to complete schooling or someone who had to drop out for personal reasons, NIOS has emerged as a dependable platform.
Focus on Skill Development and Flexibility
NIOS has introduced various skill-based courses that help learners pursue practical training along with academics. This aligns well with the government’s efforts to link education with employability. The institute’s flexible examination system, multiple subject choices and community-based learning support have made it one of the most adaptable schooling models in India.
Contribution of NIOS Over the Years
Since its establishment, NIOS has worked on:
- Providing secondary and senior secondary education to lakhs of learners
- Offering vocational programmes for skill development
- Supporting learners with disabilities through customised materials
- Reaching remote and rural regions through study centres
- Creating provisions for on-demand examinations
These efforts have helped learners who were once left out of traditional schooling find a stable academic path.
The Road Ahead
The Minister encouraged NIOS to continue expanding digital learning tools, build stronger linkages with skill development programmes and reach more communities that still struggle with access to formal schooling. He also stressed that open schooling will play a major role in the next phase of India’s educational reforms.
