Is Nalanda Open University the Right Choice for Your Career?

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Manavta

12 November, 2025

Is Nalanda Open University the Right Choice for Your Career?

The distance-learning institution in Bihar, Nalanda Open University, was established in 1987. It has a cutting-edge campus with well-equipped labs, examination centres, a library and other infrastructural facilities for students. It has today evolved into a top-tier institute for students who are planning to pursue courses through distance education. It was recognised by the UGC (University Grants Commission) DEB (Distance Education Bureau).

If you are wondering whether or not it is a good idea to pursue a degree from Nalanda Open University, then browse no further. This blog will provide you with a comprehensive overview of Nalanda Open University and various affordable courses it offers at different academic levels. Let’s dive straight into it.

Want to Learn about Nalanda Open University?

In Bihar, Nalanda Open University (NOU) is a pioneer in the field of distance education and has dedicated itself to providing an extensive range of courses and educational opportunities. The University has been historically known for accessibility and excellent education. With a great track record of students and renowned faculty, NOU becomes a top choice for thousands of students nationally and internationally.

Set on a mission to provide educational opportunities to those students who are unable to pursue formal education, the University offers flexibility in terms of eligibility, age, course selection, etc.

What are its Accreditation & Approvals?

Nalanda Open University has received recognition from the UGC DEB to offer various distance education courses. Furthermore, it has been recognised by the MHRD (Ministry of Human Resource Development).

What are the Courses Offered?

NOU offers a wide range of courses in various fields including Computer & IT, Economics, Commerce, Management, EVS, Indian & Foreign Languages, Journalism & Mass Communication, and many more.

They can be categorised as follows:

UG Nalanda Open University Courses With Fees

CourseDurationTotal Fees for Male and Female Students
Bachelor of Computer Application (BCA)3 YearsINR 22,800 and INR 14,850
Bachelor of Commerce3 YearsINR 7,200 and INR 5,400
Bachelor in Business Administration (BBA)3 YearsINR 19,800 and INR 14,850
Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication3 YearsINR 7,200 and INR 5,400
Bachelor of Library and Information Science1 YearINR 7,200 or INR 5,400
B.A. (Hons.) in Economics / Hindi / History / Tourism / Political Science / Psychology / Sociology / Social Work / Education / Public Administration3 YearsINR 7,200 and INR 5,400
B.A./B.Sc. (Hons.) in Geography / Home Science3 YearsINR 7,200 and INR 5,400
B.Sc. (Hons.) in Botany / Chemistry / Mathematics / Zoology / Physics3 YearsINR 7,200 and INR 5,400
Bachelor of Education2 YearsINR 25,000

PG Nalanda Open University Courses With Fees

CourseDurationTotal Fees for Male and Female Students
Master of Computer Application (MCA)2 YearsINR 14,400 and INR 10,800
Master of Commerce2 YearsINR 14,400 and INR 10,800
Master of Library and Information Science1 YearINR 9,700 and INR 7,275
Master of Journalism and Mass Communication2 YearsINR 16,000 and INR 12,800
M.A. in Economics / Education / Hindi / Sanskrit / Urdu / History / Geography / Political Science / Psychology / Public Administration / Sociology2 YearsINR 14,400 and INR 10,800
M.A. in Magahi / Maithili2 YearsINR 8,800 and INR 6,600
M.A./M.Sc. in Environmental Studies2 YearsINR 14,400 and INR 10,800
M.Sc. in Botany / Chemistry / Physics / Zoology / Mathematics / Geography2 YearsINR 14,400 and INR 10,800
B.Ed2 YearsINR 64,000 and INR 48,000

Intermediate Nalanda Open University Courses

CourseDurationTotal Fee
I.A. Hindi2 YearsINR 4800/- and INR 3600/-
I.A. History2 YearsINR 4800/- and INR 3600/-
I.Sc. Biology2 YearsINR 4800/- and INR 3600/-
I.Sc. Chemistry2 YearsINR 4800/- and INR 3600/-
I.Sc. Physics2 YearsINR 4800/- and INR 3600/-
I.Sc. Mathematics2 YearsINR 4800/- and INR 3600/-
I.Sc. Commerce2 YearsINR 4800/- and INR 3600/-

Certificate Courses at Nalanda Open University

Name of CourseDurationTotal Fees for Male and Female Students
Certificate in Abolition of Child Labour6 MonthsINR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Bhojpuri Language6 MonthsINR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Bio-fertiliser Production6 MonthsINR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Buddhist Studies6 MonthsINR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Child and Women’s Rights6 MonthsINR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Child Psychology and Guidance6 MonthsINR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Christian Studies6 MonthsINR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Disaster Management6 MonthsINR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Environmental Studies6 MonthsINR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Floriculture Technology6 MonthsINR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Food and Nutrition6 MonthsINR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in HIV and Family Education6 MonthsINR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Health & Environment6 MonthsINR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Hindi-English Translation6 MonthsINR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Hindu Studies6 MonthsINR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Indian Constitution and Panchayati Raj6 MonthsINR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Information Technology9 MonthsINR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Insurance Services6 MonthsINR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Interior Decoration9 MonthsINR 6,800/- and INR 5,100/-
Certificate in Islamic Studies6 MonthsINR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Jain Studies6 MonthsINR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Legal Awareness Among Women6 MonthsINR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Library and Information Science9 MonthsINR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Magahi Language6 MonthsINR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Maithili Language6 MonthsINR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Medicinal and Aromatic Plants6 MonthsINR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Nutrition and Child Care6 MonthsINR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Pali Language6 MonthsINR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Prakrit Language6 MonthsINR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Sanskrit Language6 MonthsINR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Sikh Studies6 MonthsINR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Soil Health Management6 MonthsINR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Urdu Language6 MonthsINR 2,200/- and INR 1,650/-
Certificate in Computer Network Administration (Routing and Switching)6 MonthsINR 15,200/- and INR 11,400/-

