Overview
Nalanda Open University (NOU) is a state open university located in Patna, Bihar, India. Dedicated to distance and open learning, it follows an open-door academic policy, admitting learners with minimum eligibility requirements. The university is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and is a member of the Association of Indian Universities.
The degrees, diplomas and certificates awarded by NOU are recognised for higher studies as well as for employment in the public and private sectors, including service promotions. As a member of the Association of Indian Universities, its qualifications are accepted for admission to higher degree courses in Indian universities and recognised abroad for similar purposes. It is described as the second largest open university in India after the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU).
The university initially functioned from a camp office at Biscomaun Bhawan in Patna, occupying the second, third, fourth and twelfth floors. A new permanent campus was inaugurated on 29 August 2023 by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar at Baragaon in the Silav area of Nalanda district, adjacent to the ancient ruins of Nalanda. Built at a cost of around Rs 121 crore on a ten-acre site, the campus is expected to extend to about forty acres, with around 1.10 lakh square feet of built-up space, in line with UGC requirements.
In 2020, Nalanda Open University became the first university in Bihar to adopt the University Management Information System (UMIS). Through this system, processes related to admissions, examinations and the publication of results have been made available online.
References
- Nalanda Open University, English Wikipedia.