NIOS Admission 2026 for Class 10 & 12, NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling) offers a great opportunity for students who want to complete or improve their Class 10 (Secondary) or Class 12 (Senior Secondary) education in 2026. Whether you missed regular schooling, are a working student, or want a flexible routine, NIOS could be your perfect choice!
What Is NIOS?
The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) is an autonomous board of education under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. It is equivalent to the conventional school boards like CBSE and state boards, and its certificates for Class 10 and Class 12 are valid for college admissions, jobs, and competitive exams.
NIOS offers open and distance learning – which means you can study at your own pace without being tied to a traditional classroom schedule. This flexibility makes it ideal for:
✔ Students who dropped out
✔ Working individuals
✔ Learners needing a second chance
✔ Those aiming to improve marks
✔ Students wanting control over subject choice
NIOS Admission 2026 for Class 10 & 12 Overview
NIOS conducts admissions twice a year and organizes public exams in April–May and October–November every year. Students can choose the session based on their convenience.
🟡 April–May 2026 Session (Block-I)
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Registration opened in March 2025
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Last date to apply without late fee: 20 December 2025
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After that, late fees apply (₹150 per subject up to 31 Dec; higher fees till early Jan).
🔵 October–November 2026 Session (Block-II)
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Admission began 16 September 2025
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Last date without late fee: 31 January 2026
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You can still register with late fees up to 15 March 2026 (₹260 – ₹910 depending on date).
💡 Tip: Apply early to avoid late fees and ensure smooth processing. Once registered, you can prepare for the exams and appear at your preferred session.
Eligibility Criteria
📌 Class 10 (Secondary)
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Minimum age 14 years on or before 31 July 2025
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Passed Class 8 from any recognized board or self-declaration of educational competence.
📌 Class 12 (Senior Secondary)
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Must have passed Class 10 from any recognized board
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Minimum age usually around 15 years (typical for senior secondary admission).
Required Documents
When applying online for NIOS admission, keep the following ready:
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Recent passport-size photo
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Signature
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Identity Proof (Aadhaar/Voter ID/Passport)
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Date of Birth proof
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Address proof (Aadhaar, Utility Bill)
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Educational certificates (8th for Class 10, 10th for Class 12)
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Transfer Certificate (if applicable)
How to Apply Online (Step–by–Step)
NIOS admission is fully online. Here’s a simple roadmap:
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Visit the Official Portal:
Go to the NIOS registration site – schoolbase.in -
Create Login Credentials:
Sign up with your email/mobile and create your profile. -
Fill the Admission Form:
Select Class 10 or Class 12, enter personal details, educational background, subjects, and preferences. -
Upload Documents:
Follow the instructions to upload scanned copies of all required documents. -
Pay the Fees Online:
You can pay via debit card, credit card, or net banking. -
Submit the Application:
After submitting, save the acknowledgment and receipt.
Once accepted, you will receive confirmation and further instructions for study materials or exam registration.
Subjects & Flexibility
NIOS allows you to choose subjects based on your interests and future goals. You must select a minimum number of subjects (usually 5), including a language, core subjects like Math and Science, and optional ones like Geography, Economics, or Computer Science.
Additionally:
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You can transfer credits from previous boards for up to 2 subjects (Transfer of Credit – TOC).
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On-Demand Exams are also available for some subjects, giving an extra layer of flexibility.
Fees Overview
NIOS fees are generally affordable and vary slightly based on category:
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Registration & admission fees for Class 10 and Class 12 differ for general, female/third-gender, and reserved categories.
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Exam fees are charged per subject, with extra charges where practicals are involved.
(Exact fees and charges are published on the NIOS portal and may change yearly.)
Why Choose NIOS in 2026?
NIOS has become an increasingly popular choice across India — especially for students who find it difficult to attend regular schooling:
Flexibility: Study at your pace, from anywhere.
Recognized Certificate: Equivalent to other boards and valid for higher education and jobs.
Second Chance: Ideal for students who want to improve performance or complete schooling after a break.
Accessibility: Multiple languages, wide subject range, and online delivery.
Growing Popularity: In Karnataka alone, NIOS registrations for Class 10 & 12 jumped over 120%, showing its increasing acceptance and success among learners.
Tips for NIOS Students
Plan Your Study Schedule: Create a timeline to complete assignments, TMAs (Tutor Marked Assignments), and prepare for exams well before the date.
Use Official Resources: Always rely on official NIOS sources to avoid fake websites or scams. NIOS has cautioned students about fraudulent sites pretending to offer admission services.
Download Study Materials: NIOS provides materials in multiple languages take advantage of these free resources.
Final Thoughts
NIOS provides a credible, flexible, and student-friendly path for completing school education. If you’re planning to join Class 10 or Class 12 in 2026, don’t delay – apply online soon, follow timelines, and make the most of this opportunity! With the right planning, you can achieve your educational goals and unlock further academic or career opportunities.