- Why in news
- On 20 March 2026, the Department of School Education and Literacy announced a nationwide drive to identify and enrol out-of-school and dropout children through NIOS, including a new 'NIOS Mitra' outreach programme.
- What it is
- The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Education. It offers school education and skill courses through open and distance learning, and is described as the largest open school board in the world. Its certificates are recognised on par with those of other national and state boards.
- Status of NIOS
- NIOS is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Education and the world's largest open school board.
- NEP 2020 target
- NEP 2020 aims for 100% Gross Enrolment Ratio from pre-school to secondary level by 2030.
- NIOS Mitra
- A technology-enabled outreach programme where trained facilitators identify and counsel out-of-school children and support their enrolment, focusing on marginalised groups.
- Study centres
- NIOS has over 10,800 Study and Examination Centres. The plan is at least one in every block.
- Out-of-school estimate
- PLFS 2023-24 shows nearly 2 crore children aged 14-18 not attending school.
Don’t confuse with NIOS vs State Open School Boards: NIOS is the national open school board under the Union Ministry of Education. State Open School Boards are run by states; the drive encourages them to let NIOS use government schools for exams.
Don’t confuse with GER vs NER: Gross Enrolment Ratio counts all enrolled students of any age against the official age-group population. Net Enrolment Ratio counts only students of the official age group.
Why it matters
- Open schooling gives dropouts and those facing economic, social or geographical barriers a second route to certification.
- Tracking and re-enrolling children supports NEP 2020's goal of universal school participation and equity.
Problems
- Open learners often lack face-to-face teaching, so learning quality and completion rates can be weak.
- Identifying out-of-school children depends on the quality of district-level survey data from states.
Way forward
- Link district survey data with NIOS Mitra facilitators and monitor outcomes digitally.
- Use government schools as study centres and provide academic support to keep learners from dropping out again.
Put in your answer
PLFS 2023-24 dropout data: Nearly 2 crore children aged 14-18 are out of school, and over 50 lakh students fail board exams each year.
NIOS flexibility features: Flexible admissions, on-demand examinations, vocational courses and inclusive provisions for Divyang learners.
- 2020Mains GS1 · Q20How digital initiatives have contributed to India's education system functioning; elaborate.
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- 2021Mains GS2 · Q7Comment on strengthening 'Earn while you learn' to make vocational education meaningful.
UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.
No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Education access and the NEP 100% GER target for 2030 are syllabus topics; a drive is planned, no firm facts.
Worth revising until Prelims 2027: most news questions come within two years of the event.