NOS NATIONAL OPEN SCHOOL ANNUAL REPORT 1992-93

 INTRODUCTION

The National Open School (NOS) was established in pursuance of National Policy on Education 1986 by the Government of India in November, 1989 as an autonomous organisation. The Open School of the Central Board of Secondary Education was subs in the NOS. The mission of NOS is to provide relevant, continuing and developmental education to priori client groups. Through an Open Learning System at the school stage through distance education mode of delivery, NOS makes its share of contribution to universalisation of education; greater equity and justice in society; and the evolution of a learning society.

Open schooling is a significant innovation for complementing formal education. During its existence, the NOS has rendered pioneering service in the area of open learning at school level. Making an humble beginning in 1989-90, currently the NOS has a cumulative active enrolment of over 2.0 lakh students literally from each state and UT of India - a testimony to the fact that Open Learning is increasingly serving the real life needs of the society, specially those belonging to educationally and socio-economically backward sections.

The prioritised client groups of NOS include rural people, urban poor; girls and women, scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and backward classes; handicapped, war widows and ex-servicemen, unemployed or part-employed, in need of second chance education for employment, better employment or self- employment; and school drop-outs after primary or middle stage, namely, under matriculates.

NOS was vested in October, 1990 with the authority to examine and certify students registered with it upto pre-degree level courses. The NOS conducted its first Secondary and Senior Secondary Examinations in January, 1991.

Certificates issued by NOS stand recognised by the Association of Indian Universities and University Grants Commission for admission to colleges, universities and institutes of higher learning and also by the Ministry of Human Resource Development and Ministry of Labour for employment.

NOS offers a course each at elementary, secondary and senior secondary levels. Students seeking admission to the Foundation Courses (elementary level) or to the Secondary level are admitted on the basis of a self-certificate stating that he/she has the necessary educa- tional attainments and is capable of

pursuing the course of studies. For the Senior Secondary Course, a Certificate of Xth pass from a recognised Board is required.

Students have the freedom to choose the set of subjects according to their needs, interests and abilities. The only compulsion is to choose one of the two languages offered, namely, Hindi or English. Students are also encouraged to choose vocational subjects in combination with academic subjects, something unique-recognising value of work and skill at par with theoritical education.

A registered student can take upto five years to complete the course.

There is provision for two full scale examinations every year, (there is no system of one main examination and one supplementary in NOS). In case of failure, the system of pass credit accumulation is followed and one can appear again and again, within the five year period.

The specially prepared printed study materials (not correspondence lessons) form the basic source for learning. Besides, NOS is currently planning the preparation of audio and later video packages to supplement the printed text.

It makes provision of teachers, who besides tutoring, also counsel the students, at the Accredited Institutions. These further support the student's efforts to learn on one's own and at one's pace.