Diploma Courses at Nalanda Open University

CourseDurationTotal Fees (Male / Female)
P.G. Diploma in Yogic Studies1 YearINR 7,200 / INR 5,400
P.G. Diploma in Hindi-English Translation1 YearINR 6,800 / INR 5,100
Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing Management1 YearINR 6,800 / INR 5,100
Post Graduate Diploma in Financial Management1 YearINR 6,800 / INR 5,100
Post Graduate Diploma in Information & Public Relations1 YearINR 7,200 / INR 5,400
P.G. Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication1 YearINR 7,200 / INR 5,400
P.G. Diploma in Human Resource Development1 YearINR 9,200 / INR 6,900

Are NOU’s Distance Learning Courses Affordable?

Yes, Nalanda Open University’s (NOU) Distance Learning Courses are generally considered affordable compared to traditional on-campus programs.


  • Range: The programme fees at NOU range from INR 1,650 to INR 25,000 per year, which is significantly lower than on-campus counterparts in most other universities.

  • Additional Fees: There might be extra costs like registration, examination, and study material fees, but these are also relatively low compared to other universities.

Cutting-Edge Learning Management System

NOU offers an innovative online learning platform, NOU e-Gyan. The portal is an innovative initiative launched by Honourable Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr) K.C. Sinha to offer students access to online study resources.

The portal can be accessed from any location in the world. Additionally, it is completely safe and available for authorised users whenever needed. It will address academic concerns, including delivery tracking, evaluations, progress monitoring, and control of e-content for all system participants, including teachers, students, and administrators, who are located remotely.

Is the Faculty of Nalanda Open University Well Experienced?

The versatile faculty at Nalanda Open University comprises scholars, lecturers, and subject matter experts. The institution provides courses in several academic fields, such as the social sciences, humanities, business, and science. The student’s learning experience is enhanced by the faculty member’s depth of expertise and variety of viewpoints.

What are the Academic Facilities Available at NOU?

The University has set up a cutting-edge, fully automated office that extends approximately 60,000 sq. ft. at its camp office in Patna. In addition to administrative offices and other infrastructure, the office includes a computer lab with approximately 300 IBM Pentium-4 computers, an advanced library with about 50,000 titles, and an examination centre with space for about 1,000 students.

How do they help Students with Support & Course Material?

Considering certain difficulties caused by distance and open learning, Nalanda Open University values student support services. You can reach out to them via
Email: [email protected] &
Phone: 9341508580, 9341508577.

Furthermore, the University has in place study centres at various locations that help students with all their academic and administrative queries.

What are the Advantages of Studying at NOU?

The educational landscape has witnessed a significant transformation with the rise of distance learning platforms, and the best part is that it is equally relevant as compared to traditional offline study methods. Let’s dive into it in detail:


  • Flexibility: Students can pursue their education on their schedule, balancing work, family, and other responsibilities.

  • Affordability: Many students give up their dream of studying due to financial crises. But thanks to NOU’s affordable prices, everyone can access higher education.

  • Excellent Education: The university has been recognised by the UGC-DEB, emphasising its commitment to maintaining high academic standards.

  • Outstanding Student Support: By fostering a sense of community and engagement, NOU’s proactive student support services contribute to a positive learning environment.

Conclusion

Leading the way in open and distance learning, Nalanda Open University prioritises affordability, accessibility, and high-quality education. It has a strong learning management system, committed faculty, an inclusive learning philosophy, and extensive student support. The institution uses an inventive technique that not only transfers knowledge but also gives people the confidence to go through difficulties and fulfil their dreams of attaining quality higher education.

FAQ’s

Q1. Is the Nalanda Open University degree valid?

NOU has received recognition from the UGC-DEB, indicating that the degree is completely valid both in India and abroad.

Q2. Is Nalanda Open University approved by UGC?

Yes, Nalanda Open University is recognised by the UGC-DEB.

Q3. Is Nalanda University free?

No, NOU offers a wide range of courses and has a different fee structure for each course. Despite this, the fees are extremely reasonable.

Q4. How can I get admission to Nalanda Open University?

Students who want to get admission to Nalanda Open University need to first obtain the prospectus by sending a Demand Draft to the University Office. After this, they must fill out the application form and submit original documents.

Q5. Is NOU valid for UPSC?

Yes, you are eligible for UPSC even if you complete your degree from an open university like NOU.

Q6. Is Nalanda a Government Institute?

Yes, Nalanda Open University is a Government Institute.

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Manavta - Author

Manavta Journalism / Content writing / Copywriting

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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.

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